INCREDIBLE ICELAND
Iceland has been on my bucket list for many years, but I could never quite choose which time of year to visit. A popular time is Winter for aurora chasing but having been lucky to see the Northern Lights in Canada a few months prior that wasn’t our priority. Another popular time is June when the sun never sets. We had a window in May during my youngest’s exams and with flight prices being very inexpensive we thought why not now? In just 3 days we wanted to pack in as much as we could. So, if you are looking for something similar then read on for some top tips.
Arriving first thing in the morning, we picked up our hire car (surprisingly well priced considering everything is so expensive particularly food and drink). We knew we wouldn’t be able to check in to our city centre accommodation and so headed straight to Perlan - “the Pearl” just south of the city situated atop the wooded Oskjuhlio Hill. An incredible building, Perlan houses a permanent exhibition called the "Wonders of Iceland" providing insights into the country’s nature through interactive technology and design.
The observation deck on the 4th floor has fantastic 360 degree views over Reykjavik’s surrounding areas - great to get our bearings. There is so much to explore but our favourites were the Glacier Exhibit (world’s first indoor 100m long ice cave), the Forces of Nature Exhibit (learning about volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy which included an insight into the Geldingadalir eruption 50 miles outside Reykjavik in March 2021) and finally the "Arora Show" in the 360 degree planetarium (a fascinating story of the auroras occurring all across the solar system).
From there we headed to the harbour area - a stone’s throw from our accommodation. We were booked into Flyover Iceland - if you’ve ever done “Soarin’” over California at Epcot in Disney then this is the Icelandic equivalent and, in my opinion, not to be missed. State of the art technology gives you the feeling of flight and you are whisked away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. You see the spectacular sights of Iceland in all its glory. As a bonus we also saw Flyover Canada: Windborne with the Call of the Canadian Rockies which is previewing here - equally fabulous.
Mid-afternoon and so time to check-in to our accommodation. We chose a 2-bed apartment in the 5 star Black Pearl - Reykjavik’s Finest Apartments with everything you could need for a great break including parking under the hotel and so central to the harbour and the main shopping districts of Iceland’s capital. I’d highly recommend.
Not much time to linger though as next we were headed to The Sky Lagoon - an all new Icelandic experience minutes from downtown Reykjavik. Here there is an oceanside geothermal lagoon with views of the North Atlantic Ocean where you can relax and unwind as you take in the dazzling sunsets and moody skies. They also have the unique 7 step Ritual experience which is worth doing. This was a lovely experience and just what we needed at the end of a busy day.
Day 2 was the Golden Circle – which will be the highlight of any Iceland trip - and this was just fabulous. Thorofoss, Thingvellir, Erdfingler II, Halkadur Geothermal Area, Gulfoss and Kerid Crater. You can see many of these sights in my photos. Just as you’d imagine the spectacular sights of Iceland to be.
Day 3 was whale watching first thing, but sadly the weather put paid to that due to stormy seas. Thankfully we’d been whale watching in South Africa 6 months prior so weren’t too disappointed. So instead, we had a good old look around the centre of Reykjavik in the morning, taking in the sights from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja and grabbed a lush breakfast from Standholt bakery. This one and Brou & Co come highly recommended. Then we headed to the famous Blue Lagoon – usually on everyone’s bucket list - in the heart of a volcanic landscape with a mask bar, sauna and steam room, an in-water bar and even float therapy plus numerous restaurants and hotels. A fantastic way to end our trip.
Do I wish we had stayed longer? No - I think this was the ideal length of break where you really can get a feel for the place. Although next time I’d like to venture further afield and so for us it will be a cruise taking in Iceland’s spectacular sights. Planning a trip yourself? Then chat to me first.
