Discovering Iceland, Week Four of Our 52 Country World Tour
- Brant
- Sep 19, 2025
- 3 min read
BrantJuly 2024
Chasing Waterfalls
Country number four on our great global adventure was Iceland, and it wasted no time in living up to the hype. Within just thirty minutes of renting a car, we stumbled upon a waterfall that set the tone for the entire trip. Not only did we admire it from the front, but we also went behind the falls for an up-close and very wet experience. That is Iceland in a nutshell, epic and raw.
Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing
The next day we teamed up with Troll Expeditions for one of the most incredible experiences of the trip so far. They outfitted us with all the gear, from crampons to ice axes, and guided us onto an actual glacier. Hiking across the ice felt surreal, and it only got better when we rappelled down into an ice cave. Climbing back out using axes and sheer determination made it a thrilling adventure. If you are looking for something unforgettable in Iceland, glacier hiking and ice climbing should be at the top of your list.
Taking the Plunge
We were so captivated by that first waterfall that we returned the following day, and this time I went right into it. Soaking wet but with unforgettable photos and videos to prove it, I may have been the only person bold enough to take on the waterfall that way. If anyone else has done it, I would love to know.
Meeting Mr. Iceland
From there we had the chance to meet Mr. Iceland himself, someone I had only seen online and wondered if he was real. He absolutely was. An authentic Viking, he leads horseback tours through his countryside property. Outfitted with traditional riding capes, we rode Icelandic horses across rivers and open fields while following a Viking guide. The experience was surreal, but it did not end there. Mr. Iceland personally cooked us a home meal, hearty and delicious, making the entire day something beyond special. This is a one of a kind experience that cannot be missed when visiting Iceland.
Snorkeling Between Two Continents
The next adventure took us north where we met with Adventure Vikings for a snorkeling trip unlike any other. They provided us with drysuits and guided us into the clearest and coldest water we had ever seen. The real thrill was swimming between two tectonic plates, a literal divide between continents. My son Braden made the moment even more unforgettable by flipping upside down in his drysuit to capture a unique photo. Our guide admitted that no one had ever pulled that off before.
The Famous Blue Lagoon
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and ours came the following day. Just like the photos and videos online, it was exactly as advertised. Despite the number of visitors, the space was vast enough to feel comfortable, and the mineral-rich waters made it a must-see stop.
Hiking to the Hot Springs River
On our final day in Iceland we set out on a seven mile hike through the mountains. The reward was discovering a natural hot springs river, an experience that felt both remote and extraordinary. Relaxing in warm, flowing water surrounded by raw Icelandic landscapes was the perfect way to end our time in the country.
Onward to Norway
Our days in Iceland were packed with adventure, from waterfalls and glaciers to Viking horseback rides and tectonic snorkeling. It was wild, it was unforgettable, and it set the stage for the next chapter of our journey as we head to country number five, Norway.
Links:
Comments