Jökulsárlón | Glacier lagoon

Top & Bottom: Arcteryx, Jacket: Aether, Boots: Hunter

When I first arrived at Jökulsárlón, I declared it my favorite place in all of Iceland. I had seen pictures from Alex's previous trip and knew immediately I would fall in love, though it was even more incredible in person. I loved it enough to spend an entire day there; it just kept getting prettier as the sun was setting. The pure colors of the peaceful ice created a really captivating visual I had never seen before. To top it off, there were a bunch of playful seals floating around, almost as content as I was!

I was excited I got to walk in the water, thanks to my trusted wellington boots! The lagoon is deep but I was able to get closer than any other tourist (and think I made some jealous). A few of the smaller ice blocks had broken off icebergs and were just within my reach. I could've stayed there forever and didn't want to leave, but it was getting dark and time to head back to our next stop: Smyrlabjorg County Hotel to have dinner and sleep.

Chasing Waterfalls

Dress: Marmalade, Hat: Michael Stars, Necklace: Madewell

On our way up to Egilsstaðir, we decided to take a shortcut from the Ring Road to Route 939. Here, we discovered this unexpected, hidden waterfall that's tucked inside these flat mountains. Not only did we save time driving, we had a wonderful photo op, and got to enjoy the warm weather. After, we checked in at the Icelandair Hotel Herad, had an early dinner at Salt, then chased the sunset on a beautiful drive to Seyðisfjörður. Driving anywhere in Eastern Iceland, really, will take your breath away.

Another Planet

I'm happy we were able to make it up to Northern Iceland since the volcano eruption almost detoured the remainder of our road trip. With the possibility of a bridge closure (and the only road to pass to the next region, Myvatn), we fortunately got so lucky with timing and that made our stay there much more special. 

After a quick visit to Akureyri for lunch at Backpackers Cafe, a cute coffee stop at Blaa Kannan Cafe, and some window shopping around town, we headed towards our next hotel at Vogafjós Guesthouse. On the way, you will see many interesting sights that will make you feel like you're literally on another planet. We checked out the Krafla Lava Fields, Viti Crater, Hverarondor Hverir, along with Jardbodin vid Myvatn. Oh and brace yourself for the smell of sulphur -- it's basically the equivalent to rotten eggs and will take some time getting used to. 

Myvatn Nature Baths

People call Myvatn Nature Baths the Blue Lagoon of the North -- although it's much smaller, less crowded, and not filled with as many tourists. I had never been in a thermal bath before so it was a real treat dipping in for the first time. It felt so nice soaking in the hot temperatures of the milky-glowing-blue waters, though it was tricky transferring out of the pool since the bite of the wind was intense! Regardless, it's definitely worth a visit and it prepared me on what to expect for our visit to the Blue Lagoon.