After stepping off your plane, the Blue Lagoon is likely going to be your first stop as it is short ride from the airport. While it is undeniably touristy and busy, it was also the nicest and largest hot spring we visited. Best to visit early in the morning to avoid the tour buses.
Hallgrímskirkja sits atop a hill offering an unparalleled birds-eye view of the city.
Surprisingly, Iceland is known for its hot dogs. The most popular spot is Baejarins Beztu Pylsur right along harbor and offers a cheap and delicious snack if you can brave the line. The succulent lamb, beef, and pork dogs are dressed with sweet mustard, remoulade, raw onions, and fried onions.
The best cure for jetlag when arriving in Iceland was brunch at Bergsson Mathús. Our group loved this place so much we came back at the end of our trip before heading home.
Though expensive, the best way to get around at your leisure in Iceland is to rent a car. The drive around the island is incredibly scenic and warrants frequent unexpected stops.
Scattered along Iceland's countryside are the rather stout Icelandic Horses. Locals are quick to point out that while they may be short in stature and are often confused with "ponies", they are very strong and hearty as they brave the frigid Icelandic weather. They were all incredibly friendly.
If you are only in Iceland for a day or two, the "Golden Circle" is your best bet. It encompasses a national park, geysers, and waterfall within a short distance from Reykjavik. Gullfoss is a dramatic waterfall with several large drops. Be sure to bring water resistant gear.
Though a bit difficult to find, the short hike to Bruafoss is well worth the journey.
Being a tundra, the environment does not support any trees and is host to unique plants and fauna.
One of Iceland's most famous natural wonders, Seljialandsfoss allows visitors to travel in front and around the falls. The best time to visit is around sunset.
The Zodiac Boat tour at Jokusarlon Glacier was a surreal experience as you speed around glacier lagoon in a high speed boat. Watching and hearing a glacier break into the lagoon was surreal.
Iceland is known as being a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. Waiting around midnight in the frigid cold pays off as the lights literally swim and dance across the sky.
Viewing the Northern Lights was temperamental. There were nights where we could not see anything. Persistence was key.
There is no shortage of sheep and wool throughout the country to handle its cold weather. The entire countryside is dotted with grazing sheep.
Iceland is truly desolate and the least densely populated country in Europe.
This small village in the Eastern edge of Iceland is surrounded by mountains and resides next to a beautiful fjord.
The legend is that after one of the prominent members of the Iceland government converted to Christianity, he threw his pagan idols into the falls. Hence the name: "Waterfall of the Gods".
Iceland was a truly remarkable place and was full of natural wonders.