Icelandic Adventures My Magical Reykjavik Escape

Some destinations leave an imprint on your heart long after you’ve returned home and Iceland is most definitely one of them. I’ve just come back from a whirlwind trip to Reykjavik before flying to New York, and it was hands down one of the most breathtaking and memorable trips I’ve done

From hiring a car and exploring the Golden Circle at my own pace, to floating *between* tectonic plates in some of the clearest water on Earth, Iceland treated me to constant wonder from beginning to end.

Reykjavik — Colour, Culture & Cool Nordic Vibes

Reykjavik has a charm that instantly wraps around you. Colourful houses, friendly people, and a vibrant food scene create an atmosphere that feels both cosy and full of adventure. I spent my first day wandering along the waterfront, admiring the striking Harpa Concert Hall, and soaking up the views from Hallgrímskirkja, the perfect introduction to this magical island.

Freedom on the Open Road — Driving the Golden Circle

Hiring a car was one of the best decisions of the trip. Iceland’s roads are beautifully maintained, and having the freedom to stop whenever something caught my eye made the whole experience feel wonderfully personal.

The Golden Circle is a showcase of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders:

Þingvellir National Park set the tone with its dramatic landscapes and geological importance.

The Geysir geothermal area brought the excitement, with Strokkur erupting every few minutes in a spectacular burst of steam and power.

And then there was Gullfoss, a waterfall so powerful and mesmerising it silences you the moment you arrive.

Kerið Crater is an ancient volcanic crater filled with vivid blue water. Standing on the rim, looking down at the colourful red and black volcanic rock, felt almost otherworldly. It’s a quick stop, but absolutely worth it.

What I loved most was not rushing. I could pause to admire a frozen lake, watch Icelandic horses posing proudly in the snow, or simply pull over to breathe in the sheer vastness of the scenery.

A Night of Magic: Chasing the Northern Lights

We actually had our first glimpse of the Northern Lights completely by surprise, a soft, pale green glow appearing briefly above our hotel. That little teaser was enough to send us straight into the hire car, determined to find a better vantage point.

A short drive out of the city took us to a darker viewing spot, and before long the lights appeared again, although not as bright this time, gently rippling across the sky.

FlyOver Iceland was a brilliant surprise. This immersive flight simulation takes you soaring across glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastlines. With motion, wind and mist effects, it genuinely feels like flying over the country’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s a fantastic way to connect all the places you’ve seen and even the ones you didn’t manage to visit.

Snorkelling Between Two Continents — A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Snorkelling in the Silfra fissure was something truly extraordinary. The water, filtered through lava for decades, is so clear you can see over 100 metres ahead. Floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is a combination of tranquillity, awe, and a tiny pinch of adrenaline.

Even in a dry suit, the cold takes your breath away at first, but the beauty of the underwater world completely distracts you. It’s calm, almost otherworldly, and absolutely unforgettable.

A Final Stop: The Bridge Between Two Continents

Before heading to the airport, I made one last detour to the Bridge Between Two Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It’s a symbolic footbridge connecting the Eurasian and North American plates, the very forces that shape Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

Standing there, with one foot on each continent, felt like the perfect closing chapter to a trip full of geological wonder. It tied everything together beautifully, from snorkelling in Silfra to exploring Þingvellir and witnessing Iceland’s raw power up close.

Why Iceland Stole My Heart

Iceland engages every sense. It’s visually spectacular, emotionally moving, and filled with natural wonders that simply don’t exist anywhere else. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquillity, or moments that make you stop and stare, Reykjavik and its surrounding landscapes deliver all of it and more.

If you’d like me to help design your own Icelandic adventure from luxury hotels to private tours, self-drive routes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences — I’d love to help craft something truly special.