Where would I go?
The answer for me is a simple one.
The birthplace of my favorite explorer with whom I share the same name.
One of the most historically enigmatic and geologically epic islands in the world.
A country that I’ve flown over more times than I can count yet still haven’t blown open the plane doors and parachuted down to it’s shores to explore.
I would go to the icy land of Iceland.
I’ve been fascinated about this place and it’s Viking roots ever since I learned that Ingólfr Arnarson, the first Norwegian settler, named it “Ice” land to dissuade others from coming.
But you can’t dissuade me Viking Ingólfr. Ice or no ice, I’m going to come.
Here’s Why:
Icelandic Society
I want to witness how a country of just 300,000 people gets on with each other. I’m fascinated by the fact that you still speak Old Norse, the language of the vikings. I love that you’re required to read Viking sagas at school. And I can’t get over the fact that one of your most famous museums is The Penis Museum: a bizarre collection of animal penis’s that only a Scandinavian country could conceive. Way to stay weird Iceland.
The Capitol Reykjavik
I’ve heard so many cool things about Reykjavik, from it’s quaint pubs and small town vibes to it’s charming buildings. I’m especially excited to visit The Settlement Exhibition, a museum dedicated to the 2001 archeological excavation that uncovered evidence of Iceland’s earliest Viking settlers. I’m also looking forward to just hanging at a Reykavik Hostel/Pub, cause there’s no better way to get to know that locals and their history, especially former viking locals, than by sharing a handle of honey mead.
Geothermal Hot springs
Iceland is home to hundreds of hot springs, but there’s one that seems to stand out. It’s the one that I always see in my fellow travel blogger’s Instagram pictures. And the one that I can’t wait to soak in for myself one day, the Blue Lagoon. Although it looks expensive, I found out that it’s only 35 Euro’s to get in and just a 1 hours bus ride from the capitol Reykjavik.
Icelandic Horses!
To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of horses. They’re heads, eyes and farts are all just too big for comfort for me. That is until I saw a few pictures of these little Icelandic ponies. They look like they just walked off the set of Lord Of The Rings. Now all I want to do is ride out over a lava field and get to know one.
Caves, Glaciers & Geysers
I want to experience the geological magnificence of an island that sits between two tectonic plates in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle. I’m either going to rent a car or join a group to experience Iceland’s notorious Golden Circle tour. If Iceland’s tourism board ever wants to sponsor me, I definitely won’t say no ;)
I Dig Your Official Tourism Video
The whole video is a bit corny and quirky in a special Scandinavian way but it definitely works. I want to dance among the Fjords!
Conclusion
I don’t know why it has taken me so long to visit this remarkable looking country, a country that I have always wanted to visit. If I have the money, I’m definitely going to go next summer around the solstice.
Anybody want to come along? Let me know in the comments below!
Hey I just stumbled across your blog and wanted to share some info. I went to Iceland last year during the off season and since their economy is down I got a really, really good deal on a plane ticket. Also heres a good tip – if you buy a flight to europe from the states or central/south America you can request up to a week or two layover time in the nordic paradise for free.
Iceland is such a moody place (in a good way) … getting there will knock off a pretty big box on my bucket list!
Hey Leif, I’m a huge fan of your blog and have been reading it for 2.5 years. I have been travelling all my life though mostly at resorts but out of the trips I do take a few days to do excursions and see the ‘real’ culture of where I am. I have mostly been to the caribbean and I’m itching to run away to Europe. I am in high school but I have more experience than a lot of adults when it comes to travelling, I am very proficient in survival and hunting and have a basic knowledge of self defence. I tried to contact you on Instagram but I don’t know if that’s the best place to reach you since I haven’t gotten a response. I would very much appreciate if I could contact you and I wish you the best of luck on your travels.
Hey John, sorry for the late reply. You can reach me at TheRunawayGuide at yahoo.com
Hey Man,
Big fan of the blog. I am currently on a trip around the world, and my first stop was Iceland on the way over to Europe. It is an absolutely amazing country, and your right to have it on the top of the list. I spent most of my time in the capital, but wish I had hitchhiked around the entire country, which can be done in around a week. Here’s the thing though- I was very underwhelmed by the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik has beautiful public hot tubs across the city that cost around a dollar. I also went to this pool (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3077992/Come-water-s-lovely-Incredible-hidden-pool-Icelandic-mountains-filled-hot-spring-s-changing-room-feeling-modest.html), which is free and one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. Blue Lagoon felt very touristy and articicial, yet not quite luxurious enough to be worth it for the price. It still was cool to check off, but really not a highlight.
Nick
Ps. Eat hot dogs to save money. It’s the only cheap food in the country
Hey Nick, that’s really good to know! Thanks for the tips. Appreciate it. Safe travels brother!
I always thought of Iceland as one of the more mediocre locations, but your article/the tourism video has definitely changed that.
I just want to say that I’ve read your articles for a while now and you’ve definitely helped increased the urgency in my life to live to the fullest. I’ve began to tackle my bucket list (skydiving and bungee jumping will be coming up soon), and though I have a ways to go, I’ve already ran a marathon and created/published a book/music, hitchhiked and went dog sledding, and even questioned a famous person (hint: she’s running for president).
Though Neu Start is not my real name (I’m writing an anonymous blog currently), I give my best gratitude to you through it, and if I ever happen to have the funds and ability to meet you for an adventure simultaneously, I’m up for the challenge.
Hey Neu, that’s great to hear. Glad you enjoyed the article. Maybe I’ll run into you there one day. Totally, let me know if you ever need travel advice. Until then, keep pushing boundaries and moving forward. Good luck!
Iceland looks amazing! I’ve wanted to go there for some time but it always seems very expensive. I’d have to save up for a long time…but the sooner I start…
I know right! I’m worried about the price too. I will try to figure out the cheapest way to get by when I go though and let you know.
I’ve always wanted to go here, but it seems to be nearly IMPOSSIBLE to go from the states. You would think with it being so close you could easily take a plane, or at the least a boat from Canada, but if you can I haven’t found any website that tells you how yet. If you know of anyway without going through Europe I’d love to hear it.
They actually have some pretty cheap flights from New York to Iceland. Try Iceland air.
Yeah me too! Visit Iceland is one of my oldest dreams yet I’ve never done it! I also was thinking about next summer :)
Cool, I’m thinking next summer too if I have enough money. Maybe I’ll see you there!