Land of Ice and Fire (Part 2)
In the last post, our adventure took us on a breathtaking journey through Iceland’s natural wonders. We got a taste of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls, glaciers, and mighty mountains. Curious? Check our previous post:
Read more: Land of Ice and Fire (Part 1)
The next two days will be some thrilling adventures as we explore the heart of Iceland – the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula!
Day 3 – Golden Circle, White Water rafting, Secret Lagoon
Another early rise!
This was the day I had been looking forward to the most – a journey through Iceland’s famous Golden Circle!
Tips for a long day today:
To fully immerse yourself in all the precious essence of Iceland, my tips:
- If you are joining rafting, you must bring warm layers to wear under the drysuit + proper socks + a full change to wear after the activity
- If you are joining the hike in Reykjadalur Hotsprings, bring waterproof hiking shoes. On Vantshellir cave activity, you will also be walking on wet and uneven terrains.
- Snacks for a long day
- Swimwear and flipflops for both hotspring or lagoon
Let’s hit the road!
After a nice breakfast at the hostel, we started on our adventure at 8:45.
The bus ride took us through Iceland’s breathtaking countryside, with vast landscapes stretching as far as the eye could see. Iceland never ceased to amaze me, particularly its unpredictable weather. It truly felt like we were travelling through different lands with completely different climates as the weather changed so rapidly.
1. Gullfoss Waterfalls
Yay! We’ve arrived at the Gullfoss, or “Golden Waterfalls”. The name comes from the golden glow it often has when the sun shines on it.
Not only is it a truly iconic Icelandic waterfall, there is a story behind it. In the early 20th century, there were plans to use the waterfall’s power to generate electricity. This would have meant destroying its natural beauty. Luckily, a brave Icelandic woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought tirelessly to protect Gullfoss. Thanks to her determination, the waterfall was saved and is now a protected natural wonder!
The mist from the falls kissed my cheeks as I stood mesmerized by its beauty.
2. The Great Geysir & Strokkur
Geysir and Strokkur are located in the Geysir Geothermal Area, in the valley known as Haukadalur Valley in South Iceland.
Geysir is actually where we get the word “geyser” from! It’s the original and most famous one in Iceland. Even though Geysir doesn’t erupt as often as it used to, don’t worry, its neighbour, Strokkur, puts on a fantastic show every 4-10 minutes!
Imagine standing there, waiting for the water to start bubbling and rising.
Then, boom! A giant column of hot water explodes into the sky.
3. Optional activity: Rafting
One of the great ways to see Iceland’s amazing nature up close! By immersing yourself into it literally.
This was the activity that I looked forward to the most, as it was also my first time rafting. I researched how to prepare for it, read reviews, and watched tons of videos to learn how it works. It’s the most exciting experience and a lot to tell, so I will save the story for a different post!
Read more: Rafting in Hvítá River – Golden Circle – South of Iceland (coming soon)
Tips for now: Don’t worry, you’ll get a dry suit to stay warm and partially dry at the end. There will be experienced guides who will be with you the whole time.
4. Optional activity: Reyjadalur Hot Springs hike
If you are seeking an unforgettable adventure in Iceland, the Reyjadalur hike is a must! This journey offers a unique blend of moderate physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and the reward of a natural hot spring in the end.
Read more: Reyjadalur hike experience – Adventure to the Valley of Steam (coming soon)
5. Geothermal bath
No need to say, we’ve been excited about this already before our trip started.
Imagine this: You’re surrounded by the peaceful Icelandic countryside. The air is fresh, and the sky is a beautiful blue. Now, picture yourself stepping into a warm, natural pool, where the water is as smooth as silk. That’s definitely what we deserve after an active day at Secret Lagoon!
Known locally as Gamla Laugin, this is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Can you believe it? There are the rich natural resources of warm water coming from hot springs underground, and it’s so warm and relaxing. Plus, there’s a little geyser which puts on a show by shooting water up in the air!
Also, of course, this place deserves its post. So stay tuned for our exciting experience and tips to prepare!
Read more: Secret Lagoon exploration (coming soon)
Back in Laugarvatn in the evening.
Day 4 – Snæfellsnes, Stykkishólmur
Get ready for another epic adventure!
Today, we’re hitting the road to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.” This magical place has everything: from high peak mountains to black sand beaches and playful seals on the beaches.
We crossed so many interesting destinations so I will leave the agenda here:
1) Thingvellir National park
2) Ytri Tunga beach
3) Armastapi
4) Vatnshellir cave (optional activity)
5) Kirkjufell
And then reach our overnight location in beautiful Stykkisholmur 😃
1) Thingvellir National park
Visiting the last point of Golden Circle before saying goodbye!
Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an incredible place in Iceland. It’s a national park where history and nature come together amazingly. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the park is filled with breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and enormous cliffs. How cool it is to walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates!
As the birthplace of the world’s first parliament, the Althing, Thingvellir represents the foundation of Icelandic democracy. For centuries, this was the gathering place where laws were made, disputes were settled, and the course of the nation was determined.
The bus dropped us off at a breathtaking stop. From there, we walked 2 kilometres, experiencing Iceland’s iconic changing weather: hail, sunshine, and then a downpour. It felt like a package of four seasons in one!
2) Ytri Tunga beach
After grabbing some nice snacks in Borganes, we continued our journey to Ytri Tunga, which is located in Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The journey was a visual feast, with a stunning backdrop of mountains outside of the window.
We finally arrive at Ytri Tunga Beach, one of those places that feels like a secret on Iceland’s stunning coastline. It’s a stretch of black sand with rolling green hills landscape, and the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing against the shore.
But what truly sets Ytri Tunga apart is its extraordinary inhabitants: cute seals!
Seals in Iceland faced challenges. In the past, they were often seen as “pests” for destroying fishing nets and eating the catch. In difficult times, they were even a key factor for survival. However, with a change of thinking, Icelanders are realizing how valuable these creatures are. Nowadays, the seals are bringing lots of visitors to see them, or simply just adorably fun to watch. It’s great to see that these cute creatures are getting the love they deserve!
If the tide is out and you’re happy to climb the rocks, you can see the seals close up. However, remember to keep at least 50 metres away so as not to scare them off.
Why Ytri Tunga Beach is a seal’s favourite hangout place? It could be for a few reasons:
- Quiet and peaceful: The beach is usually pretty quiet, which is perfect for the seals to relax and chill out.
- Lots of rocks: Seals love to hang out on rocks, and Ytri Tunga has plenty of them.
- Yummy food: The ocean around Ytri Tunga is full of tasty fish and other yummy stuff that they love to eat.
Of course, you shouldn’t miss the mountainous scenery near the beach!
3) Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi, or Stapi is a cute little fishing village in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. I had a strong impression of this village even though we just stayed for a short while.
Bárður statue
Firstly, it’s because of Bárður – a huge stone structure made by Ragnar Kjartansson sculptor. Of course, there’s a story behind it.
Once upon a time, lived a giant named Bárður. He was a creature of legend, with strength that rivalled the mountains and a heart as vast as the ocean. Some tales whisper of his kindness, helping lost travellers find their way or protecting coastal villages from raging storms. Others speak of his wrath when angered by human folly. Yet, they all agreed on one thing: Bárður was a force of nature, as wild and untamed as the land he called home.
They say that on clear nights if you listen closely, you can still hear the echo of his laughter in the heart of Snæfellsjökull.
Fish and chips in Arnarstapi
I have to admit, I had the best fish and chips in Iceland in this village. I have tried different restaurants in different areas of Iceland, but this was the best.
Arnarstapi, being a fishing village, is a seafood lover’s dream! The fish was unbelievably fresh, tender and juicy, and it just melted in the mouth!
I am not even a fan of this dish, but when I fly back home, I miss it once in a while.
4) Optional activity: Vatnshellir cave
Join us on a journey 35 meters into the “centre of the Earth”.
Vatnshellir is an 8000-year-old lava tube located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. It’s a natural wonder formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. The cave is characterized by its dramatic lava formations, darkness, and a sense of isolation that makes it a truly unforgettable experience!
I was thrilled and excited, how about you?
Imagine stepping into a secret world, all dark and mysterious and we were provided special gear for it: helmets, headlamps, gloves… Sounds like an adventure to another world?
Of course, this deserves its post too! Stay tuned for our future post about it!
“The rocks looked like something from another planet, and it was thrilling to imagine how the lava made these crazy shapes.“
“When we turned off our lights and faced the pitch black, it felt like I was floating in space! For a moment, the world vanished, replaced by the symphony of our own breath and heartbeat. Then, when we turned the lights back on, it was like magic, seeing all the sparkly rocks.”
Read more: Vatnshellir cave adventure: Lost in the Underworld (coming soon)
5) Kirkjufell
Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize Kirkjufell!
In the episode Beyond the Wall, this iconic mountain starred as “Arrowhead Mountain”, serving as a striking backdrop for some of the show’s most epic scenes.
Outside, Kirkjufell was like a giant layer cake made by nature.
Each layer was a piece of history, built up slowly over millions of years. The mountain was shaped like a big triangle, with a pointy top.
On its body, you will see the lines running across it. That’s because over millions of years, volcanoes erupted, and layer upon layer of rock built up. Later, when the world got warmer, the ice melted and carved the mountain into this cool shape.
So when you visit Kirkjufell, remember, it’s not just a mountain; it’s a time traveller that tells a story of millions of years!
Underneath lay a waterfall named Kirkjufellsfoss, and they look so good together!
Time seemed to stop, I was fully appreciating the magic of Iceland.
Stykkishólmur
We ended our day in the cosy town of Stykkishólmur. It was like a little seaside hug after an active day. The best part was watching the sunset. The sky turned into a big rainbow of colours, and it was so pretty!
What a place to end the day!
Although we’ve been to many special places, Iceland still has endless wonders waiting to be discovered. We still have two more days to discover, stay tuned for our next post!
(To be continued)
When visiting Iceland…
- You should never throw rocks, because of the chance you may accidentally hit one of the elves.
- Denying the existence of elves is believed to bring about a lifetime of extremely bad luck.
- If some mountains or scenery objects seem extremely unique—or like they couldn’t possibly be carved by nature itself – there’s a high chance that a troll had something to do with it.
Read more: Mythical Beings of Iceland
Could you release more tips for travelling to Iceland? I want to learn more about it!