Iceland

In 2017, I visited one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. I stayed in Reykjavik and traveled down the South Coast with a rental car and drove around the western peninsula.

I arrived in Keflavík at 4am and quickly learnt to drive on the wrong side of the car.

Reykjavik

It wasn't long until I experienced the hospitality of the Icelanders. I had incorrectly booked the wrong arrival date at my hostel - but they kindly let me stay in the lounge after realising all nearby hostels are fully booked as well.

It was freezing cold at -4°C and walking around mindlessly with red ears was not something I was prepared for. Sandholt to save the day with warmth that I hit the spot.

Reykjavik was a lovely quiant city but there isn't very much to do if you travel solo. Everything is very expensive - even compared to London.

Restaurants are 35% higher, groceries are 50% higher, consumer prices are 35% higher, and my self-esteem was 120% lower... because I pretty survived off hotdogs and fresh Icelandic water.

City Walk tour

“Jóhannes, also pronounced 'Your highness'”. This was the first walking tour I have done, and would recommend it - as you would get a few laughs and insight into the small city.

Sólheimasandur

On the drive towards Vik, the infamous plane wreckage was on the way. It made sense to get off on foot to get a few candid shots in after a long drive. Suspiciously convenient for tourists.

Vatnajökull

Jökulsárlón

Vik

“If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes” – Popular Icelandic quote.

The Golden Circle route

The Golden Circle is a route in southern Iceland that loops from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. It is the area that contains most tours and travel-related activities in Iceland.

The first stop was Gullfoss!

Geysir

Þingvellir

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Aurora Borealis

After a few unsuccessful and teary nights, I was able to cash in on a bonus view of the Aurora Borealis near the Keflavik airport.

With the naked eye, you would not see the above - you will only be able to capture this will a long exposure shot. My settings were f16 exposed for 5 minutes on ISO 4000.

Reynisfjara

Blue Lagoon