Traveling to Iceland for just two nights with the sole mission of seeing the Northern Lights might sound like a gamble—especially given their elusive nature. But for us, the thrill of the chase and our “just go” philosophy made this quick getaway an irresistible venture. The idea of immersing ourselves in Iceland’s raw beauty and potentially catching a glimpse of nature’s most extraordinary light show was simply too enticing to resist. So, with high hopes and a spirit of adventure, we packed our bags and set off for what turned out to be an unforgettable trip! Here’s a recap of our exciting Icelandic adventure:
Arrival and Reykjavik Roaming
Our Iceland adventure kicked off the moment we landed! First stop: Reykjavik, where we fueled up with warm coffee and delightful roll pastries—absolute staples in every Icelander’s diet. This charming town offers a glimpse into Icelandic life, blending modern culture with its rustic past. The sun was starting to lighten the sky as we arrived shortly before 9 am. Winter days are short in Iceland!
Lava Show: A Fiery Encounter
Next, we headed to the mesmerizing Lava Show. If you’ve ever been curious about those volcanic rocks scattered all over Iceland, this is the place to be. The rocks are reheated in a furnace and converted to lava which allows visitors to see lava flow which was both breathtaking and educational, giving us insights into Iceland’s fiery origins.
Golden Circle: A Trio of Geological Wonders
Embarking on the famous Golden Circle route was like stepping into a realm of natural splendor, featuring three iconic geological wonders. First, we marveled at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tectonic plates drift apart, creating rifts and a dramatic landscape steeped in history. Here, you can walk between two continents as the tectonic plates drift apart about two centimeters a year. Next up was Geysir Geothermal Area, where the earth literally comes to life with bubbling hot springs and the thrilling eruptions of Strokkur geyser, shooting water high into the sky. Our journey culminated at Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls,” a breathtaking waterfall whose cascading torrents capture the raw, untamed beauty that is quintessentially Icelandic. Each stop along the Golden Circle offered a unique glimpse into Iceland’s captivating geology and natural beauty.
After our red eye flight that did not involve much sleep, I am so glad we managed to stay awake to enjoy all that the Golden Circle has to offer!
Tomato Delight at Friðheimar
No road trip is complete without great food! We stopped at Friðheimar, a quaint tomato farm set amidst the Golden Circle. Dining inside the greenhouse on delicious, tomato-focused dishes was a unique farm-to-table experience. Our light, yet fulfilling lunch, fueled us for the remainder of our day and we avoided taking a nap on day #1 which helped us adjust to our new time zone. The complimentary coffee at Friðheimar was much appreciated!
Hotel Ranga: A Heavenly Retreat
Hotel Ranga was the whole reason for our whirlwind trip. Explore More has sent several clients to this property because it is known as a place away from light pollution where you can see the northern lights. Last November, I was flipping through a magazine that showed Hotel Ranga with the northern lights in the background. I knew we had too much travel already scheduled for the first half of the year, but I also knew that the aurora is at its peak this winter for the next ten years, so I immediately started convincing my husband that a holiday weekend trip was doable. Thus, I am extremely grateful to Hotel Ranga and to my clients also chasing the northern lights for inspiring our Iceland weekend getaway! Here’s what makes this property truly extraordinary:
- Northern Lights Watching: Enjoy front-row seats to nature’s most spectacular light show! Hotel Ranga is perfectly located away from city lights, providing an ideal spot for stargazing and watching the awe-inspiring auroras right from your room or the hotel’s dedicated observatory.
- Authentic Icelandic Experience: The warmth and charm of traditional Icelandic hospitality await you. From locally sourced gourmet dining to geothermal hot tubs overlooking the stunning surroundings, immerse yourself in a genuine cultural experience.
- Gateway to Adventure: For those seeking adventure, Hotel Ranga serves as your gateway to explore Iceland’s iconic landmarks like the Golden Circle, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic beaches. Experience breathtaking hikes, thrilling snowmobile rides, or serene horseback adventures.
- Luxurious Comforts: Each room at Hotel Ranga is designed with comfort and indulgence in mind. From plush bedding to chic Icelandic décor, unwind in style after a day of exploration.
- Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
- $50 USD hotel credit (one per stay)
- Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
- Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
We arrived at Hotel Ranga just as the sun dipped below the horizon, ready to relax with our welcome drink in hand. The cozy atmosphere was the perfect place to unwind, but it was later in the evening when this hotel really starts to “shine”!
The Northern Lights: Nature's Spectacle
As dinner wound down that first night, excitement ensued—the Northern Lights had started their dance! We rushed outside for what turned out to be an unforgettable spectacle, as vibrant color painted the sky. Since seeing the Aurora Borealis was the entire reason for our trip, we were thrilled to see them on our first night. Seeing them two nights in a row made it even better. All the locals told us how lucky we were to see them twice in all of their glory!
South Coast Adventure
The adventure continued as we drove along the south coast to Vik, Iceland’s warmest spot (ironically, the only place where we experienced snow falling from the sky)! Unfortunately, intense winds kept us from safely exploring the black sand beach at Víkurfjara, but safety always comes first. We made up for that by visiting Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two mesmerizing waterfalls that showcase Iceland’s raw beauty.
Then, an exhilarating snowmobile ride awaited on top of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, letting us soak in panoramic views and savor Iceland’s wintry charm. Eyjafjallajökull is the volcano that eruped in 2015 and halted travel from Europe for weeks, so it was wild to think we were now snowmobiling so close to it!
Ending with Relaxation
After our South Coast Adventure on day two, the geothermal hot tubs were a perfect post-adventure retreat. Before heading home the next day, we found bliss at the Sky Lagoon, unwinding in its serene waters—a fantastic finale to a magical trip.
Iceland was a dream come true, with each moment more incredible than the last. If you’re considering an Icelandic getaway, go for it, and may the Northern Lights guide you on your way!
photo credit: www.ritzcarlton.com