One Week Adventure in Iceland: Where Beauty Meets Challenges

As travel lovers, we constantly seek new places to visit, and it's been a while since we added Iceland to our bucket list. In early May, we went for a week-long journey across this captivating country, flying from Luxembourg via Frankfurt.

This trip was filled with stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and a chance to immerse ourselves in Iceland's unique culture. However, we soon discovered that the beauty of Iceland comes with its own set of challenges, including high costs and unpredictable weather.

Here’s a detailed account of our adventures, highlighting what to expect and our experiences along the way.

The Journey Begins

After a smooth and short flight from Luxembourg to Frankfurt, we boarded our next flight to Reykjavik. Upon landing at Keflavik Airport, we were surprised by the cool weather and quite strong wind, took our rental Suzuki Jimny and went to Reykjavik, where we decided to stay for 3 nights before heading to the south and south-east.

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Our first day was dedicated to the iconic Golden Circle. We began at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its geological beauty and historical importance. Walking between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia was a unique experience that truly connected us to the Earth.

Next, we went to try local ice cream at Efstidalur II, which was recommended by a talkative waitress in the restaurant where we went for lunch. After a few scoops of ice cream, we discovered Bruarfoss, a hidden gem known for its stunning azure waters. Super nice and beautiful place, located just next to the parking (no hiking required).

We continued our trip to Geysir Park, famous for the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. Watching the powerful water burst into the air was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

To cap off our first day, we visited Gullfoss, a massive waterfall that left us enchanted by nature's raw power. This waterfall is indeed something worth visiting!

On our way back to Reykjavik, we dined at Efstidalur II, a delightful farm-to-table restaurant that I mentioned in one of my previous paragraphs. Their burgers, made from locally sourced ingredients, were a perfect end to our day. The price-quality ratio was very good as well, and what is great about this place, is that once you are done with your food you can get an amazing ice cream, also prepared in-house.

Day 2: Exploring Reykjavik and Off-Road Adventures

On our second day, we decided to explore Reykjavik. Our first stop was Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, constructed between 1945 and 1986 and is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, known for his hymns. The church's unique design, inspired by the basalt columns found in Iceland's landscape, symbolizes the natural beauty of the country.

Afterwards, we checked out Rainbow Street, a lively area full of colourful houses and boutique shops. One of the most Instagrammable places in Reykjavik, full of tourists, but still worth visiting, especially if you have already started missing some colours after spending a few days in this beautiful but very harsh (in terms of the climate) country.

In the afternoon, we went to check out the Fagradalsfjall, an active volcano, a place known for its hikes with spectacular views of lava fields and volcano eruptions, if you are (un)lucky. Overall, this hike was a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3: The Worst Hike and the Best Relaxation

Day three was a blend of adventure and relaxation. We headed to Reykjadalur, famous for its natural hot river. Despite the heavy rain, we pushed on (probably that was not the smartest idea), and realised that our Goretex waterproof gear was not as waterproof as we thought. Nevertheless, that was such a memorable experience!

After this hike, when our Goretex shoes completely gave up, we changed them to warm rubber shoes from a local shop to continue our exploration comfortably.

In the afternoon, we discovered the Secret Lagoon, a lesser-known geothermal hot spring with a more intimate atmosphere than the Blue Lagoon. Also, it was a few times cheaper. It was the ideal place to relax in nature and warm up after a cold and wet hike.

As evening approached, we visited Seljalandsfoss, a stunning waterfall where we had a chance to walk behind the cascading water. Just as the sun began to set, a beautiful double rainbow adorned the sky, making it a truly magical moment.

Day 4: Immersion in Vik

On our fourth day, we travelled south to Vik, a village famed for its dramatic scenery. Our first stop was the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, perched atop cliffs offering sweeping views of black beaches and unique rock formations.

A highlight was Skogafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, located around 30-minute drive from Vik. After a short hike to the top, we were taken aback by the cascading water and the expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Glaciers and Weather Changes

On the fifth day, a glacier visit was on the agenda. However, the weather took an unexpected turn, it was super humid and foggy, and we could barely see anything. It was a good challenge for our Suzuki Jimny to cross a small river and drive offroad covered by ice, and a great experience for us.

In the afternoon, we went to Reynisfjara, an iconic black sand beach with towering basalt columns. The striking contrast between the black sand and white waves astonished us - we had a feeling of being inside a black-and-white movie.

Day 6: Fjadrargljufur Canyon and Glacier Lagoon

Our journey continued with a visit to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, an extraordinary natural wonder that carved its way through the landscape over millennia. The walkways offered breathtaking views, as if you are visiting a different planet - must see!

Later, we arrived at Glacier Lagoon, an incredibly beautiful place where serene blue icebergs floated peacefully in the water. This stunning lagoon, known as Jökulsárlón, is located in southeast Iceland and is renowned for its striking contrast between the brilliant blue ice and the dark volcanic sands surrounding it.

The lagoon is fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which calves massive ice chunks that drift across the water before eventually making their way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Last Day: Reflections on Our Adventure

As our week in Iceland came to a close, we drove back from our accommodation between Hofn and Glacier Lagoon. We made a stop at Skaftafel Natural Park where we hiked to see a beautiful waterfall Svartifoss, and then made a last stop at the Secret Lagoon, enjoying another chance to soak in its calming waters before heading home.

Reflecting on our week, we felt grateful for the challenges we encountered, as they enriched our experience in Iceland, whose beauty is undeniable, yet it demands preparation and flexibility due to its unpredictable weather and high costs.

We returned home inspired, with memories that would last a lifetime and already dreaming of our next adventure—perhaps somewhere a bit warmer!

A Recap of Our Iceland Experience

To sum up, spending a week in Iceland is a journey filled with stunning sights and unforgettable experiences. While the weather can change rapidly and costs can add up quickly, the mesmerizing landscapes and natural beauty make every moment worth it. If you are a travel enthusiast looking for a memorable adventure, Iceland should be on your bucket list.

Whether you explore the Golden Circle, soak in geothermal waters, or stand in awe of waterfalls, Iceland promises adventures that will create lifelong memories. Pack your bags, prepare for various weather conditions, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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