From Glaciers to Geysers: Our Trip to Iceland Was Too Short!

An Unplanned Stop That Became Unforgettable

We officially started our big international family travel year around the world in Europe, aiming to kick things off with a visit to Ash’s Great Aunt Joy, who, at ninety-something, was still sharper than most of us on our best days. She lived in England’s gorgeous Lake District, and the whole family adored her, so we booked flights to Manchester. But as we mapped out the trip, the twins got one of those ideas that only kids can make sound completely reasonable: “What about Iceland?”

It didn’t fit perfectly into the trip schedule, but resisting the call of glaciers and geysers was hard. So, we squeezed in a short but unforgettable family trip to Iceland—barely. We landed in Reykjavik for three days, and a family trip to Iceland instantly went on our “must return” list.

Reykjavik: Colorful Streets, Comfort Food, and the Best Hot Dogs?

We started with a stroll down Rainbow Street in Reykjavik, that iconic path painted in bright colors that looked like a children’s storybook brought to life. I was immediately distracted by the thick, creamy fish stew, which was so good I thought I might never enjoy soup back home the same way again. And then, we learned about Icelandic hot dogs. Somehow, this tiny country dared to claim they made the world’s best hot dogs, and you know what? They might have been right. They were a little hot dog revelation with crunchy onions, sweet mustard, and some magical blend of meats. Even better, a sign on the way read, “Patio open when the temperature exceeds a steaming 5 degrees Celsius.” We laughed at the idea of basking on a patio at a blazing 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Driving the Golden Circle: Waterfalls, Wind, and Wild Beauty

We started driving the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that strung together stunning stops like Þingvellir National Park, geothermal fields, and waterfalls that tumbled over cliffsides. The car rental company had kindly informed us that car doors there had a habit of blowing off in the wind, so every time we got out, we clung to the handles as if a storm might sweep them into the sea.

Sneaker Waves and Puffin Parades: Discovering Iceland’s Wild Side

At each stop, we piled out of the car and explored—no complaints from the kids, just enthusiasm. The weather was perfect: cool and crisp but bright and sunny. At one point, we learned about Iceland’s infamous “sneaker waves”—so large and sudden that they could sweep people off the shore before realizing what was happening. Ash and the kids were part or full Australian, so maybe we should have known about these, but we didn’t. It was a little unsettling but also a reminder of the wild power of nature there.

One afternoon, we decided to trek to Dyrhólaey Rock Arch to find puffins. We finally spotted them after driving through landscapes that looked straight out of a storybook. It was like a puffin parade—these little, awkward seabirds with bright, painted beaks were as adorable as we’d hoped. The twins were ecstatic, snapping photos and pointing out every puffin they saw. It was worth every mile of the drive just to see Lila and Cooper this excited.

Soaking in the Blue Lagoon: A Little Luxury in the Land of Fire and Ice

Of course, no family trip to Iceland would be complete without visiting The Blue Lagoon. We had to and were very excited to be there. We had to and were very excited to be there.

At check-in, we were handed towels, a mud mask, and even a free drink—definitely a step up from the rustic camping experiences Ash and I were used to. The lagoon was enormous, with plenty of room to drift around and find our pockets of peace.

Lila and I kept our heads above water, having heard that Blue Lagoon minerals could leave your hair crunchy for weeks. The boys dove in, though, braver than us—or maybe just less concerned about their hair texture. The staff was patient with the kids’ endless questions about life in Iceland, sharing tips about hidden hot springs and local foods, and they managed to make Lila and Cooper feel like VIP guests in this tiny, freezing country.

Lost in Translation: Icelandic Words and in Reykjavik

One of my favorite memories from Iceland might just have been wandering around Reykjavik, trying to pronounce Icelandic words like Löggæslumyndavél (which, as far as I could tell, meant “security camera”) and Snúningsrými (“turning space”). Every attempt sounded worse than the last, with each syllable a new battle in our epic war against Icelandic vowels. We cracked each other up to the point of tears, laughing on cobblestone streets under chilly skies.

Our family trip to Iceland left us wanting more in just three days, from its otherworldly landscapes to its incredibly kind people. As we boarded the plane for Manchester, I found myself hoping we’d make it back someday to enjoy more Icelandic adventures. Our family trip to Iceland had been short, but it had been unforgettable. And maybe someday I'd even learn to say Löggæslumyndavél.