Iceland Winter Adventure: Chasing Northern Lights & Soaking in Hot Springs
Escaping an Avalanche and Finding Luxury in Iceland's East
Our Iceland adventure started with a two-day parking lot stay, courtesy of an avalanche. Once the road cleared, we celebrated our freedom with a visit to Vök Baths, a geothermal spa nestled into the hillside. The minimalist design, featuring dark cement walls and warm wood accents, created a truly stunning environment.
Vök Baths is unique because of its location in the East of Iceland, where hot springs are less common. Locals discovered hot pockets in the frozen lake during winter, which led to the creation of these incredible floating pools. Imagine soaking in 40°C water surrounded by a frozen lake!
Beyond the warm pools, there's a cold mist tunnel, a steam room, and even a bar in the pool. While we couldn't swim in the lake due to ice, a cold plunge offered a refreshing alternative.
Road Tripping Through Stunning Icelandic Landscapes
After our relaxing spa day, we embarked on a scenic drive towards our next campsite. Icelandic roads in winter offer a unique beauty, with snow-covered mountains and vast, empty landscapes. The drive provided breathtaking views and a sense of peaceful isolation.
Our van conversion proved invaluable, providing a warm and comfortable mobile home. Quick lunches and warm-up breaks were easily accessible, making the road trip even more enjoyable.
Exploring Geothermal Wonders and a Hidden Waterfall
Waking up to a clear sky, a rarity during our trip, we backtracked to explore the geothermal area near our campsite. The smell of sulfur led us to a viewpoint with incredible views of natural steam chimneys rising from the ground. The sunrise added a magical touch to the already stunning scenery.
A detour around Lake Mývatn revealed even more beauty, with the sun painting the landscape in golden hues. We even encountered some friendly Icelandic horses, a common sight throughout the country.
A chance discovery led us to Goðafoss waterfall, a breathtaking cascade framed by a winter wonderland. This stunning waterfall quickly became our favorite, offering unparalleled beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Hunt for the Northern Lights
Our journey continued towards Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri. While the town was charming, our main objective was to finally witness the Northern Lights. After eight days of cloudy skies, we were determined to find a remote spot with minimal light pollution.
Despite low predictions, we found a promising location and waited patiently. The clear night sky offered a beautiful view, even without the aurora. But then, a faint green band appeared, growing stronger and dancing across the sky. It was a magical experience that exceeded all expectations.
A Historic Church and a Shipwreck Beach
Continuing our journey south, we stopped at a charming local parish church, a historic landmark dating back to 1703. The backdrop of the ocean, mountains, and snow created a picturesque scene.
Our final stop was a unique beach within a national park, the site of a British shipwreck in 1948. Scattered pieces of the ship remained on the beach, a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Journey
This Icelandic adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, from escaping an avalanche to witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights. The stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and friendly encounters made this trip truly special. Stay tuned for our next adventure: exploring Iceland's Golden Circle!
