An Unforgettable Iceland Adventure: Fire, Ice, and Northern Lights

From glaciers to lava fields, waterfalls to the Northern Lights, seven unforgettable days in Iceland.

Some trips are memorable. Others feel almost impossible to believe. Iceland was most definitely the latter. Leading my second WeRoad trip as a coordinator, I had an idea of what to expect, but nothing could have prepared me for just how incredible this week would be. In just seven days, we watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky, drove through fierce snowstorms, stood beside thunderous waterfalls, and walked across ancient glaciers. Every road seemed to lead somewhere more dramatic than the last. What began as a group of strangers quickly turned into a group of great friends, sharing an unforgettable adventure through one of the wildest landscapes on Earth.

---

Arrival in Reykjavík

Arriving into Reykjavík, I was greeted by a full-blown snowstorm, with icy winds and thick flakes swirling through the air. It felt like Iceland was making an immediate statement. By chance, I landed at the same time as Katy and Lilian, who had flown in from Birmingham, so we shared a taxi into the city and made our way to the hostel together, watching the snowy streets pass by as we got our first glimpse of the land of ice and fire.

With a bit of time to spare before the rest of the group arrived, we headed out for some lunch at a delightful cafe nearby before heading into the city centre. Reykjavík immediately felt charming and relaxed, with its colourful buildings and coastal views. We wandered through the city, stopping at some of its most iconic sights including Hallgrímskirkja, the striking church that towers over the skyline, the Sun Voyager sculpture by the water, and the famous rainbow street leading through the centre.

As everyone began to arrive at different times throughout the day, we regrouped in the evening at a lively food hall filled with a mix of cuisines, giving everyone the chance to choose whatever they fancied. It felt like the ideal setting for our first proper meet-up. Over dinner, we held our welcome meeting, where I shared what to expect from the trip and helped everyone get to know each other.

There was a real sense of excitement in the air as the group came together for the first time. At that point, none of us could have imagined just how unforgettable the next few days were going to be.

---

Day 1: Snowstorms and Northern Lights

After our first night in Reykjavík, it was finally time to hit the road. We were up early to collect our cars and properly begin the adventure. At the hire centre we were handed sturdy 4x4s fitted with thick winter tyres and armed with what felt like every insurance policy imaginable, ready to take on Iceland’s unpredictable winter roads. Jay and Ziggy named their car Dustin, whereas Lichèlle and Lilian’s car was called Steve, so it was only natural mine and Maria’s car was called Eleven (Stranger Things, for those confused!).

A quick stop at the supermarket gave us the chance to stock up on snacks and supplies before setting off towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Snow fell heavily for most of the day, turning the drive into a proper winter challenge. Along the way we stopped at a cosy little coffee shop before visiting several incredible sights, including the Black Church of Búðir, the cliffs at Arnarstapi, Saxhóll crater, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain rising dramatically from the snowy landscape.

During the welcome meeting the night before, I set one very important expectation. I would be taking an excessive number of selfies and fully intended to make the most of every weird and wonderful photo opportunity Iceland had to offer, and I could only hope the group would join me in this quest. As it turned out, they did not just go along with it, they fully committed. By our very first stop, we already had a system. One person would throw a fist in the air and shout “WeRoaders, assemble!” and within seconds everyone would come running for a group selfie. We even created our own signature pose, which quickly became a regular feature all over Iceland.

Throughout the day, Pri was completely convinced that we would see the Northern Lights, confidently telling Katy and I that they would appear at exactly 11pm. His certainty never wavered, even as we drove through heavy snow listening to his full Coldplay back catalogue. By the time we reached our hostel, the snow was still falling and the sky remained stubbornly overcast, so I was not entirely convinced, but it did feel like we were building towards some kind of cinematic moment.

We felt incredibly lucky to have a professional chef in our group, and that evening Hyulia treated us to a delicious home cooked meal. After a long day in the cold, sitting down together to enjoy her cooking was a true comfort and a real highlight of my day. Warmed, full, and grateful, we rested briefly before bundling up in as many layers as possible, grabbing our cameras, and stepping out into the snowy night, hearts pounding with anticipation for what might be waiting in the sky.

The snow was still falling heavily as we left the hostel just after 10:30pm, and for a moment I wondered if we were completely crazy to be standing in the freezing dark searching for the aurora. The sky was thick with clouds and the wind bit through every layer of clothing. Then, as we drove just five minutes down the road, the clouds suddenly parted and the sky burst into life. Bright ribbons of emerald green began dancing above us, just as Pri, now jokingly known as the “Pri-dictor,” had promised. Seeing the Northern Lights swirling over Kirkjufell mountain on our very first night in Iceland felt completely surreal. We stood there laughing, dancing, and taking photo after photo, hardly able to believe our luck.

---

Day 2: Geysers, Waterfalls, and a Soothing Secret Lagoon

Still buzzing from the previous night’s incredible Northern Lights show, we woke early and hit the road again, eager to see what Iceland had in store for us next.

Our journey took us towards the Golden Circle, and the driving conditions were some of the most treacherous I have ever experienced. Snow was falling so thickly that it was impossible to tell where the road ended and the sky began. At one point, one of the cars developed a loose flap under the engine that was scraping up snow from the road. A quick stop at a nearby petrol station and a bit of teamwork had it tucked back in and ready to go.

Our first real stop was Geysir, the famous hot spring that erupts a dramatic plume of boiling water every few minutes. Standing nearby as the water shot skywards was mesmerising even in the biting cold. From there, we continued to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, roaring and thundering with icy power.

By the end of the day, our bodies were craving a rest, so we treated ourselves to a soak at the Secret Lagoon. The warm, steaming waters were bliss after two days of driving, hiking, and snow, and it was the perfect chance to reflect on the breathtaking landscapes we had already seen.

Despite the challenging conditions, the energy in the group never dipped, largely thanks to Jay, whose enthusiasm was completely infectious. No matter how intense the snow or how long the drive, his positivity kept spirits high, and even on Day 2 he was already talking about booking another WeRoad trip. Hearing that so early on felt like a real win and gave me a quiet confidence that the trip was off to a great start.

Once again, Hyulia spoiled us with a delicious home-cooked dinner back at the hostel. With the Northern Lights forecast looking grim, we decided to call it a night, resting up for the adventures that awaited the following day.

---

Day 3: Black Beaches, Lava, and a Yoda Cave

We started the day with a drive to Dyrhólaey, and the landscape completely transformed. Suddenly there was no snow and the scenery felt almost otherworldly. During the drive, we had one of the funniest conversations of the trip, with myself, Maria, Alex, and Jess debating whether puffins and penguins were the same. Of course they are not, northern versus southern hemisphere and one flies while the other does not (obviously!), but the mix of confident guesses, wild theories, and ridiculous ideas had us all in stitches long before we reached our first stop.

A wander along the cliff path gave us stunning views across to Reynisfjara Black Beach, and we could hardly wait to explore it up close. The basalt columns had collapsed recently, so I was not sure we would be able to get down onto the beach, but we were pleasantly surprised to find access. It is easy to see why walking there is usually discouraged, as the waves were fierce and unpredictable, crashing up almost out of nowhere while we were trying to take a group selfie (WeRoaders, assemble!).

For lunch, we had a reservation at The Soup Company, famous for their traditional thick Icelandic soups served in black bread bowls. It was the perfect warm up after a morning of exploring, and absolutely delicious. Next, we had a reservation at the Lava Show, where we witnessed a fascinating and informative demonstration with real molten lava, leaving us amazed by the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Our final stop of the day was Gígjagjá, a small cave in the rocks that, when viewed from the inside, resembles Yoda. We spent ages photographing silhouettes, trying to capture the magic of the unusual formation, and laughing at how many different poses we could get inside the tiny space.

The drive towards our hostel late that afternoon was just as memorable as the stops themselves. The landscape kept changing around us, from black sand to moss-covered lava fields scattered with huge boulders that looked like something straight out of troll territory. I shared a car with Lilian, Ziggy, and Lichèlle, the journey itself was so much fun. We had the most random and entertaining conversations, took turns choosing songs to sing along to, and at one point switched to epic movie soundtracks that somehow matched the dramatic scenery perfectly. It felt like we were driving through our own film, and none of us wanted the journey to end.

Back at the hostel, we enjoyed another wonderful home-cooked meal from Hyulia. Surrounded by the group, with laughter bouncing around the dinner table, it was hard not to feel completely grateful for the adventures, the scenery, and the company we were sharing it all with. The evening was made even better by Maria and Alex, who took it upon themselves to translate random words and phrases into Icelandic for us, including the ever-useful “take me to the toilet”, delivered with varying degrees of confidence and accuracy, which only made it all the more entertaining.

---

Day 4: Sunshine, Plane Wrecks, and Northern Lights

After days of snowstorms and heavy cloud cover, we woke to the most beautiful blue skies and a sunrise spilling across the landscape from our cabins. It felt like Iceland was showing us a another side of itself.

We began the day with a walk at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. It felt like this was one of the coldest, windiest, and most exposed parts of Iceland. We were freezing, but the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and winding river made every shiver worth it.

To warm up, we stopped at the American school bus café, Skool Beans, where the most indulgent, calorie-filled hot drinks awaited us. It was the perfect boost before tackling our next adventure.

With the sun shining, we made the 4km trek to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, the US Navy aircraft that crash-landed in Iceland in 1973. The stark, otherworldly surroundings made for incredible photos, framed by distant mountains and endless black sand. After capturing as many shots as possible, we made the return journey to the car, exhausted but exhilarated.

Our final stop before heading to the hostel was Kvernufoss waterfall, a hidden gem where you can walk behind the curtain of water for truly stunning photos. The light reflecting off the cascading falls made it feel almost magical.

After another delicious home-cooked dinner, we checked the forecast and decided there was a chance of seeing the aurora. We headed to the nearby Skógafoss waterfall and waited under a sky filled with millions of stars. As we waited, Pri took it upon himself to serenade us with Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars and Yellow, which made the moment feel even more epic. Slowly, light beams began to appear, signalling the start of the aurora show. Once again, we were completely blown away as emerald skies danced above us, making it another unforgettable night in Iceland.

---

Day 5: Glaciers, Waterfalls, and Icelandic Traditions

A slightly later start was very welcome after the past few busy days, and we kicked things off with a guided glacier hike at Sólheimajökull. Kitted out with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, we made our way towards the ice, stepping into a landscape that felt straight out of a David Attenborough documentary. Towering ridges, deep crevasses, and endless stretches of ice surrounded us. Walking across the glacier was an incredible experience in itself, but exploring a glowing blue ice cave hidden within it made it feel truly unforgettable.

After the hike, a well-earned hot chocolate brought some feeling back into our frozen fingers before we returned to Skógafoss. Seeing the waterfall in daylight after watching the Northern Lights dance above it the night before felt surreal, as if we were visiting a completely different place. Some of the group climbed the steep steps to the top, where sweeping views stretched out towards Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano whose 2010 eruption brought air travel across Europe to a standstill.

From there, we continued to Seljalandsfoss, another of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. After a quick browse in a nearby souvenir shop (who could forget the puffin slippers?!), we wandered along the path, taking in the falls from every angle and enjoying a slightly slower pace after such an action-packed morning.

Our final stop before reaching our accommodation was the DC-3 plane wreck at Eyvindarholt. Although this one had been relocated after being decommissioned, it still made for a striking sight against the rugged landscape. Even better, it gave us the chance to get up close to the Icelandic horses we had been spotting along the roadside throughout the trip.

That evening we arrived at a beautiful campsite on Eyjafjallajökull, staying in cosy wooden huts tucked into the landscape. With no cooking facilities available, we booked a table at the on-site restaurant, where the group had the chance to try traditional Icelandic dishes including whale and horse. It felt like the perfect way to end another unforgettable day, full of new experiences, incredible scenery, and moments that still did not quite feel real.

---

Day 6: A Change of Plans and the Perfect Ending

The final day began early, with most of the group booked onto a whale watching tour in Reykjavík. We set off from our accommodation at 6:30 am, making the journey back towards the capital. However, halfway through the drive, an alert came through. The tour had been cancelled due to rough seas.

After pulling into a petrol station for coffee and a quick regroup, we came up with a new plan. Some of the group had already planned to visit the thermal river, so we decided to join them. A stop at a nearby bakery for breakfast gave us time to catch up before heading into the valley.

Walking through the steaming hills felt surreal. The ground around us quite literally breathed, with pockets of steam rising from the earth and hot spots bubbling away beneath the surface. It was a powerful reminder of just how alive Iceland’s landscape really is.

We made a quick stop at Kerið crater, a striking volcanic caldera with deep red slopes surrounding a frozen lake at the bottom. The ice made the crater feel otherworldly, and of course we couldn’t resist carefully making our way down and snapping a few photos for the group collection.

With a more relaxed schedule than expected, we managed to move our booking at Laugarás Lagoon forward for some well-earned downtime. Things did not quite go to plan, as the main lagoon was not fully heated, but between a packed hot tub and a much-needed sauna, we still found a way to warm up and enjoy the moment.

Eventually, we made our way back into Reykjavík, returning the cars at the hire centre. After days of snowstorms, icy roads, and long drives, it felt like a real achievement to have made it back without a single issue. I was genuinely proud of everyone who had taken on the challenge, and more than a little relieved to hand the keys back.

Our final evening took us into the centre of Reykjavík for pizza, followed by one last unexpected gem. We stumbled across an old bookshop hosting live music, and it turned out to be one of those moments you could never plan. The atmosphere in Hús Máls og Menningar was electric and the band were incredible. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the band closed with, you guessed it, Yellow from Coldplay. Every time I hear that song from now on, I know I will be instantly transported back to Iceland and this amazing trip.

It felt like the perfect ending to a week that had given us everything. Unbelievable landscapes, unforgettable adventures, and a group of strangers who had laughed, sung, and explored together, now felt like lifelong friends. Every moment was pure fun, from the car karaoke sessions to the awe-inspiring sights, and I couldn’t have asked for a better week. Even now, it feels almost unreal, and I know these friendships are ones that will last a lifetime. ✨

Ka-kaa , my little pufflings! 🐧