Iceland is often referred to as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ and I thought, oh, what a catchy nickname. Then, I went to Iceland and realized IT IS ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’. My mom and I spent eight days exploring the island as much as possible, squeezing in natural sites, hopping around town and getting awesome mother/daughter time. This is just a little introduction to our time in Iceland and a glance at what to expect from my upcoming posts about the land of fire and ice!
Why Visit Iceland in the Winter?
Our main goal was to see the Northern Lights. I had done all sorts of research on photographing them, downloaded apps to track them and felt really prepared. Unfortunately for us, it wasn’t in the cards for that to happen. At least, not in the way we expected. We were able to get a pretty awesome aurora borealis show from the airplane. Unfortunately, that meant no setting up my camera, no gorgeous landscapes underneath, but we were able to just sit and take in the moment (and snap some crummy iPhone photos). Plus, it allows for something to see next time!
There are less people traveling this time of year, as well. We weren’t stuck behind massive crowds at natural sites! Because it isn’t peak tourist season, prices are also a bit lower – which definitely helps out when visiting Iceland!
Where We Stayed:
I found Guesthouse Galtafell on Booking.com and I was very impressed with it. This was an Icelandic artists’ house, but has been turned into t guesthouse. They’ve separated it out into smaller rooms that feel more like apartments. Ours was the room under the stairs. It was equipped with a kitchenette and table, a living room, two bathrooms and two single beds! The best part was the location. It’s right in the heart of old town and the fabulous location meant that we walked everywhere in the city.
Just a Peek of What’s to Come:
Road tripping across the island
Black sand beaches off of cozy towns!
Hiking to (and on) a gorgeous glacier
Relaxation in the Blue Lagoon
Mountain beyond mountain beyond mountain – mountains around every turn!
Geysirs and other volcanic activity!
Steaming landscapes!
And seriously majestic waterfalls!
The Land of Fire and Ice is one of my favorite countries thus far, for its natural beauty alone and I cannot wait to give you guys a more detailed tour of my experiences over the next couple of weeks!
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33 Comments
swamiupendra
February 15, 2017 at 8:17 amLovely images.
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 8:44 amThank you so much!
Joanna Maguire
February 15, 2017 at 10:13 amAwesome photos! Only time I have ever seen the Northern Lights was out of a plane window too – utterly amazing it was, would love to see them from the ground sometime though 🙂
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 8:45 amYou and me both! I would love to too. I do feel fortunate having seen them at all, as I’m sure you do too!
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
February 15, 2017 at 3:51 pmBeautiful photos! Even those northern lights ones, that’s such a cool experience to have! I love Iceland so much and reeeeally want to go back.
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 8:57 amThank you so much! I’m already ready to go back myself!
Patricia Steffy (@PLSteffy)
February 15, 2017 at 4:24 pmStunning landscape photos! Like you, I’ve wanted to photograph the Northern Lights for ages — I know it wasn’t how you planned to capture them, but at least you got to see them from the plane windows. I haven’t made it there yet, but I’m hopeful it will happen one of these days (even if Iceland in winter sounds a bit chillier than I’m usually hoping for). Also, Guesthouse Galtafell sounds perfect!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:01 amThank you! It’s true, I feel lucky to have seen them at all! We bought a really good coat and good boots, and with that it didn’t feel as cold as I was expecting!
The Adventure Ahead
February 15, 2017 at 9:24 pmYour landscape photography skills are seriously great. Iceland has always been high on our list of places to visit someday. Your Blue Lagoon image may have moved it up the list 🙂 Guesthouse Galtafell is a place we will certainly have to check out.
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:03 amWow, thank you so much! It’s definitely worth a visit! I can’t wait to give it another go in the spring or summer. More than anything, just because I will feel much more comfortable driving in the summer. Definitely check out their space. Next time I want to rent a camper van!
B.
February 15, 2017 at 10:40 pmThese are incredible!!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:04 amThank you so much!
Len Kagami
February 15, 2017 at 10:59 pm“The Land of Fire and Ice”, a very catchy name indeed! Although your photos were shot by phone camera, they still look pretty amazing 🙂
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:05 amThank you so much! I wish I had been able to see them from the ground, so I could’ve setup my DSLR and captured some cool shots of them. Still, it’s the moment and memory I have that counts, right?
Cori Carl
February 16, 2017 at 6:12 amI loved Iceland and keep looking for an excuse to go back! It’s amazing how when the weather is dark it looks like some incredible dystopian landscape, but as soon as the sun is out it’s the most beautiful place. I’m not used to driving, so driving along the windy roads took a little getting used to, but I loved it.
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:06 amThat’s so very true! It would definitely take a little time. I drive quite a bit and it was a little scary, mostly because of all the ice, sleet and lack of street lights at night.
KT Mac
February 16, 2017 at 8:13 amI’m going to Iceland soon and I just spent some time living through your post and photos! Looks like you had an amazing time!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:07 amI’m so confident that you will love it! I definitely enjoyed my time there.
abcdefghizzy
February 16, 2017 at 8:45 amGirl, there is a look of a travel blogger to you! I have never ever seen you take a bad picture and you in the Blue Lagoon is such a money shot! I had to hold my breath in for how gorgeous that misty mountain photo came out! Holy smokes! Can’t wait for the posts to come! 😀
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:09 amIzzy, your compliments are always a major boost for my self confidence! Thanks, love! I take a million awful photos, but that’s the reason I LOVE digital cameras! Haha! I’m excited to get some landscape posts going. I want to go back in the spring or summer with Matt and rent a camper van!
*Nina Zara* (@Safari_junkie_)
February 16, 2017 at 12:14 pmAt least you saw the northern lights from the plane. I am saving Iceland for summer time, despite fabulous photos here, am afraid it would be too cold for me:)
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:10 amSo true! You would actually be surprised. It wasn’t that cold if you’re properly equipped. I spent the money on an amazing coat and really good boots and I wasn’t too cold. I was really worried about that myself.
Sarah Kim
February 16, 2017 at 4:25 pmThat’s so cool you saw the aurora borealis from the plane! Your photos are beautiful. I love the one of the black sand beach. Thanks for sharing!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:13 amIt was very cool! Thank you! That’s one of my favorite photos from the trip!
TalesOfABackpacker🌍 (@clairesturz)
February 16, 2017 at 11:17 pmTravelling in the off season is a great tip; I’ve heard Iceland is pretty expensive as they have to import everything – so every little helps! Glad you still had chance to swim in the blue lagoon, that water is incredible!!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 9:14 amIt definitely does, we did the same thing when we went to Hawaii – rent a place with a kitchenette. The water really is fantastic!
Sandy N Vyjay
February 17, 2017 at 12:00 amWe too love to travel in the off season to places. The places assume a different charm of their own. Iceland is a real white wonderland and the landscapes simply stunning. Hope to get there some day.
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 4:25 pmIt’s so true. The ration between locals and tourists is totally different. I think you’d enjoy it very much!
eatlivetraveldrink
February 17, 2017 at 7:25 amLove your photos. I just got back from Iceland for my second winter visit a couple weeks ago. Iceland quickly became my favorite country this year after exploring more of the country and visiting glacier lagoon and diamond beach. There is so much magic to be seen on this small island. <3
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 4:26 pmYou’re absolutely right! We tried to visit glacier lagoon, but I got a little overwhelmed driving in the snow, sleet and ice that hit once I got to Vik.
jackietaylors
February 19, 2017 at 6:05 pmLove your photos! Yes, offseason is my favorite time to visit places to get a more intimate experience. I’m jealous you were able to leave the city a little more than I did. I for sure want to return to see everything I missed before!
Paige Wunder
March 1, 2017 at 4:41 pmThank you so much! I got to see some, but I wish I could’ve seen more! Those roads did stress me out a bit if it was dark and snowing. Ha!
matteu312 'Jamaicantotheworld.com'
October 22, 2017 at 8:42 pmRead the first few lines of this and felt sad (not too sad haha) for you. My first trip to Iceland was for the very same reason and it was back in 2014 so not sure about apps (i dont even remember if i had a proper smartphone) but def did all the websites and research. Crazily the northern lights came out every single day for us and one of the days was spectactular. sadly my research on photographing them obviously wasnt comprehended so i didnt get any shot worthy of what i saw so there is dissapointment i couldnt capture it properly as well! your pics capture iceland nicely tho!