Iceland: An Epic Journey into Wild Nature

Iceland is a land where nature displays its power in a surprising way, making humans feel tiny in the face of its immensity.

We experienced breathtaking landscapes in an unspoiled environment that left us speechless. From majestic glaciers to imposing waterfalls, from geysers to vast lava fields, every moment of our journey was a tribute to the beauty and power of nature.

We set off as a group of nine, the perfect number for an unforgettable trip. Our ages ranged from 14 to 70, but age was just a number. Right from the start we got past the awkwardness and never stopped laughing together.

Adventures on Four Wheels
To tackle the Icelandic roads we had three Dacia Duster 4x4s, essential for accessing the F35, one of Iceland’s fascinating yet notorious dirt tracks.

Even though there were only nine of us, we took three cars to have the freedom to stop and take photos, set off again, or take a break when needed. In Iceland it seems they only rent Dacias, which caused us some confusion in parking lots.

Traveling along the F35 we immersed ourselves in stunning beauty. Apart from the occasional car, we enjoyed total isolation, crossing rivers, kicking up dust, and stopping to admire the scenery, take photos, or simply breathe the pure air. Kilometer after kilometer we arrived at a refuge in a steaming valley, rich with geysers and thermal water. We had a private hot pool with a view of the glaciers, where we relaxed.
Hellishly Wonderful Landscapes
The next day we visited the geothermal site of Kerlingarfjöll, a place that takes your breath away both from the smell of sulfur and the beauty of the landscape. It looked like Dante’s inferno, even though Dante never visited Iceland. Hills steaming with gas, slopes fading from yellow to red, and the white of the snow creating a unique setting. We did a four-hour trek, though we actually spent two of those hours simply admiring the views and losing ourselves in that vastness of primordial nature.

The Golden Circle and Evocative Treks
Our journey had to include a visit to the Golden Circle. We explored Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking along the Silfra fissure, which marks the division between the North American and European tectonic plates. We skirted Lake Thingvallavatn, with its shades of blue so intense that the boundary with the sky confuses even the most attentive observer.

Arriving at Gullfoss waterfall was exhilarating: the roar of the water has a magnetic attraction, and the dizzying fall of billions of droplets mesmerized us, so much so that we got wet without realizing it. It’s an indescribable experience, and I invite everyone to experience it in person to admire the vibrant rainbows that appear and disappear continuously. Armed with brightly colored rain ponchos and full of energy, we ventured on a walk that allowed us to enjoy this natural power away from the crowds of tourists.

An Epic Trek on the Black Beach
One of the most evocative treks of our journey was the visit to the famous American plane that landed on the black beach of Sólheimasandur.

Despite the seven-kilometer route, the desire to see this iconic site was too strong.

As soon as we got out of the car, we were greeted by torrential rain. After a brief moment of disbelief, we looked at each other and, shrugging our shoulders, exclaimed in unison: “It’s Iceland!” Equipped with ponchos and gloves, we set off toward the beach.

The scenery was surreal: the rain played with the clouds creating patterns of light and shadow, and the pitch-black beach made our presence stand out even more. It felt like being in an apocalyptic world of lava and leaden sky. Despite the adverse weather, the group’s spirit remained high. We spent the walk laughing and joking.

Finally the plane wreck materialized before us, ghostly and fascinating in its contrast with the black beach. It was an unforgettable moment.

Glaciers and Mischievous Seals
Every day in Iceland is a breathtaking experience, with scenery that leaves you speechless. One of these moments was when, driving on the main road, we rounded a headland and before us opened the immense Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Europe, whose vastness left us speechless.

We admired the glacier in every possible way. I wanted my travel companions to touch the ice to help them understand its magnificence. We went to see one of its offshoots, where icebergs as large as buildings floated in the lake below.

At Diamond Beach we were lucky enough to spot a mischievous seal having fun bothering the ducks on the water.

We also did a beautiful loop trail that allowed us to observe the glacier from above, then concluded the tour with the magical Skógafoss waterfall, which inspired the architects in designing the imposing church in Reykjavik.
Staying in Guest Houses: Comfort and Italian Cooking
During the trip we stayed in several guest houses, each more beautiful than the last.

Having a kitchen available allowed us to prepare super Italian-style dishes. Of course we tried typical Icelandic dishes, but no one could take away our nice carbonara halfway through the tour.

Cooking together was one of the most fun moments of the trip. Picture us there, between a plate of pasta and a bottle of wine, laughing and recounting the day’s adventures. Each guest house had its own unique charm, making us feel at home even though we were far away.
Conclusion
When the time came to leave Iceland, we all felt a bit melancholic. This land gave us so much, leaving us with the desire to return as soon as possible. It was a wonderful experience, enriching each of us with unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, and a special bond created by the laughter and shared adventures.

Iceland taught us that in the face of nature’s majesty, it doesn’t matter how small we are; what matters is the courage to explore, the curiosity to discover, and the joy of doing it together. Until the next adventure, we will carry in our hearts the memories of this unique journey.

To all of you who dream of Iceland, I can say that you don’t need to be athletes to join us. Age doesn’t matter, the walks are not difficult and allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery.