Iceland: 5 Things I Learned
by Michael Bennett, Ed.D. | Co-Founder of Explorer X
In September, I spent 8 days exploring Iceland with my friend and mentor, Dr. Don Mankin. Having had the opportunity to explore Iceland a bit back in 2019, I was excited to revisit some of the locations I previously been to and check out regions and properties that I had missed the first time around. During our adventures there, we stopped by the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon, visited the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (including Stykkishólmur, one of my favorite little villages in Iceland), explored the South Coast, adventured into the Highlands region, and had a chance to experience the north, including towns such as Siglufjördur and Akureyri.
To set the stage for those who may be new to Iceland, it is a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Norway. Iceland is a land of stark contrasts: Its dramatic landscapes range from towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains to active volcanoes and geothermal wonders, and is home to diverse wildlife, including whales, puffins, and arctic foxes. Iceland's unique geography and climate offer a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and glacier trekking to whale watching and exploring ice caves. The capital city, Reykjavik, is a vibrant cultural hub with a thriving arts scene, world-class cuisine, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Last but not least, Iceland's rich history and mythology are deeply intertwined with its natural environment through folklore, traditional music, and tales of ancient sagas.
Unsurprisingly, Iceland did not disappoint. Here are 5 things I learned (or re-learned) during my time in this beautiful country.
Iceland is nature on an epic scale.
From dramatic mountainscapes to stunning cliffs, black sand beaches, erupting volcanoes, underground lava tubes, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, Iceland really is nature at its finest. Some of our favorite spots to visit include:
– Kirkjufell Mountain
– Vatnshellir Lava Tunnel
– Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls
– Reykjadalur Thermal Hot Springs River
– The mountains in the north near Siglufjörður
– The rivers and glaciers of the Highlands
And that’s ignoring the Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon, and other more famous place to visit.
It’s surprisingly easy to get around Iceland on your own.
We rented a car and hit the road upon our arrival at Keflavik International Airport, and found getting around to be surprisingly easy. The roads are well cared for, signage is easy to follow/understand, and cell service is generally quite good, so you’ll have reliable access to Google Maps and similar apps. In most countries, we recommend having a driver-guide when finances allow – they add tremendous value and can point out places and people you would have otherwise missed while relieving the stress of driving in a foreign country. In Iceland, however, having a driver-guide is nice but not as necessary.
Note: If you do self-drive, be mindful of the hidden cameras that capture your speed; you will get a ticket if they catch you driving too fast (speaking from personal experience).
Sprinkle in some private tours to enhance your experience in Iceland.
While the epic nature of the landscape offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and reflection, I’d strongly recommend adding a few privately guided experiences to enhance your time in Iceland. Some of our favorites include:
– Spending an evening learning all about the Northern Lights with a local astronomer
– Going on a privately guided glacier walk and exploring ice caves
– Enjoying a special lunch on a local farm prepared by your hosts
– Heading underground for a privately guided lava tube tour
– Learning about Icelandic history and food traditions in Reykjavik
And so much more! Be sure to talk to your Travel Designer for more ideas and ways to explore and experience Iceland.
Go beyond the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, and the Golden Circle.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and all that Reykjavik has to offer, there are smaller towns and amazing hotels/properties that I absolutely fell in love with on this journey – and I would encourage you to check them out on your next adventure to Iceland.
– Stykkishólmur: One of my favorite spots in Iceland; Hotels Egilsen and Karolina are quaint and lovely
– Highland Region: Highland Base is the perfect basecamp for hiking, biking, and all manner of adventures
– South Coast: Skalakot Manor is located near Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and has terrific food and ambiance
– Akureyi: Iceland’s 2nd biggest town (approx. 20,000 people), has loads of cute shops, restaurants, and hotels
– Siglufjörður: A funky little fishing town in the north coast with a local microbrewery and a lovely hotel, Sigló Hotel
And if budget allows, you won’t be disappointed with a stay at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. It’s a great way to cap off your Iceland adventure with some pampering after all of the activity!
And yes – Be sure to plan your trip around the Northern Lights.
If your travel plans are flexible, then you should absolutely plan to visit Iceland at a time when the Northern Lights are most likely to be visible. While we can never guarantee that you’ll see them, here are some pro tips on how to maximize your chances:
– Visit between September and April; the Lights are generally not visible in the summer months
– Plan your trip to be in Iceland during a new moon phase, which helps reduce any light pollution
– The further away from civilization you get, the more brilliant the lights will be (again, light pollution)
– Be prepared to stay up late (or get up early): Both times I saw the Lights, it was well past midnight; ask your hotel for a ‘Northern Lights Wake-Up Call’ – they’ll ring your room if the lights are out!
It’s hard to express how moving, emotional, and powerful it is to see the Northern Lights in person – certainly one of the more spiritual experiences I have ever had while traveling. I hope YOU get to experience them on your next trip to Iceland with us!
Reminder: Travel can be super powerful when you bring a little intention to it.
Consider this a friendly reminder to bring a little more mindfulness with you the next time you embark on an adventure. It struck me once again just how powerful, enlightening, and uplifting travel can be during my time in Iceland. Together, Don and I dove into deep, heartfelt conversations, discussed our dreams and fears for the future, shared many stories and laughs, and found time for quiet contemplation, reflection, and meditation. The result? A deeper bond between the two of us and some personal clarity and inspiration for my own life moving forward.
Those are just a handful of the many things I learned about Iceland during my time there. If you have questions, want to learn more, or – better yet – want to begin planning your adventure to Iceland with Explorer X, reach out to us to begin your Journey.
The Visit Iceland website also has a ton of amazing information and inspiration for you!