Felicia’s Return to Iceland

Revisiting Iceland last month reminds me of how quickly the natural world can change. Since my last trip in 2021, the learnings and stunning photography of the active volcano we hiked to (Geldingadalir) is now a phenomenal feature in the Perlan Wonders of Nature Exhibit. Reflections of travel can sometimes be more wondrous than the adventure itself and it will always be a made memory that we went straight from Keflavik in our rental car to a remote field, where we just threw on a hat and windproof jacket and hiked ever closer to an active spewing volcano. Following safety guidelines of course – this was the first time that the public was able to get so close to an active volcano during the 6 month eruption period as advanced science proved the gases were not dangerous. This volcano had not erupted for 6000 years, so I guess you’d say the speed of the changing landscape of Iceland is relative!

I was excited to return to one of my favourite photogenic spots, Reynisfjara Black beach. The basalt pillars set an incredible backdrop with the wild sea and varied sea stacks behind. At least, they did, until earlier this year, when a series of easterly super storms flooded the beach, washed away the sand and made the pillars and cave unreachable. This is further demonstration that nothing is permanent in Iceland. It’s a land of ever change, quick-evolve and boggling geological chaos. Even though the landscape is different now, it’s still super dramatic, and Icelanders are convinced the beach will shift again in future years.

The main attraction for me on this short trip arrived in a flurry. Escaping the heatwave in the UK and arriving in Iceland in 12 degree temperatures, raining sideways and windy as hell, it was worth the short hike up a cliffside to be greeted by hundreds of puffins, perched precariously on the cliff-edge, popping off to get their snacks and dive-bombing back in to tend to their nests. We could have stayed there and watched their clumsy but well-orchestrated manoeuvres all day and the photo opportunities were incredible.

Iceland is a place of geological mayhem and activity. Everywhere you look, it seems something is steaming, rumbling, shaking, erupting or shifting. If you have 10-12 days to explore, I would highly recommend circumnavigating the island by rental car so you can dive deeper into your adventures at your own pace. Occasional guided tours are definitely worth while, to get a better insight of the country and its fascinating people, and explore certain places safely with greater sense of adventure. Only 2-3 hours from the UK with several daily direct flights from London, Odyssey World can arrange your entire journey for you, with international flights, recommended hotels, reliable car hire and the most authentic, fun, and exciting tours pre-booked along the way to enjoy key activities around the island. We work with a fantastic Icelandic ground operator who ensures information is up to date and would be there for anything you need along your independent adventure.

Millions of people will swarm to Iceland on August 12 this year, for the first full solar eclipse since 1954. It is expected that the following Northern lights season will be extraordinary! Iceland is chaotic enough, so let us do the planning for you, and you can just arrive and hit the road…towards whatever fascinating natural attraction is putting on a show on that day!

If you’re interested in an Icelandic excursion, visit our destination page or contact us directly to plan a bespoke trip – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070!