ICELAND

Iceland is an amazing wonderful country full of people that are so nice. Everywhere they speak English, so don't be concerned about a language barrier. Rent a car! Its so much easier than trying to figure out tour companies that can take you everywhere you want to go. And what if you want to stop at one of the many little cafes?? Can't do it on a tour bus! Getting around is really simple. Have a map or your GPS ready.

Must See/Do List at the Bottom! 

Snorkeling in Thingvellir

Thingvellir is a huge national park about an hour outside of Reykjavik. Here you can snorkel or scuba dive in between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. Book ahead of time. I used Artic Adventures. They provided everything. I only need to 1) know how to swim and 2) wear leggings and a tshirt or long sleeve underneath. They give you the "teddy bear" suit and then the waterproof or dry suit to wear. As well as snorkel/mask, head wrap, gloves, and fins. There is a guide that is with you the entire time if you need anything. 

The water was 2 degrees Celsius or 35 degrees F, aka FREAKING COLD. however you honestly don't feel it, other than in your hands. Your entire body is warm and dry. You snorkel for about an hour and there is a current so really you don't have to swim much until the very end. 

It is a wonderful experience and one that I will be talking about for ages. 

My new best friend

Icelandic ponies. I'm doing everything in my power to get my dad and Jason to let me have one, but so far not so good. I literally stopped on the side of the road with these other ladies and snuggled up next to this guy. The ponies are super friendly and lovely. This one did give me a kiss on the face. So we are best friends clearly. I really wish I would have rode one, but with only 2 days, there is only so much you can do. When I finally convince everyone to let me have them, I'll let yall come ride :) 

Gullfoss 

The Golden Circle is a beautiful drive. Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir are part of the Golden Circle that I made it to this trip. Gullfoss is a waterfall as you see above. Its about an hour drive from the Thingvellir Information Center (where you can get coffee), don't confuse it with the Visitor Center (no food). There are stairs that will take you above on the hill to get better photos if you want them. 

Geysir

Geysir is on the way back from Gullfoss headed toward Thingvellir. This is the original Geysir that all geysirs are named for. It erupts every 10-15 minutes with no warning. Good luck trying to get a photo. It could take a while. 

Blue Lagoon

The touristy destination of all tourist destinations. Blue Lagoon. A thermal spa about an hour outside of Reykjavik or 15 minutes from Keflevik. The water is 35-40 degrees C or 80-100 degrees F. You get a complimentary mud mask. If you upgrade to premium like I did, you get an algea mask too. As well as a bathrobe, towel and flip flops. I stole the flip flops :) but my bathrobe was taken from me while I was in the water. 

Black Sand Beach at Vik

Black Sand Beach at Vik 

This was astounding. I drove 3 hours after Blue Lagoon in a snowstorm for this view and I was not disappointed. The black sand is small pebbles. The wall above is whats left standing from a huge mountainside. There is no land between iceland and Antarctica (directly) so the Atlantic waves constantly beat against them. The waves are serious and there are "police" that will not let you near them. Several people have died because of getting into the water and not being able to get out again due to the current. Puffins (birds) use this place as their nesting sites during their season, so at times you won't be able to see it. 

Its beautiful, majestic and powerful. 

Skogafoss 

Another waterfall on the South Coast drive (from Reykjavik to Vik). As you can tell from the photo it was pouring down the snow. Its right on the drive, you can't miss it and only a short walk to the falls. You can walk up on the top of it, for other pictures as well. 

Hallgrimskirkja and Leif Erikson Statue

Son Statue 

Remains from Viking Settlement in 871

Reykjavik. Its a wonderful city full or random city art and history. Firstly stop at the church above and see it. Its the biggest church in Iceland. The Lief Erikson statue was placed there as a present from the U.S. government. Lief was the first person to explore what is now the U.S. 

Next see the skeleton of a Viking Warship. Its a beautiful piece of art. 

Finally the Reykjavik Settlement Museum, shows a lot of history as well as part of an original settlement from 871. Or do what I did, get there too late and see the glass box on the city street. 

Must See/Do

1. Thingvellir National Park
2. Vik Black Sand Beaches
3. Blue Lagoon
4. Icelandic Ponies
5. Skogafoss
6. Gullfoss 
7. Geysir
8. Reykjavik City Center