I am going into my third week in Iceland, and despite it being my eighth time here, traveling here still humbles me. Locals have agreed this has been one of the coldest and rainiest summers they can recall.
I, optimistic that things would change, packed as if I were blessed with the abundant sunshine and warmth I had last summer here. By the second day, I knew this would not be the case as the south coast was blasted with gale-force winds and torrential rain. I was forced to turn my camper around while going to Dyrholaey on my first puffin photography mission.
Last August, I hiked Hornstrandir with Borea Adventures in a T-shirt. This time, I wore every layer I brought as we trekked across the preserve on a moody day.
None of this is a bad thing, and I will never say the weather is “bad,” it is that the weather here has character and can change on a dime. It is up to us to adjust to her moods.
On the contrary, there have been some beautiful days when the sun shines, and the wind is calm. These days, it is impossible to pull myself back into my camper. The cold, rainy days gave me a new appreciation for the sun, and nothing felt better than the sun warming our faces as friends. I trekked in Thorsmork the other day.
I have been sharing a lot on socials and had a few days when I chose to stay put at a quiet and cozy campsite in the highlands, tucked inside a birch grove. The owners offered to do my laundry as a favor, and the showers were hot. What more could I ask for on such a wintry day?
There I was, wrapped in my sleeping bag, cozy in my camper, with not much to do but think, write, edit, and organize, and when I am on the road, these tasks get away from me!
During this time, I realized a few things about this trip. This has been my most challenging trip to Iceland, even more so than the winter. Ever-changing weather thwarted plans, and an aching hip that seems to get crankier by the day has been a daily occurrence. I had to laugh today when I wrestled the camper door shut from the wind’s clutches. As they say in Iceland, petta redde ones. I have fast; my version of it is what it is.
Here is what I realize. If you plan on visiting Iceland or have, you may relate.
- There is beauty in every element of nature, but it is up to us to appreciate this. On sunny days, I love admiring the golden hue it casts on the fields or waterfalls. On the windy, I love watching the trees bend and sway as the wind howls its melody. Those days are a reward, a reminder to slow down. The puffins are now gone, replaced by my next photography venture, the Northern Lights, which means a lot of cold, long, and dark nights waiting for the show. In the meantime, I must buy a parka to keep me cozy for the rest of my time here!
- I love taking photographs and flying my drone. Drone photography has forever changed landscape photography; seeing Iceland’s majesty from a bird’s eye is even more breathtaking. However, my favorite moments in Iceland will always be the ones no one will see. How can I capture the peace when walking through a field of grass, my only companions a trio of sheep, sitting with the puffin colony at sunrise on Vestmannaeyjar, or walking along the beach in West Fjords while listening to the waves crash as my eyes scan the shore for interesting shells. These are simple moments but are more significant than anything I show on social media. In these simple moments, lying with the unseen, the hidden beauty of Iceland, I feel most connected with it here. Beneath the reels, the photographs, the epic landscapes, there lies my Iceland, hidden from sight, open to my heart. This is Iceland I will never forget.
When planning your trip to Iceland, make time for these moments and appreciate all the nature, even the one that changes your plans. Adapting to nature in Iceland is vital to having the best experience here. Iceland always has a surprise gem, so don’t hesitate to change your plans.
Today, for example, I went for a short nature walk along a river I found in the highlands. I stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall, nestled in nature. I sat there for a while, watching it, and the sheep grazed beside me. I didn’t expect to find this gem so far away from the mainstay tourist spots. It was not as mighty as Skogafoss but just as beautiful, and I was grateful to have this moment all for myself.
So, when you come to Iceland, pack your sense of adventure, and don’t be afraid to slow down. Adapt to the weather, appreciate nature, and enjoy every moment.
Here are some recommendations for your Iceland trip and tours!
How to capture the northern lights in Iceland
Must do off-the-beaten-path tours in Iceland
Hike Hornstrandir with Borea Adventures
Thorsmork Hike with Midgard Adventure
Rent a camper van to explore Iceland at a slower, freer pace. This is my go-to Camper Van company:
