Flying to Iceland we left at 7pm Minnesota time, was a 6 hour flight and we arrived in Iceland at 630 am iceland time. So we pretty much pulled an all nighter.. but surprisingly we were not that tired.
First stop as the very famous Blue Lagoon.
Everything you could imagine but 10x better. The water is warm, and then there are spots that are reallllly warm. And no not from someone peeing . They also have a in water bar, sauna and a mud mask station. This place was so relaxing considering we had pulled an all nighter. And yes, it was very touristy, tons of selfie sticks.... but honestly it didn’t take away from the calm relaxing vibe.
Next we started our about hour drive to our first hotel. But first we stoped in a little town by the lagoon for some lunch.. when we walked in and saw the 3 tables full of locals we knew it would be good. They had 2 options for food lobster bisque or soup de jour. so we each got some lobster bisque some bread and a coffee. Looking back now probably the best meal we ate....
The road followed the coast, which was beautiful... we turned off and saw some different things that weren’t planned and we don’t speak Icelandic so we have no idea what they were....
Next we checked into the hotel, which was on the river & in the side of a mountain. The hot tubs that overlooked both were the place to be. We drove around the town. Before we headed back for dinner. Next we went to town for dinner where we ate at ovelerk brewery. We shared pizza and a pretzel and of course had some beers as well! All very good.
Next we had dessert at the hotel. Carrot cake, my absolute favorite. And this was cooked using the steam from the hot springs. Holy hot damn that was unique & delicious.
After dinner and dessert we headed back to the hot tubs cause that was the place to be!
Day 2
Continental breakfast at the hotel overlooking the river in the full windowed restaurant was a beauty....We started the morning off with a hike, this ended up being the only hike we
Took all trip because most other “hikes” are legit mountains. This hikes destination was a hot river. Though we were not planning to swim. All I can say is we didn’t know what to expect and this was the best thing of the whole trip, the hike was a total of two hours. The scenery was beautiful. So so beautiful, from wild sheep running on the trail in front of you to the waterfalls that follow the curves of the hills. When we got to the top the steam was so thick from the hot river you could barely see in front of you. After the hike we headed back, checked out of our hotel and went to the town of selfless for lunch. Lunch consisted of “hot plates” the lady made us the 2 most popular and they were damn good, not super Icelandic, but different which is always fun.
Next we went to Kerid which is a large volcano crater lake which has the most beautiful blue/green water. Next was the Geysir, which shoots water up into the air. There was a large hill to go up and watch from a far. That was my favorite, less people beautiful views. Next was Burarfoss waterfall. These were 3 hot spots in the golden circle so they were PACKED with people. It was overwhelming, but the views make it worth it. Our next hotel was Hotel Fludir in the very small town of Fludir. We ate dinner at the hotel spent some time in the hot tub and went to bed early.
Day 3.
To start this day off, we went to the “secret lagoon” that is in fact no secret. The views of the mountains were phenomenal, the water was perfect. And I could have sat in there all day. Next we stoped at a bakeri for marriage cake. Then back to the hotel to freshen up for a day of road tripping!
Fridheimar Tomato farm: all you can eat tomato soup & bread, while you are sitting in greenhouse with tomatoes growing around you. Absolutely insane
The trip consisted of these stops
Tjodveldisbaerinn : a large double waterfall
Hekla mountain
Seljalandsfoss: a waterfall you can walk behind
Dinner at eldsto art cafe
Urridafoss: Large waterfall
The best part of this day was that every stop (except 1) had less then 3 cars at each spot. A lot easier to enjoy the beauty in peace. The whole trip was about 4 hours total. We ended back at hotel Fludir with anther break and the hot tub and off to bed!
Day 4:
Today we were heading to Reykjavik the capital of Iceland. On the way we stoped at Thingveller National park. Next stop, Reykjavik! We had a late lunch at Kaffivagninn, sat outside overlooking the port. Next we went to the Maritime museum. Where we dressed up like fisherman and took a ton of photos. Next we went got checked into the hotel, took a nap and headed to Bryggjan Brugghus brewery for a food and beer pairing. Food was good, beer was good and the people we sat with were awesome! 2 from Italy, 2 from England and 2 from New York. So great making new friends as well. After a few to many samples we stumbled to the bar and had another. And then headed out for light night ice cream and a hotdog because Iceland is known for their hotdogs! They didn’t disappoint either!
Day 5
Our last full day in Reykjavik, we woke up early and walked to bread and co. Where the line was out the door, that’s how you know it’s good. When we got in, we got cinnamon roll and another breakfast pastry, there were no seats inside so we headed a block down to a park to eat. As we finished up we realized there was a cat under the bench watching us eat!! So cute!
Next was the Hallgrimskirkja church, an absolute beauty from anywhere in Reykjavik. But up close is another story, and the inside is impeccable. Then you can pay a couple of bucks to go to the top, get a full panoramic view of the city.
Next, did you know Iceland is home to a penis museum? Cause we do, and you betcha we went! They had one from every species (except human). All I’m going to say is Michael and I are 13 at heart and we’re dying laughing the entire time. Everyone else... very serious. In fact one guy had his kids and was using it at a learning experience I’m laughing just thinking about all of this.
Next we walked the shopping street & then we hit the pier went to the Harpa which a beautiful theatre right on the water. As well as the Viking ship. Not the Minnesota Vikings though. Next we went back to Kaffivagninn and had coffee and dessert. Next we headed out for a Icelandic beer flight at Icelandic craft bar. Meet some great “locals” from Canada. Who told us about a comedy show happening downstairs later that night.
For dinner we went to laekjarbrekka where we tried fermented shark. NASTY. But also artic char and lamb which were amazing..
Then we went back to the comedy show which was in English and was pretty funny! And free !!
Day 6. Last day
We woke up ready for a short day in Iceland followed with a long flight ️ and drive to Marshall. So we went out for brunch in Reykjavik. We went to Cafe Paris recommended by a local, very good food. In fact amazing salmon eggs bene for me. Next we drove up the coast to the light house just 5 minutes outside of Reykjavik. Then started our journey to the airport. Our first stop was the beach, not to many brave soles at the water considering it was 65 out. Next we went to the Merian Museum. This place was sweet and talked a lot about the different geographical things of Iceland. Then they had built an ice cave we got to walk through, they kept saying bundle up it will be cold! Michael had shorts on... we were just fine. The top level of the museum was a large dome, our tickets allowed us to go out and see the view on the patio, 360 of Reykjavik, the coast, the mountains, the volcanos. Pure beauty. We wasted another 45 minutes having a cup of coffee and some macaroons before heading to the airport..
Frequently asked questions:
What’s the food like: mostly seafood, lobster, artic char, salmon. extra speedy too since everything is imported
Best part: being outside of the capital driving around to see the natural beauty. Example driving by the volcano and parts of the road were washed away from lava. Thing you would never see here. But the absolute best was the hike up the mountain to the Hot pools.
What language do they speak? Icelandic. But everyone also speaks English, the signs are hard to read but the country was easy to navigate.
Flight: Iceland Air
Travel agent: Sherri Schreckenghaust AAA Travel Minnetonka
Air Miles 2936.75
Car miles 500+
Countries 2
Days 6
Honeymoon ✔️
First #schreckenweissroadtrip with a plane ✔️
First out of country✔️