October 8, 2017

Iceland: Hikes, Delights, and the Northern Lights

Europe Hiking & Trekking Traveler Stories

Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice on our Iceland Expedition.

It may be the land of fire and ice, but one of our WT Adventurers discovered that Iceland is also a land brimming with lush valleys, sparkling waterfalls, and fascinating wildlife. Oh, and she also witnessed the phenomenal northern lights on our recent Iceland Expedition! Check out her awesome photos below.

Person in a colorful hat and blue jacket sits on a cliff in Iceland, overlooking a long stretch of black sand beach and green fields meeting the ocean, possibly awaiting the Northern Lights. — Endless black sand beach from the cliffs of Dyrholaey

Iceland far exceeded my expectations. The landscape is surreal, pristine, raw and wild. The hikes were epic with amazing views of glaciers and waterfalls. We had exceptional weather, which allowed us to see all the majestic views.

Two geothermal hot springs with vivid blue water surrounded by brown and rocky terrain, with steam rising and greenery in the background, make for an ideal stop during hikes in Iceland. Imagine watching the Northern Lights dance above as you soak in these natural wonders. — Turquoise geothermal pools at Geysir Hot Springs

A puffin stands among tall grass and yellow dandelions by a cliff edge with a dark, rocky backdrop, as if guarding the serene trails of Iceland's hikes. — Puffins nesting on the cliffs of Dyrholaey

Puffins, Arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, geysers, and icebergs are some of the amazing things you see on a typical day in Iceland. The scenery was so beautiful, even getting from “here” to “there.”

A waterfall cascades down a rugged, narrow gorge surrounded by steep cliffs and greenery, offering an enchanting scene for those on hikes in Iceland’s pristine wilderness. — The amazing hike to Glymur included crossing logs and rocks on the river and wading across the top of the waterfall

A wide, powerful waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into a deep river gorge, surrounded by grass-covered plateaus under a clear blue sky, offering an idyllic spot for hikes in Iceland. Imagine witnessing the Northern Lights dancing overhead on a crisp evening here. — Enormous glaciers produce huge waterfalls like Gullfoss

A person stands with arms raised in front of a tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff during one of the famed Iceland hikes, with a rainbow visible at the waterfall's base. — The steep trail to the base of Haifoss was well worth the effort when we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow

Sunset over a coastal landscape in Iceland with mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy with vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and blue reflecting on the water. Rocky shoreline and grassy foreground visible, ideal for scenic hikes under the magical glow of the Northern Lights. — Sunset in Hofn

A straight road flanked by grassy fields stretches toward distant mountains under a cloudy sky, reminiscent of the scenic hikes in Iceland. — Long roads of Iceland

Numerous icebergs float in a calm, bright blue glacial lake under a clear sky with scattered clouds, perfect for hikes. Snow-covered mountains are visible in the background, reflecting Iceland's pristine beauty. — Icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon

Rolling hills covered in green moss under a cloudy sky, perfect for scenic hikes in Iceland. — Moss covered lava

Green aurora borealis streaking across a dark, starry night sky, with a faint outline of the horizon at the bottom. Such breathtaking displays are often seen during hikes in Iceland, where the Northern Lights dance vividly overhead. — The phenomenal northern lights dancing across the sky

We were fortunate enough to the see the Northern Lights on more than one occasion. The food was amazing as well. My favorite was the fresh Atlantic salmon and Arctic char—not to mention the amazing bread. The locals are so friendly and are happy to help with any questions you have. And soaking in the hot springs at the end of a long day is a great way to relax and rejuvenate for the next fun-filled day of adventure. Thank you, Iceland!