By
Jennifer Everest, responsibletravel.com
Last February I wanted a weekend with a difference. I wanted to experience a country I hadn't visited before, I wanted a new challenge, experience a new culture, and have fun! After reading about the Iceland weekend adventure holiday on the site
here I was sold.
Like most people on the trip I was intrigued by both by the winter activities on offer and by the country itself. Iceland has a kind of magical yet sinister aura about it. I knew that the country was one of the most volcanically active landscapes on earth, I knew it was stunning but I had no idea what a barren and spectacular wilderness it was. Iceland is one of those places that however much you hear about it, travellers' tales can never really convey the stark reality. It is a country where the natural elements determine how people live rather than a environment that is controlled to suit peoples lives. As the plane flew down, the sight of an island completely covered with ice, with huge ranges of mountains and glaciers, with few urban areas dotting the landscape, is both formidable and exciting.
We were met at the airport by our guide that would accompany us for the duration of the trip. Karl was an experienced mountain guide who was fiercely proud of his country, full of knowledgeable facts that no guidebook could have told you and came equipped with a dry sense of humor - a great combination for the type of holiday I was after.
Wasting no time our luggage was bundled into the back of a mini van and the group got acquainted as we travelled to the first activity of the weekend. The Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes peninsula is dotted across any brochure you pick up about Iceland and raved about in all the guidebooks. The geo-thermally heated pool is a very surreal experience. Standing in your swimsuit in the middle of a snowstorm, sinking into the warm thermal baths with silica mud slimy between your toes and your hair freezing in strands was an experience that was more bizarre rather than relaxing. Steam combined with a snowstorm in the darkness results in very poor visibility so keep one of your new friends with you!
We drove onward into Reykjavik with Karl pointing out various points of interest on the way. Occupying a relatively isolated location in the North Atlantic the city has a strong America influence as well as European presence. Geographically the country is about as big as England but the population is only around 280,000 making Iceland the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Over 70% of the population lives in Reykjavik largely due to the inhospitable elements found further inland of the country. The city is simply beautiful. When we visited it was covered in snow where you could look out onto the ocean and the snow capped mountains beyond. The brightly coloured buildings added a stylish charm to the natural beauty.
Our guesthouse couldn't have been better situated. Not only we right next to Hallgrimskirkja a very distinct landmark to stagger home towards but we were also near the bars and clubs that Reykjavik is so famous for. The city is compact and easy to navigate. In addition it is relatively crime free I base this on the fact that we watched as about 3 police cars plus a riot van came just to detain a young man who was only relatively drunk and not even being offensive, something that the two policemen on the trip from Birmingham couldn't get over!
Over dinner in a local restaurant we had an opportunity to get further acquainted, our guide leaving us at a sensible hour leaving us to experience the nightlife of Reykjavik for ourselves. The nightlife is famous for a reason. Unlike England the bars and clubs stay open until the early hours of the morning. With many clubbers not even going out until 2 or 3am.
The next day we headed out from Reykjavik towards the country's interior to experience the wilderness of Iceland and to try our hand at some new winter sports. Snowmobiling was probably my favourite. We travelled two at a time and driving for approximately 30 minutes each we weaved after each other, following our guide so as to not disappear into the snow covered crevices in the ground. With the sun bright in the sky and the snow swirling around it was a fantastic experience. Watch out for the safety helmets though it adds a whole new dimension when the glass mask freezes over but believe me when you go at full speed over the bumps you'll be grateful when your partners head smashes into yours!
In the afternoon we travelled further inland to see the natural sites of the area. These included the famous Geysir and Strokkur that bubble and burp boiling water 60-100ft high every few minutes; and Gullfoss, a massive waterfall through which the river Hvitα drops a total of 32 metres on its way along a narrow canyon. We hiked at Pingvellir a site of great historical and geological importance. This is an ancient parliament site where you can stand on the edge of both the European and American continental plates which continue to widen by 1.5cm each year.
We spent the night in a lovely traditional remote farmhouse near to the icecap of Mydralsjokull backed by mountains and overlooking fields right up to the ocean. The farmhouse had loads of character and was cosy and unique. As the only ones staying there we had lots of room to ourselves and enjoyed a fabulous meal, homemade by our guide.
The next day was scheduled for ice climbing and hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier. The difficult hour trying to make the crampons small enough to fit onto my boots was actually time well spent as the strong winds stormed outside. Blowing up from the sea and blocked by the mountains behind us, we watched from the windows as the landscape in front of us became green as the snow was picked up in waves and splashed and swirled over us. Deeming that the elements would make walking onto top of the glacier dangerous we abandoned the ice picks and crampons and piled back into the van.
One of the advantages of being in a small group with a local guide meant that our plans weren't fixed in stone and the powerful winds did not make a difference to the enjoyment of the holiday. Our guide took the opportunity to show us a little more of Iceland the black basalt beaches, the magnificent waterfalls, and a huge glacier with cracks and crevices which made for a great adventure playground to explore.
We returned to Reykjavik to check back into our guesthouse in the city, managing to sneak another stop at a geothermal pool on the way. Karl took us to the harbor and again out to dinner. Whilst I'm all for sampling a country's local delicacies I must say I turned my nose up at the idea of the traditional rotten shark, cured by burying and washed down with a well-deserved shot of Black Death schnapps. There are lots of other local delicacies of course, explained and elaborated on by our dry humored guide! I went for the flat fish the freshest tasting you could ever imagine and a must if you're visiting the region.
The morning of the fourth day was set aside for free time and Karl was on hand to help us organize some activities. In hindsight we should have made a decision towards the start of the trip as by the time all ten of us decided we'd like to go horse riding there weren't enough horses available. Although to be completely honest after a night and early morning experiencing the nightlife of Reykjavik we were more than happy to spend the morning with the rest of the local Icelandic community relaxing in one of the many natural pools!
Find this trip on responsibletravel.com here
My top tips for this holiday - In Iceland you are truly exposed to the elements. Understandably it's cold, deep snow, blizzards but it's nothing a good jacket and strong boots can't overcome. But make sure you're fully prepared for the conditions.
- Iceland has a very rich and fascinating history - both culturally and geologically. Just reading up at little bit about the country should add to your holiday experience immensely.
- When you're out at night in Reykjavik make an effort to get to know some of the local community as well as the others on your trip. Iceland's interior is sparsely populated at this time of year and you'll run little chance of meeting others on other parts of the weekend. Icelanders are very friendly and are keen to answer your questions.
- Do not wear jewellery in any of the thermal baths - the sulphur in the water discolours and blackens silver - although if you forget a chlorine swimming pool seems to clear it.
- Be careful where you're walking. Snow can hide a multiple of deep crevices and paths may be not obviously marked.
Have a great holiday! I thoroughly recommend this trip and all members of the group enjoyed it also.
Jennifer, Web Editor, responsibletravel.com
