Winter in Iceland

Finally able to reminisce about our adventure in Iceland. What a wonderful experience! So many people have asked me first, why Iceland and second, why now? My best friend and I LOVE to travel. We both have been longing to see the Northern Lights and the best time to go is in the winter. With my Chase Sapphire card points, I was able to get us roundtrip tickets on Icelandair for $250 each. The tickets were cheaper because it's a lower tourist season.

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So our initial flight was canceled, which was actually fantastic because otherwise, we would have missed several opportunities including the Northern Lights boat trip and the South Coast route.

We booked all our tours on our own before arriving so that we had a pretty full schedule. We decided to go for about 7 days (2 days for travel and the rest for touring the country). It was the perfect amount of time although I'd love to return in the summer for a couple days.

Here's our itinerary - everything was shifted though due to the flight cancellation so unfortunately we missed the Golden Coast tour - just another excuse to go back ;):

We stayed at 22 Hill Hotel for the majority - I liked that it included breakfast each morning, which helped cut down on costs, but it wasn't my favorite place to stay. The rooms were pretty cramped. Our last night we stayed at Storm Hotel, which we both loved. It also included breakfast and was overall a prime location when it came to exploring downtown and transportation pickup.

And now to breakdown our trip -

Day 1: Despite the hiccup of a trip delay, we made it and jumped right into our glacier hike. Good thing we're both doctors, trained to run on adrenaline. Equipped with crampons, pick-axes, and harnesses, we spent almost 3 hours traversing the fissures of Iceland's glaciers. We learned about how much climate change has melted the area as well.

We got soaked by the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls but quickly warmed up with a delicious Icelandic feast. Finally, despite every geothermal measurement arguing against the possibility, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the Northern Lights.

Day 2: We relaxed at the Blue Lagoon with silica mud masks and strawberry prosecco, spelunking in ice caves and enjoying delicious meals from the top of the Perlan dome. It was the best Galentine's day celebration <3

Day 3: Could not have asked for better weather as we rode through the picturesque countryside atop the majestic Icelandic horses (not ponies). It was our first time experiencing the unique tölt gait these animals are known and revered for around the world.

Day 4: All our tours were shifted around so we did the South Coast tour on this day, traveling to the Solheimajokull glacier and Black Sand Beach with its basalt rocks. We visited the town of Vik and got to see the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls again. Fun fact - several of these locations can be found in film scenes from Star Wars, Interstellar, Game of thrones, and Captain America just to name a few.

Our boat tour was rescheduled for Day 4 and I am so thankful it was! All the stars aligned (literally the solar flares lined up with a clear night sky and we were surrounded by complete darkness).

On our last night I became an amateur photographer armed with my Sony Alpha 55, lots of luck and the incredible Aurora Borealis.

Day 5: Our final day was spent exploring Reykjavik's most famous landmarks. These included the Harpa concert hall with its distinct glass windows, the skeletal looking Sun Voyager ship, the austere Hallgrimskirkja church, and, of course, the delicious Braud & Co cinnamon rolls. If only I could share smells with you virtually too.

I also discovered the amazingly warm Icewear brand:

Check them out on Amazon!

So if you're filled with wanderlust like us and looking for a fun, low cost adventure, definitely consider Iceland in the winter :)

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