TRAVEL BLOG
The ULTIMATE Guide to the Nordics
The Nordics include Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. This part of Europe contains such awesome metropolitan capitals like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Tórshavn (among others). Along with such iconic cities in these Northern European countries, you will also find gorgeous fjords, waterfalls, snow topped mountains, massive castle, and cool cathedrals. I have outlined all Nordic cities (including capitals), as well as the natural attractions in this part of the world and consolidated them into this ultimate guide!
The Lighthouses of Iceland
Since it is an island nation, Iceland sure must have plenty of lighthouses. There are about 104 of them, manning the roughly 5000 kilometer coastline. Some notable lighthouses include the Garður Old Lighthouse, and the ones in Malarrif, Svörtuloft, Hvalnes, Öndverðarnes, Súgandisey Island, Dyrhólaey, Old Akranes, Bjargtangar, Dalatangi, Þrídrangaviti, and Grótta Island.
The Churches of Iceland
The 350 Churches for 330,000 people living in Iceland is probably too much. Regardless of your faith, there are many of these gorgeous churches all around the country that are worth seeing. Here is a guide to some of them like Hvalsneskirkja, Strandarkirkja, Vikurkirkja, Kirkjubaer, Husavikurkirkja, Heimaey Stave Church, Hallgrímskirkja, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, Hofskirkja, Búðakirkja, and Glaumbaer.
A Guide to the Nordic Capitals: Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Tórshavn, and Mariehamn
The Nordic region of Europe consists of some of the world's happiest countries. The term Nordic is often mixed with Scandinavia though the two represent certain parts of Northern Europe. Each capital is quite different and has much to offer. This guide breaks down the Nordic capital cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Reykjavik, Torshavn, and Mariehamn.
Two destinations for one: a guide to the best cities for long layovers
Sometimes when you plan a trip, you have to deal with a longer than normal layover in a different city. This can be a blessing! I have highlighted five such layovers you can build into your trip itinerary to get the most from your trip (KLM - Amsterdam, Emirates - Dubai, British Airways - London, Turkish Airlines - Istanbul, IcelandAir - Reykjavik).
The Most Epic Waterfalls of Iceland
They say there are more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Though you won't have time to see all of them, here is a list of a few worth seeing: Hundafoss, Svartifoss, Svöðufoss, Hjalparfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Hengifoss, Öxarárfoss, Bruarfoss, Kirkjufellsfoss, Faxifoss, Haifoss, Goðafoss, Selfoss, Hraunfossar, Dettifoss, Klifbrekkufossar, Litlanessfoss, Skógafoss, Kolufoss, and Urriðafoss.
Why the best beaches have black sand: a journey through Iceland’s southern coast in the Winter
This road trip through the south coast of Iceland will take your breath away. Hire a car and set out from Reykjavik and stop at waterfalls like Seljalandfoss and Skógafoss, see glaciers at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (near Vatnajökull National Park), discover ice caves at Hofn and Skaftafell, and marvel at the rock formations at Reynisdranger at Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vík í Mýrdal.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: A Summary
From waterfalls or mountain tops, you’re sure to get your dose of nature during your Iceland Road Trip. Here I provide you with sage advice on how to prepare and execute your road trip to get the most out of Iceland. I break down the specifics on what to see in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, South Coast, North and Eastern regions of the country.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Part VI)
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is full of amazing lighthouses (Malarrif, Svörtuloft, and Öndverðarnes), cool waterfalls (Kirkjufellsfoss and Svöðufoss), gorgeous churches (Búðakirkja and Ingjaldshólskirkja), nice beaches (Djúpalónssandur), and gorgeous landscapes (Lóndrangar and Gatklettur). Rent yourself a car and take the short drive here from Reykjavik to see all this with your own eyes.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: Northern Iceland (Part V)
A tour of Northern Iceland starts off more waterfalls (Selfoss, Dettifoss, and Hafragilsfoss) before checking out the geothermal areas of Hvevir and Krafla crater. Stop for food and coffee in the 2nd largest Icelandic city, Akureryi, before continuing to see Goðafoss and Kolufoss. The Glaumbaer church should also not be missed.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: Eastern Iceland (Part IV)
Your East Iceland road trip begins in Höfn. Nearby is the iconic Vestrahorn Mountain and black sand beach. Navigate the ring road to pass other landmarks like the Hvalnes Lighthouse, en route to the Klifbrekkufossar, Litlanessfoss, and Hengifoss waterfalls. Stop by the town of Seydisfjordur and check out its gorgeous church (Seyðisfjarðarkirkja), saving the amazing Stuðlagil Canyon for last.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: The South Coast (Part III)
Finish up your South Coast road trip with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur and Múlagljúfur canyons, the glacier lagoons at Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, the waterfalls of Skaftafell National Park Hundafoss and Svartifoss as well as stops at Svínafellsjökull Glacier, the Skeiðará Bridge Monument, and the tiny icebergs at Fellsfjara.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: The South Coast (Part II)
Start your day by first seeing Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss waterfalls along the ring road. Also make sure you have time to discover the Sólheimajökull Glacier, Hjörleifshöfði Cave (Yoda Cave) and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. Dyrhólaey has some of the best views and the Reynisfjara beach is a must see. The town of Vik is best for seeing Reynisdrangar as well.
The EPIC Iceland Road Trip: The South Coast (Part I)
Iceland's Southern Coast is perhaps the most popular area in the entire country. Start your road trip by heading East from Reykjavik to see waterfalls like Öxarárfoss, Gulfoss, Faxifoss, and Bruarfoss waterfalls near Þingvellir National Park along with Haifoss, Hjalparfoss, Gjain, and Þjófafoss just further north. Then finish your day with Kerid Crater and Urriðafoss.
Let's go to Iceland: what to see in Reykjavik
You would think that a country of just 350,000 people wouldn't have much to offer, and you would be very wrong in this case. The Icelandic capital of Reykjavik is small, but packs a punch. Book a northern lights tour, go to the Blue Lagoon tourist trap, swim between the tectonic plates at Silfra, see the Golden Circle sights like Gulfoss waterfall and Strokkur geyser and grab coffee at Stofan Cafe.