Iceland: Magical, Magnificent, and Wild

I have a difficult time putting into words the full beauty of Iceland's nature.

I have had the privilege to see some of the most impressive features of my own country. The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. White Sands. Arches. The Cascades.

Now imagine seeing them all within a two hour drive.

What is equally impressive is how well the country has handled the recent rush of tourists. Of course I don't want to make light of the rising cost of living, in part due to the short term rentals that might function better as permanent housing. No, I'm referring to how impeccably clean the natural sites are from garbage and kitschy "Margaritaville" neon signs. Iceland is for nature lovers, people who will equally enjoy and respect nature.

Yes, some tourists still poorly behave, but it's a stark contrast compared to what I've seen in US national parks.

My trip only touched the southwest quadrant of Iceland, which is by far the most visited section. Having just a week to explore the country, I realized it made no sense to try to cram the full ring road. That sounded like a great way to see everything and nothing at once.

I was a bit worried that the Golden Circle would be a bit over-hyped, a consolation prize for those lacking the time or willpower to venture further into the land of ice and fire. It turns out.....nope, the Golden Circle is pretty great. In one day you will witness a continental divide, rapids tinged an otherworldly blue hue, waterfalls perched in jaw-dropping and palm-sweating cliff sides, and the "original" geyser that gave all other geysers their name.

Then we ventured to the southern coast.....this was the section of the trip that truly stole my heart. You cannot find a section of the southern coast that is anything other than stunning. The landscape changes rapidly, to the point where my brain simply could not process all of the elements. Jagged, epic cliff faces give way to fields of mossy rocks. Black sand beaches stretch for miles in every direction. And the glaciers. My photos do no justice for the otherworldly colors that hit my eyes.

Iceland is not cheap and requires personal endurance for the whipping winds and ever-changing weather. But I can say, with certainty, that I have never felt so in touch with the natural forces that shape our planet.

General itinerary: Blue Lagoon -> Reykjavik -> Vik (including Dyrhólaey and Vatnajökull) -> Garður

Photo specifics: in chronological order except photo 1

#1 - Vatnajökull near Svínafellsjökull Glacier

#2 & 3 - Reykjavik

#4 - Brúarfoss (Golden Circle)

#5 - Gulfoss (Golden Circle)

#6 - a very dapper boi

#7 - Skálholt Cathedral (Golden Circle)

#8 - Vík i Myrdal Church

#9 - Svínafellsjökull Glacier

#10 - Diamond Beach

#11 & 12 - Jökulsárlón

#13 - Farm near Vik and Dyrhólaey

#14 & 15 - Viking Park

#16 - near Hálsanefshellir Cave

#17 - viewing Dyrhólaey

#18 - near Vik

#19 - Fosstorfufoss, upstream of Skógafoss

#20 - Garður Old Lighthouse

Please let me know if you have any questions about photos, visiting Iceland, etc.