To grasp the harmonious interplay of nature's five core elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—one must experience Iceland's breathtaking landscapes. Here, each element is vividly showcased, from volcanic mountains and cascading waterfalls to vast glaciers and windswept plains, creating an inspiring and diverse ecosystem. My journey there was more than just a trip; it was an unforgettable experience that profoundly touched my soul. As I explored its breathtaking landscapes, from fiery volcanoes to icy glaciers and serene waterfalls, I witnessed nature in its most pristine and preserved state. This is my travel story of discovering the raw and untouched beauty of Iceland.
As an avid traveler and travel photographer, Iceland had always been a dream destination for me. This was our first trip to Iceland, a journey we'd been planning for months. My wife meticulously organized every detail of the itinerary, so I had little involvement in the planning process. My role truly began once we landed—picking up our rental car and hitting the road to explore the breathtaking landscapes. Iceland has always been a dream destination for me, and now I was about to experience its mesmerizing beauty firsthand, fulfilling a long-held wish.
Unlike any other journey, my Iceland adventure began the moment we neared our destination. The excitement started not when we set foot on the ground, but when the flight crew announced our arrival at Keflavik. Glancing out of the airplane window, I was met with a stunning panorama of volcanic mountains, their rugged beauty set against the vast Icelandic sky. This breathtaking view immediately filled us with anticipation for the road trip that lay ahead. We landed at Keflavik around 4 PM, and before long, we were all set with our rental car, and ready to start, what promised to be an extraordinary journey through the land of fire and ice.
On the day of our arrival, we took some time to explore the charming town of Keflavik, absorbing the unique atmosphere of this coastal hub. From there, we headed towards the iconic Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring renowned for its mineral-rich, milky-blue waters. Relaxing in the warm embrace of the lagoon was the perfect way to unwind and prepare ourselves for the adventures to come. After a rejuvenating soak, we made our way to the starting point of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano hike. Unfortunately, due to recent volcanic activity, the trail was temporarily closed, so we were only able to explore the surrounding areas, catching glimpses of the remarkable landscape shaped by the forces of nature.
As the day drew to a close, we drove to Reykjavík, where we spent the night, eager to begin our 7-day road trip across Iceland’s stunning landscapes. The journey ahead promised to be filled with inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences, and we couldn’t wait to get started.
The next morning, we were all set to explore the renowned Golden Circle, with an exciting itinerary ahead. Our plan was to visit Thingvellir National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and historic significance, followed by the bubbling Geysir, the powerful Gullfoss Falls, the vibrant Kerid Crater, and a stop at Selfoss. Our journey would then take us to Hella, our resting spot for the next two nights. Covering all these sites in a day was ambitious, but the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. When we finally reached Hella late in the evening, the sun was still glowing on the horizon, showcasing one of the best aspects of Icelandic summer—the endless daylight. The following day, we had plans to explore Gljufrabui, the Eyjafjallajökull Info Point, Sólheimajökull Glacier, and the dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The long daylight hours made it perfect for maximizing our exploration and soaking in every bit of Iceland’s beauty.
Our next destination was Höfn, a picturesque town on Iceland's Southeast coast. On our way, we explored the stunning Skaftafell National Park and the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We spent much of the day at Jökulsárlón, captivated by its floating icebergs, and then marveled at the enchanting Diamond Beach, where glistening ice chunks lay scattered on the black sand. After a day of breathtaking sights, we finally arrived in Höfn and settled into our stay for the night.
Continuing our journey along Iceland’s Ring Road, we soaked in the stunning coastal views of the Southeast, with dramatic ocean vistas and majestic mountain ranges. Our next stop was Egilsstaðir, a charming town nestled along the Lagarfljót river in Iceland’s scenic Eastern region, offering tranquility and natural beauty.
Before reaching our final stop in Akureyri, we visited some of Northern Iceland's most remarkable sites, including the enchanting Fardagafoss waterfall, the powerful Dettifoss, the otherworldly geothermal area of Hverir, and the serene Mývatn Lake. Along the way, we were captivated by numerous hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes. The Northern region’s dramatic beauty kept us in awe. On our last day, we took a scenic drive along the highway back to Reykjavík, enjoying the ever-changing landscapes, before heading to Keflavík by midnight to catch our flight home, concluding our unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Although words can hardly capture the emotions we experienced during our trip to Iceland, the true essence of this breathtaking land can only be felt in person. Seven days were simply too short to explore the vast and diverse landscapes that Iceland has to offer. Each moment was a discovery, yet it left us longing for more. We concluded our first visit with a promise to return, eager to delve deeper into the land of the five elements and experience its wonders more fully, the Icelandic way. This journey was just the beginning of many more to come.
|| BEST TIME TO VISIT ||
Due to Iceland's cold climate for much of the year, The ideal time to visit Iceland is during the summer, particularly in June, July, and August. These months offer the best conditions for exploration, with warm temperatures and the mesmerizing midnight sun providing extended daylight hours. This allows you to comfortably journey to any part of the island and fully appreciate its stunning landscapes. However, if you're looking to experience Iceland's true essence, you can't ignore the magic of its winters. As the temperatures drop, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing a completely different side of Iceland. For those eager to witness the Northern Lights, February, March, and September to October are the prime months for this inspiring spectacle.
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Hemant Singh Sikarwar ( Travel Photographer )
Preeti Bangarwa (Co. Partner)
