Iceland: My Moment of Strikhedonia

For five years, I dreamed about this place—its dramatic landscapes, fiery volcanoes, glacial lagoons, and endless skies. Iceland captured my imagination, and I finally gave in to that longing. No meticulous planning, no rigid agenda—just a last-minute booking and the spirit of adventure. What I discovered blew me away (both literally and figuratively). The raw splendor and overwhelming power of nature here moved me profoundly. I fell in love.

Here’s how I spent one unforgettable week in Iceland:

Day 1 (Dec. 21): Arrival in Iceland

I landed at Keflavík International Airport, picked up the rental car (a necessity here!), and drove to Reykjavík. I stayed at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, located conveniently near the city center. After a late arrival, I had dinner and rested, excited for the week ahead.

Day 2 (Dec. 22): Exploring Reykjavík

Leaving the car at the hotel, I ventured on foot to Reykjavík’s famous Laugavegur street, a vibrant hub of boutiques, cozy cafés, and lively bars. Highlights included the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, the historic Ingólfur Square, and the charming Reykjavík Harbour. After lunch at Tapas, I retrieved the car and headed to the Perlan Museum, with its glass dome offering panoramic views of the city and a fascinating exhibit on Iceland’s glaciers and natural history.

Day 3 (Dec. 23): Seltjarnarnes, Selfoss, and Icelandic Christmas Traditions

I began the day in Seltjarnarnes, visiting the Grotta Lighthouse, accessible only during low tide. The solitude and sweeping ocean views made it magical. Returning to Reykjavík, I joined locals for their festive Christmas shopping and bar-hopping tradition, soaking up the warmth and camaraderie of the season. The streets buzzed with activity, and the evening blended seamlessly into a lively night shared with locals and tourists alike.

Day 4 (Dec. 24): The Golden Circle

Knowing the daylight hours were short, I set out at 8:30 AM to explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle:

• Þingvellir National Park: Witness the tectonic plates drifting apart and marvel at the jagged, dramatic landscapes.

• Great Geyser and Strokkur: Although the Great Geyser is dormant, Strokkur delighted us with eruptions every 3–5 minutes, surrounded by steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

• Gullfoss Waterfall: The sheer force and beauty of this iconic cascade were mesmerizing, a white sheet of water crashing through the rugged terrain.

• The Secret Lagoon (Flúðir): I ended the day soaking in this geothermal pool, letting the warmth melt away the cold as the snow fell softly around us.

Day 5 (Dec. 25): Exploring Vik

Christmas Day was dedicated to the South Coast. Driving to Vik was an adventure in itself, with Iceland’s unpredictable weather throwing everything from wind gusts to blizzards my way. Despite the challenges, the rewards were unparalleled:

• Black sand beaches stretching endlessly, framed by dramatic cliffs.

• Towering waterfalls and glaciers glowing in the winter light.

• The untamed beauty of volcanic landscapes and glacier lagoons.

Day 6 (Dec. 26): Hvalfjörður, Borgarnes, and Stykkishólmur

My final full day was a road trip to lesser-known but equally enchanting towns:

• Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord): Serene shores, deep fjords, and Icelandic canyons provided stunning photo opportunities.

• Borgarnes: A charming town steeped in Viking history. We enjoyed its waterfront, quaint cafés, and local museums.

• Stykkishólmur: Known as the gateway to the islands of Breidafjordur Bay, this town was a highlight with its untouched natural beauty and welcoming charm.

I capped the day with a final visit to Grotta Lighthouse, hoping to catch the elusive Northern Lights, though they remained hidden.

Day 7 (Dec. 27): Departure

Before heading to the airport, I indulged in a leisurely breakfast and took a last walk through Reykjavík, saying goodbye to a country that had taken our breath away at every turn.

Final Thoughts

Iceland was everything I dreamed of and more. Its raw beauty, unpredictable weather, and welcoming people left an indelible mark on me. I know one week barely scratched the surface of what this incredible country has to offer.

I’ll be back—this is only the beginning of my love affair with Iceland.