Iceland is one of those destinations that feels like stepping into a world apart from anywhere else. From the dramatic landscapes and steaming hot springs to the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. We spent four days exploring the land of fire and ice, and though we’re usually independent travelers who like to do our own thing, we opted for a few organized tours with TUI to make the most of our time in the country—and it turned out to be a great decision, especially with the weather conditions we faced.
We stayed at Centerhotel Plaza, a comfortable hotel right in the heart of Reykjavik. While it wasn’t luxurious, it had everything we needed—comfortable rooms, a good breakfast, and a convenient location just a short walk from Reykjavik’s main attractions. Given that we were out all day, every day, it was the perfect base for our adventures, and we were happy with the accommodation.
The Benefits of TUI Tours in Blizzard Conditions
Though we generally prefer to explore on our own, we chose to go with TUI for a few excursions to help us cover more ground outside of Reykjavik. This turned out to be a wise choice, especially given the weather conditions. During our stay, we were lucky enough to experience blizzard-like conditions that created a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere—but also made driving and getting around a challenge. TUI’s expert guides and drivers ensured that we could enjoy the sights safely, without worrying about the slippery roads or freezing winds.
Northern Lights Chasing: An Unforgettable Experience
Our first adventure was the Northern Lights chasing tour, which we had been eagerly anticipating. Though Kirsty had seen the aurora several times in Lapland, this was Elliot’s first opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. The tour took us out into the Icelandic countryside, away from the city lights, and we spent hours eagerly watching the sky. At times the clouds seemed to swallow up the lights, but eventually, we were treated to a breathtaking show—green, pink, and purple streaks lighting up the starry sky in a mesmerizing dance. The blizzard conditions actually added to the magic, with snowflakes swirling around us while we stood in awe of the lights. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and if you’ve never seen the Northern Lights, this tour is absolutely worth it.
Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel: Journey Into the Earth
Another tour that stood out was the visit to Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel, located just outside Reykjavik. This is one of Iceland’s largest and most famous lava tubes, and the tour took us through its massive, otherworldly passages. The tunnel, which was formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, stretches for over 1,300 meters beneath the earth. Our guide led us through the cave, pointing out incredible rock formations and kaleidoscopic colors illuminated by carefully placed light installations.
At one point, the guide turned off all the lights, and the darkness was so complete, we couldn’t see a thing—even our own hands. Our guide shared a chilling story about three children who got lost in the cave in pitch darkness and had to spend an entire night in there. It really put into perspective just how dark and disorienting this cave could be! As we continued our journey, we marveled at the otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over centuries, a true testament to the power of nature.
The Golden Circle Tour: Iceland’s Must-See Sights
The Golden Circle tour is one of Iceland’s most popular routes, and for good reason. Over the course of a full day, we visited three of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions, starting with Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a place of historical significance (it’s the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament), but also a stunning natural wonder. The park sits in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a unique geological site. It’s a great place for taking a selfie against a backdrop of stunning lakes and lush greenery, and we spent some time soaking in the beauty of the area before moving on to our next stop.
From there, we headed to Geysir, home to Europe’s only erupting hot spring. Here, we were treated to the spectacle of Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, sending a massive column of boiling water into the air. The sheer power of nature on display here was awe-inspiring, and we made sure to catch several eruptions before moving on to our final destination of the day: Gullfoss, Iceland’s famous “Golden Waterfall.”
Gullfoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls we’ve ever seen, with water thundering down two tiers into a deep canyon. The surrounding landscape was icy and windswept, making the sight even more dramatic. Although the cold, wind, and snow made this a challenging day (especially with the long outdoor walks), the beauty of the Golden Circle made every second worth it.
The Blue Lagoon: A Soothing End to the Day
One of the most relaxing experiences of our trip was the visit to the Blue Lagoon. This iconic geothermal spa is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of touring. We arrived in the early evening, when the low light made the steaming waters of the lagoon feel even more magical. After picking up our electronic wristbands, we waded into the milky blue water, which was a comfortable 37 degrees Celsius—perfect for escaping the icy Icelandic air.
The lagoon itself is surrounded by black volcanic rock, and the contrast of the warm water and chilly wind created an otherworldly atmosphere. We spent some time floating around, visiting the swim-up bar for a glass of bubbly, and enjoying the saunas and the massage waterfall. If you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing experience in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is definitely worth it.
Exploring Reykjavik: A Day of Free Roaming
We had one “free roam” day in Reykjavik, and while the city is small and can easily be explored on foot in a day, there are some really worthwhile spots to visit. One of the highlights was Perlan, an interactive museum and science center that offers a range of exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders. We explored artificial snow tunnels, tried out an earthquake simulator, and learned about the effects of global warming on Iceland’s glaciers—a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the planet. The museum also offers an excellent vantage point over the city from its observation deck.
Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s striking church, was another must-see. The church’s design is inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscape, with its towering spire resembling the basalt columns found in nature. It’s an architectural masterpiece, and the views from the top, accessible via an elevator, are fantastic.
We also strolled down Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street, which was painted in rainbow colors during the first Pride festival in 1999. It’s lined with cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and plenty of vibrant street art, making it a lovely place to spend some time.
For a bit of local culture, we visited the Neighborhood of the Gods, where many of the streets are named after figures from Norse mythology. Streets like Odin’s Street, Thor’s Street, and Loki’s Path are a fun and quirky part of the city’s layout.
Dining in Reykjavik: Pricey, but Worth It
Iceland is famously expensive, and Reykjavik is no exception. A simple takeaway pizza cost us about 15-20 euros, and while it wasn’t anything special, it gave us an idea of the cost of eating out. However, we did have one really memorable meal in Reykjavik, where Elliot tried plokkfiskur, a traditional Icelandic dish made of mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, haddock, and béchamel. It was delicious, hearty, and perfect for the cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Iceland is a place like no other. Its raw natural beauty, incredible geological features, and unique experiences make it a must-visit destination. While Reykjavik itself is small, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the country’s incredible sights. The weather, of course, can be unpredictable, but with TUI tours, we were able to explore safely and see so much more of Iceland than we would have been able to on our own.
We came for the Northern Lights, but we left with memories of geysers, glaciers, lava caves, and the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. We’d definitely love to return one day—maybe next time without the snow!
