As I sit here, looking for words to describe our first day’s experiences in Iceland, I realize that the plethora of adjectives I’ve accumulated in my 33 years – they just aren’t enough. This is a place too beautiful for the words I’ve learned in the past. Too breathtaking for me to describe. It’s wonderful. Wild.
I love it.
To begin, we flew what most would consider a more budget airline – Icelandair. For those inquiring minds, message me and I’ll give you pricing details. The flight was everything we really hoped it could be though. It left on time, had the most delicious airplane food I’ve had to date (I’d recommend pre-ordering as many of the special holiday offerings were sold out.) and they had the biggest selection of free in-flight entertainment! Movies, TV shows, Icelandic shows and lots of children’s activities as well. The staff was cordial and helpful.
Our flight is technically from Chicago to Munich and we are on what Icelandair refers to as a “stopover”. You can choose any number of days to stopover when you book your European flight – just beware that, as with any flight, the day you choose to leave and proceed with your trip can drastically change your price. We really wanted 3 days to layover here, but the price was more than double, so we opted for the 4th day (and are now glad we have that extra day!).
KEF was a nicely appointed airport. Medium size, but with quite a selection of duty free and local snacks and liquors if you’d like to purchase any. It had a Dunkin Donuts, a raw juice bar (!!!) and a few other restaurants. From there we took the “Flybus” to BSI bus terminal. You can pre-purchase your ticket in the states with USD and avoid any conversion rates.
BSI was where things got a little dicey. The 45 minute bus ride was too warm for someone who gets car sick easily (which I do!) and if you haven’t slept much then this is the place where you can miss your first big tour. But to be honest with you, it was a blessing in disguise. They didn’t pre-charge us for the tour and when we called to inform them we were never picked up, they told us we didn’t pre-pay anyway so no harm, no foul. It was a bit of a curve ball at first but after breakfast and a cup of coffee (or three!) from the terminal cafe, we had a new game plan.
The VERY nice young guys at the Enterprise desk at BSI set us up with a Toyota rental car for the day and we were off on our own adventure around the Golden Circle.
From the moment you start to leave Reykjavik on the GC (Golden Circle) route, you’re immediately energized by the glaciers that start popping up in the distance. Majestic and mythical, even in the wind and rain. We made it about an hour and a half into the drive before realizing we needed to pull-off at one of the many, many photo op areas and just take a power nap in the car. I’ve never enjoyed a nap more than I did the one in that car. Much, much needed. (P.S. Iceland feels safe and the people have been SO friendly!)
From there we ventured on to Geysir. Unfortunately, it was too windy and rainy to attempt photos, but the memories live on in our minds. It was an incredible sight and one that should not be missed when visiting the GC in Iceland. Geysir is basically the geyser that all others are named after. The shop/restaurant/hotel across the street is a fabulous place to warm up and grab a snack if you need one. But don’t actually EAT there. Drive 15 minutes up the road to the BEST tomato soup you’ve ever had.
Fridheimar greenhouses are a diamond in the rough. You drive about 15 km off the GC route and suddenly there’s this dumpy looking greenhouse in the middle of nowhere. And if you’re me, you almost turn around because it feels like you’re driving down a dirt lane to some industrial greenhouse where tourists don’t belong. But press on, I beg you.
Venturing into the welcome center was like stepping into a glittering, green, paradise. Your senses are overwhelmed by the sudden bright lights, sparkling tables and the deep, earthly aroma of thousands of thriving tomato plants. They stretch from ceiling to floor in magnificent 20 ft towers. We were seated next to the plants and greeted by a sweet, informative server. She explains that they supply 90% of Iceland’s tomatoes, use green sources (geothermal steam, anyone?) and no pesticides. They “import bees in pretty yellow boxes from Norway, so if you see one buzz by, don’t be alarmed.” The menu is short and simple and all tomato based. They have variations on the Bloody Mary if you’d like a cocktail and food offerings include pizza, pasta and an “all you can ladel” soup and bread bar. Obviously, we recommend the soup bar on a chilly, rainy day. It’s served with a side of shredded cucumber, sour cream and a fresh basil plant adorns the center of your table in case you get the urge to snip off a leaf or two. My hubby enjoyed the artisan bread selection, and dipped more than a few slices into his homemade soup. The soup bar is $20 per person, and worth every cent. (But when you know that most meals in Iceland start at around $20/per person, that actually makes it a bargain.)
Please, do NOT skip this place if you are on the GC route. I will never forget Fridheimar and our lunch next to the bees from Norway.
From there we took our time driving back to Reykjavik. We stopped along the way to photograph the shaggy-haired ponies and that one random fluffy sheep. There are mountains, waterfalls, moss covered valleys and steaming lakes – far more scenery than one can absorb in a day. Our Airbnb next to the ocean was a welcome sight. Adorned with Christmas lights and lots of Icelandic charm make it the perfect place to crash during our stay.
By this time it’s only 5pm on our first day in Iceland and I’ve already heard my husband say numerous times that he can’t wait to come back… funny how he’s already missing a place that we are still visiting.
More to come. Stay tuned.
Love from right below the Arctic Circle,
Stacey & Dave
Great comments keep the tour coming I can almost see it.
Thank you! We will keep you informed! 🙂 Miss you all!