Eager to visit the land of fire and ice? Vicky recounts her stay.
It’s hard to believe that a place like Iceland, where all the photos show impossibly blue waters and towering geysers, could live up to its reputation – but it absolutely delivered.
Known for its waterfalls, geothermal spas, and national parks, Iceland’s all wild but easily accessible. You just turn the corner, and there’s another amazing sight waiting for you.
Many people dream of visiting Iceland, and for good reason. From the Northern Lights to the stark, rugged landscape, the country has so much to offer, and you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime visit with help from one of our Oyster pearls.
Read more about my trip below – and if you want to receive bespoke recommendations or simply find out more, feel free to reach out to me directly.
My Iceland travel guide: staying in Reykjavik
If you’re searching for a good base, look no further than Reykjavik – especially if it’s your first time in Iceland. It’s very well-organised there and easy to get around without a car. Buses from the airport make stops across the city, connecting to the main bus station for tours, so you won’t have to stress about transport.
There are a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, and it’s full of independent shops and eateries.
Top tip
If you want to get to know the city quickly, and enjoy some fantastic local cuisine in the process, I’d get booked onto a local food tour.
We did this on our first night in Reykjavik, and visited some of the spots again later in the trip because they were that good. One of my favourite foods was an authentic Icelandic rye bread ice cream – trust me!
Our Northern Lights trip
Painting the sky with ethereal streaks of red, green, light blue, and purple, the Northern Lights draw visitors from all over the world. They are most visible from late summer to spring under clear skies, and are steeped in local folklore and legends.
Eager to see them ourselves, we took the boat out from Reykjavik, about a 10-minute walk from our hotel. We were able to catch glimpses of them from the harbour itself, but the boat takes you out into pure darkness.
Watching the brilliant lights shift through the sky was a truly unforgettable experience. There were expert guides on board who helped everyone adjust their phone cameras to capture them, but there was actually no need – the aurora was so bright, you could see it with the naked eye.
To give you the best shot at seeing the Northern Lights, it’s a good idea to book a tour for your first night in Iceland, so if you don’t see them, you can rebook later during your stay. If you miss out on seeing the lights, most tours offer a free rebooking, so don’t stress too much!
Watching the brilliant lights shift through the sky was a truly unforgettable experience.
Which is better: Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?
You can’t visit Iceland without taking a dip in the geothermal springs. The Blue Lagoon is the most well-known, thanks to the striking blue waters and the therapeutic effects of the hot springs. We had originally booked the Blue Lagoon, but as can happen in Iceland, a volcanic eruption meant temporary closure – lava had reached the car park!
Instead, we diverted and booked the Sky Lagoon, and we weren’t disappointed. It’s quieter than the Blue Lagoon, and it felt a bit more special and secluded.
The rugged natural landscape and panoramic views were absolutely stunning, with infinity pools overlooking the bay and different zones you can explore. With access to the sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge, we were in heaven.
Sightseeing tours
If you like to pack plenty of activities into your holiday – like I do – you won’t want to miss out on the sightseeing tours. Our itinerary included the South Island tour, with waterfalls and black sand beaches, and the Golden Circle tour.
The Golden Circle is definitely one for the Iceland bucket list. The Thingvellir National Park boasts deep gorges, soaring cliffs, and the largest lake in Iceland. Located between two tectonic plates, the rift that shapes the geology of the park runs through the whole of Iceland.
The Gullfoss waterfall was particularly incredible. Located in a picturesque valley, these massive falls felt so immense and powerful.
We saw a rainbow over the falls, formed by the mist from the water, which was just magical.
Top three highlights
1. The Northern Lights, without a doubt
It was one of those experiences I’ll never forget, and we were lucky enough to see them on our first night.
2. The streets of Reykjavik
They were beautiful – you can go up to the local church for the highest viewpoint and look out across the colourful buildings and rooftops. Everywhere you go is stunning.
3. The waterfalls
You have to experience them in person: the waterfalls are some of the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world. You’re climbing on ice, standing near these huge falls. It’s not scary, but it’s definitely exhilarating.
The best month to travel to Iceland
November proved ideal for our visit, giving us perfect conditions for all the sightseeing we’d planned. For that authentic winter atmosphere, the best times to visit are generally November through December or February through March. January offers excellent deals, but the weather tends to be unpredictable, so you’ll need flexibility in case trips need to be rescheduled or cancelled.
Who should visit?
If you love breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural wonders, Iceland is for you.
My top tips
Make sure to take crampons with you that fit over your shoes for extra grip near waterfalls, and a decent scarf or balaclava for extra warmth.
If you’re comfortable driving, hiring a car is the way to go. You’ll have more flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each site.
Take the time to explore outside Reykjavik if you can, exploring the country’s more remote landscapes.
How to get there
There are multiple options for travelling to Iceland from the UK.
You can fly direct from many UK airports – Start your adventure with Oyster Travel
Make the most of all the incredible scenery and surprises an Iceland holiday has to offer by having the planning taken care of for you. When you book with Oyster Travel, we can help organise a jam-packed itinerary tailored to your exact needs.
To find out more about exploring the natural wonders of Iceland, get in touch with Vicky, or another of our Oyster pearls today.
