Iceland
This page is written by my daughter Lauren, sharing highlights from her trip to Iceland with her now-husband, Kenny. Iceland delivered an unforgettable mix of surreal landscapes and bucket-list experiences. From snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Silfra, to soaking in geothermal lagoons surrounded by lava fields, every moment felt like stepping into another world. We explored waterfalls and volcanic terrain, visited a family-run tomato greenhouse where everything on the menu centered around their harvest, and stood in awe at the dramatic scenery around every bend. Iceland wasn’t just beautiful—it was wildly unique, and unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic experiences, and for good reason. Surrounded by lava fields and shrouded in mist, the milky blue geothermal waters feel like something out of a dream. We soaked for hours, letting the warm mineral-rich water melt away the chill of Iceland’s crisp air. At one point, we slathered on the signature silica face mask provided at the lagoon—cooling and creamy, it made us feel like we were at a spa in the middle of a volcanic field. It was relaxing, surreal, and a little magical—especially with the contrast between the steaming water and the dramatic volcanic backdrop
Silfra Snorkling
Snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland’s Silfra fissure is an experience that’s hard to put into words—equal parts surreal, beautiful, and bone-chilling. It was our first time wearing dry suits, which are basically like neoprene armor that keeps your body warm while your face and hands take the full hit of the icy glacial water. Getting into the water was a bit of a shock; the temperature hovers around 35°F (2°C), and you can definitely feel it in your exposed skin. But once we floated out into the rift, everything else faded away.
The visibility was unlike anything I’ve ever seen—crystal clear water stretching over 100 meters, with towering walls of lava rock below. You don’t actually swim much; the dry suit makes you so buoyant you just drift along the narrow channel between the North American and Eurasian plates. It’s like flying through a submerged canyon, completely still and silent. Cold? Absolutely. But the kind of cold that feels completely worth it for something this wild and unique.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon was one of the most unexpectedly magical experiences of our trip to Iceland. Tucked into the rugged coastline just outside Reykjavik, this geothermal spa offers a more intimate and luxurious atmosphere than the famous Blue Lagoon. What sets it apart isn’t just the stunning infinity-edge pool that seems to melt into the ocean horizon, but the unique 7-step ritual that turns your soak into a full-body wellness experience.
After settling into the steaming lagoon waters and soaking in the view, we began the ritual with a quick plunge into an icy cold pool—designed to stimulate circulation and jolt you awake (yes, it’s as freezing as it sounds). From there, we moved into a foggy sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the sea, followed by a cool mist room that felt like standing inside a cloud. Then came a sea-salt scrub and a cold shower rinse, capped off by a peaceful soak in a warm steam room and a final cleanse. The entire experience left us feeling completely rejuvenated.
What really made Sky Lagoon stand out was the little details: the peaceful ambiance, the emphasis on Icelandic bathing culture, and the swim-up bar, where we enjoyed drinks while floating under the open sky. It felt less commercial and more serene compared to the Blue Lagoon. While both are worth visiting, Sky Lagoon offered a more elevated and memorable experience overall.
Golden Circle Tour
Our Golden Circle tour was the perfect way to wrap up our trip to Iceland, combining iconic landmarks with personal highlights from earlier in the week. One of the first stops was Þingvellir National Park, a site of both historical and geological significance. It was surreal to stand above the very same Silfra fissure where we had snorkeled just days before—this time warm and dry, looking down into the crystal-clear water that divides the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Seeing it from above gave us a whole new appreciation for how wild it was to be swimming between continents.
Next up was Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls. You can hear it before you see it—the thunder of water crashing down two tiers into a deep canyon is unforgettable. We walked the path to get up close to the falls and were completely soaked by the spray (worth it). Pictures can’t do justice to the sheer force and beauty of Gullfoss—it’s something you just have to experience for yourself.
We also stopped at Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by red rock that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water below. It was less crowded than other sites and had a peaceful, almost otherworldly vibe. With each stop, we were reminded just how much Iceland packs into its dramatic and ever-changing landscapes. From snorkeling to waterfalls to volcanic craters, the Golden Circle really gives you a bit of everything.
Friðheimar
Of all the incredible things we did in Iceland, visiting the Friðheimar tomato greenhouse was surprisingly one of our favorite stops. Set inside a bright, steamy greenhouse filled with rows and rows of tomato vines, it felt like walking into a vibrant, living farm-to-table experience. Everything smelled fresh and earthy, and the moment we stepped in, we could tell this place was special.
The tomatoes were unlike any we’ve had before—perfectly sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Learning about their hydroponic growing process was fascinating. They use geothermal energy and natural lighting to produce tomatoes year-round, right in the heart of Iceland. It was wild to see how such a cold country could grow something so summery and delicious. And the meal? Unforgettable. The tomato and burrata plate with fresh basil and olive oil was simple but perfect—proof that when your ingredients are that good, you don’t need anything else.
