ICELANDIC DREAM : The Land of Fire and Ice

This country will leave you spellbound as you wander from one place to another. Your eyes will be feasting on staggering physical beauty, dramatic landscapes, out of this world and majestic views that god has given, and it feels like you're in a different planet. Wherever you step on this country, nature beckons you, over windswept waters, across mountains, and into limitless horizons. So, let's start this journey through this simple itinerary that I will share to you. 

MIDNIGHT SUN

We took this shot at 12 midnight.

We arrived around may, which is spring is the current season, but for Iceland, it's summer already. Icelanders don't recognise autumn and spring, just summer and winter. 

The country sits just under the Artic Circle. Due to its geographic position, it is the reason behind why the country experiences both Midnight Sun during summer and a Polar Night in winter also known as Northern Lights.

One of the reasons why it is best to travel in Iceland during summer is because of the famous Midnight Sun. It is when the sun stays out throughout the night, leading to longer days. From May to July, the sun is above the horizon for almost 24 hours a day.

Even though it's summer, Iceland still get single digits, as low as 3 degress celsius during our stay. I read this saying that " there's no bad weather, only bad clothing", so make sure you dress properly!


KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There's no direct flight going to this country. For us, we came from a 2-hour flight from Norway heading to Iceland. Keflavik is the only international airport in Iceland. The Airport is relatively small compared to other Scandinavian or European airports, so it's easy to navigate. Also, it is close to the capital city Reykjavik.

There's a lot of car rentals that will greet you on arrival area. Yes, renting a car in Iceland is highly recommended for you to explore and enjoy this out of this world country more efficiently. Bus transportation is not efficient and will not cover most of the country, so what better way to wander around is by car! For us we booked in advance through SADcars. 

 A sample prepaid gas card with my lovely hand. ;)

• Be mindful of speed limits. The standard speed limit to most of the roads is 90kph.
• There's a lot of speed traps and police cars that are equipped with detectors.
• Gas up a head of time if you think you will do a lot of activities for a day, because some gas stations are way far from each other, also the tourist spots. 
• We did not exchange currency since using credit cards here is common.
• You can buy a prepaid gas card in gas stations and insert it in the machine.

Accommodation  

Before we started our big exploration to this one of a kind country, we headed straight first to our accommodation (Airbnb) which is located in Reykholt, a southern region in Iceland. Though it is 100 km away from the city proper, this is a perfect location since it is inside the Golden Circle where most of our activities is located, meaning you will save more time and fuel.

This place is everything you could wish for. It's not difficult to find, easy check in, huge balcony with stunning views, and complete amenities with jacuzzi outside! Isn't amazing? 

The host gave us tips and places to see. I would highly recommend this cabin if your itinerary will cover the golden circle and if you want to relax and be surrounded with nature.

• It is best to check the location of your preferred accommodation, because it should suits your itinerary to save time and effort. 
• Also, book as early as possible. Iceland is getting more famous for travellers, that the number of tourist are more than the accommodations available. 
• If you're interested in our cabin, our superhost is Arney & Gisli. Just look for them in Airbnb.
• The smell of the icelandic water is like a bugok egg! haha It's a sulphuric smell because of the geothermal origins of the warm water. so don't worry about it, you'll get used to it! ;)

GOLDEN CIRCLE 

With its proximity to the capital city Reykjavik, this is by far the most famous route in Iceland for tourist. This 300 km route covers most of the landmarks that are must to visit. The routes take you through some breathtaking views, out of this world scenery, and historic places in southern part of Iceland. We will talk about the main attractions that Golden Circle has to offer. 


GULLFOSS

The mighty Gullfoss falls. Iceland's signature and most famous waterfall and it is no surprise to see why. Experiencing Gullfoss is pretty different compared to others, because you'll get to see and appreciate it from the above.

Spectacular, multi-layerd waterfall, though upon approach, it looks like a river suddenly disappeared at the end, but when you round the bend, you will absolutely blown away by the grandeur. Nature at it's finest! 

• Make this first in your golden circle activities, so that you'll be able to avoid other big groups of tourist, for a better photo opportunity. 

GEYSIR

One of the most famous spot in the Golden Circle. Strokkur, is one of Iceland's most famous geysers, erupting as high as 30 meters in to the air once every 6-10minutes. 

• Highly suggest to go to Gullfoss first before heading to Geysir to maximise your route, because you'll pass by Geysir along the way. 
• There's souvenir shops, cafe, and restaurant on the other side of the street.

PINGVELLIR

A UNESCO world heritage site and the most important place in Icelandic history. When Viking settlers arrived in 930 AD the Althingi - the world's oldest parliament - was founded there. Iceland was first discovered by Norwegian Vikings to escape from conflict or seeking new land to farm. The language of Icelandic people are still similar and resembles the old Norse. 

It is our last activity for this itinerary, since it's on the opposite side of golden circle where we are staying. 

Langistigur is a plated walkaway and one of few historical remains of age of Vikings.

The place is scenic and it has a dramatic landscape. Also notable for its volcanic environment and you'll see the evidence of tectonic continental plates drifting apart, as seen in the cracks or faults around the area. You can also see here the largest natural lake in Iceland. It can be seen from the viewing platform of the National Park.

Öxarárfoss is one of the main attractions of the park

• From Geysir, just follow and drive to road 35, 37, and 365, until you reach road 36 where the national park is located.
• There is no entance fee
• Don't forget to grab a parking ticket. After that you can move your car anywhere the national park. 

KERID CRATER

Is a striking volcanic creater lake on the Golden Circle route, that is filled with crystal clear water with black and deep red slopes. It is 55 meters deep and over 3000 years old. 

Actually this is not part of our original itinerary. We were just heading back home from Pingvellir when we  passed by road 35, saw some cars and tourist going to this small hill. We got curious and decided to see it from ourself and bam! Appreciating nature's creation. Definitel worth a stop.   

•  A small parking lot is adjascent to the crater.

REYKJANES PENINSULA

With its close proximity to airport and to the capital city, this itinerary is one of the most favorite route in Iceland tourist. It offers amazing rugged landscapes, lava fields, numerous hot springs and more natural wonders to discover. 

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN CONTINENTS 

It's our first stop to Reykjanes Peninsula. It's a 15 meter footbridge between Europe and North American  tectonic plates. By that, Iceland is actually drifting apart by almost 2cm per year. You can see the ridge rise above sea leavel marks the boundary between the two continents. 

You can actually set foot in two different continents and observe the tectonic plates drifting apart. Isn't amazing? 

• Located at road 425, it's just a 15-minute drive from the airport, 30-minute from the city.
• There is no entrance fee

GUNNUVHER

Iceland is like a cap atop of an brewing geothermal field, the place where hot gases bubbles out from deep within the earth through colliding tectonic plates. This phenomenon created the country's famous geysers and hot springs, the largest of which is Gunnuvher.

BRIMKETILL

Located after Gunnuvher, facing Atlantic Ocean. This small lava rock pool carved naturally by marine erosion and lava formation. You can actually swim to it, but during our visit the waves were too strong, so we just enjoy the view and landscapes. 

BLUE LAGOON

If there's one activity that comes into our mind when visiting and planning the itinerary for Iceland, obviously its the Blue Lagoon. 

This famous geothermal spa in the middle of black lava field is a must to visit. With high natural levels of silica, algae, and minerals give the lagoon its milky blue water color and recognition for its beneficiary for the skin.

There's a bar in the middle of the lagoon and this shakes savers as a one of the complimentary.

• 50-minute drive from Reykjavik, just take road 41 and turn left to road 43.
• Entrance fee is from 6990 ISK for adults.
• Pre-booking is required. We booked weeks prior to our arrival in Iceland, just check their website for latest updates and promos.
• Best time to visit the spa is during summer, but winter is nice too. 
• The water in the lagoon renews itself every 48 hours.
• Avoid dipping your hair to the lagoon, you hair will get destroyed! Even if you rise it with conditioner like crazy, you're hair will get damaged for a week, so careful. ;)

REYKJAVIK

Of course our Iceland trip wouldn't be completed if we missed the vibrant capital city. Relax, welcoming, yet creative, and fierce, Reykjavik is the northern most capital city in the world.

Taken from the observation area of Hallgrimskirkja church.

The biggest city in Iceland, but not as busy compared to other capitals cities in Europe. It is nice to walk around and visit some of Reykjavik's main attractions.

Hallgrimskirkja church is one of the tallest structure in the city.

You can stroll the whole downtown area by foot. Still can't get over and be amused by the colorful and charming buildings, inspiring street art, boutiques, cafe, restaurants, and unexplored sidewalks I stumble upon. One of the reason of the striking vibrant color of the buildings is to brighten the spirits during the long gloomy dark winters.

The famous puffin dish. must try! 

I need to be honest, Iceland is darn expensive! But this country will give you excitement that sometimes

you feel like your in a country state, and then suddenly you're in a moon! You will run out of superlatives to describe Iceland. Every side trip, every path is a story waiting to unfold. So come and be mesmerised as you wander around and experience the culture and create your own icelandic story!