Tuesday, Nov 05, 2024

Experiencing Iceland’s Biggest Cultural Staple: Nature

Experiencing Iceland’s Biggest Cultural Staple: Nature

The Natural Pools.

I laid on my back in my swimsuit, next to my fiancée (now husband). The stars were scattered like gems across the black sky, and the air around us was invigorating and freezing. Every breath I exhaled floated as white vapor toward the direction of the plentiful stars. We were visiting a local “swimming pool” as the Icelanders call them. As an American, I’m more inclined to call them “thermal baths” because they are scolding hot. 

Courtesy: Shutterstock

“Us locals like to come take a swim with our children. Then we wash them, change them into pajamas — it’s a natural way to induce sleep. Visiting the baths before bedtime will be the best sleep you ever get. Trust me,” our tour guide declared earlier in the morning.

We did trust her, and that’s how we found ourselves at the Vesturbaejarlaug swimming pool. It’s the favorite one among locals. Many Reykjavik citizens have memories of splashing about as children and then they return later as adults with their own kids. 

A man and woman take a selfie in the Blue Lagoon
My husband and I swimming around in the famed Blue Lagoon

Most of Reykjavik believes that the baths, because they’re full of geothermal water, have healing properties. People will come in order to soothe all sorts of ailments. Many, I assume, visit just to lay back in the warm water and look up at the twinkling stars as we were doing.

I’m not one who is inclined to feel “connected to the natural world.” But even I felt a strong pull to Iceland’s natural environment while floating in those waters. This would be the first of many “swimming pools” we visited. The famous Blue Lagoon would, of course, be our final one. 

Courtesy: Shutterstock

Where I live, in New York City, I’m hardly ever aware of circumstances such as the trees blowing in the wind or the sky changing from light to dark. New Yorkers are simply too busy to notice such things. It’s probably because our vision is too obstructed by tall buildings and honking taxis.

This, of course, is not the case in Iceland. 

Ethereal views as we spent the day exploring the Golden Circle

One cannot help but be conscious of subtleties within nature when exploring Iceland. I enjoyed noticing the sudden dimness of the light in the sky while visiting. Since we visited in winter, the morning hours were frequently pitch black and deafeningly quiet. When we arrived in the city at 4 a.m. it was DARK, and there was not a ton of artificial light around. Most surprising was that, despite barely being able to see a few feet ahead in those early morning hours, people continued about their day as normal.

Catching the transition from sunup to sundown in Reykjavik

Small Daily Rituals.

Most homes in the United States have bathrooms that are tucked close to the center of the house, away from windows and sometimes even natural light. In our AirBnB in Reykjavik, there was a small, Hobbit-esque, window inside of the shower. Each night, it was rejuvenating to feel the scalding water hit my back and hair as the cool velvet air from the evening sky rushed in through the window concurrently.

Courtesy: Shutterstock

Showering there felt therapeutic, and so it quickly became a twice daily ritual. Another habit we picked up quickly was walking around the city several times a day with no set agenda, just enjoying the natural sights. Despite being in the throes of winter, the air was cold, but not biting. The wind in my face during those walks caressed me so tenderly that it was easy to imagine that the gusts had hands and lips. 

Courtesy: Shutterstock

Perhaps this all sounds very poetic. You might imagine that you won’t pick up on these subtleties of nature. Don’t fret. You won’t be able to help noticing the extreme changes in weather that Iceland experiences daily. In one moment there is a blizzard, while in the next there is absolute sunshine. As such, Reykjavik has a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. It will change.” 

Iceland has a proud Viking history. Because of this, it’s not hard to imagine a Viking longboat rowing in from a faraway raid when taking a meditative walk by the water at the edge of Reykjavik as the fog rolls in.

The Sun Catcher in Reykjavik
Viking Tribute! AKA the Sun Voyager in Reykjavik
I have an obsession with the Vikings, possibly since Michael Hirst’s stunner of a show aired. Walking through Thingvellir National Park to see where Vikings from near and far gathered to discuss important matters at the parliament was a bucket list item for me. I couldn’t believe that people so long ago would travel to such a remote area. I imagined what must have went through their minds as they took in the immense natural splendor around them and the seemingly endless swaths of land. 

At no time was this more apparent than watching the Northern Lights at the park. That evening, our guide warned us that, according to the radar, there was a minimal chance of seeing nature’s best performance. We had friends visiting the city at this time who went out three evenings to catch the lights and never saw them. Therefore, I tried to temper my expectations.

On the evening that we went, dozens of travelers stood in Thingvellir Park, seemingly all having been told the same news. As we stood waiting, I pretended we were Vikings gathered around for a mid-winter ceremony. Would you believe that nobody in the crowd spoke at all? Everyone stood mostly in silence, watching…waiting…hoping. 

With Luck…The Northern Lights.

One guide announced, “You know, ancient people believe if you clap and cheer, it brings the lights out.” If ancient people clapped and cheered, then I wanted to as well. Again, I have a really idiosyncratic obsession with early people. As a crowd, we collectively clapped and cheered until a sliver of faint green light appeared. The crowd went wild and screamed louder as the light became stronger and spread across the sky. With one final gusto of enthusiasm, the lights became their strongest, starting on opposite ends on the patch of sky and meeting in the middle. I don’t think there was a single dry eye in the crowd. 

My shot, which admittedly was not so great, but still holds an important place in my memory
The Northern Lights were a little different than I expected. For one, they did not dance and sweep across the sky as I imagined. You know when you stare at an image for a long time? Then you stare at a blank wall and see that image? It felt a lot like that. However, it was incredibly magical and made me feel connected to the nature around me and the people before me in way that makes my heart race and tears form in my eyes when I remember that moment. 

Courtesy: Shutterstock

Insert Joke About Chasing Waterfalls. 

There’s no shortage of waterfalls in Iceland. Standing above them, in front of them, and even behind them will surely stun anyone into silence.

Faxi Waterfall in Iceland

Standing in front of Skogafoss falls served as a reminder of how frail we are as humans when compared to natural elements.

A couple in front of Skogafoss waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall
I could not believe how close we were able to get to Skogafoss! It’s no wonder early Viking settlers must have believed that the gods inhabited Iceland. Skogafoss certainly looks and feels as though one is in another dimension entirely. 

Courtesy: Shutterstock

A Unique Breed.

Iceland’s nature isn’t just limited to its landscapes. It has a host of wildlife — none more famous than the Icelandic horse. 

Despite their small stature, these centuries old creatures, which date back to the Viking age, are considered horses and not ponies. They are only found in Iceland and not shipped anywhere else. Talk about exclusive.

A woman riding an Icelandic horse in Iceland
My first time riding an Icelandic horse!
During a lesson, our guide told us that, in the summer, some locals will go on multi-day trips with their horses across the natural landscape. Riders often get completely obliterated from booze and race their horses around, laughing as the horses buck them violently into the air, and eventually onto the ground. How very Viking!

The horses sometimes run away, but they always return safely home, no matter how far they’ve ventured. I was not entirely surprised to learn that many Icelanders also ride bareback as well. Icelanders are truly fearless! 
A horse rolling on his back in the snow in Iceland
Horsin’ around.
Have you read my post about the douchiest horse ever? You should! That piece is my top-rated story and will make your sides hurt with laughter. 
A woman rides an Icelandic horse through the snow in Iceland
A true Icelandic experience. Riding an Icelandic horse through the snow!

Nature Inspired Cuisine…

Icelandic nature, unsurprisingly due to its isolated geography, inspires many of the locally sourced meal options at restaurants. Menus are full of langoustines (my favorite) and other seafood. The fish chowder is a classic and a must-order. (And if you’re thinking it comes watered down in a ceramic bowl…think again.) The chowder is so thick that it’s served on a plate! It usually comes paired with the country’s famous brown bread and butter. 

Thick, Icelandic fish chowder served on a plate instead of a bowl with a side of brown bread.
Fish chowder was one of my favorite meals in Iceland!
Iceland is synonymous with the sea. Walking around the old harbor area, we came across some old boats and rustic seaside cottages. We found the best lobster bisque we’ve ever eaten in such surroundings, which wasn’t at all surprising.

Saegreifinn definitely gets my vote, and the vote of many others, for best lobster chowder. It has HUGE chunks of meaty, buttery lobster in a velvety creamy broth. (And fresh bread and butter come with it!) It might have been one of the best soups in the world.

Two cups of lobster soup and a basket of bread served at Saegrefinn in Reykjavik, Iceland
Lobster bisque at Saegreifinn

A Glimpse Into Glaciers.

Glacier hiking and ice climbing are great opportunities for anyone able to take advantage of them. Both offer a unique chance to really connect with some of the greatest natural wonders of Iceland. Check out my post on hiking Solheimajokull glacier!

Glacier hiking in Iceland!
Nature as Inspiration.

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for much of Iceland’s creative masterpieces. The natural world heavily influenced some of the country’s most cherished and famous works. Sometimes, if you get really lucky, it might inspire the person you love to ask you to spend the rest of their life “adventuring” side by side together. 

A woman showing her hand with new engagement ring over Gullfoss Falls
My husband popped the question at Gullfoss Falls! I don’t get surprised often, but THIS really threw me. I had no idea!
A great way to begin our week-long trip surrounded by Iceland’s bounteous and beautiful nature

9 comment

  • The Travel Architect Saturday, March 28th, 2020 18:46 PM

    I can't believe you to to see the Northern Lights. People try so hard for that and often fail. My understanding is that the lights can take on different qualities, shapes, colors, and movement depending on the time of year, where you are, and the atmospheric conditions. No matter - you got to see SOMETHING. What a gift!

    Reply
  • Laci Monday, March 30th, 2020 13:22 PM

    This sounds and looks amazing! I'd love to be able to go!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Monday, March 30th, 2020 15:13 PM

      Thanks, Laci! Hopefully when this is all over!

  • Renata Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 07:54 AM

    Nature as culture - I like that a lot. Now that I\'ve seen your beautiful pictures and read your inspiring guide, I absolutely want to visit Iceland. And certainly take a dip in the hot springs ;-). Another thing I won\'t skip is the chowder - that sounds just so delicious!

    Reply
  • Sage Scott Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 06:44 AM

    I\'ve wanted to visit Iceland ever since my family moved to Europe the first time whe I was in elementary school. I still haven\'t been, and this post just makes me regret that fact even more. SUCH a gorgeous island nation!

    Reply
  • Michelle Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 12:52 PM

    Wow! Iceland looks incredible. I would love to see the Northern Lights in person. Interesting to hear that they don\'t move across the sky. Honestly, that is what I expected them to do?! Oh well! I bet they are beautiful anyway!

    Reply
  • Syedah Shifa Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 06:43 AM

    Wow! Love this post! Iceland has always been on my bucket list. Hope to visit there someday!

    Reply
  • Amanda Monday, January 18th, 2021 11:35 AM

    Wow! Absolutely gorgeous photos!

    Reply
  • Nipa | Fashionipa Monday, January 18th, 2021 07:34 AM

    Wow, Iceland is so beautiful. Hope to make a trip there someday. xo Nipa

    Reply

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