Crews In The Wild

In September/October 2024, I traveled to Iceland for my yearly out of the country trip. My goal was to see the northern lights and travel around the parameter of Iceland. This trip I found a travel itinerary from an Instagram influencer who lives in Iceland and plans itineraries for people. I knew I wanted to do multiple things and see several places, but I didn’t want to overwhelm myself by doing the planning on my own. The influencer I used was icelandwithaview. Her map provided detailed lodging, food, gas, and site recommendations. This post isn’t going to include the cost breakdown of where stayed but I will provide the cost for my excursions. I booked my excursions through GetYourGuide. Its an app that shows activity options in whatever area you’re staying in.

Day 1 after a long day spent traveling to Reykjavik, I booked a spa day at Sky Lagoon. The experience cost $78 and had a 7-step spa ritual. Before entering the lagoon everyone has to shower to protect the lagoon. When you get into the lagoon the water is really hot and they have pools of varying temperatures. After leaving the pool, you can do a cold plunge. Then proceed to the sauna room, cool off in the mist room, exfoliate with a body scrub, relax in the steam room, and finally finish off with a juice called kraekiber. While in the lagoon I ended up talking to a group of women from Europe who were on a girls trip. We did the seven step ritual together. We ended up exchanging instagrams at the end. They offered to take my photos, and we shared stories about our lives. This is always my favorite part of solo travel meeting new people.

After the spa ritual, I had booked a horseback ride through lava fields. Looking back on it I probably shouldn’t have done the horseback ride right after a spa day, but I didn’t think it through because I wanted to jam so much in my trip. The ride is 1.5 – 2 hours long. You get to explore the rocks, flora and fauna in the area. This excursion cost $125 back in 2024.

Day 2 I spent some time exploring in Thingvellir National Park before my snorkeling adventure. I did a boardwalk trail then it took me up a paved area where I had a beautiful waterfall view. Not many people were out that morning because it was still pretty early.

After I met up at the meeting point to go snorkeling. This was my first time snorkeling, and I would be swimming in between the Silfra Fissure. If you don’t have a go pro that’s fine. The guide takes photos of the group, and this is included in the price of the excursion. The total cost is $147 per person. It was definitely worth it and so much fun. The water is freezing cold though. It is consistently 35-39 degrees F all year long. Don’t worry though they provide all the needed snorkeling equipment to stay warm. After you’re done snorkeling they give out complimentary hot chocolate.

After snorkeling, I travelled to Bruarfoss Waterfall. This waterfall was insanely blue. There is an option to park and walk a 5 minute walk to the waterfall or you can hike to it from an alternate route. Then I travelled to Geysir Geothermal Area to look at geothermal mud pools.

Day 2 was pretty jam packed with lots of sightseeing. I went to Gullfoss Waterfall. This waterfall is very popular in the Golden Circle. Then I travelled to Kerid Crater to see the 3,000 year old volcanic crater. The walk around the rim takes about 30ish minutes then you can walk down to the water at the bottom if you want.

Day 3 I saw my favorite waterfall out of all the waterfalls in Iceland. To say I’m obsessed with it is an understatement. This waterfall had me grinning like a Cheshire Cat. The words that came of my mouth when I saw this waterfall were, “God you’re wild and incredible.” His creation always makes me squeal with joy at the beauty of it. The blast from the water was incredible. Be prepared to wear a rain jacket and waterproof pants because you will get blasted with water. You can walk behind the falls as well.

I then travelled to Skogafoss. This massive waterfall is seen all over social media. It is very busy and packed with lots of people. There is an option to hike to the top of the waterfall. At the top there is a gate that leads to another trail that shows more waterfalls. There are quite a few sheep on this trail. When I got back to my rental car I was able to see a beautiful rainbow.

Afterward I travelled to Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara. This is a beautiful black sand beach and basalt columns. There is also a rock arch in the ocean you can view as well. Don’t swim at this beach the currents here are very strong and many people have died from it.

While in Vik, I did an ice cave tour. The tour went through Katla Ice Cave. You’ll travel to Myrdalsjokull glacier via a high clearance Super Jeep. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to the glacier. This place is really interesting because it’s a glacier on top of a volcano. The ice and volcanic ash are mixed together. The guide provides you with a hard hat and crampons to walk inside the ice cave. There is also an opportunity to chip off some ice as well with an ice pick.

Day 4 I drove to Fjadrargljufur. This is a huge river canyon with a flat path to walk along the way.

Then I travelled to Skaftafell National Park. There are multiple hiking trails here. I hiked to Svartifoss, a basalt column waterfall. It takes about an hour and half to hike this round trip.

I ended the day at Jokulsarlon. This is a popular glacier lagoon where icebergs float in the water. I saw this all over social media so be prepared for lots of people if you go here. Also wear lots of layers the temperature dropped drastically when I got here. It was so cold that I was so covered up the only thing you could see were my eyes. While I was there I explored Diamond Beach. I attempted to stand on one of the chunks of ice which failed miserably. Enjoy the pics of me failing epically trying to stand on a slab of ice. I decided to sit on it instead and freeze my butt off. In addition, I traveled to Fjalllsarlon. This glacier lagoon is way less popular but just as beautiful. If you want to avoid the crowds I would definitely hit this place up.

Day 5 I travelled to Stokksnes. This is a beautiful black sand beach with an iconic mountain backdrop. Just a heads up the wind here is insane. There were wind advisory signs in multiple spots.

After I made a couple of scenic stops to see a lighthouse, mountain ranges, and a waterfall. When traveling around the Iceland there are multiple spots like this that aren’t far from the main road.

I ended the day hiking to Hengifoss. This waterfall hike takes about 3 hours to complete. I ended seeing a rainbow I was there and captured it in some of my pictures.

That night I went out to see if I could catch a peek of the northern lights. I have an app called Aurora tracker that shows when the lights are at their peak in your area and the best viewing time. The most important thing to be able to see these lights is getting away from light pollution. That means getting away from the city and avoiding street lights. The first time I saw them they were vibrant green. It was incredible. I was mesmerized because this has always been on my bucket list. It was one of those moments where you’re like is this really happening right now.

Day 6 I travelled to Dettifoss. This waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe flowing from the Vatnajokull glacier. You can feel the mist from the platform as the waterfall is beating down. While you’re there you can also visit Selfoss Waterfall. The trail was very slippery. It had gotten below freezing the night before and multiple spots on the trail were covered in a layer of ice. The metal platform was especially slick because of this. There were several types I absolutely ate it and fell down on the ground. Looking back I wish I had my crampons so I would have better traction.

Then I drove to Hverir to see the geothermal area with sulfur mud pots and steam vents. Be warned the stench of sulfur hits you as soon as you step out of your car. It intensifies the closer you get but this is still a really cool area to visit. It is a popular tourist destination so be ready for several people.

If you’re interested in more geothermal areas, there is a small underground cave filled with clear blue hot geothermal water. No swimming is allowed here.

After I travelled to Dimmuborgir, a large lava field. There are multiple hiking trails in the area. The foliage is really interesting here. Plus it’s not crowded here unlike some of the other sites in Iceland.

I ended the day visiting Godafoss. The waterfall translates to waterfall of the gods. Its shape is similar to a horseshoe. This waterfall was insanely blue, and it’s a popular destination to visit.

Day 7 I had stayed in Akureyri the night before so I could go on a whale watching tour. I saw multiple whales on this boat ride. It was a ton of fun but very cold so be sure to wear layers. It was a 3 hour boat ride. The ride cost $107 and included facts about all the different whales in the area.

After freezing on the boat, I stretched my legs and went to see a waterfall canyon called Kolugljufur.

That night the northern light radar said the lights were supposed to be really strong that night. I spent the night chasing northern lights. The radar was correct because the lights were spectacular, and I was able to see multiple colors.

Day 8 was spent in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I went to see the crown jewel of the area. Kirkjufell is seen all over Instagram when referring to places to visit in Iceland. It is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. When you see it you’ll understand. This view is magical and deserves to be shared with others.

Afterwards I visited Skardsvik, a white sand beach, and Saxholl, a volcanic crater. To reach the top of Saxholl you walk up a staircase to the rim. Also it is pretty windy here as well.

Then I visited Djupalonssandur, a black pebble beach. This beach has the remains of an old fishing vessel. Once you get to the beach if you look to your right there is another trail that leads further into this old fishing village. There is also a section where you can test your strength on the trail by lifting heavy stones. The stones ranged from 50 lbs to 340 lbs. 50 pounds is considered weakling, and 340 pounds is considered full strong.

At the end of the day I visited two more spots, Londrangar and Malariff Lighthouse. Londrangar shows the remnants of volcanic basalt columns sticking out from the ocean.

This was my last night to see the northern lights before working my way back to Reykjavik. I was able to see a good light show while staying in Hellnar.

Day 9 I visited the Gatklettur arch and hiked through a lava field near Budir. The views from the arch were beautiful as I got to see the sun start to creep up.

My final stop before arriving back in Reykjavik was Gerduberg Cliffs. It is 1,640 feet of basalt columns standing in a row.

Once back in Reykjavik I visited the Perlan. It is a natural history museum that shows the wonders of Iceland. They have several exhibits showcasing ice caves, glaciers, northern lights, volcanoes, and the wildlife. I really enjoyed this museum and definitely recommend visiting if you have a relaxed day in Reykjavik planned.

I spent my last night in Reykjavik walking around the city. Also before I left I had to try fermented shark and Brennivin. It is a traditional food there, and I can’t resist trying local food. The shark is shaped into little cubes. You chew it for a little bit then take a shot of Brennivin to get rid of the taste of the fermented shark. Honestly the fermented shark was gross; it tasted like ammonia. To this day my grandmother thinks I’m nuts for trying this food. We’re talking about the same woman who wants nothing to with seafood. She literally balks at the mention of shrimp so when I told her I ate this you can imagine the repulsed look she gave me.

Thank you for coming along with me on another once in a lifetime trip. Now don’t ask me to pronounce the names of these places. My southern accent can’t take it. I can barely pronounce Reykjavik. See y’all on the next adventure.

Yours truly,

Crews In The Wild