Fire & Ice

Written by Christy Waller of CW Luxury Travel / Photos courtesy of Blue Lagoon, EDITION Reykjavik, Hotel Kria and Hotel Geyser

Iceland is not a destination it’s an adventure. This small island country has flown under the radar until recently, being overshadowed by Norway and Sweden. But, if you’re looking for a fantastic place, don’t overlook “The Land of Fire and Ice.” Iceland is one of the most stunning places in the world, with incredible vistas and natural wonders around every bend. The beaches, glaciers, mountains, lava fields, glacial rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls make this a life-changing, memorable adventure. However, with so much to see in Iceland, it should be noted that a decent amount of driving is needed to experience all there is to offer.

Volcanoes are one of the main geographic features of Iceland. It is considered the home to one-third of the lava that has ever flowed on Earth. As much as 25% of Iceland’s surface is covered with volcanoes. Today, the country has 32 volcanic systems comprising 130 different volcanic mountains. In terms of activity, some are still active, and others are considered extinct. In contrast, in terms of structure, some are stratovolcanoes (mountainous with cone-shaped peaks), others are covered with glaciers, and there are those with flat tops and steep sides (tuyas). Öræfajökull is the largest active volcano in Iceland and the home of the highest peak (2119 meters). However, because of their frequent activity, the most well-known volcanoes are Hekla, with 18 eruptions in recent history, and Katla, with 20 eruptions since the settlement of Iceland.

Waterfalls are another natural wonder to experience while in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss might be a bit of a drive from Reykjavik— about an hour and 45 minutes, to be exact—but it’s worth the trip to see this impressive south-coast waterfall thunder down from a 200-foot drop. The best thing about these falls is that you can walk behind them. An easy stop off Route 1 (Ring Road), Skógafoss is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. The 197- foot cascade crashes onto black sand, and you can walk up to the bottom if you’re willing to get drenched.

Located in Iceland’s southern Highlands, the area of Landmannalaugar has some of the most colorful landscapes in the country, thanks to its high geothermal activity. It’s a trendy hiking area during the summer months, where you will be surrounded by a veritable kaleidoscope of greens, oranges, reds, blacks, browns, and more. The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Iceland, an easy path between three stunning and famous natural spots: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The Diamond Circle, located in northern Iceland, has four primary stops, but it encompasses much more. Leaving Akureyri, touring the Diamond Circle will bring you to the town of Húsavík (home to the Húsavík Whale Museum), as well as to natural landmarks such as the Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, and Ásbyrgi Canyon.

WHEN TO VISIT: Iceland is a country of extremes in many ways, and the best time to visit depends entirely on how you’d like to spend your trip. The peak viewing season for the Northern Lights is September through March, but the country also gets quite cold during this time, and daylight lasts only about five hours. The period between early June and late August sees temperate weather for visiting natural wonders and experiencing the entire Ring Road but bring your sleeping mask. At the height of summer, the sun sets for only three hours. Iceland’s summer weather rarely breaks 65°F, with average temperatures around 55°F. The winter months are kept comparatively temperate by mild air off the Gulf Stream, with average temperatures around 33°F.

WHERE TO STAY: EDITION Reykjavik Several hotels and attractions are home to the capital city of Reykjavik, one of the newest is EDITION Reykjavik. EDITION brings modern fivestar luxury to this area, showcasing the best in dining, service, and amenities. Located in downtown Reykjavik’s historic, scenic heart, the hotel is a 45-minute car ride from the airport and steps away from Laugavegur Street, the city’s shopping district. EDITION serves as a great home base for exploring one of the region’s wonders, the Blue Lagoon. In addition, the Northern Lights are visible from the hotel during the winter solstice.

Laid-back luxury adequately describes the hotel’s 253 rooms and suites. Cozy retreats with warm palettes of ash wood and pale gray oak are adorned with bespoke furniture and artwork from local artists. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the city when dining alfresco while also catching a glimpse of Mr. Esia and the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

EDITION is home to several restaurants and cafés: The ROOF, Tides, and TOLT. The ROOF is located on the hotel’s seventh floor and offers panoramic mountain and ocean views. The casual vibe is to be enjoyed with a carefully curated menu, supporting sustainable farming and great flavors. Tides is the hotel’s signature restaurant headed by Iceland’s first Michelin-star Chef, Gunnar Karl Gislason. Tides’ Modern Icelandic cuisine combines the best of the country’s natural ingredients with the highest quality global ingredients. TOLT is named after the unique fourth-gait Icelandic horse. This cozy bar is a hidden haven and the ideal spot for late-night cocktails.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa / Blue Lagoon is about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in Grindavik, southwestern Iceland. Though it appears the lagoon was naturally made, it is entirely man-made. The water maintains temperatures averaging between 98°F and 104°F all year round and is naturally renewed every 40 hours. Although it isn’t known for sure just why the water found in Blue Lagoon is so beneficial to the skin, it is likely due to a combination of the minerals, bacteria, and algae in the water. The water in Blue Lagoon contains dissolved minerals, including calcium, chloride, and natron, which Combine to make sea salt. The water (a mixture of 30% fresh water and 70% sea water) also has trace amounts of magnesium, sulfur, and carbonate. Interestingly, Blue Lagoon is home to a particular type of bacteria that has not been found anywhere other than in the lagoon. The blue-green algae in the lagoon is what gives the water its distinct blue color.

The resort consists of two hotels: Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel. Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel embodies comfort and relaxation. Each of its 35 rooms was designed for wellness and wellbeing, guiding guests on an unforgettable journey. Guests can experience incredible views of the mountains and lava flows from every room. Silica Hotel also offers a private lagoon in addition to the Blue Lagoon.

Retreat at Blue Lagoon is an award-winning luxury resort encompassing a 62-suite hotel, an underground spa, Michelin dining, and a private lagoon source from the same waters as the renowned Blue Lagoon. The resort boasts four delectable dining options: Lava is built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the banks of the Blue Lagoon. The menu features Icelandic delicacies made from fresh local ingredients. Moss is located at the highest point at Blue Lagoon. Not only does the menu change seasonally, but it also has an exclusive wine cellar in a volcanic chamber well below the earth’s surface. Blue Lagoon also has a Spa Restaurant and Café for quick bites and snacks that don’t skimp on the views.

Hotel Geysir / Hotel Geysir is a family hotel in the historic Haukadalur Valley and in the geothermal area of Geysir and Strokkur. Opened in August of 2019, guests can choose from one of the hotel’s 77 rooms or six suites. The hotel’s buildings were designed to blend into its surroundings. The area is famous for its geothermal hot springs and geysers, located within walking distance from the hotel. From September to March, guests will witness the Northern Lights from Geysir’s property.

At Hotel Geysir, many activities are available for individuals, groups or families. Activities range from quilting to bird watching or adventures like river rafting. Snorkeling in Silfra, river jet, river rafting, golfing, hiking, snowmobile rides on the glacier, and fishing will never leave you bored.

Hotel Kria / Hotel Kria opened in July of 2018 and is situated in Vík, a small town in the south of Iceland, just a short drive from Iceland’s famous black sand beach. Hotel Kria features 72 rooms and one suite. Centrally located on the southern coast, travelers will have access to various excursions and tours. Popular activities include snorkeling in Silfra, Leidarendi Lava Tunnel, Private Katla Ice Cave adventure, Black Beach ATV tour, and much more.

WHERE TO VISIT: No matter how you choose to spend your time in Iceland, you will be captivated by the majestic vistas and wealth of activities in The Land of Fire and Ice.

Reykjavik: Vibrant, welcoming and gorgeous, Reykjavik is the most popular tourist destination in Iceland. It’s close to the airport and in the middle of some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. Most tours and excursions leave from Reyjavik.

Akureyri: Sometimes referred to as the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is a port town that is home to some of the most gratifying whale watching in the world, with several tours guaranteeing sightings in the summer. The Akureyri Botanical Garden, founded in 1912, is famous for its vibrant flora and walking paths.

Húsavík: Húsavík is home to Húsavíkurkirkja, a must-see wooden church built in 1904 and a significant reason people travel to Iceland. Visitors will also enjoy the town’s many biology and cultural museums and the Húsavík Whale Museum. Whale watching from Húsavík is lovely, with several species frequenting the bay.

Höfn: A fishing town in the southeast, Höfn is known for its scenic views of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe.

Vík í Mýrdal: A village of just 300 people, Vík í Mýrdal (or just Vík) is nevertheless one of the most popular stops on the Ring Road for those taking the south coast sightseeing route. Two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls—Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss—are between Reykjavik and Vík. On clear days, the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers are both visible, but Vík’s biggest draw is Reynisfjara, a black sand beach and one of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks.

Vestmannaeyjar: The islands of Vestmannaeyjar (or the Westman Islands) are reachable by ferry. A volcanic archipelago features some of Iceland’s most diverse wildlife.

Ísafjörður: Home to Iceland’s popular musical festivals—the Ísafjörður Rock Festival and Við Djúpið Music Festival— Ísafjörður is a music lover’s dream. sl

Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa / Norðurljósavegur 9 240 Grindavík, Iceland / +354 420 8800 / www.bluelagoon.com EDITION Reykjavik / Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland / +354 582 0000 / www.editionhotels.com/reykjavik Hótel Geysir / Haukadalur 806 Iceland / +354 480 6800 / www.hotelgeysir.is Hotel Kría / Sléttuvegur 12-14, 870 Vík, Iceland/ +354 416 2100 / www.hotelkria.is