The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Reykjavik's Hot Spots for Food and Fun

As Iceland's colorful capital, Reykjavik offers plenty of hot spots for food, drinks, and fun during your visit. With a small but lively population of around 123,000, Reykjavik provides a buzzing urban energy amid Iceland's rugged natural beauty.

Be sure to check out the striking Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront, with its geometric glass design resembling the basalt columns of Iceland's rocky coast. Catch a show or simply admire the facade while sipping coffee at their onsite cafe. For more culture, don't miss the Reykjavik City Museum inside the historic 18th century house of merchant Aðalstræti 10. Learn about Reykjavik's origins while wandering through their exhibits of viking artifacts, traditional handicrafts, and models of how the city looked centuries ago.

Of course, you can't visit Iceland without trying some local cuisine and craft beer. Check out the lobster soup, minke whale, fermented shark, and endless seafood options at Sægreifinn restaurant down by the Old Harbor.Pair your meal with an Icelandic beer like the Gull, Thule, or Einstök White Ale. If you prefer a livelier scene, head to the bars along Laugavegur street on a weekend night when local bands play and the party goes late.

For a uniquely Icelandic experience, make sure to visit one of Reykjavik's famous geothermal swimming pools. Soak in the warm mineral waters with locals and other travelers at spots like Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, and Vesturbæjarlaug. Bring your swimsuit and relax those travel-weary muscles. Of course, you can also book a day trip from Reykjavik to the famous Blue Lagoon for its azure waters and healing silica mud masks.

Get in touch with nature right in the city by wandering through scenic parks and gardens. Enjoy pond-dotted Klambratún Park, dynamic sculpture art at Miklatún Park, or beautiful botany at Reykjavik Botanic Garden. For magnificent shoreline strolls, head to Sæbraut road along the bay or Grótta nature reserve's windswept peninsula trails.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Chasing the Northern Lights Across the Island

One of the most magical experiences in Iceland is witnessing the dazzling dance of the Northern Lights. These colorful displays in the night sky result from collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth's atmosphere. The ethereal green and sometimes pink lights shimmer and swirl across the heavens. Iceland's location just below the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal place to spot this celestial wonder.

Chasing the Northern Lights, also called aurora borealis, often becomes an obsession for visitors to Iceland. While catching the lights involves some luck and good timing, you can maximize your chances by heading outside the city. The further from Reykjavik's light pollution the better. Self-drive camper van tours are a popular way to hunt the lights far and wide across the countryside. Bundle up and scan the skies from 10pm to 1am on clear nights anytime between September and April. Activity is strongest during the winter solstice. Apps like Aurora Forecast and websites like Cloud Collective pinpoint optimal viewing regions based on weather and solar activity.

Victoria savored the thrill of the chase during her van trip, waiting patiently on a moonless night by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Just as she was about to give up, a bright flash ignited the sky. Soon, glowing streams of green appeared, twisting and curling like a celestial dancer. Andrew explored Iceland in December, when the long nights provide ample opportunity. After days of cloudy disappointment, he finally witnessed the magical lights from a remote farm in the Westfjords. Otherworldly waves of emerald and violet light swept across the dark sky in a dazzling spectacle above the fjords.

While the ideal Northern Lights experience involves escaping far from city lights, you can still see them over Reykjavik if conditions are right. Head to spots like Öskjuhlíð Hill, Perlan Museum terrace, or Grótta lighthouse peninsula. Tours like Extreme Iceland and Arctic Adventures offer nightly excursions to find the optimal viewing location, whether in the capital or countryside. They provide knowledgeable guides, warm refreshments, and heated transportation.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon's Geothermal Waters

After adventures across Iceland's rugged landscapes, one of the most alluring ways to unwind is by soaking in the famed Blue Lagoon. This scenic geothermal spa lets you immerse in the healing warmth of rich mineral waters. With its stunning milky blue hues and silica mud treatments, the Blue Lagoon offers a singular Icelandic experience.

The heated seawater originates from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant nearby before getting channeled into the spa's manmade lagoon. Infused with silica, sulfur, and other minerals, the pleasantly warm water ranges from 98 to 104° F. Bathing in these geothermal waters provides soothing relief for skin conditions like psoriasis while also relaxing tired muscles.

As Tina floated weightlessly in the Blue Lagoon's embrace, she felt the tension of months of work stress dissolve. The sun on her face and the water gently kneading her back combined for a blissful release. After repeatedly braving Iceland's mercurial weather during his two week trip, Noah appreciated a chance to unwind in the lagoon's steamy warmth one last time before flying home.

In addition to swimming in the mineral-rich waters, visitors can enhance their Blue Lagoon experience by covering themselves in silica mud. Available free of charge, the white mud contains skin-nourishing minerals like silicon, magnesium, and aluminum. As it dries on your skin, it exfoliates and cleanses. After rinsing off the mud, you emerge with a satisfying glow.

The Blue Lagoon facility thoughtfully provides everything you need to make the most of the waters. Before entering, shower thoroughly with their hair and body products. Then apply the silica mud mask at stations around the lagoon. Let it dry as you wade around before rinsing it off in the water. Reapply as often as you like during your stay. After soaking, replenish yourself with an ice cold beer or beverage at their swim-up bar.

The spa area surrounds the over 7 million liter capacity lagoon with steam rooms, sauna, and waterfall alcoves. Separate areas allow for varied soaking experiences ranging from directly in the 100°F main lagoon to cooler areas in the 80s°F. Try out the different spots and enjoy the freedom of floating where you please.

While the Blue Lagoon gets crowded during peak times, its enormous size means you can always find more secluded areas to soak if desired. The water disperses people naturally with plenty of room. Just arrive early or late to avoid the biggest crowds if tranquility is what you seek.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Hiking Iceland's Volcanoes and Glaciers

For adventurous travelers, few thrills compare to strapping on crampons and trekking across the alien landscapes of Iceland’s icy realm. This frozen empire of massive glaciers, ragged mountains, and active volcanoes beckons the intrepid to explore its raw, dynamic terrain.

Vatnajökull glacier blankets over 8% of Iceland, making it the largest ice cap in Europe. Guided hikes traverse this massive sheet of ice that in places is almost 1 kilometer thick. As Alex discovered on his 5-hour trek, moving across the uneven frozen landscape with its deep crevasses and towering seracs proves both exhilarating and humbling. The chance to witness the glacier’s constantly shifting flows and carved ridges up close evoked Iceland's elemental power.

Meanwhile, Iceland’s chain of active volcanoes offers equally staggering sights, especially when erupting. Hiking tours led Tom and his wife Jackie up sloping ash fields to peer inside the fiery caldera of Grímsvötn, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. Billowing plumes of steam rose from within, hinting at the forces churning below. For Tom, gazing into the heart of the volcano underscored Iceland’s volatility where periodic eruptions continually reshape the land.

Even dormant volcanoes like Snæfellsjökull near the Snaefellsnes peninsula provide spellbinding scenery. The volcanic cone emerges solitary from surrounding plains, its glacier-covered peak soaring 1,446 meters. As Jill’s guide recounted local legends about Snæfellsjökull during their ascent, she couldn’t help visualizing the supernatural tales coming to life amid the mist swirling around the volcanic summit. Reaching the top brought a mix of accomplishment and mysticism.

Visitors seeking a moderately strenuous route opt for a traverse of Eyjafjallajökull, site of the famous 2010 eruption that disrupted European flights. A full day hike navigates its rugged flank, where volcanic debris from past activity crunches underfoot. Landscape views open up as you climb higher, showcasing surrounding mountains and black sand beaches. Experiencing firsthand this volcano’s raw terrain gave Mark newfound appreciation for its disruptive force.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Hopping Around the Westfjords by Camper Van

With its rugged cliffs, sweeping coastal drives, and picturesque fishing villages, the remote Westfjords region of northwestern Iceland offers dramatic scenery ripe for van exploration. Lacking major cities or crowded tourist attractions, the Westfjords provide an opportunity to immerse in Iceland's wild natural beauty at your own pace. Renting a camper van allows maximum flexibility to discover secluded fishing coves, experience Iceland's vibrant culture, and revel in the region's stunning landscapes.

Driving the scenic coastal routes of the Westfjords brings you up close to the area's spectacular cliffs, beaches, and mountains. The winding road from Ísafjörður to Bolungarvík treated Marie to breathtaking vistas of blue ocean fringed by sheer rock faces towering hundreds of meters overhead. She'd pull over frequently to photograph towering birds perched on the cliffs and let the crisp ocean air reinvigorate her. Further north near Drangsnes, Alex was awestruck by the stark beauty of sea stacks rising from the water against a backdrop of mountains. Pulling his camper van down small side roads revealed hidden inlets and waterfalls tumbling down the rocky coastline.

Beyond scenic drives, hopping around the Westfjords by van allows you to immerse in the region's small fishing villages at your own pace. In places like Flateyri, Thingeyri, and Suðureyri, strolling the humble port towns provides a window into Iceland's traditional fishing culture. As Diane wandered the dock at Flateyri, grizzled fishermen mending nets pointed out their boats and shared tales of life harvesting the North Atlantic's chilly waters. She'd replenish herself with coffee and kleina pastries in their cozy cafes before visiting remote towns further up the coast.

With the freedom of a camper van, you can chase perfect light for photographing the Westfjords' beauty. Joshua sought the golden hour's radiance during his late September visit to better capture the area's valleys and roaring waterfalls. His van's mobility let him zigzag the coast capturing sunlight streaming over vivid autumn foliage. Pulling down isolated mountain roads after sunset, he marveled at how the darkness intensified the dazzling dance of the Northern Lights above his camper.

While allowing flexibility, camper vans also provide security during Iceland's temperamental weather. When an unexpected storm rolled in while photographing Rauðasandur's ruby red sands, Sara took shelter in her van for the night. She awoke to find the whole area blanketed in fresh snow that created even more photographic magic. Having her transport, food, and bed all in one place gave peace of mind when exploring off the beaten path.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Experiencing Icelandic History at the National Museum

Delving into Iceland's rich cultural heritage and turbulent past comes alive at Reykjavik's National Museum. As the country's largest museum, it provides an immersive overview of Iceland's history and culture from settlement to today. For history buffs like James, it was an essential first stop to contextualize the rest of his trip.

Galleries showcase viking artifacts, early settlements, and traditional ways of life shaped by the dynamic forces of Iceland's remote North Atlantic location. Hand-carved items like ancient combs, jewelry, and eating utensils provide a tactile glimpse into viking life on the island over 1,000 years ago. Intricate recreations of historic buildings let you envision stepping back in time to Iceland's early settlements and farms.

Understanding how generations carved out an existence in such an extreme environment deepened Brad's appreciation for Icelanders' resilience and ingenuity. Exhibits profiling turf houses, fishing tools, and extreme weather gear illustrated the creative strategies early Icelanders devised to survive and thrive on the island’s harsh terrain.

For Diana, the chance to view originally manuscripts like The Book of Icelanders granted unique insight into how Icelanders viewed their history and mythology. Peering at the ornate medieval pages, she felt a poignant connection to the past learning about epic heroes, feuding clans, and how oral tradition was eventually recorded.

Upstairs, extensive exhibits profile Iceland’s journey to independence and the country's emergence as a modern nation. As Tina wandered through galleries highlighting events like the 2008 financial crisis, she gained fresh perspective on the country's continuous growing pains throughout the 20th century. Photos, newspapers, and video immersed her in seminal moments like the 1975 “Women’s Day Off” strike for gender equality.

Temporary exhibits complement the permanent galleries by showcasing emerging Icelandic artists and cutting-edge multimedia installations. During her visit, Dana was captivated by an exhibit featuring interactive augmented reality. She donned a HoloLens headset to digitally recreate key moments in Iceland’s past like the 1974 volcanic eruption on Heimaey island. Immersed in vivid 3D renderings of actual events, she felt like a time traveler witnessing history firsthand.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Dog Sledding and Glacier Walks with Arctic Adventures

For active travelers seeking thrills, Arctic Adventures offers immersive tours that bring Iceland's breathtaking landscapes to life. Their adventurous excursions showcase the island's stunning terrain through activities like dog sledding across vast glaciers and hiking above thundering waterfalls. With experienced guides providing insight and assistance, Arctic Adventures opens paths into Iceland's majestic wilderness that independent travelers can't easily access alone.

Dog sledding through pristine icy landscapes captures the magic of old world exploration. On Arctic Adventure's 2.5 hour Dogsledding on Langjökull Glacier tour, you'll mush your own sled pulled by a spirited pack of huskies. Whizzing across the glittering white expanse of the glacier as sled dogs eagerly bound through the snow gives you an exhilarating taste of the Arctic. As Evan's guide steered their sled down icy paths, the biting wind and breathtaking vistas of the icy realm passing in a blur felt both terrifying and liberating. Watching the pure joy of the dogs chasing each other across the frozen glacier brought laughter despite the cold.

For a thrilling hike, Arctic Adventure's guided trek on Sólheimajökull Glacier provides stunning views of ice formations while navigating the icy terrain. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, you'll traverse otherworldly terrain filled with chiseled ridges, deep crevasses, and glacial lakes of crystalline blue waters. As her guide showed Lily how to safely cross narrow ledges and climb up icy slopes, she gained deep appreciation for glaciers as living, flowing giants. The stark beauty of the icy world unveiled on the glacier hike awed her. Spotting a glacier calving, causing mini ice avalanches, revealed nature's raw power.

Beyond icy pursuits, Arctic Adventures also leads more family-friendly adventures like their Thorsmörk Valley Super Jeep and Hiking Tour. Bump along in an monster truck through rivers and rocky terrain inaccessible to normal vehicles to reach breathtaking views. Guides share local legends and volcanic geology as you explore the valley's scenic vistas. Hiking through the lush green landscapes surrounded by sweeping mountain slopes and roaring waterfalls filled Miguel with wonder. Holding his daughter close as they stood under billowing Gígjökull glacier satisfied his desire to experience Iceland's majesty with her. Returning home exhausted and dirty felt well worth the memories made.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Uncovering the Chilly Paradise of Cold Hawaii in Iceland - Seeing Puffins and Whales on a Boat Tour

For nature lovers exploring Iceland's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, joining a boat tour to see puffins and whales often proves the ultimate highlight. Cruising out into the open ocean brings you face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. Watching whales surface majestically from the sea and being surrounded by the comic, colorful puffins only found in the North Atlantic creates lifelong memories.

Setting off from Reykjavik's Old Harbor, Captain Magnus expertly navigates his vessel through the bay's choppy waters towards puffin nesting sites on a small island. As the boat slows upon approach, everyone is graced by an explosion of orange, white, and black as hundreds of puffins erupt into flight from their cliffside burrows. Laughter erupts at their clumsy landings on the water and comical, waddling walks on land. Up close, their brightly colored beaks, expressive eyes, and tuxedo-like plumage showcase nature's whimsy. You'll have ample chance to photograph these iconic seabirds found only in this part of the world. Their sheer abundance and proximity fosters an intimate encounter with wildlife that Mary treasures as the highlight of her week in Iceland.

Further out, the quest begins to sight the giants of the sea - whales. With an experienced guide like Captain Magnus scanning the horizon for any trace of their presence, a palpable anticipation builds onboard. Suddenly, a distant blow spray is spotted as a humpback whale surfaces for air. All eyes train on the location, eager for another glimpse of the mammoth mammal beneath the waves. Then, its massive tail fin emerges in a graceful fluke up dive displaying its full size and power. Cameras click rapidly to capture the rare moment. For Jake, observing the intimate motions of the whale's feeding and surfacing awakened a profound sense of connection across the species divide.

As the boat's motors cut, a blue whale's arching back breaks the surface, water cascading down its sides. Viewing the largest animal on earth, an endangered species numbering only in the thousands worldwide, inspires reverence. With breaths held, all patiently wait to see more as the whale dives into the blue depths once again. Minutes pass until finally its tiny dorsal fin reemerges quickly followed by a tremendous splash as the whale breaches fully into the air above the water. Cheers erupt at being gifted this incredibly rare, majestic display. The sheer size and grandeur of blue whales glimpsed in their natural habitat represents for Fiona one of her most treasured travel experiences where photos utterly failed to capture the magic.