As the first stop of our gap year, Iceland offers us so much more than we expected – more than a beautiful escape. Running into unknown, we hit the road without any trip itinerary. Kids surprisingly handled jet leg so well and it turns out to be the best unplanned trip ever.

Day 1: After getting our rental car, we drove to Reykjavik and enjoyed a puffin tour. Switching to boat is a great way to change the rhythm of the boring trip, slowing it down to a more peaceful pace. June in Iceland has longest duration of day light – sun goes down in the midnight and rises around 2 A.M. However, an outing at sea in warmest season of Iceland for whale or puffin watching will still require to brave the chill of the ocean – just the beauty of the nature makes it so worth it. The kids love watching the lovely creatures hovering by. They also learn some facts from the tour guide, like what puffins like to eat, where and when they migrate.

Leaving Reykjavik, heading north to our Airbnb felt like leaving the city through a back door, where the road gracefully winds from time to time, tracing the relief of landscape. Dad had to pull the car off road on the way to the cabin due to the jet leg. With beautiful scene through the car window, we would never complain about no place to lie down or about long boring road trip. Lupine flowers follow no logical path, covering the ground with magnificent purple carpet, and finishing by carving out a gorge or a cluster of streams or waterfalls.

The little cabin that we took some time to find nestles in the middle of such a poetic world. It is close to a town named Mosfelllsbar where you can barely find a grocery store. We took out all the food we brought from Denver. It was really not that bad having our first meal in Iceland, in the Lupine flower field. Kids actually were more excited about where they would stay rather than what to eat. They took out their art supplies, started to draw, and press the flowers. I was met with equal parts of excitement over all the surroundings in my way – my first drone flight. It was beyond words. However, it was getting pretty dangerous when a few birds started to chase my drone. Here, birds are natural guardians of the sky. In summer, the sounds of birds, river and ocean fill the air in these peaceful places.

Day 2: begins with a lot of yawns and struggles from getting out of beds. We decided to battle with jet lag rather than let it resolve itself. We embarked on the road trip to Snafellsnes. For some, Snafellsnes is being called “miniature of Iceland” since it includes all amazing scenes, black sand beach, volcano, iconic church etc. Sheep scattered in the meadow, occasionally strolled along the road calling stops of traffic. Black sand beach descends from the slopes of the glacier volcano. In the distance, the horizon is interrupted by steep black cliffs where nestles hundreds of sea gulls. The Snafellsnes Peninsula, with its enchanting colors, romantic atmosphere, and a stroll along the cliffs between Arnarstapi and Helena under the silhouette of the unbelievable glacier – capped volcano, is a must stop in Iceland. We are so lucky being here.

Inglaldsholskinkja is a church sitting in the field of Lupine. it has become the Instagram star, also our favorite place to run around. It feels super isolated from other majestic natural scene but offers charm of alive feeling.

On our way back to the cabin, we bought a lot of food from a grocery store, which is very eye-catching on the road with a cute pink pig as the logo. it is also one of the most recommended grocery shopping place called “Bonus”. Iceland has pretty high cost of living, but we love their milk, yogurt and the most of all, Bulgles (妙脆角 in Chinese, somehow I never found it in United States or in European other countries).

Day 3: We almost got over the jet leg. And it is time to explore more. We first wander around where we live. Here Mother Nature laboriously, yet artistically, creates her geologic canvas. The light from above to enhance the different greens of the mosses: green bronze, bottle green, gray. At the waist of the mountain, ribbons of snow left from the winter, are highlights along reliefs, stripping them in a zebra pattern. The winding river is emerald-colored and bordered by fluorescent green mosses around. Occasionally, a herd of Iceland horses came across the landscapes.

If above are all hidden views near we live, then you will not miss below very popular scenic spots: Iceland Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall. There are a lot of ways to get there. For some, Geysir and Gullfoss may be the first stops when arriving in Iceland. You will find everything you need at the Geysir visitor center. We just appreciate a roof above our heads during the rain at Geysir, where we got our souvenirs and had postcards sent out. About Geysir itself, it is also quite interesting. There are a couple of geysers but only one is pretty active. Compared to the Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park, this one is much smaller and not as punctual. The mosses and flowers around make it more mesmerizing. Travelers are captivated passing from a macro-landscape to a micro-landscape.

The waterfall of Gullfoss is the largest one in Iceland and without a question, is also much more populated. Tiered waterfalls spill into a big one, then merging into a tumultuous glacial river, then disappearing at the glacier valley. Be prepared for the slippery rocks.

As the day approaching the end, we drove back and captured a few pictures using tripod. When we made the decision to detour via Iceland, we couldn’t have imagined that we would be indulging that much. This area, isolated from everywhere, is the promise of a unique adventure for us.

Day 4: we head directly to Blue Lagoon, which is actually close to Reykjavik and airport. Away from hustle and bustle of airport/capital city, a swim into the Blue Lagoon opens the doors to another world, where the blue water evokes all the imagination you may have about this exotic island. A quote from their website says “The Blue Lagoon is blue because of the way silica—the lagoon’s iconic and most abundant element—reflects visible light when suspended in water.” In short, Blue Lagoon is very maturely commercialized retreat. Everything has been considered to ensure the stay is as pleasant and unforgettable as possible.

After that amazing experience, we went to Fagradalsfjall, the most recent eruption happened there in 2021. Hiking there was a bit rough for us and even through it is currently dormant, it was still totally worth it. Some clips from below video will take you there and wish you catch up an eruption sooner or later.

Then we drove to another scenic spot Kerid, which appreciates a bit donation. The crater was formed from a dead volcano about 6,500 years ago. It is well hidden by vegetation and busy traffic nearby. You won’t notice it until getting close. It is actually quite safe to hike to the top (not as dangerous as below picture shows – we have a very cautious dad). So is hiking down to the water side.

Last stop, we took a final sneak peak in Reykjavik, visiting Hallgrimskirkja church – the most iconic architecture in the city. Halllgrimskirkja is named in honour of Iceland’s most prominent writer of religious poetry, Hallgrimur Petursson. Different from other Gothic style Cathedrals in other parts of Europe, Hallgrimskirkja is young, modern and some people say quite odd. Inside of the church, it has minimalistic interior as many Scandinavian architecture does. Its unique style is inspired by the nature in Iceland. you can go up by elevator and enjoy beautiful views over Reykjavik from there. 

Day 5: We said goodbye to Iceland in a very early morning because of an early flight. At the rental car drop off, the worker even offered to drive us to the airport to make sure we catch the plane. Iceland airport has very family friendly policies. If you have a kid younger than 5 years old, the whole family can check in via premier lane. For us, the kindness of Iceland saved our next trip to Germany.

These jaw-dropping views are just a tip of iceberg. Later on in Germany, I persuade my husband to overview the Iceland trip by watching a movie called “The secret life of Walter Mitty”. The familiar scene, fear to the changes resonate with us a lot. Without hesitation, I flipped the Vlog from beginning to the end – just want to feel again the nightless Iceland – “dawn is coming open you eyes, look into the sun as the new day rise”

Beautiful things do not ask for attention. Hope you enjoy every moment when you are surrounded by beautiful things. Here, in Iceland, at the edge of the world, we want to share a quote from “The secret life of Walter Mitty”

“- Walter Mitty: When are you going to take it?
– Sean O’Connell: Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.”