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As you read this post, I’ve arrived in my latest adventurous destination, the Land of Ice and Fire — Iceland!
I’m visiting Iceland in partnership with the Iceland Tourist Board and Arctic Adventures. Our mission? To promote Iceland as an adventure-filled destination for solo female travelers and more.
In terms of adventurous activities, Iceland is one of the best places in the world. I’ll be here for five full days, and they are jam-packed with activities. Here’s what I’ll be doing:
Snorkeling Silfra in Thingvillir National Park — some of the world’s clearest waters are here, between the American and European techtonic plates! And it’s cold, so I’ll be snorkeling in a full puffy wetsuit.
Lava caving — descending into a hole in the ground and climbing through lava-laced caves is probably the best way to understand Iceland’s volcanic geology!
Glacier hiking and ice climbing — hiking on a glacier in south Iceland, and then actually climbing a the glacier wall, jamming my pointy boots into the ice!
Horseback riding through the countryside — getting to know Iceland’s trademark furry horses on a trot through the lava fields.
Eating unusual delicacies, including puffin, (sustainably caught) minke whale, and perhaps even hakarl (rotten shark meat!). Tapas Barinn, an Icelandic tapas restaurant, has invited me to taste many local dishes in their famous Icelandic Gourmet Feast.
Luxuriating in the milky turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous attraction.
Exploring Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, which seems to be a cool, laid-back, and nightlife-loving city.
Enjoying luxury on a budget at Kex Hostel in Reykjavik, a hostel filled with endless perks like a gym, a gastropub, and a library! I’ve never stayed at a hostel this nice before, and I’m excited to check out the luxury hostels phenomenon.
Other activities? Plenty. I have a few in the works right now, and I’ll probably decide on other things as soon as I get there! Stay tuned for details.
I will be documenting this trip with the #akiceland tag on Twitter and Instagram. Follow along for all my updates in real time. As always, the big posts will come out after the trip, but I’ll try to see if I can squeeze one or two out live from Iceland. You’ll have plenty of Spain and Umbria posts in the meantime.
I always love hearing what you have to say — so if there’s something you’d like me to do in Iceland, please let me know now! Any suggestions?
More on Iceland:
- My Actual Iceland Trip Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown
- 35 Awesome Things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland
- Things to Know Before You Visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
- Why Iceland is Great for First-Time Solo Female Travelers
My Favorite Places in Iceland:
- How to Visit Kvernufoss, My Favorite Iceland Waterfall
- A Look Inside the Sky Lagoon, Iceland
- Sail Through the Sky with FlyOver Iceland
- Snorkeling Silfra: The Cold Neon Waters of Iceland
- How to Visit Studlagil Canyon, Iceland
Image credit: Allan Roston
Thanks for all the tips! We’re headed to Iceland for 20 hours in August – so we’ve got to pick the best of the best for our visit!
20 hours? WOW, what a mission!
Great waterfall pic! I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland. Thanks for posting what you’ll be doing. Cannot wait to hear about the lave caves. This is a trip I have to plan!
I think you saw on FB that I went to that waterfall today!
HAVE FUN!! (Though I know you will.) And so happy to hear you’re trying out Tapas Barinn! Their Icelandic feast is a great way to try a little bit of everything.
I went and am still confused about the puffin.
So excited your in Iceland! I plan on going in the fall! Can’t wait to hear about all the adventures
Looks like an amazing itinerary! Have a blast!
It sounds like it will be an amazing trip! I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, I can’t wait to read your thoughts and recommendations 🙂 Have fun!
Loving how many people have always wanted to visit!
Looks like you’re going to have quite the experience! I’ve wanted to go to Iceland for a long time, but we’ve haven’t made it there yet! Looking forward to living vicariously through you on this journey. Enjoy!
Maybe this year is the year to FINALLY make Iceland happen for you!
Looks like an adventure sport paradise. Have fun! I am looking forward to reading all about it!
WOW this looks like a hot spot. Will put this up to the wife and hit the road.
Iceland is one of my biggest travel dreams. Your trip sounds so great and filled with so much excitement. Have fun 🙂
Then you should make it a priority this year or next!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, what a fun trip! I’ve never thought to visit Iceland, but your post sure motivates me. I love luxury on a budget, so this is just my style!
That’s exactly why the Iceland Tourist Board is working with me on this trip — to get people excited to visit!
Snorkeling in Iceland? NO WAY!!!! Can’t wait to see that post!
Snorkeling is tomorrow night and I’m getting a bit nervous. They said to bring long underwear. To me, that means two sets of leggings.
Hey Kate, I’m planning my trip to Iceland right now! Very much looking forward to reading your recommendations!
You’ll love it, Alex!
I live in downtown Reykjavik and I want to recommend the newest bar on Laugarvegur, Lebowski Bar for a taste of the Reykjavik nightlife.
My sister went there and loved it!
I absolutely loved living in RVK between my graduation-uni gap year. Iceland is the place to be!
What a nice place to live for a year!
The landscape is absolutely stunning and the people are so nice…well most of them:)
Looking forward to hearing all about the Icelandic food!
Iceland is incredibly beautiful! Definitely a place I want to add to my ‘bucket list’! Ha! 🙂
I love this waterfall!
Hi there Kate! I am planning to go to Iceland in January, do you have any tips about how to save money? I am going on a very very low budget!! Any help would really be appreciated
All in this post: https://www.adventurouskate.com/how-i-saved-13000-for-travel-in-just-seven-months/
I am thinking about going to Iceland solo in December or January. I love hiking but not sure I have the gear for the winter. I see some hiking adventure websites but trips seem really expensive. Is Iceland a realistic place to see take day trips in the winter?
There are plenty of day trips available in the winter. And they will likely be a bit cheaper than during the summer, too.