The Arrival
Landing in Iceland in March was wild—it was SO much colder than Southern California! We bought warmer jackets to be ready for the cold, but the week we went, it was even colder and rainier than expected, which decreased our chances to see the northern lights. The view from the airport was still amazing—snowy mountains everywhere.
First stop: the grocery store (our family tradition). I was obsessed with the Icelandic yogurt aisle—so many choices, and it’s way creamier than what we have at home. I grabbed a bunch of different brands to try while we’re here. Can’t wait to see what else Iceland has in store!
Interactive Vibes at Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Visited the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and loved how modern and rectangular the building looked—it used to be a fish freezing plant, which is pretty cool. One of the exhibits was extremely immersive, kind of like the Van Gogh experience, with sights, sounds, and setups that was responsive to my movements.
Exploring Reykjavik Downtown
Hallgrímskirkja is this tall, modern church you can spot from almost anywhere in Reykjavik. The design is inspired by Iceland’s lava columns, and the view from the top is unreal—you can see the whole city.
After checking it out, I went shopping for yarn and knitting stuff (Icelandic wool is a big deal here). The stores had so many colors and soft sweaters. I also saw tons of cute puffin souvenirs—those birds are everywhere and honestly kind of adorable.
The Golden Circle
I spent a day exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle (not Golden Triangle!), and honestly, it felt like I was in a totally different world. First stop was Þingvellir National Park, which is not only gorgeous but also important in Icelandic history. The wildest part? You can actually stand where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet—so I was literally between two continents! Side note-I did learn about tectonic plates in earth science at school, but standing right between them at Þingvellir was something else! It’s wild to think I was literally in the spot where two continents meet—so much more exciting than just reading about it in a textbook.
Next up was Gullfoss, which isn’t a city, but this massive, roaring waterfall. The water plunges down in two stages, and the mist just hits you in the face (in a good way). After that, we checked out the Geysir geothermal area and watched Strokkur shoot boiling water high into the air. It was freezing and so windy the whole time—photos don’t even show how wild it felt. I honestly thought I might get blown away!
The best part of the day? Warming up with homemade lamb meat soup at a little café nearby. After all that cold and wind, the soup tasted absolutely heavenly.
Chasing Northern Lights
Chasing the aurora borealis for three nights was honestly a wild ride. We stayed out way past midnight—sometimes not getting back until 2, even 4 AM—just hoping the clouds would clear for even a glimpse. Between the weather, city lights, and how unpredictable the northern lights can be, it felt like a mix of luck and patience every night. This photo is the best I could get, and while it’s not perfect, I’m just grateful I got to see it at all.
You can catch the aurora in places like Alaska, and this past year, some rare conditions—like strong solar storms and super clear skies—made it visible in parts of the US where you’d never expect. Still, nothing compares to being out there, bundled up in the cold, watching the sky light up, and knowing you’re witnessing something truly rare.
Ásmundarsafn Sculpture Museum: Sculptures, Shapes, and Sound
Walking up to Ásmundarsafn in Reykjavik, the building instantly stands out with its bright dome and unusual shapes—nothing like the usual museums. The outdoor sculpture garden is filled with interesting pieces that fit right into the green space. Inside, the second level has this wild effect where you can hear someone talking from across the room, thanks to the way the dome is built. The whole place feels creative and different, making it a memorable stop in the city.
IKEA- a Rather Suprising Find
Found a bakery inside IKEA—such a fun surprise! I wish we had something like this back home.
Soaked by Waterfalls: Chasing Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss on the Road to Vík
Driving to Vík was an adventure I won’t forget—waterfalls everywhere, each one more dramatic than the last. We stopped at Seljalandsfoss, where you can actually walk behind the falls and get completely drenched (which I did). Next was Skógafoss, thundering down with so much force the mist felt like rain. We also passed Kvernufoss, a quieter spot tucked away but just as stunning.
The weather was wild—rain, snow, ice, and wind all at once. I ended up soaked, but honestly, that just made it more memorable. Looking back, it’s those moments—cold, wet, and surrounded by Iceland’s raw beauty—that really stick with me.
Ice field
Reaching the ice field felt like a real adventure. We had to take this specific vehicle just to get there, driving over rough roads that made the whole trip feel different from anything back home. What surprised me most was having full phone signal the entire way, even though we were far from everything.
Standing on the ice, I kept thinking how much the place is changing. With each season, parts of it might disappear, which makes seeing it now feel even more special. The effort to get there made it all the more memorable—sometimes the best places are the ones you really have to work for.
Reflections
Ending the trip at Sky Lagoon, relaxing in the warm geothermal water and looking out at the endless view, felt like the right way to wrap everything up. Thinking back on the whole trip—chasing waterfalls, dealing with wild weather, hiking on ice, and seeing landscapes I’d only ever imagined—it’s hard not to feel thankful. Every part of it, even the unexpected moments, gave me something to remember. Standing there, I just felt grateful for the chance to experience it all and to take those memories home with me. One last tidbit I wanted to share pertains to Icelandic wool. Icelandic wool is actually different from other wool. It repels water and keeps you insulated because it has two layers: the outer layer, called tog, which is tough and water-resistant, and the inner layer, called þel, which is soft and warm. That explains why so many people in Iceland wear those wool sweaters—they look great, but they’re also really practical for the weather.
