We just wrapped up an incredible six days exploring Iceland with a wonderful group of women, and we’re leaving this adventure feeling grateful for the connections we made, awed by the landscapes we experienced, and already counting down the days until we can return to this inspiring place!
Our group came from different corners of the globe and arrived in Reykjavík as strangers, but it didn’t take long for that to change. Over shared meals, long days on the trail, plenty of laughter, and a few questionable attempts at pronouncing Icelandic place names, we quickly found our rhythm as a group. By the end of the trip, it felt like we were traveling with old friends.
We also weren’t quite sure what to expect from Icelandic weather in the early fall, but somehow, we hit the jackpot! Blue skies, sunshine, and clear mountain views followed us for much of the trip. We kept waiting for the famously unpredictable Icelandic weather to catch up with us, but instead, Iceland decided to show off. Lucky us!
A Warm Welcome to the Land of Fire & Ice
We started the trip in Reykjavík with dinner and some time to get to know each other before heading out the next morning. From there, we made our way into the countryside and began exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle.
Our first hike took us to Brúarfoss, where bright turquoise water rushed through the green landscape. It was a beautiful first introduction to Iceland, and we were already stopping every few minutes to take photos and admire the views.
After a day of exploring, we had our first dip into some of Iceland’s famous geothermal water. Soaking in the warm water with cool air and mountains all around was the perfect way to end the day, and something we were very happy to make a habit of throughout the trip.
Walking on Ancient Ice
As we continued along Iceland’s southern coast, the landscape kept getting better. Waterfalls poured over cliffs, black sand beaches stretched along the coast, and glaciers came into view.
Then it was time to get out onto the ice!
With crampons strapped onto our boots, we headed onto Sólheimajökull Glacier for a glacier hike. Our local guide showed us how to safely navigate the ice as we explored crevasses, blue ice, and the glacier’s ever-changing formations.
There was plenty of stopping to take in the views, snap photos, and appreciate the fact that we were actually standing on a glacier in Iceland!!!
Some of our group members even decided they had to taste the glacier water for themselves. It doesn’t get fresher than this!
From there, we continued east toward Múlagljúfur Canyon.
Múlagljúfur was a definite highlight of the trip! The trail wound through a lush green canyon surrounded by towering peaks, waterfalls, rivers, and moss-covered cliffs. Every turn brought another incredible view, and it was easy to see why this hike quickly became a group favorite. We took our time, enjoyed the scenery, and soaked up one of those places that feels a little too good to be real.
Icebergs, Black Sand & Zodiac Boats
Next up was the Glacier Lagoon, where we got an entirely different perspective on Iceland’s glaciers.
We climbed into Zodiac boats and headed out onto the lagoon, weaving between icebergs that had broken away from the glacier. Some were bright blue, others were streaked with volcanic ash, and all of them were slowly making their way toward the ocean.
From the lagoon, we continued to the coast and its famous black sand beaches. With the waves crashing against the volcanic sand and mountains rising behind us. We remained in awe of just how varied the Icelandic landscape can be.
Muddy Jumpsuits & Icelandic Horses
Then came one of the biggest surprises of the trip: the buggy tour!
We suited up in matching adventure jumpsuits (very chic, we know), climbed into buggies, and headed out into the Icelandic countryside. We bounced over rugged trails, splashed through rivers, and made the most of every mud puddle we could find.
It was messy, ridiculous, and so much fun. And the fun didn’t stop there! While we were out exploring, we came across a herd of nearly 50 Icelandic horses being moved to a new area for the season. Watching them trot together across the Icelandic landscape was completely unexpected and truly fascinating to see in action.
A Hot Spring Hike to Finish the Trip
For our final full day of adventure, we hiked out to a natural thermal river. As we made our way through the hills, steam began rising from the valley ahead of us.
After earning our soak on the trail, we changed into swimsuits and settled into the warm water, surrounded by mountains and steam. It was a pretty perfect way to wrap up six days of exploring.
By then, we had hiked, climbed, paddled, splashed, soaked, laughed, and gotten very muddy together. We were ready for a little relaxation!
More Than Just an Adventure
Six days in Iceland gave us a pretty incredible list of memories, but the best parts of the trip weren’t always the things on the itinerary. They were the conversations over dinner, the laughs in the van, encouraging each other on the trail, stopping for an unexpected view, and getting to know a group of women who had started the week as strangers.
That’s one of our favorite things about Alpengirl adventures, and no matter the age: you can come for the destination, the hiking, and the adventure, but you never quite know who you’ll meet along the way or what memories you’ll make together.
Iceland certainly gave us plenty to remember, and we’re already hoping it won’t be too long before we’re back.
Until next time, Iceland! 🇮🇸
