A Glimpse into Iceland: Nature's Masterpiece

Greetings from Iceland 🇮🇸

The 12th stop on my 30 by 30 journey! Although my time here was brief, it was an experience I'll treasure forever. The natural wonders of this country left me in awe, reaffirming my belief in the amazing creator of our world. I’m now even more eager to explore other corners of the globe and witness more of God's magnificent creations.

Traveling has always been a source of joy and adventure for my sister and I. Our recent journey back home from Paris turned out to be more special than we could have ever imagined. Thanks to IcelandAir's popular Stopover program, we had the opportunity to add a stop to our European adventure. What was supposed to be a brief layover in Reykjavik turned into an unforgettable exploration of the land of fire and ice. Icelandair offers a popular stopover program that allows travelers to extend their layover in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare.

Iceland is a country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland has one of the best breathtaking views and a unique geological landscape. The capital and largest city of Iceland is Reykjavik. [REK] + [YUH] + [VIK]

Accommodation: Hótel Berg

We only had a couple of days, so time was limited. Upon landing in Reykjavik, our first stop was to pick up our rental and check into our hotel. There are no Ubers or Lyft in Iceland. You can book airport pickup depending on your hotel or flybus. I decided to rent a car so that we could navigate on our own. We picked up our rental, and we were good to go. We stayed at the Hótel Berg.

The rooms were cozy, and they had such an amazing view of the shores. This hotel is about a 6-minute drive from Reykjavik (KEF-Keflavik Intl.). They also provide airport pickup. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might even see the northern lights at night by the pool. The staff was so welcoming; I spent most of the night talking to the staff and learning so much about Iceland. I highly recommend this place if you plan on visiting Iceland.

Activity: The Lagoon

Our first activity and the real reason why we were in Iceland was the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon. The warm, milky blue waters felt like a surreal oasis. It was a perfect way to unwind and soak in the unique essence of Iceland. The Blue Lagoon: is even more breathtaking in person. We booked The Blue Lagoon through their site and paid $81 per person. This package included a silica mud mask and a drink of your choice. The Lagoon offers a range of amenities such as changing rooms, showers, saunas, a relaxation area, and a restaurant. The lagoon is a mixture of freshwater and seawater heated by underground volcanic activity and is known for its rejuvenating effects.

Dinner: Mamma Mia

Prior to landing in Iceland, I was searching for the best places to eat, and some of the places I found were either too far or they closed early. One of the staff at Hotel Berge suggested this place, which was a 10/10. After our wonderful time at the blue lagoon, we drove for about 30min and went to eat at Antons Mamma Mia. The food came out on time; it was well-seasoned. I ordered the Icelandic lamb chops, and my sister ordered the Pasta Bolognese. Everything was well-seasoned and brought out in a timely manner. If I ever find myself back in Iceland, this is definitely the spot I will visit again.

Cool Facts from the Locals

Although I've heard a lot about Iceland through social media, during my stay, I asked a few questions to some of the locals just to learn a little more about this amazing country. I will say we met some of the nicest individuals while in Iceland, and we also had a smooth transition when going through customs. A few things we learned about Iceland is that an estimated 300,000 people live in Iceland, which is less than the amount of people living in New York. 2/3 of their population lives in the capital, Reykjavik. Lastly, you can witness 24 hours of Daylight starting mid-June.

Until Next Time:

Our impromptu stopover in Iceland turned out to be an amazing adventure. Thanks to Iceland Air's innovative program, we discovered a land with natural beauty and warm-hearted people. This adventure with my sister will forever hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us that the best journeys are often the ones unplanned. Overall, I loved Iceland way more than I thought I would. If you are someone who is adventurous and has a love for nature, I recommend Iceland. Definitely wish I had come during the time of the northern lights.