A Memorable Solo Adventure in Reykjavik: Embracing the Unexpected in Iceland
As my 30th birthday approached, I wanted to celebrate this milestone in a special way. So, I decided to embark on my first solo trip to Iceland, in the hopes to see the northern lights, one of the things on my bucketlist. Little did I know that this adventure would not only provide me with an incredible experience but also introduce me to the beauty of embracing the unexpected.
Day 0: Arrival in Iceland - The Beginning of an Exciting Journey
I was working on Friday the day of my departure. I’ve only packed things I needed for the short weekend trip in my backpack, so that I didn’t have to check in a bag. I took a Lyft from New York to Newark Airport. I was cutting it close to boarding time so was rushing, but ended up having some time to eat due to delays. I kept checking the weather all week with anticipation and excitement to see the northern lights, the main reason for my trip. But as time was getting closer, it was rainstorms all weekend. Even with the bad weather news, I landed at 6am on a chilly Saturday morning in Keflavic Airport, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the enchanting beauty of Iceland.
Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik - Last Minute Change of Plans
I checked the weather for the weekend again, and it was downpour all weekend. Unfortunately that meant I was getting last minute cancellations for the bus tours I booked to see the Geysers, waterfalls and hot springs, along with the tour to see the northern lights 😭. As sad as it was to have your excursions cancelled, I had to make a quick pivot to the plan. As I dropped off my belongings at the Loft HI Hostel and fueled myself with a comforting cup of coffee, I took the time to look at the map of Reykjavik to see what was around. Determined not to let this setback dampen my spirits, I quickly devised a plan B.
Fortunately, I met a fellow traveler, at the hostel who was also seeking alternative adventures on this rainy day. She was from Germany and offered to explore together. I was so glad to meet a friendly solo traveler who needed some company to set out to explore the charming streets of Reykjavik. Our first stop was the captivating Rainbow Street. It was right in front of our hostel. This is one of the spots many people stop to take pictures, so we did that for ourselves too. This then led straight to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, a church named after a poet, Hallgrimur Petursson, who’s the author of the Hymns of Passion. The churh was massive! It’s the only building you can see from miles away in the town of Reykjavik. It was built with the inspiration of the volcanic mountain ranges in Iceland. Stepping inside this impressive church, I marveled at the grandeur of its simple, yet intricate architecture. Our footsteps and whispers would be echoed throughout the quiet church, despite the stormy winds gushing outside.
Continuing our journey along Laugavegur (a street near Hallgrimskirkja), we discovered an array of shops and boutiques that enticed us with their unique offerings. I bought a few souvenir, like Icelandic salts, to bring back home. We strolled around town, then took a delightful break at Te & Kaffi, where I savored an open sandwich & some tea to warmup as my new freidn and I shared stories of our past travels.
As we strolled along the Sculpture & Shore Walk, we were captivated by the graceful form of the Sun Voyager sculpture. The beauty of this seaside installation mirrored the sense of adventure. It almost looked like a boat setting sail on an expedition. As windy as the walk was, the sky was clearing up which made us hopeful. My new travel friend recognized some stickers that were placed on the lightpoles along the shore. You can tell that people from various countries and towns would come to Reykjavik and place their favorite stickers on the pole for new visitors to enjoy.
Our exploration led us to the architectural marvel of Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Center. The architecture was so unique in structure, almost like the uneven surfaces and reflectiveness of ice. The building blocked off the wind that was storming outside. It was a nice stop to warmup from our walk along the shore. We couldn't resist a visit to the gift shop, that had many things from cute postcards to wool clothing, to various salts and furniture.
After the Harpa, our footsteps carried us towards Austurvöllur, a public square known for its vibrant atmosphere and as a gathering place for political demonstrations and social gatherings. It dates back to the early settlement era of Iceland. It was iconic for gatherings during Iceland’s independence where meetings, demos and gatherings occured. As we walked towards Tjörnin, a pond located in the heart of Reykjavik, we stumbled upon some alleyway with artwork painted along the walls. I noticed that Reykjavik is filled with paintings and art on building walls, which makes the town very charming. Even statues like Unknown Bureaucrat, which makes you think about the meaning of the artwork. It honestly portrayed the worker who lives to work day in and day out, like many of the hustling workers in NYC. Makes you wonder whether the huge brick will ever be lifted from this person’s head to really see the world around them. We stood by Tjörnin, among some swans, as we all gazed towards the sunset with that thought.
Returning to the hostel to freshen up and recharge, I took a quick nap in my hostel bed. Luckily my hostel mates were quiet and respectful, so I was able to get some rest before meeting up with again (technically I only had 3-4 hours of sleep from the flight over). I found my new travel friend at the common area of the hostel, and we ventured out to get some dinner and drinks. By dinner, I mean the famous hotdogs at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. We savored every bite of this iconic Icelandic delicacy, I got 2. Next, we sought out the Jungle Cocktail Bar, where we sipped delightful concoctions that tantalized our taste buds. Just as the name implies, the interior resembled a hidden jungle away from the windy/rainy storm of Iceland. Following a recommendation from my companion's hostel mates, we ventured into a hidden speakeasy. With a secret code granting us entry, we found ourselves in a dimly lit and secretive ambiance. We waited under a covered roof as hail pattered down, adding an unexpected thrill to our experience. Once inside, we were welcomed into what felt like someone's cozy home, complete with a crackling fireplace and a bartender who skillfully crafted our drinks on a mobile bar cart.
As the night drew to a close, we ventured towards the water's edge, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. Though they eluded us this time, the experience only fueled my desire to return and witness this natural spectacle in all its glory. Back at the bustling hostel, alive with the energy of fellow travelers, I settled in for a restful night's sleep, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited me on the following day.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon and Departure - A Soothing Conclusion to an Unforgettable Journey
On my last day in Reykjavik, I started with a delightful brunch at Sandholt, savoring the flavors of Iceland as the sun began to rise. Eager to revisit some of my favorite spots, I embarked on a leisurely walk through town, taking in the vibrant colors of the rainbow street once again.
As the day progressed, I boarded a bus that transported me to the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon. Stepping into the warm, mineral-rich waters, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me. I indulged in the soothing embrace of the hot springs, reveling in the turquoise waters that surrounded me. The Blue Lagoon provided me with a moment of pure bliss, as I enjoyed a complimentary drink at the bar and pampered my skin with three free face masks.
Reluctantly bidding farewell to the Blue Lagoon, I made my way to Keflavik Airport. The airport buzzed with activity, a testament to Iceland's popularity as a travel destination. Boarding the plane, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences I had encountered during this short but impactful trip.
Recap and Conclusion: Embracing the Unexpected
Although my primary goal of witnessing the Northern Lights remained unfulfilled, I realized that my journey had offered me something even more precious: the gift of companionship and the joy of exploring unplanned destinations. Iceland's ever-changing weather led me to discover the hidden gems of Reykjavik, and I will forever cherish the memories created during this solo adventure.
As I departed Iceland, I knew deep within my heart that I would return. Next time, I will explore the captivating waterfalls, geysers, and other natural wonders that this extraordinary country has to offer. Iceland had given me a taste of its beauty, leaving me hungry for more.
So, until we meet again, Iceland. I carry the spirit of adventure within me, forever grateful for the unforgettable moments and the reminder that the best experiences often lie just beyond our initial plans.
