The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - in Iceland

I visited Iceland in December of 2022 with some

new friends/fellow solo female travellers for 6 days (plus 1 extra due to a snow storm). Iceland was a wonderful place to visit just before Christmas and 6 days seemed liked the perfect amount of time to spend there. Iceland is most famous for its rugged landscapes and scenery. The Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls top the list of must-sees. Iceland is also famous for its history and being settled by the Vikings.

https://www.cntraveller.com/topic/iceland

Kex Hostel

The first part of my trip was 4 nights at the Kex Hostel. The Kex is a trendy hostel housed in an old biscuit factory in Reykjavik city centre in Iceland. I stayed in a female only dorm room.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. The city is safe and easy to explore on foot. One of the most famous locations for a photo is Rainbow Street in downtown Reykjavik.

Hallgrimskirkja Church

Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in the country, and towers over the centre of Reykjavik. Its 73-metre-high tower provides a wonderful 360° view over the city.

Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, located next to the Sæbraut road in Reykjavík, Iceland. Sun Voyager is described as a dreamboat, or an ode to the Sun. The artist intended it to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom. The abstract outline of a Viking ship grabs your attention.

Perlan

Perlan ('The Pearl') is a museum and rotating glass dome that stands on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill in Reykjavík; surrounded by forest. The Perlan houses a modern nature exhibition, a real indoor ice cave, a 4K planetarium, and a 360° viewing platform.

Cafe Babalú

Cafe Babalú is a cosy café with a laid back atmosphere in downtown Reykjavik. This was one of the most charming places in the city to eat or drink, serving (my personal favourite) hearty tomato soup with cheese toasties, along with delicious cakes and hot drinks.

Lava Fields Horse Riding Tourat Ishestar Horse Riding Centre

One of the highlights of my trip to Iceland was the Lava Frields Horse Riding Tour at the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre. It was a wonderful tour where I got to experience riding a beautiful Icelandic horse. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgable about the Icelandic horse.

https://www.ishestar.is

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn on Reykjanes Peninsula, in a location favourable for geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The mineral-rich milky-blue water that visitors flock to bathe in at Iceland's Blue Lagoon are renowned for their well-being qualities and anti-ageing properties. As part of the experience, I received an anti-aging face mask and a pint of cider (which I particularly enjoyed) whilst in the lagoon.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a remarkable volcanic landscape of gorges, waterfalls, lakes, and more, and is the first stop on Iceland's Golden Circle Tour. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates.

Strokkur

Strokkur is Iceland’s most visited active geyser. Strokkur is the second stop on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route and sprouts hot water as high as 40 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes.

Gullfoss

Gulfoss ( Golden Fall) is an iconic and famous waterfall in Iceland located at the HVita River Canyon, and is the third stop along the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Kerid Crater

Kerið, a volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area in south Iceland, is one of the most visually stunning geological wonders in the country. The crater is the fourth stop along the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest and most beautiful waterfalls, and my first thought when first took a good look at it was "wow"! Skógafoss is the first stop on the South Coast sightseeing tour.

Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull on the South Coast of Iceland. We took at visit to the Sólheimajökull glacier as the second stop on the South Coast sightseeing tour.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland located next to the town of Vik. The beach is the third stop on the South Coast sightseeing tour.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall along the southern coast. It cascades over steep cliffs, which makes it possible for you to walk behind the waterfall. Seljalandsfoss is the fourth stop on the South Coast sightseeing tour.

ION Adventure Hotel

The final part of my trip to Iceland was a 2 day treat at the ION Adventure Hotel. Ever since I started watching Amazing Hotels, I have wanted to stay at the ION Adventure Hotel, and I finally got my wish in 2022. The ION Adventure Hotel is an iconic example of minimalist Icelandic design, set in a stunning landscape. The beautiful building floats high above lava fields, surrounded by mountains and hot springs. The hotel rooms pay homage to the beautiful Icelandic horse. The main feature of the hotel is the stunning outdoor hot tub and spa area.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are a natural display of coloured lights in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis. I was very lucky during my stay at the ION Adventure Hotel to have seen the Northern Lights.

On our way back, I took a few photos of the Icelandic landscape after the snow storm. Iceland is well known for it's harsh winter weather.

What I missed out on........

Sometimes I don't always get to see and do everything I would like to, mainly due to time, weather and money constraints. If I were to take another trip to Iceland, I would like to visit the Blue Lagoon again in the daytime.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland, known for its bright blue waters and unique setting in a lava field.