ICELAND – THE LAND OF VIKINGS

We arrived in Keflavík around 4 PM and picked up our campervan from Happy Campers, ready to begin our Icelandic adventure. Without wasting time, we drove straight to Thingvellir National Park, one of the most historically and geologically significant places in Iceland. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is not only the birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament in 930 AD but also a natural wonder shaped by the forces of the Earth.

The landscape was breathtaking, vast stretches of untouched wilderness, volcanic cliffs, and crystal clear streams, all carefully preserved by law. Walking through the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic plates was an unforgettable moment. It felt like stepping into the very heart of Earth’s geology, standing between two continents. We witnessed our very first rainbow in Iceland at Tingvellir National Park, marking the beginning of many more magical sightings to come. We also took a short hike to the Oxararfoss Waterfall, a stunning cascade surrounded by moss covered rocks, adding to the magic of the park.

As evening fell, we made our way to the Thingvellir campsite, where we settled in for our very first night in a campervan. This was a new experience for us, and it turned out to be surprisingly comfortable and convenient. Our van was more than just a vehicle - it was our Home on Wheels, complete with beds, a dining table, a small kitchen, and everything we needed for the journey. It gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace, carrying both comfort and adventure with us, making it an ideal way to explore Iceland.

Our second day in Iceland was nothing short of magical, filled with some of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. We began our morning with a visit to the famous Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley. Here, the earth itself seems alive, steam rising from bubbling hot springs, the smell of sulfur hanging in the air, and the ground trembling slightly beneath our feet. The highlight, of course, was Strokkur, the spouting geyser that erupts every 8-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. Standing nearby and watching the sudden surge was a thrilling reminder of Iceland’s powerful geothermal energy at work.

From there, we made our way to Gullfoss, known as the "Golden Falls." This mighty two tiered waterfall, fed by the glacial waters of the Hyita River, roars dramatically as it plunges into a rugged canyon. The sheer force of the falls, combined with the spray creating shimmering rainbows in the sunlight, made it one of the most awe-inspiring sights of the day. It’s no wonder Gullfoss is considered one of Iceland’s most treasured natural wonders.

Our journey then took us to Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic caldera that instantly captures attention with its vivid colors. The crater is about 3,000 years old, with steep red volcanic slopes descending into a deep, turquoise blue lake at its base. The contrast of fiery red earth against the cool blue water was stunning, and standing at the rim offered a unique perspective of Iceland’s volcanic past.

In the afternoon, we headed further south to discover two enchanting waterfalls. The first was Seljalandsfoss, famous for the rare opportunity to walk behind its cascading curtain of water. Following the slippery path into the cave-like space behind the falls, we were treated to a unique view of nature’s force, with the water tumbling down right in front of us while the landscape stretched endlessly beyond. Just a short walk away, almost hidden behind a cliff, we found Gljufrabui, often called the “secret waterfall.” Tucked into a narrow gorge, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Forming of the mist as the water crashed down inside the mossy canyon, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, we reached Skogafoss Campsite, it was dark and we could hear the waterfall sound closeby. We found a clear space and parked our van, had dinner and slept.

The next day was truly filled with natural wonders, showcasing some of the most dramatic landscapes Iceland has to offer. We woke up to the sound of rushing water at Skogafoss and enjoyed a simple breakfast before beginning our explorations. Standing 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls. The sheer force of the water crashing into the pool below was mesmerizing, and from the base, the mist created shimmering rainbows that made the scene feel magical and otherworldly.

Our next stop was one of Iceland’s most unusual attractions, the Solheimasandur plane wreck site. We boarded the shuttle bus that took us across the endless stretch of black sand, a surreal 4 km journey that felt more like traveling across another planet than a beach. When we arrived, the driver pointed out a newly erected plane structure and informed us that it was created by the landowner for sightseeing purpose he had bought the plane wreckage at US$40,000, but also directed us to the actual wreck of the US Navy DC-3 aircraft, located about 300 meters away. Without hesitation, we went straight for the original wreck. Against the stark emptiness of the black desert, the weathered fuselage looked haunting and dramatic. Abandoned since its crash landing in 1973, it stood as a ghostly reminder of survival and resilience. Standing beside it, with nothing but sand and sky around us, was an unforgettable experience.

On our way back from the DC-3 site towards the new plane wreck, Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather revealed itself in full force. Rain began to pour, and within moments, a brief hailstorm swept over the black sands, creating an extraordinary scene. The tiny white hailstones bouncing against the dark beach formed a striking contrast we had never seen before. As the storm passed, we paused by the newer plane structure, and to our amazement, a rainbow arched across the sky, perfectly framing our photos. Capturing that moment, hail, rain, black sands, and then a rainbow, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From there, we continued to Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland’s world famous black-sand beach near the village of Vík. The beauty here was wild and raw. The Atlantic waves pounded the shore with relentless power, while the dramatic basalt sea stacks known as Revnisdrangar rose proudly from the ocean. These jagged formations, steeped in folklore, looked like guardians of the coastline. Along the shore, the basalt columns formed perfect hexagonal patterns, resembling a giant organ carved into the cliffs. Nearby, a vast cave added to the dramatic scenery, its stone walls cut so perfectly it seemed impossible they weren’t shaped by human hands, a true creation of nature’s artistry. Standing on the hexagonal basalt columns, with the ocean roaring in the background, we took some of our most memorable photos of the trip.

We then drove up the hill overlooking Vik, where the iconic red-roofed church stood peacefully above the town. From this elevated spot, the view was breathtaking, the village nestled against the sweeping black sands, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising dramatically from the ocean and the endless waves stretching toward the horizon. Seeing the stone formations from above made them even more enchanting, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of Iceland’s southern coast.

Before we even touched the icy terrain, we witnessed something truly magical, an experience etched forever in our hearts. As we drove along the open road surrounded by the nature, a brilliant rainbow stretched across the sky, its vibrant arc descending right in front of us. For a breathtaking moment, it felt as though the rainbow had chosen our path, resting its end directly on the road ahead. Driving through it was surreal, like crossing into a dream, an unforgettable gift from nature that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

As we continued our journey eastward, the landscapes grew wilder, with glaciers and icy terrain becoming more prominent. Eventually, we reached the spectacular Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders. Here, massive icebergs floated silently across the lagoon, freshly calved from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier. Each iceberg was unique, some glowed with deep shades of blue, while others were streaked with volcanic ash from past eruptions. Watching them drift slowly toward the sea felt like witnessing a living, ever-changing masterpiece crafted by nature. Just across the road lay the famous Diamond Beach, where glittering pieces of ice washed ashore and sparkled like jewels on the black sand. But with daylight fading, we decided to head directly to Hofn Campsite for the night.

As we settled in at Hofn, the day’s incredible experiences lingered with us, the thunder of Skogafoss, the haunting presence of the plane wreck at Solheimasandur, the raw power of Reynisfjara, the serene charm of Vík, and the shimmering beauty of Jokulsarlon. It was a day filled with landscapes that felt like they belonged to another world, and it became one of the most unforgettable parts of our Icelandic journey.

The dramatic landscapes continued as we made our way to Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes Beach the next day, one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations. Rising sharply from the coastline, the jagged peaks of Vestrahorn, sometimes called “Batman Mountain” for its dramatic shape, created a striking backdrop against the black volcanic sands below. The scene was surreal, rolling black sand dunes covered with tufts of golden grass, the mountain towering majestically above, and the wild North Atlantic waves crashing against the shore. It was a place that felt untouched and raw, where every angle looked like it belonged on a postcard.

Although we had plan to continue further north to visit Studlogil Canyon and Hengifoss, we realized we had missed several incredible sights before reaching Hofn. So, we decided to backtrack and explore the places we had left behind. Our first stop was Diamond Beach, located just across from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here, chunks of glacial ice washed ashore, scattered across the black sand like glittering gems. The contrast of crystal-clear ice against the dark volcanic beach was mesmerizing, some pieces were as small as pebbles, while others were the size of boulders, each sculpted uniquely by nature. Watching the sunlight dance across the icy “diamonds” was a magical experience.

From there, we continued to Svartifoss Waterfall trail. Svartifoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. The hike to the falls was enchanting, winding through lush greenery, small streams, and scenic viewpoints that hinted at the beauty ahead. When we finally arrived, the sight was nothing short of unforgettable. Svartifoss cascades gracefully from a height of 20 meters, framed by a dramatic wall of dark hexagonal basalt columns that appear almost sculpted by human hands. This striking formation, which gives the waterfall its name “Black Falls,” created a setting unlike anything we had seen so far in Iceland, unique, powerful, and breathtaking.

As we descended from Svartifoss, nature gifted us with another unforgettable moment. The sun was setting behind the mountains to our right, but its colors stretched across the open sky in front of us. Shades of orange, pink, and purple painted the horizon, reflecting off the vast open fields and winding streams below. The colorful sky embraced the small mountains and rugged terrain, turning the entire landscape into a living canvas. It was one of those rare moments where you simply pause, breathe deeply, and let the beauty of the world sink in.

As evening drew near, we camped at the Skaftafell Campground situated next to the Svartifoss trail, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. It was the perfect place to rest after another day filled with awe-inspiring sights, from sharp mountain peaks and glittering ice beaches to waterfalls flowing through nature’s own architecture of basalt columns.

The next morning our plan for the day was to explore Mulagljufur Canyon, with its lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls tucked deep in the landscape, followed by a visit to the otherworldly Sigoldugljufur Canyon, often called the "Valley of Tears" because of the many small waterfalls streaming down its sides. Later, we had planned to end the evening in Vik, attending the Lava Show to witness a fascinating demonstration of molten lava.

However, while we were still on the road, we received the heartbreaking news of Chichani’s passing away. The shock and sadness changed everything. With heavy hearts, we decided to cut our Iceland journey there itself and return directly to Keflavík which was 365km away. On the way, we booked last-minute tickets with Play Airways to Copenhagen and rescheduled our onward Copenhagen-Dubai flight. We also contacted Happy Campers to inform them that we would be returning the van much earlier than planned, within the next 5-6 hours.

The Happy Campers team was incredibly supportive during this difficult time. They quickly helped us with the van return process and even arranged a taxi to take us straight to the airport. Since our flight to Copenhagen was scheduled for the early morning, we spent the night at Keflavik International Airport, waiting with a mix of exhaustion and grief.

The next morning, we boarded our flight and had a five hour layover in Copenhagen, giving us time to reflect quietly on the trip that had brought so many unforgettable experiences, though it ended with such sorrow. Finally, we boarded our connecting flight back to Dubai, carrying home not just memories of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, but also the weight of loss.