Iceland: The Week That Stole My Heart

You know when a trip is so good you talk about it for months/years afterwards? That was Iceland for us! Seven days of glaciers, lagoons, Northern Lights, hot dogs (yes, really), snowmobiles, lava tunnels and one very memorable beer-in-a-hot-spring moment. I’ve finally sat down to write about it, mainly so I can relive it, but also to convince you that Iceland should absolutely be on your list.

Our October Adventure, and Why I Think You Should Go

Iceland had been on my list for years, but when myself and my partner went in October 2024, I don’t think either of us were prepared for just how much we would fall in love with it. I genuinely think it’s in my top five places I’ve ever been, possibly even top three. It’s wild, otherworldly, cosy, dramatic, and full of surprises. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels like a proper adventure, this is it.

We spent seven days there and it was one of those trips where every single day felt like a “wow” moment.

Reykjavik – Small, Stylish & Full of Heart

We based ourselves in Reykjavik for part of the trip, and honestly, I loved it. It’s such a walkable city, colourful houses, incredible street art, and the most gorgeous little boutiques. And not designer boutiques in the “London Bond Street” sense, more like local Icelandic designers who are effortlessly cool. I spent half the trip saying, “I need to up my winter fashion game.”

The food scene is brilliant too, and yes, I am going to say it, the hot dogs.

Everyone told me about them. Especially my friend Karen and I didn’t believe them.

I’m here now to say: believe the hype.

We went twice. No regrets. I wish I could have gone more times…

We also found a great Nepalese restaurant down by the harbour, and I still think about that meal.

Chasing the Northern Lights (Twice!)

One of our first nights, we did a Northern Lights boat tour. It was freezing, we were bundled up like Michelin Men, but it was magical, chatting away to the people on board, eyes glued to the sky, and then there they were, green ribbons dancing across the dark.

But, and this is the best part,

the most incredible Northern Lights display we saw was completely unplanned.

On our last night, we looked out our hotel window, saw the sky glowing, sprinted out to the harbour at 8pm… and it was like the entire sky was moving.

No crowds. No tours. Just us, the cold air, and the world putting on a show.

Sometimes the best moments aren’t scheduled. They just happen.

(Though being somewhere with a clear view certainly helps!)

The Lava Tunnels - Darkness Like You’ve Never Known

We explored the lava tunnels and it was genuinely fascinating. At the end, they switch off all the lights and you stand there in total blackness. I mean absolute darkness, you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face.

Creepy. Amazing. Unforgettable.

Super Jeeps, Snowmobiles & The Golden Circle

This was peak adventure energy.

We did the Golden Circle by super jeep, and I’m not joking when I say people were stopping to take photos of the jeep we were in.

Massive wheels, total “celebrity arriving” vibes.

It can drive straight up onto the glacier, which is where we then hopped onto snowmobiles and zoomed across miles of snow and ice. The kind of thing you see in films and think, “I’ll never do that.”

And then… you are.

We also did:

• Geysers exploding from the earth

• Waterfalls you can walk behind

• Black sand beaches

• Icelandic horses (who are adorable and extremely photogenic)

It was like being on another planet.

Snorkelling Between Tectonic Plates (Yes, Really)

Snorkelling in Silfra was one of the most surreal things I’ve ever done.

You wear a dry suit, so your body is warm, but your face… your poor face… meets the water and instantly goes “Why are we here?”

But the water is crystal clear, like swimming through glass, and you can even drink it. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you tell people about for years afterward.

Sky Lagoon — Beer, Snow & Geothermal Bliss

The Sky Lagoon was such a treat. There’s a seven-step ritual which is both relaxing and a bit of fun, and then you’re in this geothermal pool, pint of beer in hand, snow falling, woolly hat on, city lights twinkling across the water.

It’s surreal. And blissful.

Hotel Ranga — The Northern Lights Hotel

We also stayed at Hotel Ranga, which is something special.

Cosy log-cabin vibes, geothermal hot tubs looking out over the countryside, and, the best bit — you can request a Northern Lights wake-up call.

If the sky lights up at 3am, they’ll ring your room.

Imagine being half-asleep, wrapped up warm, walking into the freezing night to sit in a hot tub and watch the sky dance.

That’s Iceland in a nutshell: magic you didn’t know you needed.

The Only Warning

Iceland is not cheap.

But, it is worth every single penny if you go prepared and with the right plan.

Weather changes constantly, tours shift, logistics matter.

Having a team on the ground managing everything for us made such a difference, things were reshuffled seamlessly when storms hit, and we still got to do everything on our list.

It’s one of the few places where I think good planning turns a great trip into an extraordinary one.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely.

Tomorrow.

In a heartbeat.

If Iceland is sitting anywhere on your travel wish list, go.

And if you’d like me to help you plan something similar, big, bold, and full of wow moments, I’d love to chat.

Drop me a message and we’ll start planning something unforgettable.