a Iceland Winter Group Trip

Iceland Winter Group Trip 2023: Week 2 Recap

Iceland is a country you won’t just want to visit once… this is actually my 4th group trip to the land of fire and ice! Each trip I’ve been fortunate enough to co-host with our expert local guide, Kris. We chase waterfalls, soak in geothermal lagoons, hunt for northern lights and so much more!

You can see highlights from past Iceland trips here: ICELAND GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022 & WINTER ICELAND ROAD TRIP 2023: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK 1

Here’s everything we go up to over 8 amazing days in Iceland together.

Iceland Winter Group Trip

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon & Welcome Dinner

We kicked off the trip in the capital city, Reykjavik. Many of the ladies arrived on an early morning flight so we headed immediately to the Sky Lagoon to soak in the geothermal waters overlooking the ocean. We sipped on champagne and opted for the more luxury package so we could also complete the 7 step spa ritual. Needless to say, it was the perfect way to unwind after a long flight!

When we finished up at the lagoon, we made our way into downtown Reykjavik for some of the famous Icelandic hot dogs. After we wandered through the city center and did some shopping, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up before our welcome dinner!

Day 2: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

The next day we kicked things off with a driving tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. This well-loved tourist route brings you past geysers, waterfalls and incredible scenic landscapes.

After a full day of exploring out in the cold, we ended our day at the Secret Lagoon.

After a long hot soak, we checked into our accommodation for the night. We had dinner onsite at our hotel which was a cozy little farm-to-table and family-owned spot.

Day 3: Black Sand Beach, Vik, Glacier Lagoon

After a great breakfast at our hotel, we hit the road towards Vik!

Along the way we stopped at waterfalls, scenic outlooks, and of course, the black sand beach.

We continued our drive until we reached the Glacier Lagoon.

Our local guide Kris is an absolute expert and knows all the best viewpoints without the crowds.

So we indulged in a sunset toast at a private glacial overlook. It was absolutely one of the trip highlights! Afterwards, we checked into our hotel and had more fantastic Icelandic cuisine for dinner.

Day 4: Glacier Visit & Blue Lagoon

The next morning, we visited Europe’s largest glacier just behind our hotel. The colors are truly spectacular and the entire viewpoint is just breathtaking.

Another trip highlight? The two minutes of silence we took while overlooking the glacier. (Again totally alone at this glacial outlook!)

After our morning at the glacier, we hit the road back to Reykjavik stopping at more waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the way.

That evening, we arrived at the famous Blue Lagoon just in time for golden hour. We snapped pictures before the sunset and then simply enjoyed being inside the lagoon after dark. The stars were spectacular and the crowds were totally dispersed!

Day 5: Nature Walk, Krauma Baths & Horse Farm

In the morning, we began driving towards West Iceland. Along the way, we stopped at incredible winter landscapes including a bright blue glacial river.

We went for lunch and spent the afternoon soaking at Krauma Geothermal Baths. The ladies braved the ice plunge bath while alternating back and forth between different temperature spas and pools.

That evening, we checked into a cozy horse farm with little cabins all around the property. In the evening, our local host prepared us a fantastic home cooked meal with Icelandic recipes!

Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Sights

The next day we had more insanely perfect weather. We witnessed a spectacular sunrise over a historic church on the coast.

We continued to sight see all day along the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From coastal walks to stunning beaches.. this day was jam-packed with beautiful views.

We stayed a second night at the horse farm cabins. So this meant a second delicious home-cooked Icelandic meal. Kris also brought dried fish, black death and fermented shark for everyone to try! We laughed ourselves silly while attempting to sing an Icelandic folk song all together. Our pronunciation of the Icelandic language gave our host and local guide a good laugh as well.

That night we played games and had drinks in the cabins!

Day 7: Morning with horses, Reykjavik sights & farewell dinner

In the morning, we visited the horses at the farm. Icelandic horses are so friendly and curious so they ran right up to us wanting to be pet and scratched.

After we said goodbye to our hosts, we continued on to see some historic turf houses and a quick but fascinating exhibit about Iceland’s settlement.

After lunch, we continued back to Reykjavik for free time to explore the town. That evening we had a fantastic farewell dinner, cried many tears goodbye & ended the evening with a celebratory pub crawl downtown!

Day 8: Depart for home

The next morning, we said our farewells and parted ways for home! Thank you to everyone who made this trip so extra special.

You can watch the week 1 highlights of my 2023 Iceland trips here:

To join a group trip, check out the “Travel With Me” section!
Past group trips include: dog sledding in Minnesota, Southwest USA, Sail Croatia, backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, Christmas in NYC, Iceland, Morocco, Turkey, Ireland, and more!

Iceland Winter Group Trip

Shop my Amazon storefront for all my travel essentials & favorite finds!

Iceland Winter Group Trip

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Winter Iceland Road Trip 2023:
Group Trip Highlights Week 1

After two amazing group trips to Iceland in 2022, I was so excited to come back with another group to kick off my 2023 season!

I absolutely adore Iceland. And in this location, I partner up with one of my favorite local guides I’ve ever worked with, Kristjan! He’s a total Iceland expert. It’s been so fun running trips together the past two years.

And if you’re interested in joining more Iceland adventures with us, stay tuned!
We have a summer trip on the way!

So here is everything we got up to in Iceland while road tripping around for the last 8 days with this amazing crew!

Watch the Youtube recap here:

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik

Everyone flew into the stunning capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik, to kick off our adventure!

Some who arrived early visited the Sky Lagoon while others joined the excellent and free walking tour of Reykjavik. Everyone got checked into Hotel Klettur.

That evening, we all met up for our welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. It

Afterwards, we went out into the blizzard for some Northern Lights hunting but due to weather, we didn’t see any of the aurora.

Day 2

The next day, we set off for the Golden Circle! There was the most beautiful fresh layer of snow covering everything!

The sun was shining and it was the perfect day to stop at national parks, waterfalls and glaciers!

After a full day of sightseeing and Icelandic stories from our guide Kris, we went to the oldest swimming pool in all of Iceland, the Secret Lagoon!

This lesser known gem is one of my favorites in Iceland. We sipped champagne, rolled in the snow and ran back to the steamy hot lagoon water. It was a blast!

That night, we stayed at the most beautiful and remote organic farm where the family cooked for us a delicious fresh meal! Icelandic cuisine is truly fantastic and totally underrated.

To keep up to date on future group trips, follow the Wanderlust Group Trips account here!

Day 3

The next day we headed off to stop at some more gorgeous waterfalls before arriving at the Black Sand Beach.

The Black Sand Beach in Vik is always one of my favorite stops! The magnitude of the waves combined with the enormous basalt columns… it is truly spectacular!

After the beach, we drove up to one of my favorite views overlooking the little town of Vik where we stopped for lunch!

After Vik, we continued our drive to the stunning glacier lagoon, Diamond beach and Vatnajökull National Park in South Iceland.

The weather was absolutely beautiful with the light dusting of fresh snow on everything!

And to make the day even more perfect, Milan and Gabi got engaged overlooking a beautiful glacier landscape!! We all toasted and celebrated the newly engaged couple together! She was completely surprised and it was such a beautiful proposal. I’m so happy I was able to help capture these memories!

That night, we continued our celebrations at our hotel which is located right next to Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe!

We dined on a fantastic meal of Icelandic arctic char, fresh homemade bread and chocolate mousse for dessert.

The forecast for the Northern Lights was looking good so around 11pm we all piled in the van and Kris drove us around looking for a clearing in the clouds.

And sure enough, due to his expert guidance, we were treated to the most spectacular Northern Lights display I have ever witnessed!

The entire sky lit up green as the aurora danced above us! We all gathered just off the side of the road. No big tour buses or crowds.. just our little group gathered together at midnight as the winter winds whipped around us. It was an unforgettable night. And the perfect ending to an amazing day.

Day 4

The next morning, some of us braved the elements and hiked to the Vatnajökull glacier just behind our hotel. However it was a wet and rainy morning!

We then checked out of our hotel and began driving back towards Reykjavik, stopping at waterfalls and sights along the way. The wind was insane but Kris is an excellent driver in all sorts of weather.

When we reached Reykjavik, we checked back into our hotel before heading off to the Blue Lagoon for the night.

Day 5

The next morning we set off towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region in western Iceland known for its dramatic landscapes. We first stopped to see a river where freshwater and salty glacial water collide to make the most beautiful shade of blue water.

For lunch, we stopped at the stunning Krauma Geothermal Baths and restaurant.

We soaked in the hot waters with beautiful view of the mountains.

That evening, we checked into our cozy cabins at an Icelandic horse farm.

Our local Icelandic host welcomed us to the most fantastic home-cooked meal! We sang Icelandic songs, laughed, drank and ate way too much! That night we played games in our cabins before falling asleep. Another fantastic day!

Day 6

The next morning we had more unpredictable Icelandic weather so we altered our itinerary slightly but the day turned out great!

We visited tiny scenic churches, rugged lava fields, and stunning coastlines.

That night, we had another delicious home cooked meal at the horse farm. Our host was so welcoming and kind! And for the second night in a row, we had drinks and played Heads Up in our cabins.. it was a hilarious and memorable night to say the least!

Day 7

For our final full day in Iceland, we toured around the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula coast line. We walked along the boardwalk as the enormous waves crashed against the cliffs.

Later that day we made it back to Reykjavik in time to go shopping downtown before our farewell dinner. We shared our favorite moments from the trip and fondly recalled all the amazing memories we shared together over the week. After a teary goodbye to Kris, I led the group on a little Reykjavik pub crawl ending at my favorite Irish bar that always has great live music and a dance floor!

Day 8

The next morning, we had one last breakfast together at our hotel. Afterwards, we went into town for some final shopping and famous Icelandic hot dogs.

Thank you to everyone who made this week so incredible! It wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you!

To join a group trip, check out the “Travel With Me” section!
Past group trips include: dog sledding in Minnesota, Southwest USA, Sail Croatia, backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, Christmas in NYC, Iceland, Morocco, Turkey, Ireland, and more!

Shop my Amazon storefront for all my travel essentials & favorite finds!

The post Winter Iceland Road Trip 2023: Group Trip Highlights Week 1 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

What To Pack For Iceland In The Winter

what to pack for iceland in the winter

Iceland is one of my favorite countries. And while winter travel can be tricky at times, it is truly a magical season to visit Iceland.

But you need to pack well so you aren’t cold, wet and miserable.

Each winter, I host group trips here with my company Wanderlust Group Trips, so after several winters in Iceland I’ve learned what to pack and what not!

If you’re traveling on your own to Iceland in the winter, you may also want to invest in crampons.

Crampons

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These will help you stay sturdy on the slick ice. However, if you are doing a glacier trek, these are most likely already included! They are included on my trips as well.

Key things to pack for Iceland in winter:

• Shoes: The best shoes for Iceland are waterproof and comfortable with rugged soles
• A rain jacket 
• Waterproof pants – you won’t be warm if you’re wet! So make sure you have gear you can wear outside in the event it rains 
• Base layers- the key to being warm is LAYERS! If you have any merino wool, that makes for an amazing base layer
• Mittens
• Warm hat 
• Crampons
• Neck Gaiter/Scarf
• Warm socks 
• Swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon/hotel pools
• Waterproof case for your phone to protect it at any geothermal lagoons & from snow
• Conditioner & hand lotion
• If you’re looking for great travel headphones, I love these warm cozy ones for sleeping on flights/long bus rides etc. 
• Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness 
• If you want to try to photograph the Northern Lights with a DSLR camera, a tripod is necessary. This is one I have (it’s super sturdy and high quality!) but there are many cheapers ones on the market. 

What To Pack For Iceland In The Winter

Pro Tip: The best way to stay warm in a winter destination is the 3 W’s: Wicking, Warmth, Wind. 

WICKING

The base layer (also called thermal wear or long underwear) helps keep you dry by wicking moisture away from your body. This next-to-skin layer, often made of wool or polyester, works best when snug fitting.

WARMTH

Like the batting in your house, this layer insulates you from the cold. Depending upon the weather and your activity, you may choose to wear one or more of these layers. Wool and polyester fleece work well for warmth.

WIND

Your outer shell blocks wind, sheds rain or snow and holds body heat in your warmth layer while still allowing perspired moisture to escape. Breathable tight-weave synthetics like Supplex® nylon or long staple Ventile cotton work well.

More on Iceland:

• ICELAND ON A BUDGET- 18 TIPS
• ICELAND GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022 – WEEK ONE
• SNORKELING BETWEEN TWO CONTINENTS IN ICELAND WITH TROLL EXPEDITIONS

For more travel gear recommendations, shop my Amazon storefront!

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Troll Expeditions

Snorkeling Between Two Continents In Iceland
with Troll Expeditions

Between back to back sold out group trips in Iceland and my own travels around the country, I was fortunate to spend a month in Iceland this winter. And after all the beautiful viewpoints, glacier hiking and excursions, one of my favorite activities was snorkeling between the tectonic plates.

We went with the company Troll Expeditions and really liked their tour overall. The guides were fantastic. And we loved the fact that our tour came with free Gopro photos.

Snorkeling in Silfra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’ll find yourself swimming between tectonic plates, floating in pure, filtered glacier water.
Tick this ultimate tour with breathtaking underwater views in the world´s clearest waters off your bucket list. You’ll receive GoPro underwater photos after your tour for free. – Troll Expeditions

Book the tour here.

Iceland’s Silfra Fissure is located in Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have been moving apart at the rate of 2 centimeters per year. You can actually touch the rocks between the two continents. It’s truly a remarkable excursion.

Important to Note: Transportation Not Included

If you book the standard tour, the transportation to the national park is not included. Many people road trip Iceland and drive their own rental car to the snorkel site. However, if you’re like us and don’t have a rental car because you’re doing a guided tour around Iceland, you can book a pick up with Troll Expeditions for an additional cost.

If you do plan to drive, the route from Reykjavík to Silfra is 50 minutes in good road conditions. But plan to arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket. And always allow for extra time driving in Iceland!

You can look up “Troll Expedition Silfra” on Google Maps to find the exact location.

Included:
✓ English speaking guide
✓ Small group
✓ Certified Snorkeling guide
✓ Free GoPro underwater photos
✓ All necessary Snorkeling equipment with a Dry suit
✓ Warm under suit
✓ Hot drinks after snorkeling

What to Bring

• Thermal underwear (thermal shirt and pants) and an extra pair of warm socks for snorkeling
• Change of clothes (just in case)
• Contact lenses if you wear glasses
• Warm clothes (first layer)
• Remove all your jewels (earrings, necklaces, watches, wrist bands, rings, etc…) before the tour

Yes, it’s cold.

If you snorkel here during the winter, it will obviously be cold. But the water here never fully freezes over, allowing you to snorkel in the Silfra fissure year round.

The suits do a remarkable job keeping you dry and warm. Your face will be directly in the cold water so your lips may turn a bit blue or go numb. But it’s a mild sensation. The initial shock of it really wakes you up though!

Pro tip: If you don’t have great circulation in your hands and feet, they may be what gets cold first. We brought hand warmers and placed them in our socks which kept our feet toasty warm. Other guests on our tour did mention having cold toes by the end. But overall, the cold temperatures didn’t detract from the experience at all.

We got really lucky with the weather during our trip with Troll Expeditions. The sun was shining and there was a dusting of light fluffy snowflakes falling throughout the day. It was magical.

Overall, I highly recommend Troll Expeditions. They have a wide variety of other tours in Iceland as well!

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2023 Iceland Group Trip Recap:

More on Iceland: ICELAND ON A BUDGET- 18 TIPS

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Reykjavik and Iceland On A Budget

Iceland On A Budget- 18 Tips

Iceland is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. But there is no denying it’s an expensive destination. After visiting in 2018, I returned for a month in 2022 hosting two sold-out group trips.

After spending so much time traveling around the land of fire and ice, I’ve learned a thing or two about traveling on a budget here.

Check out my video recap with all my budget tips:

1. Not a budget destination

When deciding on a destination for your trip, it’s important to consider if it’s a country you can afford to travel or not.

Iceland is ranked 3rd most expensive country in the world.

Traveling in the shoulder season may make your trip more affordable. But traveling in the summer means it would be warm enough for camping. It depends what kind of trip you want to do around Iceland!

2. Use Airport Direct

A taxi which can be over $170 USD into town.

It will take slightly longer but Airport Direct will save you a TON of money upon your arrival to Reykjavik.

• 45 min to town
• 2,990 ISK or about $23 USD
• Free Wifi & charging ports onboard

3. Alcohol is super expensive in Iceland. Shop at duty free.

Taxes on alcohol are insanely high in Iceland. If you know you want to have some drinks during your trip, the cheapest place to buy alcohol is at duty free right when you are leaving the airport just before baggage claim!

4. Hostels make for cheaper accommodation- check out Galaxy Pod Hostel

Hotels in Iceland come at a steep price, especially during peak season. But hostels are a great option if you are on a budget.

I have personally stayed at Galaxy Pod Hostel in Reykjavik and really loved it. It was just a short walk from downtown and far cheaper than anything

5. Save your money for excursions

If you’re on a budget, try to save your money for experiences! If you have to cut corners somewhere, I’d suggest budgeting less for food/accommodation.

My favorite booked experiences:

• Snorkeling between two continents at the Silfra Fissure with Troll Expeditions
• Glacier Hiking & Ice Cave
• The Reykjavik Food Walk
• Horseback Riding with Wake Up Reykjavik *discount code: wanderlust

For even more money off with Wake Up Reykjavik, use discount code: wanderlust

6. Book accommodation in advance

Hotels in Iceland are expensive and will fill up during peak season.

Book as far in advance as possible. Prices jump the closer you get to your travel date.

7. Download the free Aurora app

Northern Lights tours tend to cost about $80-$100 depending on the tour provider you use.

And while these tours can really be worth the money, you can also try to track and chase the lights yourself by downloading the free app.

8. Buy groceries

Food in Iceland is very expensive since so much of it is imported.

If you’re visiting in the summer, pack sack lunches and plan to have a picnic! There is no shortage of scenic viewpoints to sit and eat your lunch.

Going out for dinner could easily cost you $40-$60 so if you’re on a tight budget, plan to cook at your hostel, in your campervan or at your campsite.

9. Icelandic hot dogs are famous and make for one of the cheapest eats.

Restaurants in Reykjavik aren’t cheap but this little hot dog stand is quite famous and makes for an inexpensive meal on the go!

The hot dogs at this iconic stand are actually made primarily with lamb, a staple in Icelandic cuisine. The correct way to order is to walk up to the counter and say “I’ll have one with everything!”

10. Join the free walking tour with City Walk in Reykjavik

This is one of the best walking tours I have ever been on. Iceland has a fascinating culture and the tour is incredibly interesting. Just be sure to tip your guide.

11. Avoid taking a taxi if possible

Stay somewhere central in Reykjavik and walk. Taxis are super expensive and can be difficult to come by in Reykjavik. It’s a very walkable city, even when the weather is bad because there are pipes running under the sidewalks with hot geothermal water so it melts the snow and ice.

12. Drink tap water, it’s clean and delicious! Skip buying bottled water.

The tap water in Iceland is some of the best in the world! Do yourself a favor and drink directly from the tap. Bring a refillable water bottle. Better for the wallet and the environment!

Hydro Flask

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13. Public transit is an option when visiting places like the Sky Lagoon

While walking is typically the best way to get around Reykjavik, you may want to take a bus if you plan to visit some places slightly further out like the Sky Lagoon.

Bus from central Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon

From Hlemmur square, take bus no. 4 and stop in Hamraborg (15 min). From there take bus no. 35 until you stop at Hafnarbraut (4 min), which is the nearest stop to Sky Lagoon.
Follow the signs and walk for a few minutes down Hafnarbraut until you reach Vesturvör.
Walk along the ocean and you will arrive before you know it. 

14. Shop thrift stores for traditional Icelandic wool sweaters

Traditional Icelandic sweaters are a popular souvenir but come at a hefty price. They can fetch a price of $200-$400 easily since they are usually 100% wool, handmade and super high quality.

Thrift Store with Wool Sweaters: Fatamarkaðurinn Second Hand Market
Address: Laugavegur 126, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

15. If you do plan to drink, take advantage of happy hour

Iceland loves a happy hour special! So if you do plan to do for drinks, schedule it during happy hour.

15. Pack wisely to avoid unnecessary purchases- crampons, rain gear, warm enough layers..

If you have to buy rain gear, snow boots or warm layers in Iceland, it will cost you a fortune. Make sure you have everything you need before arriving. Even in winter, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for rain. Waterproof gear is a must.

Crampons

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17. Seek out free things to do

You can easily create an itinerary that is full of free attractions:

• waterfalls
• beaches
• gardens
• public art installations
• churches
• monuments
• geysers
• lava fields and more!

18. Join a group tour to get discounted hotels, activities and split gas

In an expensive country like Iceland, you may actually save money by booking a group tour because it means discounted hotel prices, split gas and group discounts for activities.

You can see the highlights from my 2022 Iceland group trip here.

If you want to join for my future group trips to Iceland, stay tuned & check out my Travel with Me page!

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Iceland On A Budget

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Iceland Group Trip

Iceland Group Trip Highlights 2022 – Week One

I fell in love with Iceland in 2018 and had been itching to go back ever since.

And with two back to back sold out group trips, I was so thrilled to finally be coming back to the land of fire and ice…this time with an amazing group of people!

Here is the recap of everything we got up to during week one.

Join this trip in 2023, the first 10 to sign up get $100 off!

Day 1: Reykjavik

The ladies of week one began arriving around 7am from overnight flights. After an airport transfer to the hotel and a freshen up, I took them out for a day exploring Iceland’s capital city.

We had intended to take photos by the water but a suddenly flurry of snow changed our plans. We had coffees on the charming rainbow street of Reykjavik until the brief snow flurries passed.

Photos in downtown Reykjavik

Tasting the famous Icelandic hot dogs

For lunch, we grabbed some of the famous Reykjavik hot dogs… a staple here in town! The correct way to order: “I’ll take one with everything.” The unique toppings make the meal!

Walking Tour with CityWalk

After lunch, we grabbed an Icelandic beer and joined a free walking tour of the city with CityWalk. One of the best walking tours I have ever been on!

Welcome dinner with Icelandic food

We freshened up after the tour for our welcome dinner and to meet our guide, Kris!

Day 2: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

The next we headed out from Reykjavik and began by exploring the famous Golden Circle. With the recent snowfall, everything was covered in a beautiful white dusting of fresh snow.

It looked like a winter wonderland! We saw waterfalls, geysers and many iconic Icelandic sights. Huge thank you to Emilee Elofson photography for helping capture so many wonderful shots!

Secret Lagoon

After a full day of sightseeing, myself and our local guide Kristjan surprised the ladies with a trip to the Secret Lagoon!

This was a highlight for many of us. It was so nice to relax in Iceland’s oldest pool after a long day outside. That night we had dinner at a cute but very remote hotel with a sustainable farm onsight.

Day 3: Black Sand Beaches, Glacier Views

The next day we departed after breakfast for another full day of exploring!

Highlights included lunch and souvenir shopping in the small fishing village of Vik and a visit to the Black Sand beach. We also stopped along the side of the road to make friends with the country’s fluffiest locals, the Icelandic horses.

As we drove we tried a variety of Icelandic sweets, snacks and even a few liquors!

Later in the day, we caught our first glimpse of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland’s landmass.

That evening, some of us went on a short hike to the glacier outlet just behind our hotel while others indulged in happy hour!

At night, we had an included dinner at the hotel and played games all together.

Day 4: Glacier Hiking, Ice Caves, Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon

We started things off with a hike to the glacier in the morning. The views were absolutely surreal and the moment of silence we took overlooking the glacier was a real highlight for us all.

Later that day, we arrived at the stunning Diamond Beach, famous for the glacial ice that washes up on its shores. We all had several close encounters with what the locals call “sneaky waves”.

Glacier hiking & ice cave

That afternoon, we did an adventurous hike to an ice cave inside the glacier. The blue color was nothing short of spectacular.

Day 5: Turf Houses, Lava Center, Artisan Shops, Pool Party

The next day we had a bit of a long drive back. And fortunately, it coincided with the one rainy day we had on the trip.

So we made an impromptu visit to the Lava Center to get out of the rain and learn a little bit about all of Iceland’s active volcanoes. As we drove back, we stopped to see traditional turf houses. That night we had at pool party at Hotel Ork!

Day 6: Volcanic Crater, Blue Lagoon & Farewell Dinner

On our final full day, we started things off by hiking around a scenic volcanic crater.

Then it was off to a fresh fish & chips buffet before heading to the iconic Blue Lagoon!

Farewells & A Goodbye Toast

That night we had a tearful goodbye dinner. It was especially hard parting ways with our wonderful guide, Kris! He went above and beyond throughout the week to ensure we had an incredible experience. From buying us Icelandic sweets or providing us all with crampons so we don’t slip on the ice… Kris is one of the best guides I have ever had the pleasure of partnering with!

Then us ladies went out in downtown Reykjavik for a final evening out together! We started at our favorite Irish pub, the Drunk Rabbit and toasted to our amazing week.

Day 7: Final morning before heading home

The final day, we went to get coffee downtown and did a little more exploring before people flew home!
I can’t thank these ladies enough for making this wonderful week so special.

It was such an honor to travel Iceland with you all!

You can watch the recap for Iceland week 2 here:

Join a group trip with me!

Watch the 2023 Iceland recap:

Iceland Group Trip

Shop my Iceland favorites:

Merinol Wool Hiking Socks

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Underwater Phone Case

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Merino Base Layer Bottoms

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Mitten Straps

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The post Iceland Group Trip Highlights 2022 – Week One appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

How To Dress For Winter Destinations

Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Alaska, Russia, and Canada are all incredible travel destinations. But also obviously, very cold. Nothing will spoil your trip faster than being unprepared, under dressed and therefore COLD! Traveling to winter destinations at the peak of their snow season is beautiful and definitely not to be missed. You just want to be prepared

So I’ve compiled a list of my winter traveling essentials to feel warm and fashionable no matter where you are going in the world.

Just click the images below and have fun shopping!

Boots

Right before I left for Iceland, Sweden and Poland- I invested in this exact pair of Sorel boots. They are waterproof, fashionable and most importantly WARM!

I’ve worn them dog sledding, walking through Iceland on a cold rainy day, hiking to a waterfall in northern Sweden and all over Poland. I highly recommend them!

If you’re looking for another great Sorel boot with less fur and more of an indoor look- be sure to check these out!

Need shoes for going out but still want the same warmth? Check out these amazing Sorel boots– fashionable and warm! Perfect for a night out in a winter destination.

Thermal Layers

I cannot stress enough how much you need thermal under layers in cold destinations!

The key to staying warm is dressing in layers and always, your first layer should be your thermals.

Sweaters

After your thermal layer, you’ll want thick, cozy sweaters to bundle up in!

Down Parka

Finding the perfect coat can mean a lot of hunting online and in stores. You want something plenty warm but still makes you feel great when you wear it! I am obsessed with this all white faux fur down parka from Amazon.

I also love my longer brown coat and take it with me on every winter trip! The extra length really helps to keep your mid section warm

Mittens

Absolutely make sure you’ve packed warm mittens. It’s miserable to have freezing fingers and toes when you’re trying to enjoy your trip.

If you are doing activities where you need the use of your fingers, I recommend these!

Hats

I bought my furry pom-pom hat in Stockholm, Sweden but they have great ones on Amazon as well!

I never went outside without a hat- you will probably want to pack several!

Snow Suits

While we were in Sweden, the dog sledding company Wild Spirit loaned us snowsuits so we didn’t have to pack them. But this company Tipsy Elves has come out with some seriously cute retro snow suits that I adore!

Fleece Lined Leggings

These are my absolute number one essential for winter destinations! I have multiple pairs that I constantly wear under dresses, skirts and even jeans if it’s a super cold day.

I also wear them by themselves, to lounge in or sleep in at night! They are super versatile and will do wonders to keep you warm

Scarf

Sometimes a jacket just isn’t enough and you’ll really need to bundle up! Lots of layers and a super warm scarf will do the trick.

Hot Water Bottle

I had never used a hot water bottle until I camped for several weeks in Germany during Oktoberfest. It was FREEZING cold at night! Bundled up in multiple sleeping bags- I found a hot water bottle makes all the difference.

I use mine daily in Poland now as well. They are small and easy to travel with but provide such warmth!

Warm Pajamas

You’ll definitely want to pack something very warm to sleep in!

I was so thankful for fleece pajamas when we took an overnight train ride in Sweden that was quite cold! Cold drafty windows, thin blankets and train doors that kept opening to let in the freezing air made for a chilly night.

The places we stayed in Sweden and Poland were still much colder inside than what I was used to back at home. Stay warm while you sleep!

Socks

You will definitely need to pack thick, thermal socks.

You will want to wear one thin sock as a layer to help keep your feet dry, then add a thick sock over top!

I slept in these socks all of Sweden!

If you found this post helpful- let me know! Send me a picture of you in a cold destination and I’ll feature it on my Instagram

Have fun traveling and stay warm!

More on winter travel? Keep reading:

• 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GO DOG SLEDDING
• HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN ICELAND: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LAYOVER
• HOW TO FIND WORK WITH A DOG SLED COMPANY – AND WHERE EXACTLY TO APPLY

The post How to Dress for Winter Destinations: A Women’s Guide to Feeling Warm and Fashionable appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Extended layovers in Iceland are becoming increasingly popular due to airlines offering stopovers at no additional airfare. It gives you the opportunity to explore Iceland without adding to the cost of your plane ticket. If you already intend to travel across the Atlantic, you can get to Iceland for FREE by adding the layover!

After that, you’ll just need to factor in the cost of your excursions. But with how incredible Iceland is, this stop is worth adding to any plane ticket!

The moment you step outside the airport, it is as if you have been transported to another planet. Lava fields, glaciers, geothermic baths, volcanic rocks and active gushing geysers are just a fraction of the beauty that awaits you in Iceland.

What you want to do with your day depends on if you’re traveling in summer or winter. In the summer you will have 24 hours of daylight, whereas in the winter you only have daylight from 11am-3pm.

I was there in winter and still saw plenty!

The Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle are open all year long, so a short winter layover is still worth the trip in Iceland!

One Day Iceland Layover Guide

First stop:

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is an otherworldly wonder nestled in the heart of a lava field.

Surrounded by an incredible volcanic landscape, this geothermal spa is the perfect temperature to bathe in, typically 39°C/102°F.

The warm, milky water is rich with minerals such as silica, which does wonders for your skin!

How to get there:

Once your flight lands, go through baggage claim. Right before you get outside, there will be a large ticket counter labeled “Destination Blue Lagoon”. You can buy your bus ticket here.

You can also book your bus ticket ahead of time at their website here.

I chose to buy my ticket on site in case there was a delay in my flight but plenty of people booked theirs in advance. Either is fine!

These buses go back and forth between the airport all day bringing people directly to the Blue Lagoon. When you are done, they have buses that will bring you directly into the city.

Make sure you pay attention to the bus schedule for your departure. You’ll want to leave enough time to get to your next activity. Remember to factor in showering and getting dressed again after the lagoon when deciding which bus to catch into town.

Sunrise at the Blue Lagoon

I chose to arrive at the Blue Lagoon before sunrise and practically had the place to myself!

Seeing the mist roll off the water in the dark is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. The only sound you hear is the gurgling water pouring into the lagoon. I drank champagne and watched the sunrise from the warm, calming waters on a cold January morning.

Blue Lagoon Tickets

You can buy a bus ticket upon your arrival in Iceland but the Blue Lagoon frequently sells out in advance. And this is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Make sure to book your Blue Lagoon ticket far in advance. You can book it here.

The lagoon offers comfort level, premium entry or the retreat spa.

I booked the comfort ticket which includes one drink, a towel and a mask. I found this to be plenty. Slippers and a robe would have been unnecessary since I spent most of my time in the water.

If you want additional drinks you can purchase them at the bar!

Tickets aren’t necessarily cheap (Iceland is notoriously expensive!) but it is comparable to a spa day anywhere. The prices vary slightly by date and time but be prepared to spend $88-$98 for entry.

Second Stop:

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland. It begins in Reykjavík and passes through the southern uplands of Iceland and back. 

Along the way there are waterfalls, geysers, and many scenic outlooks.

A variety of travel companies offer express tours so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. Perfect for a one day trip!

I booked The Golden Circle Express Tour with Get Your Guide.

You can book the express tour here.

If you have the time, I would recommend taking longer to explore the Golden Circle. The tour is fantastic but quick.

And if it’s summer, you can rent a car and drive the route yourself. But if you are on a time limit, this is a great way to see it all. And you avoid having to drive in winter conditions!

From start to finish, the tour lasts six hours.

This may sound like a long time to be on a bus, but don’t worry! You spend more than half the time off exploring.

Your guide will share information while driving to each location then give the group 30-50 minutes of free time to explore at each stop before meeting back at the bus.

Each one of the stops will have food, drinks, toilets and a souvenir shop available.

After such a luxurious, wonderful morning sipping champagne, watching the sunrise and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, it was difficult (nearly impossible!!) for me to leave the warm, steamy waters of the geothermic bath. And I wound up racing to get to my tour on time. I hadn’t eaten yet that day and the tour I had booked was from 1pm-7pm.

So it was a relief to find that food (and hot coffee!) was available on the route!

Tip:

Sometimes the bus driver won’t remain on the bus so make sure you bring your money, camera or anything you might need before disembarking at each stop. Otherwise the bus will get locked up and you won’t have access to your things!

Northern Lights

Depending on when you travel, the weather and the time of your flight out of Iceland- you might also be able to book a tour to see the Northern Lights.

I had planned to do this but the tour was cancelled due to rain and cloudy skies. You are fully refunded or offered a tour the following night if this happens!

Overall, if you have the chance to stop in Iceland for a layover, I highly suggest you jump at the opportunity!

One day will never be enough time in Iceland but it’s a wonderful introduction to this unique and indescribable landscape. And like many others who have traveled to Iceland, you’ll find yourself wanting to come back again and again.

Have any other long layovers coming up? Read How to Make the Most of Any Long Layover.

More on Iceland:

• ICELAND ON A BUDGET- 18 TIPS
• SNORKELING BETWEEN TWO CONTINENTS IN ICELAND WITH TROLL EXPEDITIONS
• WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND IN THE WINTER
• ICELAND GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022 – WEEK ONE
• WINTER ICELAND ROAD TRIP 2023: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK 1

Shop my Iceland essentials:

Ski Jacket

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Fleece Leggings

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Pink Beanie

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Sorel Boots

My favorite water proof boots!

Buy Now

The post How To Spend One Day In Iceland: Make The Most Of Your Layover appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.