After a week of thrilling adventures in both Greece and Iceland, the team is finally reunited! With some members exploring the sunny beaches of Greece and others discovering Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, CompanyCations has not only stayed connected remotely but also continued to thrive at the home office. Now, we are all gathered again, ready to continue our journey together and leverage our experiences from both distant destinations and close to home. Join us here on the blog as we share our experiences and adventures!

Iceland

Our base during our stay in Iceland was the charming hotel, Thingholt by Center Hotels, centrally located to provide us with easy access to the city’s attractions. Our days began with exploring Reykjavik’s fascinating architecture. We were impressed by Harpa, the dazzling concert and conference hall situated right by the sea, with majestic mountains rising dramatically in the background.

No visit to Iceland is complete without exploring its stunning landscapes by car. We had the privilege of renting a car from Ice Rental Cars, and it was a pleasant surprise to discover that our experience with the car rental company was smooth and hassle-free, with excellent service! Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, so we can definitely recommend them.

We embarked on exciting road trips every day, discovering picturesque villages, majestic waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic landscapes along the way.

During our road trips, we got to experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s nature. From dramatic cliff formations to sparkling glaciers, every moment was a reminder of nature’s grandeur.

On our first RoadTrip, we headed southeast of Reykjavik. The first stop was Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, is a spectacular sight that attracts visitors from around the world. Located on the southern coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss offers an outstanding experience that captivates both the eye and the soul. The area surrounding the waterfall is known for its stunning beauty and diversity of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Seljalandsfoss plunges from a height of over 60 meters, offering an impressive sight as the water cascades into a pool below. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is its distinctive formation and the fact that visitors have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall and experience its power up close. We recommend wearing a raincoat and sturdy shoes if you want to stay dry, as the powerful rush of water splashes and creates a damp environment around the waterfall.

Basking in the radiant sun, with a yoga mat, a backpack containing a thermos of coffee, and other essentials, a simple picnic becomes a beautiful experience on a grassy meadow in the middle of nowhere. The sea sparkles before us, birds glide overhead, and between the mountains and valleys behind us, horses run freely, their manes fluttering in the wind like soft brushstrokes across the expansive landscape. It feels as though we are the directors in our own movie, where every moment is a sensation of boundless freedom.

We continue our journey towards Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, located on the southern coast of the island. Here, water cascades from a height of over 60 meters, spanning a width of 25 meters. In addition to being a natural treasure, Skogafoss is also steeped in Iceland’s rich history and mythology. According to legend, a brave Viking once hid a treasure behind the waterfall, and it is said that a part of the treasure still remains hidden there today. This has made the waterfall a popular destination for treasure hunters and adventurers from around the world.

When we visited Skogafoss, a beautiful rainbow formed below the waterfall, enhancing the magical atmosphere and adding an extra dimension to the already impressive experience.

Beyond admiring Skogafoss itself, the area around the waterfall also offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and exploration. Visitors can follow a trail leading up along the side of the waterfall and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the spectacular cliffs

Here, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the Skogar Folk Museum, a treasure trove of Iceland’s cultural heritage and history. Situated in the village of Skogar, this museum is a living tribute to Iceland’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

We continue our journey to Black Sand Beach, This is one of Iceland’s most iconic beaches. What makes this beach so unique is its sand, which isn’t white like most beaches, but black. The black color is a result of volcanic activity, giving the beach a mysterious aura. This unique feature creates a dramatic contrast against the white foam of the sea and the steep cliffs surrounding the beach, adding a sense of depth and excitement to this already impressive location.

But Black Sand Beach offers more than just a fantastic natural experience. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable activity – horseback riding along the beach on classic Icelandic horses. This unique experience allows participants to combine adventure with nature exploration while feeling the pulse of this amazing place on Iceland’s south coast.

When it was time for a slightly late lunch, we swung by Black Crust Pizza, a small pizzeria by the beach offers something entirely unique – black pizzas! We savored every bite from the pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven, offering a true explosion of flavors! Highly recommended.

Iceland is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but it’s also a country deeply rooted in folklore and legends. One of the most fascinating aspects of Icelandic culture is its belief in elves. These mythical beings have a long history and a strong presence in Icelandic folklore.

Elves in Iceland are regarded as beings of beauty and elegance, closely associated with nature and its forces. According to folklore, elves dwell in mountains, rocks, and other natural formations, serving as guardians of the land and its inhabitants. Elves are said to be benevolent towards those who respect and care for nature, but they can also be unpredictable and punish those who harm it.

In Iceland, belief in elves is so deeply ingrained in the culture that many Icelanders take their presence into account when planning and constructing roads, houses, and other structures.

This belief came to life when, on the second day, we listened to Tamara from Blue Lagoon, who shared stories about Icelandic folklore and culture. She revealed how workers encountered obstacles during the construction of the facility. To honor the elves’ territory and avoid upsetting them, the CEO, Grímur Sæmundsen, engaged a person who is said to communicate with elves.

It turned out that the construction work encroached upon the elves’ capital, and they agreed to allow the construction to continue on the condition that they could inspect the plans for the restaurant. In a modern twist, the elves demanded that the plans be handed over only in digital form, on a USB. The story of Blue Lagoon and the elves has become part of the facility’s history, adding to its mystique and charm, and we are grateful to be part of it.

After delving into the stories of the elves at  Blue Lagoon, it was time for pure relaxation. We talked about how the turquoise water against the white surface, surrounded by dramatic lava cliffs, gives the sensation of swimming in warm, silky milk in the middle of nowhere. A reminder of nature’s grandeur and how human intervention can blend harmoniously with the natural world. The mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon are said to have healing properties, perfect for soothing both body and soul.

Here, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a facial mask made from natural minerals, along with a drink served while bathing in the blue waters.

Blue Lagoon is not just a bathing spot – it’s a place where the beauty of nature meets human-made luxury. Blue Lagoon was definitely a highlight of our trip to Iceland. To experience the healing power of the blue waters, to be embraced by the beauty of nature, and to indulge in little luxuries like a facial mask and a refreshing drink made our stay here an experience we will not soon forget.

We are especially grateful for taking the trip up to Geysir, stands as one of Iceland’s most renowned geothermal phenomena and undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights on the island. It serves as a powerful reminder of Earth’s forces and the beauty of nature with its periodic eruptions of hot water and steam, shooting several meters into the air. This phenomenon is the result of geothermal activity beneath the Earth’s surface, where hot water and steam are forced up through cracks and erupt in a spectacular display of natural forces. Visitors from around the world gather around the hot spring in anticipation of the next eruption, and when it occurs, the air fills with excitement and awe. It’s an experience that captivates both the eye and the mind, leaving a lasting impression.

In the area surrounding Geysir, one can find hot springs, boiling mud pools, and other geological formations that create a unique and fascinating landscape.

We made a stop at Kerid Crater on our way back, an incredible volcanic crater that offers a unique insight into Iceland’s geological history. With its deep blue lake (still frozen during our visit), contrasting against the red walls of the crater, Kerid presents a breathtaking sight. We walked around the edge of the crater, admiring the ”hole,” as we called it, and the stunning landscape surrounding it.

One thing we absolutely must mention is our final evening in Iceland, which we chose to spend at Tres Locos -a restaurant with a lot of creativity and mystique where taste buds rejoice in the heart of Reykjavik!

It’s not just the food that impresses here. The bartenders are masters at crafting exciting and well-balanced drinks that perfectly complement the cuisine, leaving you enchanted by their flavor and presentation. With its outstanding food, enticing drinks, and hospitable atmosphere, Tres Locos is a destination you simply cannot afford to miss during your visit to Reykjavik.

Our journey to Iceland was an adventure filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and cherished memories. As we depart from this magical island, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the incredible experiences we’ve had. If you ever contemplate visiting Iceland, don’t hesitate – it’s a place that will truly take your breath away and allow you to create memories that last a lifetime.

Best regards,
The CompanyCations Team