Views of Reykjavik and beyond from the top of HallgrĂmskirkja church
Welcome to Part Two of Nicole’s adventures in Iceland. We pick up here at the midway point in her journey with a horseback riding excursion at Laxnes Horse Farm. Click here to see Part One of her adventure.
By Nicole List
Day 5 – Horseback Riding at Laxnes Horse Farm
Nicole horsebackriding at Laxnes Horse Farm
I used to consider myself quite the equestrian. I had all the makings. I grew up competing and adoring horses. However, the Icelandic horse is an interesting change of pace. We drove a half hour outside of Reykjavik to stop at one of the quaintest stables I’ve ever seen. These horses are testy and physically thicker and smaller than the average horse–not to mention, the snowy terrain doesn’t make for the most relaxed ride.
I should have listened to the stable tender when he said my horse was frisky because after only 30 minutes of riding, he no longer listened to my reign commands. The eight-year old British boy riding aside me was calmly trotting and there I was almost hanging from my horse.
Either way, I enjoyed every minute of it. If you love riding, you don’t want to miss out on this treat.
Day 6 – Gjábakkahellir Lava Cave
First prize absolutely goes to this quest. We traveled a few hours outside of Reykjavik to what looked like a frozen desert. After the windburn kicked in, we were fast to finally get inside the cave for a break.
To our surprise, we were given flashlights as our incredible tour guide began digging a hole for us to enter into the cave. This was not a typical cave. There wasn’t a walkway path or bridge with lanterns. This looked untouched, the lava rock inside was jagged and icy. Surely, the Abominable Snowman wouldn’t find these standards up to par. As such, the journey became a series of uphill and downhill climbs (not so graceful falls, swear words and dirty looks) for the next hour or so.
Nicole and friend (left) after digging out of the ice lava cave
How did we get out? Well, our trusted tour guide dug another hole and dragged us out with his shovel. With no sense of balance, I escaped the cave, embraced the windburn and threw up my arms with elation. Needless to say, I felt like I swam the English Channel three times after that feat.
Day 7 – Full Day at Reykjavik
This probably was the most normal portion of our trip. We enjoyed a relaxing brunch at nearby Café Paris (however, I suggest you check out Hotel Borg).
We then closed out the trip by stopping by the largest church in Iceland, HallgrĂmskirkja. For a small payment, you’ll be able to take an elevator to the top of the tower to see uninterrupted breathtaking views of Reykjavik and beyond.
Other Useful Iceland Tidbits:
- Winter Months – Average temperature 28-30 °F
- Summer Months – Average temperature 38-40° F
- Currency: ISK Kronur and is comparable to the British Pound, so prepare to feel a major hit to your pocketbook.
- Reykjavik is one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world.
- Best Breakfast: Hotel Borg, Best Café: Te and Kaffi, Best Dinner: The SteakHouse
- Must-Have Products: Fur clothing (red fox) or home décor, Blue Lagoon Spa products, winter shoes, chocolate-covered licorice and brennivin liqueur. Buy all of these at the Duty Free in the airport, nowhere else.
- Other Activities: Dog-sledding, Heli-skiing, ATVs, Crystal Cave Exploration (Northern Iceland), Viking Museum (Raga), Mountain-gliding, Camping out in the middle of the Frozen Tundra (Extreme Iceland), Museum of Iceland History, Imagine Tower (Boat Ferry accessible)
- Icelandic Delicacies: reindeer, whale, venison, mountain lamb, Skyr yogurt, lobster (reminiscent taste of Shrimp), Salmon, puffin, geese, shark, pyslur (hot dogs)
- Self-Sufficient People: They rely on earth-cooking and use greenhouses for hydroponic planting.
- Reykjavik Nightlife starts late: 1 a.m.
- Download the Northern Lights app on your phone to track the solar activity and best time to view the phenomenon.
Born and raised in New York City, Nicole List now resides in the sixth borough, Miami Beach. When she isn’t writing, she’s a community manager for a leading design and digital marketing agency. Follow her on Twitter @nicolelist_  and keep up with her adventures jet-setting around the world, trying out new food spots, exploring new jams and admiring new fashion trends. Click here to see Part One of her Icelandic adventure.
