Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice

Introduction:

Every year since my mid-20s, I’ve planned myself an epic birthday trip, celebrating another revolution around the sun in the most exciting, random, and beautiful places I can (afford to) go. In 2024, that place was Iceland—The Land of Fire & Ice. Thanks to the recent volcanic activity in Grindavík, the country has made its way onto, or on top of, everyone’s Bucket List for 2024. As if the chance to see a volcanic eruption isn’t tempting enough, scientists also say that 2024 will have the strongest Northern Lights shows visible in the last 10+ years! In case you didn’t know, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see this phenomenon! It’s a perfect marketing storm for Iceland, but don’t worry—read on for everything you need to know to have an amazing trip!

Recommended Excursion: For the must-see connoisseur

Aurora Borealis (ie Northern Lights): If you, like me, are traveling to Iceland primarily for the Northern Lights, I can’t recommend Reykjavik Outventure’s “#1 Northern Lights Tour” enough! Hotel pick-up, wool blankets, 12-person maximum on your trip, professional photographs, hot chocolate and cinnamon buns after! If that doesn’t have you convinced, if you don’t see the lights on your first trip, you can rebook (pending availability) for as many nights as needed until you do! On my trip, we were unlucky on the first night and didn’t get to see the lights. But when we emailed the operator, they responded within 5 minutes saying we were booked for another night (we got our preferred make-up day)! Thankfully, we were able to see them on the second night! It’s indescribably cold out in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night, so dress accordingly and bring your hand warmers!

Recommended Excursion: For the water enthusiast

Snorkeling: All right, I know what you’re thinking: SNORKELING?? IN ICELAND?? Oh, yeah! Silfra, inside Þingvellir National Park, is where the European and North American tectonic plates pull apart, leaving a giant fissure (the Silfra Fissure), filled with fresh glacier water—it’s estimated that the water you’re floating in melted off the glacier merely 10 minutes before it fills the fissure! Because you’ll have heavy semi-dry mittens on, you won’t be able to take your own photos. To make up for that, this tour operator equips your professional guide with a GoPro for professional-level photographs throughout the tour! This activity is a little more physically taxing than a warm-water snorkeling excursion, so be sure to read the operator’s health guidelines before signing up. Don’t risk your health by overestimating your abilities!

P.S: For any Game of Thrones fans out there, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also happens to be the filming location of the entrance to The Vale!

Recommended Excursion: For the epic adventurer

Glacier Trek: Looking for something truly unique and epic to do in Iceland? How does trekking to the top of a glacier, then hiking inside of it, sound? Into The Glacier is the only tour operator allowed inside the Langjökull Glacier—the second largest glacier in Iceland! This is especially convenient for those of you staying in Reykjavik, as they offer transport to/from Reykjavik (if renting a vehicle, you can also meet in Husafell). It takes about 1 hour to drive in the special utility vehicle to the top of the glacier. Once there, you’ll strap crampons on your boots and be guided through various tunnels and rooms throughout the glacier, before heading back. You’ll also have time about halfway up the glacier to get out and take pictures of the mountainous terrain. These views truly must be seen to be believed!

Recommended Excursion: For the professional relaxer

Geothermal Pools: Whether or not you did any strenuous, outdoor activities, everyone should experience these natural wonders! Iceland is truly the perfect place for anyone seeking both leisure and active travel experiences! Aside from the Northern Lights, I’d say the natural geothermal lagoons here are the second most popular Icelandic experience people come here for. Skip the Blue Lagoon and opt for something more traditional, like the Sky Lagoon. If renting a vehicle, you can also find “hidden” geothermal pools that are free to use along the Golden Circle and Ring Road! Just pull off onto the side of the road and get in! Don’t be offput by the rotten egg smell, that’s just the sulfur that’s emitted from the ground, which poses no health risks.

Even though Iceland was voted the safest country in the world in 2023, be vigilant! Taking a few sensible safety precautions on your travels (money belt, leave credit cards in the hotel safe, don’t walk around with large amounts of currency, etc.) goes a long way in ensuring your personal and financial safety while away from home!

Like what you’ve seen so far? There’s more where that came from— let’s connect!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland. In need of further inspiration? Check out Rabia Malik’s guide, 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Iceland’s Natural Beauty.