Road Tripn’ in Iceland

The Northern Lights have been on my bucket list for a while now.  And everything I read and researched and heard was, “If you want to see the Northern Lights, go to Iceland!” So I did.  And I figured, since Im going I might as well explore the country too.  I didn’t know anything about Iceland until I began researching.  Then, I got really excited! So what did I do? I rented a car and planned a road trip in the middle of winter during New Years, and it was amazing! Here are some highlights…

         THE GAME PLAN!

 

GULFOSS WATERFALL

 

The hidden pool of Seljavallalaug is filled with hot spring water, which trickles down from Eyjafjallajökull, that consists of a volcano completely covered by an ice cap.  We had to hike up a mountain and find a hidden trail leading to this pool.  We got lost, but the hike was worth it.  We got to take a dip in this pool and see the sunset. And the best part was we had the pool all to ourselves! If you go, make sure to take flashlights or better yet, a headlamp!  

 

Respecting every moment that came to us, so when we saw that the sun was setting we pulled off to the side of the road and poured a hot cup of coffee to take in the beauty around us, as we listened to a little music.

 

Namafjall Hverir geothermal area makes you feel like you are on Planet X.  The terrain and the scenery are surreal. The cracked ground boasts shades of red, green, yellow, and white and just look at that sky! 

 

According to Icelandic folklore, on New Year’s Eve, it’s necessary to burn away the old year to make room for the new one, hence bonfires throughout the City! It was an awesome place to meet other tourists, drink, talk travel and just have fun.

Bringing in the New Year from Reykjavík! Iceland does fireworks like nowhere I have ever been. Everyone is lighting up fireworks, singing, dancing and of course drinking! It is one big party you will not want to miss!

 

MAKING FRIENDS AT ONE OF THE AIR B&B FARMS 

BLACK DIAMOND BEACH

 

EXPLORING ONE OF THE ICE CAVES NEAR JÖKULSÁRLÓN 

 

SELJALANDSFOSS FALLS

 

HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THIS SUNSET?! THIS WAS AFTER A SNOWMOBILE RIDE ON THE LANGJÖKULL GLACIER, THE 2ND LARGEST GLACIER IN EUROPE. 

 

BE IN LOVE WITH YOUR LIFE. EVERY MINUTE OF IT. 

 

So, as you can probably guess no Northern Lights! Boo!! But, hunting for them, as I explored and adventured throughout this otherworldly country left me with stories and love to last a lifetime. So much so, that I almost (almost) wasn’t super bummed that the Northern Lights did not come out and dance for me! I will be back though!

 

#Dec2017