Seals, Waterfalls, and Vikings: Wandering Iceland's Seal Circle

 

Seals, Waterfalls, and Vikings: Wandering Iceland's Seal Circle

Wandering the Seal Circle around Iceland's Vatnsnes Peninsula welcomed us to a remarkable portion of North Iceland that we had not yet explored. We quickly fell in love with the peninsula as we explored the highlighted sites. Views of the Arctic Ocean and fjords are just spectacular. We loved this adventure so much that we are already looking forward to driving the Seal Circle again!

Read More

Benefoss and Icelandic Horses Delight in Northwestern Iceland

 

When you rent a car for your Iceland vacation and keep your itinerary pretty loose, you can veer off course quite often and explore lesser visited locations. By keeping our itinerary pretty open during this last visit, we were able to explore wonders like this beautiful gorge and waterfall near Staður in Northwest Iceland.

Read More

Afternoon at the Bird Cliffs in Hellnar, Iceland

 

A Splendid Pause Exploring Cliffs in Hellnar, Iceland

The natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula abound so we quite enjoyed a return visit during our recent trip to Iceland. During this visit, we spent a nice pause exploring the bird cliffs at Hellnar. We only had time to spy the cliffs from afar on our previous visit. So, we welcomed the chance to slow down and explore.

Read More

Guðrúnarlaug Hot Pot in West Iceland

 

Exploring geothermal experiences while in Iceland is pretty essential to being truly part of Iceland. The country has many natural hot springs with some perfect for bathing. During our recent trip, we relaxed in a West Iceland hot pot and enjoyed the therapeutic, calming warmth of a geothermally heated pool. Divine!

Read More

In Awe of Mother Nature Hiking Up Dynjandi in the Westfjords of Iceland

 

A Series of Waterfalls at Dynjandi in Iceland's Westfjords Enchant

Exploring the Westfjords of Iceland ignited such a sense of wonder during our recent adventure. Traveling through the region, we savored spectacular view after spectacular view in raw nature. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical that Dynjandi Waterfall would blow us away because it is one of the best-known natural attractions of the Westfjords and I tend to love the lesser known. But, WOW -- our hike was INCREDIBLE!

Read More

Breathtaking Hike at Kolugljúfur Gorge in Northwest Iceland

 

Waterfalls, Breathtaking Scenes, Extraordinary Rock Formations and More Captivate at Kolugljúfur Gorge

Winding down a day of travel in Iceland, we were ready to turn back to our apartment until we spotted a waterfall on the map. We have experienced many waterfalls in Iceland during our five visits to the stunning country, yet we knew that we could not miss this one. So, we headed to Kolugljúfur.

Upon embarking on our hike, we immediately found Kolugljúfur Gorge and Kolufossar breathtaking. After tracing the gorge and stepping through the waterfall's mist, I cannot decide which experience is more incredible.

Read More

Savoring Iceland, Learning History, Exploring the Maker Spirit and Loving Goats at Haafell Goat Farm in West Iceland

Savoring Iceland, Learning History, Exploring the Maker Spirit and Loving Goats at Háafell Goat Farm in West Iceland

Háafell Goat Farm has many stories interwoven in the beautiful Icelandic countryside. Determination. Luck. Knowledge. Passion. Joy. Wellness. History. All of this and more can be found woven in the fabric of a visit to Háafell. Our visit to Háafell Goat Farm was one of our most memorable experiences in Iceland and we look forward to returning one day.

Read More

Climbing Grabrok Crater in West Iceland

Climbing Grabrok Crater in West Iceland 

Grabrok Crater is a crater in a volcanic fissure located in West Iceland just off of the Ring Road. The site allows you to climb up into the crater.  The path up the crater is largely a wooden trail.

Read More

3 Unique Waterfalls in West Iceland

Wandering Around Waterfalls in West Iceland

Our Iceland adventure certainly was not short on waterfalls! After exploring the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula during our recent trip, we wandered through more of West Iceland. Of course, we had to add several waterfalls to our excursion! During our West Iceland excursion, we explored three different waterfalls and each was quite unique!

Read More

Village Stops on Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Dotted with Charming Villages to Explore:

Along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you will find a number of villages to explore for unique adventures, cafes, local shops, groceries and gas. However, they are spaced out so I recommend checking a map of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula before embarking on your road trip and marking off where you can find necessities along route. You will also want to be aware of opening and closing times. After some organizing, plan for a memorable day enjoying nature and the charming villages of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland!

Read More

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Quick Guide

Quick Guide to Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland is often considered "Iceland in Miniature." Snaefellsnes certainly is packed full of incredible and unique nature experiences and treasures. With so many nature experiences folded into one peninsula, we opted to slow down for a few days and spend some time relaxing and exploring Snaefellsnes. We were captivated from the moment we arrived and were glad that we had so much time to explore this magnificent peninsula. Our adventure took us to many of the highlights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula including:

Read More

Seltun Geothermal Area Stuns With Geothermal Steam and Brilliant Colors on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

Seltún Geothermal Area in Iceland Delights With Geothermal Activity and a Mosaic of Brilliant Colors

Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland is the first place you will see when arriving to the Land of Fire and Ice! Keflavik Airport is on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is about 45 minutes from Iceland's capital city Reykjavik. Sometimes in the hurry to get to Reykjavik and beyond, visitors can overlook the treasures on the Reykjanes Peninsula. However, Reykjanes has treasures all its own including the Seltún Geothermal Area.

Read More

Exploring the Icelander Viking Ship at Viking World near Keflavik

Exploring Viking settlement and the ship  Íslendingur at Viking World near Keflavik, Iceland

On our way to Copenhagen, we had about a day layover in Keflavik. So, we had a bit of time to explore. Our first adventure was to Viking World to view a replica Viking ship. Admittedly, I did not know much about the museum before visiting. I did not expect to find so many quality exhibits inside! We really learned a lot about the Vikings and the Settlement Era in Iceland as well as exploration to the New World. We truly had a wonderful adventure on what we considered a bonus day in Iceland!

Read More

Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden

Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden 

Denmark and Iceland entranced our family for the last 10 days with castles, canals, fjords, waterfalls, history, royal jewels, gardens, volcanoes, Vikings and much more! While in Denmark, we even were able to add a short trip to Sweden by crossing the Øresundsbroen Bridge. Pairing Iceland and Denmark really worked well for our family. During our stay in Copenhagen, our days were full of tours of castles and landmarks taking time to absorb the immense history in the city and Denmark. Our days in Iceland were full of nature exploration, unique hikes and spectacular views. This vacation was really one of the best we have ever enjoyed and had something for all of our individual passions even the teen! We just returned yesterday and while I am a bit jet lagged, I am so inspired by our experiences that I would like to share a little about our adventure!

Read More

Elding Puffin Watching Tour in Iceland

Elding Puffin Watching Tour in Reykjavik, Iceland

From Reykjavik, you can take a tour by boat to view puffins on one of the harbor's rocky islands. Before we embarked, I did not know quite what to expect.  Would we just see a few specks? Soon after departing, I would be enthralled by all of the puffins flying about the island.

Read More

Iceland's Golden Circle

Iceland's Golden Circle

We are planning a return trip to Iceland this summer, so I am doing a little Iceland reminiscing from previous trips. On our first visit to Iceland, we explored Iceland's famed Golden Circle. The Golden Circle highlights a selection of stunning natural attractions. You can easily drive the Golden Circle or enjoy one of many tours.

Read More

Adventures Riding Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are like no other and the world. When I learn someone is going to Iceland, I always recommend riding an Icelandic horse. During two of our visits, we were able to ride and the experience was amazing each time!

Read More

Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

My favorite place in the whole world is the stunning Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. I have visited three times and have totally been enchanted each time.

Read More

Whale Watching in Iceland

A visit to Iceland provides a magnificent opportunity to witness whales and dolphins out in the wild. During one of our visits, we experienced a whale watching tour with Elding in Reykjavik. Elding has been giving tours from Reykjavik since 2000. My first word of advice for your whale watching tour is to bundle up because it is quite cold in the North Atlantic!

Read More

Laugarvatn: Fontana Spa in Iceland

One experience to never miss in Iceland is an opportunity for pampering and relaxation at one of the country's geothermal spas. The Blue Lagoon is the logical choice for many travelers due to close proximity to the airport making it ideal for layovers. Additionally, it is serviced by many tours. However, I recommend venturing to other geothermal spas in more low key locations to truly unwind and relax with smaller crowds.

Read More