It's not every day that you gift your mother a two week trip to Iceland for her 60th birthday. That's exactly what I... well, she, did. Going to Iceland was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and here were some of the highlights from the trip that you should definitely check out if you ever decide to go.
1. Reykjavik
Yes, I know it's not the first thing people think of when they hear Iceland, but it's definitely worth the visit. I recommend checking out Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland's largest church, which resembles a pipe organ. Harpa is also a great place to see a concert, and I was lucky enough to attend the Reykjavik Jazz Festival, which included all kinds of jazz acts from around the world. However, be warned: you might hear loud drunks in the middle of the night. Fortunately, I was able to sleep through them.
2. Golden Circle
A wild day trip and an unforgettable adventure, the Golden Circle is a great way to escape the city and appreciate the true aesthetics of Iceland. The main stops on the route are the wild Thingvellir National Park, the astounding Gulfoss Waterfalls, and the amazing geysers, called Geysir and Strokkur. At Thingvellir, make sure to stick together, otherwise the trip will be difficult. Trust me, I learned the hard way. The Gulfoss Waterfalls are very exciting to see up close, where you can take everything in. Finally, the geysers usually erupt every five minutes, so be sure to get your phones ready to capture an amazing experience.
3. Myvatn Nature Baths
While everyone raves about the Blue Lagoon, no one really talks about the soothing Myvatn Nature Baths. It's just like the Blue Lagoon, except you don't have to book a reservation a week in advance. It's a great place to take in the warm water on a cool day and end the night with spectacular views of the sunset and possibly a full moon. I would definitely recommend this over the Blue Lagoon, but beware of the sulfur smell - it will stay with you throughout your stay.
4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This lake is a great place to see wild glaciers. It's very calming to see the aesthetics of the floating icebergs. Since it is a glacier lagoon, definitely bundle up. They even offer a ridiculous boat ride if you really want to see the glaciers up close. I personally refused to do it, but you might like it. If not, definitely check out the glaciers on land.
These are just a few of the astounding places I visited in Iceland, and I certainly suggest checking out each of them if you go.
