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About My Trip to Iceland

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My Icelandic adventure began in summer 2018 with a perfect layover at the Blue Lagoon, where soaking in the milky blue geothermal water was the ideal way to unwind after a long flight. In Reykjavik, I explored the Golden Circle, marveling at the dramatic rift valley in Þingvellir National Park, the erupting geysers of Geysir, and the breathtaking views from Hallgrímskirkja Church’s observation deck. Venturing beyond the capital, I took a South Coast tour, where I climbed the ever-changing Sólheimajökull Glacier, drank pure glacial water, and stood in awe of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

In winter 2025, I returned to see Iceland in an entirely new light—literally. The South Coast waterfalls were transformed into frozen wonders, and icy landscapes stretched as far as the eye could see. I took a super jeep tour to the Katla Ice Cave, bouncing over rough terrain before stepping into a world of blue ice and winter magic. Walking on the ice with crampons, navigating icy paths, and seeing the South Coast blanketed in snow made this experience completely different from my summer visit. Whether basking in summer’s midnight sun or winter’s golden light, Iceland’s unique landscapes—glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders—offer unforgettable adventures in any season.

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Experience the magic of Iceland in winter, where breathtaking landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices make for an unforgettable trip. Explore Reykjavik’s highlights, including the Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, and Hallgrimskirkja Church. 

Embark on the famous Golden Circle tour to see Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Venture to Iceland’s South Coast to witness Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the stunning Katla Ice Cave. Encounter Icelandic horses and chase the Northern Lights for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. 

Though winter travel presents challenges like limited daylight and icy conditions, careful planning ensures a smooth and rewarding adventure. Whether exploring glaciers, waterfalls, or charming Reykjavik streets, Iceland in winter is an experience like no other.

Visiting Iceland in winter was an unforgettable experience! I explored Reykjavik’s top sights, including the Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, and Hallgrimskirkja Church. 

I took the famous Golden Circle tour, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area with fewer crowds than in summer. The South Coast was breathtaking, with stops at Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and an incredible Super Jeep ride to the Katla Ice Cave. 

One of the highlights was spotting Icelandic horses up close at a local farm. Of course, no winter trip to Iceland is complete without chasing the Northern Lights—and I got to see one of the best displays of my life! Despite the cold and short daylight hours, Iceland in winter is absolutely magical.

Reykjavik, Keflavik, and the Blue Lagoon

I’ve flown Iceland Air a few times and loved how easy it makes traveling to Iceland and connecting to Europe. One of my favorite features is their stopover program, which lets you explore Iceland without adding to your airfare. During my flights, I’ve experienced both their wide-body Boeing 767 and the newer 737 Max, each offering a comfortable and modern onboard experience. 

Arriving at Keflavik Airport, I’ve used both the Blue Lagoon transfer and the FlyBus to get to Reykjavik, making the journey smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s summer or winter, flying Iceland Air is always a convenient and memorable part of my travels.

I arrived at Iceland’s Keflavik Airport at 8 am after an eight-hour flight. I was tired and sore and looking for activities until I could check into my hotel. Luckily, the Blue Lagoon was located between the airport and Reykjavik, so I decided to make a stop.

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with geothermally heated waters. Many tour companies offer packages that include transportation from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and then on to your hotel. Because I arrived early, there were not many people there.

I was able to store my luggage for a fee and headed towards the entrance. The water was warm and perfect for relaxing after a long flight. I swam in the lagoon and explored the waterfalls, steam rooms, and swim-up bar. 

After about 45 minutes, I got out to take pictures. I realized I had forgotten to rent a towel, so I quickly went to the amenities store and rented one. I then continued to explore the lagoon and took a break in the steam room.

Even though the Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap, I am glad I visited. It was a great way to relax and spend the morning after a long flight.

I stayed at a hotel called the City Center Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was centrally located and affordable, which was exactly what I was looking for. Even though the room was on the small side, it had everything I needed for my stay, including a private bathroom. 

The hotel was also kind enough to store my luggage after I checked out since my flight didn’t leave until after midnight. Just a heads up, though: be prepared for the hot water to have a strong sulfur smell – that’s just how it is in Iceland!

I visited the Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is the largest church in Iceland and the tallest building in Reykjavik. The church was designed to resemble Iceland’s landscape. There is a large pipe organ with 5,275 pipes inside the church.

I paid 1,000 ISK ($7.25) to go up to the observation deck of the Hallgrímskirkja Church. There is an elevator that takes visitors most of the way to the top, but the last few floors involve walking up some very steep and narrow steps. The climb was difficult, but the view from the top was amazing. I could see colorful houses, a cruise ship in port, the Harpa Concert Hall, the Reykjavik Regional Airport, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Even though most of the popular tourist sights in Iceland are outside of Reykjavik, I recommend spending time in the city and visiting the Hallgrímskirkja Church. You don’t need a tour to go up to the observation deck.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most iconic and popular tours, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it twice—once in the lush warmth of summer and again in the icy magic of winter. The tour takes you to three unforgettable destinations: Þingvellir National Park, where you can stand between two tectonic plates; the awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall, with its powerful cascades; and the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the erupting Strokkur Geyser. Each season offers a unique perspective, from vibrant greenery and long daylight hours in summer to frozen landscapes and serene quiet in winter.
 

Both visits offered something special. In summer, I marveled at clear views, accessible paths, and the lively atmosphere, while in winter, I found myself enchanted by snow-dusted vistas and the peacefulness of fewer crowds. Each stop felt like a new adventure, from walking along the icy rift valley at Þingvellir to standing in awe of Gullfoss’s partially frozen falls. With bonus stops that included a horse farm and a fault-line shopping mall, each tour was filled with unexpected delights. Whether you visit in summer or winter, the Golden Circle is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Join me as I explore Iceland’s Golden Circle during two unforgettable trips—one in the vibrant summer and another in the serene, snowy winter. This video showcases the contrasting beauty of Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area across two distinct seasons.

Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter adventure, this video highlights the unique experiences each season offers, from lush landscapes and endless daylight to quiet, snowy vistas and magical short days

South Coast

I’ve visited Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls twice—once in the summer and again in the winter—and each experience was unforgettable. In summer, the lush greenery, vibrant rainbows, and accessible paths made Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss breathtaking. Winter, on the other hand, brought serene snowy landscapes, frozen icicles, and smaller crowds, though some paths, like the one behind Seljalandsfoss, were closed. 

The seasons also offered unique add-ons: a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull in summer and an awe-inspiring visit to the Katla Ice Cave in winter. 

While summer boasts long daylight hours and mild weather, winter’s golden light and peaceful atmosphere have their own charm. No matter the season, these waterfalls are a must-see for any Iceland adventure!

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to visit Iceland’s South Coast waterfalls twice—once in the lush summer and again in the snowy winter. In this video, I compare Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, showcasing how these breathtaking waterfalls transform with the seasons. Summer offers long daylight hours, vibrant greenery, and the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, while winter brings fewer crowds, frozen landscapes, and magical sunrise lighting. 

Each season has its own unique challenges, from crowds in summer to icy paths in winter, but both provide an unforgettable experience. I also share bonus adventures, like a glacier hike in summer and an ice cave tour in winter, plus an unexpected Northern Lights show on my way back to Reykjavik. 

Visiting the Katla Ice Cave in winter was an unforgettable experience. Accessible only by a guided tour with a super jeep, the journey through Iceland’s rugged South Coast was an adventure in itself. Once at the cave, I explored its shimmering ice walls and captured stunning photos both inside and of the surrounding winter wonderland.

 Though smaller than it appears in pictures, the beauty of the Katla Ice Cave and the dramatic glacier landscape made the long, bumpy ride well worth it. If you’re planning to visit, I recommend combining it with other South Coast highlights like the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or the iconic waterfalls for a full day of Icelandic exploration.

Visiting the Katla Ice Cave in winter was an unforgettable experience. Located near Vik, this Icelandic ice cave is accessible only by super jeep, requiring an adventurous off-road journey across rugged terrain. Once there, I strapped on crampons and a helmet before stepping inside the breathtaking cave, which is smaller than it appears in photos but just as stunning. 

The surrounding Kötlujökull glacier and vast winter landscape were just as mesmerizing as the cave itself. If you’re planning a South Coast Iceland tour, I highly recommend pairing the Katla Ice Cave tour with a visit to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or the region’s famous waterfalls for a full day of adventure.

Hiking the Sólheimajökull Glacier was one of the most unforgettable adventures of my trip to Iceland. As a beginner, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with the right gear and a knowledgeable guide, the experience was both accessible and exhilarating. 

Walking on volcanic ash-streaked ice, filling my water bottle with glacial melt, and learning about the glacier’s constantly shifting landscape made this hike truly special. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a glacier, I can confidently say, yes, you can climb a glacier in Iceland! It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.