In need of a restorative tonic? Tired of the same-old-same-old? Try Iceland. This magical spot is like no other. Trust me. I’m just back and can’t wait to go again. Here are my top five reasons to add Iceland to the bucket list.
Reason #1 – The Northern Lights
The two-hour Northern Lights boat jaunt wasn’t part of our Iceland ‘Fire and Ice’ tour package. We were talked into it by Mary and Gerry, a pair of delightful New Yorkers. Nevermind that we’d flown in at dawn and been awake for the past 38 hours. We were in Reykjavik for three nights only. Who knew if the sky would be clear on the other two?
Tips: Wear the bulky survivor suits provided by the boat company. It’s chilly out there on the water.
Be patient. Several folks got bored and slipped inside for coffee. Mother Nature took note and gifted the rest of us with a silvery flash of the longest shooting star I’ve ever seen. She went on to favor us with patches of dull gray blobs that soon mushroomed into bright shimmering arcs. Then, just as we were ready to head back to port, she ramped it up and treated us to a sparkling dance of pink and purple showers across two-thirds of the sky.
It was absolutely magical. The boat crew said it ranked in their top 5 over the past 12 months.
Reason #2 – Lava Tube Tour
Our personal lava tube guide reassuring us at the cave’s entrance/exit.
After you.
I was a bit nervous about this excursion. By this point I was operating on very little sleep and was worried about navigating those stairs. The fact that I also kept thinking about the trapped Thai soccer team and their coach didn’t help. But I needn’t have worried. The entire experience, even when we shut off our flashlights and plunged into darkness, was surprisingly soulful and peaceful.
Tips: Wear gloves. The guiding rope is slippery and damp.
Allow the person ahead of you to set the pace.
Reason #3 – The Fresh Seafood
You will not find any fresher.
Up she comes.
Have a gander at what just 15 minutes of ocean floor dragging will net you.
Incredible, right?
Tip: Sample everything on offer.
I always thought a scallop needed a little quick sauté with some lemon juice and butter.
But no. No heat required. Just add a dollop of soy sauce and slurp.
Reason #4 – The Geysers and Icebergs
Talk about diversity.
Tip: Make sure you’re standing at the right spot. We joined a group of a dozen or so onlookers to stare at a steaming vent. We stared. And then stared some more. Meanwhile, the ‘big show’ was happening right behind us, only about 50 feet away. Just TypiKel.
Tip: Use the bathrooms closest to the entrance. The cafe lines are long.
Reason #5 – The Icelandic Horses
Your average Iceland tour is five days. We opted for the seven-day version which included a trip to a horse farm, where we learned that the Icelandic horse has five gaits, rather than the usual three or four. Who knew? My only regret is that we weren’t able to ride the horses. Next time.
Bonus Reason To Add Iceland To The Bucket List
Yes, it was even better than the photo conveys.
Tip: Opt for the best spa package you can afford.
Bonus tips should you visit Iceland:
Tip 5.2 – Always check the label on your souvenirs. ‘Designed in Iceland’ is NOT the same as ‘Made In Iceland.’
Tip 5.3 – Pop into the tiny souvenir hut at the base of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is regularly restocked with woolen articles made by local knitters. PS if you recently lost your credit card, I found it in the parking lot and left it with the good folks at the hut.
Enough about the top five reasons to add Iceland to your bucket list. I’m curious about you. Have you been fortunate to go to Iceland? If so, did you saddle up? Buy a warm itchy sweater? Or perhaps some heady volcanic salt? Get lost on the Ring Road? Or slather the silica on your face at the Blue Lagoon? Better yet, if you’ve not yet been, have I tweaked your enthusiasm? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
14 Responses
It sounds like an amazing trip, and I have definitely added it to my bucket list ! Thanks for all the tips, friends are going soon, so will pass them on !
It was amazing, Jane. I know you’d just love it and hope you can tootle on over yourself.
It must have been fun, Kelly. I’ll pick up my credit card when I am there?
Phewf! So glad to know the card will soon be reunited with its owner. And those ‘extra charges’? I know nothing about them. Nothing.
Oh, it looks beautiful! I went in the lava tubes at Mount St. Helens, which is driving distance away from you if you want to explore more tubes. I have heard that food is very, very expensive in Iceland. Like $30 USD for a bowl of soup since they can’t farm anything there. I guess just eat the fresh seafood, perhaps even catch your own, and you’ll be fine, right?
I heard Mount St. Helen’s eruption, Katy, from my parents’ farm in Aldergrove. Incredible boom. However, I had no idea she has lava tubes available for exploration. Golly – thanks, I’ll check them out. As for the prices of food – well, I am delighted to report that there is an organic tomato and cucumber farm on the island. They churn out the most delicious produce and they offer a wonderful soup and bread option on their tour. Prices are high for most things in Iceland but you can find cheaper coffee and soup if you are patient. I think we paid $15 on average for our huge bowls of soup.
Never been to Iceland…would love to check it out. I might skip the cave tour., but the Northern Lights and spa sound amazing. Thanks so much for sharing.
Yes, do go if you can, Beemie. I quite understand skipping the lava cave tour. The folks who chose to give it a miss went on a lava and black sand beach walk. They had a wonderful time and got some great photos.
I’ve heard so many good things about Iceland, and your post certainly adds to the appeal, Kelly. What a wonderful trip you had, and so good of you to share your practical tips. I have not been there but you packed in some enticing adventures. I don’t think I could eat the raw scallop but your photo does make it look luscious!
Gotta say I was leery of slurping down that scallop – however, it was SO delicious. Truly.
Oh Sis, it sounds like a fantabulous trip. When I read the title I was hoping one of the reasons would be: ICELANDIC MEN MAKE THE BEST LOVERS! Maybe you are not at liberty to share. By the way.. have you watched 800 Words?
Ha! And no, I’ve not watched it. Should I?
For some reason your posts are not coming into my email box anymore…have signed up again!
Xo
Bless ya, Liz.