As a self-professed planning enthusiast, I surprised myself with a completely sudden trip to the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik in December last year. I decided that a solo getaway from London was necessary after the hustle and bustle of the Autumn Term, and at that point, I was simply looking for cheap flight tickets out of the UK. There I stumbled upon Reykjavik and I thought, why not go, give it a shot?
It was a shot in the dark — I had pretty much no knowledge of the city prior to stepping off the plane. But looking back on the trip, I am grateful for the time to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape and wonders that the city had to offer despite its freezing temperatures. Here’s a little recap of my short solo journey in the city, which doubled up as a mental health recovery trip!
After a restful first night in the hostel, I decided to take a long morning walk in the city at 8am. While the city remained pitch black as it was wintertime, I took the opportunity to catch the sunrise as I strolled along the quiet streets of Reykjavik. I walked all the way to the National Museum of Iceland, which hosted a fascinating array of artefacts from the Viking period to modern-day Iceland. The museum offered a in-depth glimpse into Iceland’s history and culture, and would impress any history geek!
In the afternoon, I took a walk around the city to search for some of the most popular attractions. I wandered to the waterfront to check out the Harpa Concert Hall, before finding the picturesque Rainbow Street. Around the city centre, I had the opportunity to catch a small but cosy Christmas Market serving wondrous Christmas delights, including the ever-popular mulled wine. Luckily for me, I then passed by Tjornin lake, and saw that the lake had frozen over. It was an incredible experience for me to walk on a frozen lake – growing up in a tropical country I’d never had the opportunity to do so before. The iconic church, Hallgrimskirkja, was just outside where I was staying, and I was so excited to see it light up when the sun set on my way back. While the unique architecture and panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower could be seen in the daytime, the church was equally beautiful in the dark.
The next day, I hopped out of bed at 7am, and in the familiar darkness I scrambled to catch a public bus to Sky Lagoon, where I had a once-in-a-lifetime geothermal bathing experience. I had initially intended on going to the popular Blue Lagoon after hearing the raving reviews of the place by my friends, but had decided to check out this newer and less-known facility instead (which worked to my benefit as the Blue Lagoon was closed over seismic activity concerns!). The Sky Lagoon was phenomenal — nestling itself amidst volcanic landscapes, the soothing and warm water promised great relief from a hectic semester. The breath-taking sunrise was also a sight that instantly captured my attention, and the view of the Icelandic coastline is something that is still vivid in my memory of the trip today. This was truly a relaxing experience, as I allowed my mind and the weight of university to drift, all while enjoying the retreat at the Lagoon.
All in all, this trip left me with a grateful heart for being able to experience the tranquillity of Iceland, and rejuvenate myself after a busy semester. Travelling alone on this trip also allowed me to make some travel buddy mates from my hostel and at the Lagoon itself, which was meaningful for me. If you’re ever looking for a place to unwind, why not check out Iceland? After all, it’s a relatively near destination from London, and I am sure that the wild beauty of this country would provide you with an unforgettable experience.
