Iceland was a country that most, like myself, had not really thought possible or even considered a travel destination until recent years of publicity of its beautiful scenery in blockbuster movies. Our original flight from New York to London had us stopping in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik at 6:00 am for a few hours layover before continuing on. It was then we decided to extend our stay to an overnight stopover, our flight not departing until 4:00 pm the next day which gave us a short but perfect insight into Iceland! Icelandic air is one of the best airlines we have flown to date. They were so clean, spacious and the seats were super comfy. It was amazing as our plane came in for landing and we peered out the window to what looked like a different planet below.
We arrived at Keflavik airport, excited as we withdrew the colourful Icelandic Krona from an ATM machine and picked up our hire car. Driving our way towards the city, we were amazed at the landscape outside the window – the terrain is so different in this part of the world! We were visiting in early May & Iceland were coming out of their winter which could explain why the land appeared quite barren.
We drove the streets of the capital city, stopping at C is for Cookie cafe for a warm hot chocolate, coffee, some breakfast and a Skype call home. A must visit is the Hallgrimskirkja church in the main street of Reykjavik. Take the elevator to the top to witness the spectacular views over the cutest town, which looked more like miniature toy cars and doll houses below.
Above: Hallgrimskirkja Church
Back in the car we started on the Golden Circle route, a popular tourist drive in south Iceland visiting Þingvellir national park. It’s here that you can see and walk through the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates known as Almannagjá Canyon.
Haukadalur valley was next as we watched geysers such as Strokkur, Geysir and Litli Geysir bubble and smoke before water flew metres into the air. We visited the information centre for some warm traditional Icelandic soup then drove further to the ever so amazing Gullfoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. I have seen other travellers photos of Gullfoss in the summer and winter months and it changes so dramatically through the seasons.
You may have heard of the midnight sun and Iceland is a country who experience this in the summer months. The midnight sun is where the sun remains visible, even at midnight, due to the axial tilt of the earth but in return, winters are very long and sometimes they only get a couple of hours sunlight each day. We returned from our day trip late but the sky was still light like twilight. We hadn’t booked accommodation so we searched the main streets for hostels. We booked a night at the newly open HI loft hostel, deciding to book an 8 bed dorm to save some cash. We lucked out in that decision! As there was hardly any tourists / backpackers around, we managed to score the room to ourselves! We enjoyed the comfiest king singles with the fluffiest pillows.
After breakfast, we drove to Perlan observation tower. We climbed to the top to witness another fantastic view over Reykjavik (below).
We continued driving towards the Blue Lagoon, a famous Icelandic geothermal spa and resort where we would be spending the rest of our day until we were due for our flight.
After paying the entry fee, we were given robes and the direction to the change rooms – one for females and one for males. You had to shower (which is good to know for hygiene) but little did I know that majority of the showers didn’t have doors or shower curtains and the older woman were not afraid of walking around naked… especially without any maintenance.
Once showered, you walk through a different set of doors inside the change room to the majestic blue lagoon. The water was a beautiful bright blue with a sky to match it, steam gently dancing above the water. It was so nice to relax for the day enjoying the waterfall showers, sauna rooms and the Silica Mud Masks which you would find in a number of crates around the lagoon. After applying to your face and body and leaving for 5+ minutes, your skin would be left beautifully smooth and soft.
There’s so much more to explore in Iceland, from the many waterfalls and black sand beaches. I’m so glad we changed our mind and booked the stopover. Even with just two days / one night we were able to experience some awesome places and can’t wait to go back one day – until next time Iceland!
Hire Company: Rental Cars – Thrifty
Car: Ford Focus or similar
Price: $156.75
Hostel: HI Loft Hostel
Room type: 8 Bed Mixed Dorm with ensuite
Price: $22 per night – Opening special
ONLY HAPPY WHEN I TRAVEL 