Hello again!
It's been pretty crazy trying to write these days; what with traveling more for work and also trying to find the mental capacity to put my thoughts into words. Thankfully, I was able to land a trip on short notice, which has hopefully re-energized my writing juices.
So, let's take a look into my most recent visit to Iceland!
Was There Drama?
There's almost always pre-trip drama, but this time around there wasn't so much drama as there were underlying situations that prevented me from making decisions. For one, some unexpected expenses came up, but nothing I couldn't handle.
The next situation was that there was some family medical issues that required my attention once I returned home, and I couldn't start making plans until I knew for sure my family could handle things without my help. Like I said, no drama, but was still prevented me from making plans.
My initial plan had been to go to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day. On such short notice (approximately 3.5 weeks for planning), there were few trips available during that time, and what was available more expensive than usual, not to mention the hiked up airfare as well. That led me to look elsewhere, and I came across a short trip to Iceland that involved visiting hot springs! After having spent 4 years in the cruise industry, doing a short trip involving some luxurious treatments sounded like just what the doctor ordered.
Prepping Financially
With a smaller budget than usual, I had to consider other expenses since traveling to a snowy climate was something I hadn't done yet. Once the trip I had booked was paid for and the plane tickets were set, I realized I was going to need to buy some Arctic-appropriate clothing.
I also made arrangements for transport between the Keflavik airport and Reykjavik through FlyBus, which had an unexpected benefit (link at the end of the post). They sent me a link to an Icelandic app which included over 100 coupon codes for restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels across the country. I checked it to make sure it was legit, and sure enough, it checked out! I downloaded the app and marked several venues on my Google Maps to check out.
In my research, I found that Iceland has pretty much switched to card payments. I made the decision there to not take any hard cash with me before going and to hit up an ATM when I got there to see how much I would wind up using and go from there. I expected to spend at least $60-$80 per day for extra transport and food.
So, I expected to be ready for everything! However, sometimes no matter how much you prepare, you're still not ready for everything...
Early Arrival
I was fortunate enough to land an overnight flight that would bring me into Iceland at 6:30am. It was interesting returning the the Keflavik airport after having had 2 layovers there nearly 10 years ago. Thankfully, my favorite part, the bathrooms, were still the same! I was able to take up a stall and change from my airplane clothes to the more appropriate fleece layers for the weather outside. And I kid you not when I tell you that there were probably 2 dozen of these stalls!
Immigration had a long line but was quick enough once I made it to the agents. I boarded the FlyBus and sat on the right side of the bus, as was recommended by the comments on the website, and watched the landscape as I played my travel playlist from my Spotify. The sky was mostly clear and there was thick snow on the horizon.
The FlyBus dropped everyone off at the BSI Bus Terminal where I hailed a cab that took me to the Loft Hi-Eco Hostel I booked. Check-in wasn't open, so I dropped off my luggage and started walking around. The weather was cold but not biting, so I stopped first at a Braud & Co for a pastry and coffee to wake me up. I spent the next hour walking around the downtown area, taking note of which venues I'd already marked and ones to add to my list.
Around 11:00am I went back to the hostel to grab my mascara and lip gloss. I needed to charge my phone during this time, so I started going through the VIP app and selected the restaurant I would go to for lunch. I selected The Bastard Brew & Food, as it was near the venue I'd be going to next, and the coupon for it offered 20% off the check.
Well, here's where I started to realize that my finances weren't what I was expecting to pay. The menu at the restaurant, while everything looked delicious, was minimum 3500 ISK, or $28 USD. I still enjoyed my lunch of a flatbread and a drink, so once the check came with the discount, it was approximately $32 USD. I checked other restaurant menus as I passed them, and the prices were almost all the same. It was then that I realized that my budget was going to have to expand just for food alone. Souvenirs were also pricier than other countries as well.
It was time for the first of my two back-to-back activities: a photo shoot! I had discovered the Mink Viking Portrait Studio that does up people as Viking warriors, complete with historical-type costumes and weaponry! Funny thing too was that my phone had been inundated with the same ad since I had booked my session that when I was trying to find it, I wasn't just looking for the street, I was also looking at the mountains in the back to see if I could find the one that matched the ad!
And, wouldn't you know it, it worked!
I met with the photographer and he helped me put together my outfit. I applied the mascara and lip gloss which definitely helped since I hadn't slept much on the flight over (despite my best efforts). I got posed with various weapons, and my brief background using swords, axes and archery helped with the authenticity. I had fun with the shoot, though by the end, I was definitely starting to lose my energy.
The photographer sent over all of my photos almost immediately afterwards, and I picked the best ones for my social media. And this post!
My next activity would be visiting the Magic Ice Bar right down the street. I had some time, and since the flatbread I had had for lunch hadn't quite filled me up, I opted to try Iceland's national tourist food, the hot dogs! I found a brand new and decently priced hot dog joint called Icelandic Soup & Hot Dog (they don't have a website, and also serve ice cream) a few doors down and indulged. It was yummy, but had too many onions, which I can't handle as well as I could when I was younger. But I regret nothing!
I headed over to the ice bar right after where I checked in with about 8 other people. Everyone was fitted with a hooded poncho and given a pair of gloves if they hadn't brought their own (I had!). Once we headed down, we were met with ice sculptures, art, and some fun photo setups. We were all given a drink, served in an ice cup, and hung around. It was fun, but having had done this before in New Zealand, I can tell you that ice bars are better when you are with friends. Going at it alone is still cool (pun intended), but it's not as fun. I still had a good time, but next time I go, I won't do it solo.
Afterwards, I did some more walking around before returning to the hostel to officially check in. I took a nap to re-energize myself, as my final activity would be going late tonight. I needed to be rested and alert!
Once I had napped for a decent time, I found another coupon in the VIP app and selected my venue for dinner. I walked around a bit beforehand, then located my restaurant: Tapas Barinn. A look at the menu showed that the tapas, which are essentially large Spanish appetizers, were just as expensive, if not more, than the flatbread I'd had at lunch. The menu was extensive, featuring all sorts of meats, including foal meat (OMG!), and I opted for "saltfish," which is heavily seasoned cod. It was served with fried sweet potato shavings, which made for an insanely delicious dinner.
I had a little time to kill so I explored the downtown area a little more before the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. I hung out inside of Harpa to keep warm whilst I waited for the BusTravel Iceland coach to pick up the growing group. We were going to see the Northern Lights!
It was about a 45 minute drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site, where the coach parked, and our guide informed us that the aurora was just starting to show. The wind was blustering at about 35 MPH, so holding our phones steady in night mode proved difficult at times, but we were all able to snap some incredible shots of the Northern Lights.
Our guide brought out some hot chocolate for us to help us warm up (which definitely helped in more ways than one, I took my glove off for about 5 minutes and my hand went numb from the cold!), and informed us that this was one of the better nights for the lights he'd seen in the last few weeks.
The Golden Circle
The next morning I packed everything before taking advantage of yet another coupon, this one issued by my hostel, for breakfast at Grai Koturrinn. I had a very hearty breakfast bagel sandwich to start the day, then collected my bags and headed for the nearby bus stop where I would be picked up by BusTravel Iceland again for their Golden Circle Tour, part of their 3-Day Wellness Small Group Tour.
The driver came by and we put my duffle in the trunk as I hopped into the coach. We picked up a few other travelers, some of which were coming from the hotel where I would be dropped off at later. The driver introduced himself and gave us an overview of the activities we would be doing today. The first stop was in Selfoss where we made a pit stop at a local bakery called Almar Bakari, a chain that was considered to be the best in the country. Although it was tough choosing a single pastry to snack on, I opted for a simple donut. It was so good!
Our next stop was at the Kerid Volcanic Crater, a crater lake that was formed several thousand years ago. There were two options to check it out: take the stairs down to the frozen lake below, or take the trail around it for the overhead views. I opted for the latter and snapped some wonderful pictures, while practicing the "penguin walk," when a person is unused to walking on icy surfaces and walking as carefully as possible. When not frozen over, the waters are a natural blue-green.
At this point, the driver pointed out that one of the group would be going to the Laugaras Lagoon, a natural hot spring lagoon. Since I was the only one going, I was dropped off, but I hadn't put my swimsuit in my backpack and had to go to the trunk to get it. In the rush, I forgot to grab my GoPro, so I have no pictures here. But let me tell you, not only were the springs refreshing and rejuvenating, the views were spectacular!
I purchased a sandwich for lunch while I waited to be picked up, and when the driver collected me we went to Fridheimar, a greenhouse and horse experience where the rest of the party was enjoying themselves. Everyone returned to the coach and we went on to the Geysir Geothermal Area where volcanic activity caused mud pools to bubble and the Strokkur Geyser erupted every about 5-10 minutes. I wandered the area but was loving the scenery so much that I missed the geyser erupting. Silly me.
We continued from there to marvel at the Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland's answer to Niagara Falls. Much of it was frozen over which made it feel almost ethereal. We learned there that the falls had originally been meant to be converted into a hydroelectric source, but was saved from that fate by the workings of Sigridur Tomasdottir. It was also featured as the waterfall Sokka was supposed to draw in an episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender!
Our final stop on the way was back at Thingvellir, where our guide came out with us and took us down the Langistígur, a rocky pass used historically for assemblies and hanging thieves. He explained how the area was right along a two tectonic plates that were constantly moving away from each other. It began to snow around this time, so after showing us the area, our driver told us he would bring the coach down and we could continue downward to the WCs below where he would pick us up.
The tour ended from there and I was dropped off at my hotel, the Nordurey City Garden Hotel. I was lucky enough to have my own room but I couldn't make myself home yet because I still hadn't had dinner yet. In this area of Reykjavik, there weren't many restaurants nearby, and a snowstorm was on the horizon. I located a dining hall called Borg29 which featured numerous street food options, including French, Baltic, Asian, and wings, to name a few. I opted for a mac & cheese with Doritos burger, and it was delicious!
By the time I finished the weather was getting nastier, so I returned to the hotel and stayed in for the night. The winds were pretty gusty that night, so I took the night to relax and make plans for times what time I had available in the coming days.
The South Coast
The morning arrived with a fresh dusting of snow outside and a partly cloudy sky. The hotel provided breakfast and I chatted with some of the other people there who had been on the previous day's tour. We were all going on different tours today, with only me on the South Coast tour. One of the things I took note of at breakfast was that they served caviar! I was tempted to try it, but wasn't feeling that adventurous.
Several BusTravel Iceland coaches appeared, with mine being the last to show up. I joined my group and met our new guide for the day. He explained the rundown for the day and what to expect. One of the first places he told us we would be stopping at first would be Selfoss at one of the country's best bakeries.
Yup, the same place we were yesterday: Almar Bakari!
Since there was a snowstorm the night before, the landscape was powdered with fresh snow. One of the interesting things about the south coast of Iceland is that once the terrain transitions from the higher altitudes to the volcanic regions, the snow doesn't stick as long due to the temperature of the soil. So, directly above Selfoss was the snowy area, and directly below was practically none. Our guide stopped at an overlook for us to take pictures to see the results.
Right after we continued to Selfoss and Almar Bakari where I had the other daunting decision of what pastry to try today. I opted for the tebollur með súkkulaði, or "teacups with chocolate." I had had my eye on it the day before, so I was positively delighted that I could try it after all!
The first half of the day's activities was visiting one of my favorite things in nature: waterfalls! The first we visited was Urridafoss Falls, promoted as Iceland's "most voluminous waterfall." It was certainly impressive, though the thick ice floes blocked many of the falls. Seeing these falls in the summer is probably incredible!
Our next stop was an entire hillside full of waterfalls, with the main attraction being Seljalandsfoss. This massive waterfall is known for having space behind it for people to walk, but it was completely iced over and closed. That being said, the falls were still beautiful, and the iced over paths were practically magical!
The hiking path alongside had several other waterfalls, some larger, some smaller. At the end of the hike was the Gljúfrabúi waterfall which was completely surrounded by tourists hogging what little safe space there was, with some even lingering on unsafe icy areas next to the outflow! I managed to snag a few pictures from a distance but couldn't stay longer because I had run out of time. I made it back to the coach with only 3 minutes to spare.
The final waterfall on our tour was the Skogafoss Waterfall, the largest in the country and often associated with creating rainbows. Wearing waterproof or water resistant clothing is paramount for those who want to get close, and thick waterproof boots as you need to cross over a brook to the best areas for taking pictures. The area closest to the falls was completely frozen over and there were signs stating to not walk on that area, but do tourists list? NO! I got as close as I could without reaching the iced area, but my distance probably still wasn't that safe.
Alongside the waterfall was a stairway leading to the top of the falls. I headed upwards and snagged some good pictures despite the platform above being overcrowded. There was a trail that went along the river above, but once again, there wasn't time to explore it. I took my pictures and went back down, snagging more pictures, including one of myself in front of the falls.
We continued from there to the little town of Vik for lunch. I went to a brewhouse called Strondbin Pub where I tried a local seafood chowder that had a potato base instead of a broth base. It essentially tasted like a cheesy mashed potatoes and cod casserole, which was much tastier than I was expected! I also opted for a dessert of sticky toffee pudding which I had to scarf down quickly so I could return to the coach on time.
Before leaving, our driver took us up to the church overlooking Vik for a photo opportunity. From there, we continued to Reynisfjara Beach that had basalt columns outside of the mouth of a giant cave that was too dangerous to enter. Once again, several tourists stayed too close to the surf and were swamped by the incoming waves. Nobody was swept out to sea thankfully, but quite a few were soaked.
The final stop for the day was at the Solheimajokull glacier. This glacier is also a tourist attraction as a place where people can book a guide and equipment to do an ice-climb. The rest of us just visited the site and marveled at the majesty that was this intact glacier. There was a path to get go right up to the glacier, but there were signs saying that it was unsafe due to ice, rocks, and even quicksand! The pond below it was mostly frozen and had some lovely floes poking upwards. The icy hillside was starting to thaw, and frozen waterfalls were starting to trickle beneath its icy crust. It was a wonder to behold!
After we returned to the coach, our driver informed us that he would we dropping three of us off at the Sky Lagoon, which included me! This time I was ready and had my GoPro in my bag when we checked in. We arrived later and only had two hours we could spend there, so we three hurried so that we could enjoy the lagoon and all it offered.
One of the highlights of this lagoon was their skin cleansing ritual. The first part involved going into the lagoon, as expected. From there, you could continue the ritual by first dipping into the cold-water pool. I stepped inside but only immersed halfway because that water was freezing! The next step in the ritual was to spend time in the sauna with the enormous window overlooking the ocean, used in most of the promotional pictures for the lagoon.
The fourth step was the mister, which misted cold water onto you from its open ceiling above. Though freezing, it was equally refreshing for a few minutes. The next step brought us to the salt scrub, where an attendant handed everyone a small bowl full of sea salt to rub on our skin except for our face. I applied it and could feel the effects within minutes!
Fully salted, the next step of the ritual brought us to the steam room where our sweat was meant to wash much of the salt away. Obviously, it wouldn't clear all of it, so once we left the steam room, we could wash off the remaining salt at the showers outside. Then, we reached the final step of the ritual, which was to take a shot of a vitamin boost. Ooh, that boost was so delicious! And my skin had never felt so silky in my entire life!
I zipped back to my locker to snag my GoPro and returned to the main lagoon to take my pictures and videos. Since the sun was setting, most of the people were lined up against the lagoon's edge by the sea. I purchased a drink and joined them, soaking up the heated waters and the fading rays from the setting sun.
Once we received the 30 minute notice, I rushed the bathroom to shower and change. I met up with the other two from my group and they showed me the email we received stating that we would be dropped off at our hotels from another coach in the parking lot. We located the coach and verified that we were on the list, and everyone was dropped off where they needed to go.
By the time I made it to my hotel, it was past 9:00 and Borg29 and any other restaurants around it were closed. Google Maps showed me a sausage shop near a small grocery store and ice cream parlor, so I walked there. It was dark by then, but I thankfully felt completely safe as I walked the quarter mile to the shop. Unfortunately, it was closed, but the grocery store was open so I purchased a sandwich, some snacks and some drinks for the next day. I was going to need them!
Volcanic and Geothermal Sites
I had everything packed and ready to go the next morning. I grabbed breakfast, checked out of the hotel, and joined the coach that came by for the day's activities. It was a little cloudy today, but the temperature was higher than the previous days, hinting that it would be a beautiful day for exploring.
The coach picked me up and our group set off, this time in the opposite direction of Selfoss, so no Almar Bakari this morning. However, our guide brought us to a local grocery store with a coffee shop with the advice that we pick up lunch here for our upcoming hike, as it would allow us more time at the Blue Lagoon because we wouldn't have to drive around looking for a place for lunch (smart dude, that one). Since I'd gotten my snacks the night before, I snagged a mocha and kliene, a dense, donut-like pastry without icing, for a snack.
Our first stop was at Lake Kleifarvatn, a lake that is filled by underground water from fissures! It was a breathtaking, picturesque site to check out. Afterwards, we went a little further down the road to the Seltun Geothermal Area to check out more geothermal areas with sulfur vents and bubbling pools. Some of the trails were extra slippery, and despite my use of the penguin walk, I slipped and cut my hand open.
Thankfully, it was just a flesh wound, nothing an antiseptic wipe and band-aid couldn't fix.
And now, for the moment I have been waiting for for most of my life: hiking an active volcano!
We traveled to Fagradalsfjall, which has several active craters and had lava fields from the most recent eruption in 2021. There were several hikes available, and we were taken along hiking route A to Storholl Viewpoint. It started out easy and then became more moderate in its incline. Our guide pointed out that this route was created when a natural wall was constructed to prevent the lava flow from reaching the geothermal power station and the Blue Lagoon immediately next to it, showcasing the ingenuity and adaptability of the Icelandic people.
It was a bit of a trek to reach the top of the rise, and when we did, I joined two others in our group to go as far out into the lava fields as possible. We were given the advice to stick to the flatter surfaces, as they were stronger, and to try to avoid the rougher ones as they tended to crumble underfoot. We did as he said, though there were some areas we still had to cross that weren't flat. Some of the ground gave way under us, but I for one was able to step back in time before I went through too far. There were no injuries on this part.
I wanted to reach the crater, but with the time allotted, it was sadly impossible. I went as close as I could, then cut across the lava fields to the hillside so I could cross over the snow and solid ground. I met up with our guide and ate my meager "lunch" of snacks until everyone met up together. From there, we made our way back to the parking lot, knocking out a roundtrip hike of about 3 miles.
We were off to the next moment I'd been waiting for since arriving: The Blue Lagoon!
It was about a 10 minute drive, during which time our guide drove us through the nearby town, some of which had homes that still hadn't been repaired, whether due to lack of funds or being on a fissure, rendering it uninhabitable. It was a little eerie looking at these homes and seeing the reality of what it's like to live in an area affected by volcanic activity.
At last, we reached the Blue Lagoon. We quickly changed, and I grabbed my GoPro, and went right on! This lagoon is a natural world wonder and produces more steam than the other lagoons I had been to. We were allowed one from non-alcoholic drink, so I opted for one of their health smoothies, which was absolutely divine.
Another of the free perks the Blue Lagoon offers is one of its silica masks. I collected mine and applied it all over my face and neck, and let it set for about five minutes. The directions given by the attendants was to let it stay no longer than 10 minutes, but my sensitive skin could only handle the mask for the five minutes. We could wash it off right in the lagoon waters!
I took some time to hang out in the sauna and steam room, then popped back to the locker room so I could take a quick picture with my dinosaurs, Wash and Heihei, at the lagoon. I snapped my picture, then brought them back to my locker and stowed my GoPro. I enjoyed the rest of my time in the lagoon relaxing and soaking up those luxurious waters, feeling completely revitalized after the hike we had had. I should do this more often after hikes!
Once our time was up, we all met up and made our way back to the coach. It was about an hour drive back to Reykjavik, and we arrived around 5:30pm. I was dropped off at the bus top right around the corner from the Loft Hi Hostel, where I would be staying again, got myself checked in, and dropped off my bags so I could hit the town.
I had a 45% off coupon for Lemmy, a local rock-and-roll themed restaurant with a taproom in the back that regularly had live music later in the evenings. I had myself a flavorful dinner of fish and chips, then set off again to walk around. I came across a gelato shop called Gaeta Gelato, and no sooner had I sat down to enjoy my gelato cone did an Italian man come right in to order some cannoli and espresso. I took that as a sign that this place was legit!
My next activity would be starting at 8pm, so I decided to walk around the downtown area a bit before going to Harpa at about 7:30, where I thought it would be. Unfortunately, this wasn't the lava show I was looking for; this one was a 15-minute recorded video showcasing the country's volcanic activity. I was going to The Lava Show, a highly recommended exhibition where people handled legit lava! I checked my phone and found that it was in the marina district, with Google Maps stating it would be a 28 minute walk!
Thankfully, my salvation was at hand: scooters! There were Hopp and Bolt scooters around, so I quickly downloaded the app and rented the closest scooter. At this time, the winds started to pick up, so it was a blustery ride to the marina. I also couldn't use my phone for the route as I was using wi-fi only on this trip to save on expenses (VERY smart move), so I had to ride there using my brief understanding of the route that had been mapped out for me.
So, I scooted along, and thankfully, made it to the right venue within 15 minutes, and was able to access the wi-fi to end the trip. The price? It only came out to about $5 USD. A taxi ride would've been $10-12 USD, so this was definitely worth it, despite being a bit chilled by the time I went inside.
After checking in, I bought a hot chocolate to help warm me up and wandered the gift shop until the seating was opened. Everyone was given a pair of safety goggles beforehand, giving an indication of what to expect inside. Being by myself, I was able to snag a single seat in the very front row!
The show started with a brief introduction to our lava engineer in full coverage, as they would be melting rock to create lava, and then watched a short film explaining the volcanic activity throughout the country. By then, the lava was ready and it flowed down into the viewing area. Our host used a long pole to stir the lava and show how it hardened, how it cooled, and what it looked like when it turned into obsidian and glassy rock. It was a one-of-a-kind experience that must be seen to be believed!
Afterwards, I rented the scooter again and rode back to the downtown area, specifically Gaeta Gelato again so that I could access the wi-fi again to end the ride (LOL). I had two other venues on my list to check out for tonight, and started with The Dubliner Irish Pub. It was March 14th, so I chose to celebrate my St. Patrick's Day early here since I wasn't able to make it to Ireland. There I enjoyed a Guinness and a nice atmosphere.
I walked around the streets a bit more before heading to the last stop on my agenda: Kabarett. This was a bar suggested to me by the photographer at Mink; I had asked him if there were any bars that offered mead, and he said he only knew of Kabarett. So I went there and couldn't decide from the four types of mead available, so the sweet bartender gave me samples of each one! I picked the cherry mead and stuck around for the comedy show that was about to begin.
The host was a local comedian who continued a few jokes from the previous set (which I hadn't been there in time for). A very drunk woman tried to join him on the stage and was promptly kicked out. The host then introduced the main comedian, the bar manager who had emigrated to Iceland from the US. He had Tourette's and used that as the basis of his set, both as a way of educating the audience about it, and as a way of making jokes. He was very entertaining and gave us a good show!
Final Hours
My bus to the airport wasn't leaving until noon, so I didn't set my alarm in hopes I could sleep in a bit. I woke up around 8am, ensured all of my items were ready to go, and opted to check out a restaurant that I didn't have a coupon for that had come recommended: Bakabaka. It was a few doors down from my hostel and smelled so good even from outside!
Breakfast was a bit pricey without the discount, but the food, especially the cheesy sesame Danish the waiter recommended, was absolutely worth it. By the time I was ready to go, there was an enormous line, particularly of teens and preteens, all looking to snag more of these tasty pastries. If that isn't a recommendation in itself, I don't know what is.
It was still early, and starting to snow a bit, so I decided to take this time to seek out another element Reykjavik was known for: murals. I had come across a few on my first day here and took to the streets to take as many pictures as I could. I came across twenty or so murals, all unique from each other.
Most of them had been found in the Lighthouse Village area where art and design are at the forefront. There are also many of local shops and boutiques here. I also met the fluffiest cat I'd ever seen and gave him some scritches. He appeared to be the shop kitty and was waiting for the doors to open.
In my wandering, I found my favorite place, Cafe Babalu, a cafe and coffeehouse that is completely devoted to pop culture. In fact, in one of their entrances, there was a panel designed using the LCARS system from Star Trek in the style of a holodeck program! I bought a hot chocolate there and listed it as one of my favorite places.
And now, it was time to say goodbye. I gathered my bags from the hostel, checked out and made my way to the closest scooter. However, there was no wi-fi in the area, and since I had a half hour, I opted to walk to BSI. After all, the locals walked in the snowfall all the time, so I might as well! I snagged some beautiful pictures along the way, boarded the bus, and bid Iceland farewell, in hopes I can return again someday.
Traveling to Iceland in the Cold Season
This is the first time I've traveled to a country during the snow season. I did as much research beforehand regarding clothing and equipment, but the truth is that you have to learn a lot about the area when you get there. So let me tell you a few things about what to expect.
Bulky Clothes
One of the first things you will see in any article or post about Iceland travel in the winter or early spring is that you need to layer up. It's best to wear long underwear, fleece-lined pants, a shirt, and a down or fleece-lined parka with a hood. Jackets without hoods can also work, so you should have a beanie to trap the heat from your head. You should also bring a wool scarf for your neck and waterproof gloves with a thick fleece or faux-fur liner. I would also advise that if your jacket doesn't have a hood, bring an additional windbreaker with a hood to wear over that jacket. It also helps in case it warms up and is too hot for a parka.
However, these types of clothes are bulky. If you're only going for a few days, take only one pair of pants and a few shirts. Sweaters and hoodies will take up more room, so it's best to pack flannel shirts, as they are more adaptive to weather conditions.
And don't wear these items on the plane, they restrict movement!
Footwear
If your first thought is that you'll need to bring boots, you're right!
Yes, bringing waterproof boots with good tread is tantamount to traveling safely around here. Many travel agencies there will recommend you bring crampons as well to help with the slippery walkways. I would agree with the agencies, especially when exploring outdoor areas, because slipping on the ice is not fun.
As for socks, wool socks are highly recommended. I brought a pair, but they were also super thick and not that comfortable. I also brought a pair of thick tried and true hiking socks, which did a wonderful job, and a pair of Max Adams Ultra-Heavy Thermal Socks I'd happened upon at my local grocery store. The latter was definitely the best of the three, so I would say to take a pair of thermal socks for more comfortable walks. Tragically, I can't find the website for these socks, but I did find them at a Holiday Market.
Sleepwear
You may assume that wearing flannel or fleece jammies would be a logical choice for sleepwear. In truth, you'll be too hot. The hotels and other lodgings here are not only super heated, they also provide extremely thick comforters for the beds. The jammies I bought were simple and long, but I woke up at least once a night from sweating too much.
Keep your sleepwear lightweight, as it will provide you a better, cooler sleep. Or nothing, if you prefer; I don't judge. You'll need all the rest you can get when adventuring out here!
What About Pictures?
Well, the reality of packing as lightly as possible is that you're going to wearing the same outerwear throughout your trip. So when you're taking pictures, you'll look like you haven't changed your clothes.
And you know what? Screw it! You're dressing smartly for this climate. If you look like you haven't changed since you got there, it doesn't matter! Just change up your hair a little bit and maybe add a different beanie or scarf if space allows for it and you're good to go. Besides, looking great for pictures while sacrificing your health and safety isn't worth it.
The Alternative: Rented Clothing
In the event you book a short trip like mine, and you don't want to pack so much, there is the option of waiting until you reach Reykjavik and renting clothing! Yes, there are several companies out there that provide fair pricing to rent out parkas, snow pants, boots, crampons, boots, and anything else you may need.
If taking good pictures or just bringing along fewer items is important, consider renting the bulkier items. It will save you luggage space and spruce up your Instagram photos.
Tips About the Lagoons
Spending time at three different geothermal lagoons was an experience that was much better than advertised. Please, if you make it to Iceland, go to at least one of them!
However, here are a few things to take in mind when you go.
Don't Apply Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is highly recommended whenever you're venturing outside. While it may seem logical to put it on before going for a swim in geothermal pools, save your time by not applying it!
In fact, once you enter the locker rooms and change into your swimsuits, the first thing you are instructed to do is to take the suit off and to clean yourself completely in the showers! They prefer that you clean yourself all over, including your face, but there were still women ignoring that direction and going in with waterproof makeup for those lagoon selfies (don't do it, ladies!).
I was in the Blue Lagoon for two hours and only turned red from the heat, which eased after spending time in the cold air afterwards, which was a shocker as I usually burst into flame after being in the sun without sunblock for 5 minutes. Try to wear as little product as possible when going to the lagoons, because it's all going to come off one way or another.
If you are concerned about the UV rays in Iceland, please refer to this site.
Pictures and Video
I brought my GoPro and finally got to use it here, but most people brought their own cell phones, regardless of any water or steam damage it could incur. However, most of these lagoons offer the protective plastic sleeve so that you can still use your phone as you soak.
Some of these lagoons will sell them to your directly, or will allow you to rent one. I recommend bringing on of your own, as taking pictures and videos at these lagoons is something you will want to remember, especially if you are enjoying with friends. It's such a cool experience to document!
Wet Swimsuits
Well, I've just had an incredible time at a natural hot springs lagoon, but it's still freezing outside! What can I do with my wet swimsuit so that it doesn't soak my bag?
I considered that before taking my trip. I decided to upcycle one of my many Amazon product bags to transport my swimsuit on the road. It was a smart move.
However, it was also an unnecessary move!
The Laugaras and Sky Lagoons provided small plastic bags for wet swimsuits, which was a definite help. They weren't that sturdy, definitely meant for one time use, but they kept the wet suits from leaking all over the place.
Then, there's the Blue Lagoon. They have a specialized swimsuit dryer that spins your suit to a near-dry state! Just put the suit in the drum, let it spin for 10 seconds, and it's good to go! It's not a full dry so you may want to put it in for a second spin. It is definitely one of my favorite things I came across in my travels!
Another thing to bring up is that the hotels in Iceland had towel warming racks. You may be tempted to put your went swimsuit on that rack to warm it up, but don't do it! Synthetic materials can melt on those suckers, so just take a hanger and hang it up in the bathroom before you go to sleep. Those towel warmers emit a lot of heat and have your suit dry as a bone by morning.
Final Words
This was only a four-and-a-half day trip, but it was the perfect length with all I was able to do here. BusTravel Iceland was a fantastic company to tour through, and using the Guide to Iceland VIP perks definitely shaved off a good amount of money with the coupons I used. Iceland was extremely safe to travel to by myself and easy to get around.
The only thing to remember is that it is expensive. Many a female traveler will tell you that, when you're packing, to take half of the clothes and twice the money. Iceland definitely fulfills that criteria. About 90% of the venues there take cards only, so you won't need to bring physical cash unless you want to tip your tour guides and/or drivers. If you want to use the ATM at the airport, wait until after you pass through immigration to withdraw Icelandic kronas. All of the ATMs before then only distribute euros and USD, and Iceland isn't part of the EU at this time.
In the meantime, I'm still trying to work on more posts and hope to have a few more in the next few weeks. My next contract will be more US based so I will have more access to internet connectivity.
See you next time!
