Iceland and Greenland Connections
"I have fantasies of going to Iceland, never to return." — Edward Gorey
I'm back from two weeks in Greenland and Iceland, exploring several regions with the tourism offices of Destination Disko Bay, Visit Nuuk, and Visit Iceland. I marveled at countless icebergs (my obsession continues), taken many boat rides, stayed in a variety of hotels, eaten incredible meals, enjoyed two Icelandic thermal baths, met many locals and small business owners, networked with invaluable contacts at the Vestnorden tourism conference, and made new friends too.
Visit Iceland took me and six other travel professionals around Reykjavik and southwest Iceland this weekend, and the photo above is from glacier-fed Gullfoss Falls, one of the must-sees on the iconic Golden Circle sightseeing route. Everywhere in Iceland, you're attuned to being on a dynamic and unpredictable planet. Steaming geysers vent the earth's heat below, reminding you that Iceland sits on both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which pull apart almost an inch each year. Rising magma fills the gaps, resulting in eruptions, hot springs, and a ceaseless source of nearly free geothermal power that fuels this fantasy-like country.
We visited three thermal baths and spas and got to relax in both the famous Blue Lagoon and in Laugarás Lagoon, which is surrounded by trees adorned with changing gold and orange autumn colors and faces west to capture sunset views overlooking a river. We also toured the newly opened Reykjaböð Hot Springs, and I longed to luxuriate in its warm waters facing mountains dotted with steaming geysers. Its accommodations and restaurants make this a magical destination.
We also toured Hotel Geysir and had an incredible lunch with the freshest, most delicious mushroom soup. Across the street is Iceland's version of Old Faithful, which erupts in a towering burst of water. Along the path there, we were met by the hotel's chef who bakes their signature bread in the ground besides the geysers; he pulled out several loaves for our little group, placed them on a table, and directed us to top them with the butter, pickled herring, and hard-boiled eggs he brought for us. The bread was a bit sweet and warm, rather like a brownie, and the toppings made an insanely great treat!
Please keep checking the Nine Muses Travel Instagram and Facebook, where I'm still adding photos and videos from the trip. I've returned from icy Greenland and green Iceland with a rich knowledge of new places, local contacts, and ideas for how you can enjoy these wondrous West Nordic nations too.
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
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Danielle Dybiec
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