5 Trips In Iceland I Want To Take In 2015

It is no secret that I am over winter at and the moment all I am dreaming about is a trip somewhere tropical to escape the chilly Icelandic winter. My negative thoughts about the month of January are causing a bit of a rift with my relationship with Iceland so I figured it is time to put the spark back in our romance and think about the positives.

Iceland may be a frozen rock right now but I know in a few more months the snow will be gone and the bright green grass will reappear meaning it is time to get out and explore. Now that we have a car I have lots of trips I want to take and am hoping to fit many of them into this year. In 2015 I want to travel…

Landmannalaugar

LandmannalaugarSo technically I have already visited Landmannalaugar, but that visit was much to short so it doesn’t count. A weekend long hiking trip is in the works for this summer and I am already counting down the days to get back to this gorgeous area. Seriously guys, the most beautiful nature I have ever seen was at Landmannalaugar, it is a must see for sure!

Westman Islands

West man islandsvia

The Westman Islands are a cluster of islands off the south coast of Iceland with the largest island, Heimaey, being the only one with inhibitions, and has a population of 4,135. The islands are full of stunning landscapes and I am dying to get over there and go hiking! Oh and did I mention puffins can be found there? I must see one of these adorable creatures this year.

Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss via photo by: G. Arnarson Photopoetic

I had seen pictures of this stunning waterfall floating around online last year and quickly added it to my Iceland list. But when I went to tell H about it I couldn’t figure out how to pronounce it (expat problems) or spell it, making it impossible to find again online. Several months later I finally stumbled upon images of Brúarfoss again, and this time I was sure to save it to show H. Now my nagging will not stop until we make the road trip to Brúarfoss so I can have a my own photo shot with this stunning waterfall.

The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon via

We have all heard of the Blue Lagoon but the Secret Lagoon, now this is a place I must visit! One of the oldest pools in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon is kept as natural as possible giving its visitors a unique experience. H and I were going to take a trip here for our anniversary this past year but bad weather had other plans. Maybe a Valentines Day road trip, this place looks perfect for a romantic adventure.

West Fjords

West Fjords, Icelandvia

When I ask someone where their favorite place in Iceland is 9 times out of 10 the answer I get is the West Fjords. How have I not ventured this way yet! The pictures I have seen are absolutely breathtaking. I think a week driving around the West Fjords, camping and hiking along the way, is extremely necessary this summer.

Okay snow and ice I am ready for you to melt now so I can get to exploring! Sunshine, please come back soon.

Question of the Day?
Do you travel in your own country? Any travel plans for 2015?

January 21, 2015 by
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  • http://ceciliaintherain.wordpress.com Cecilia

    There are some stunning locations here! I would definitely go and see the puffins - they are the cutest birds ever, and such posers, I have about 200 pictures of puffins that I took in Shetland a few years back. There would have been more but my memory card ran out of space.

    I don’t have any travel plans as of yet this year, but there might be some daytrips and visits to friends around the country on the horizon.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I think they look so adorable, I really hope I get to see some this year!

  • http://letuswanderlust.blogspot.com/ Carly @ Let Us Wanderlust

    So many gorgeous places for you to visit this year! I’d love to visit the Fjords - there are some in New Zealand that are so spectacular so I’d love to see the West Fjords! Sounds like a very popular place to visit amongst Icelanders!

    We have some travel plans of our own this year - Japan which is coming up next month and then our honeymoon! We’ve just started planning and I’d ridiculously excited! Can hardly contain myself haha! Xx

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      How exciting! Any ideas for your honeymoon???

  • http://www.adventurings.com Cynthia

    All of these destinations look soooo amazing. (staring in awe) On my one week trip to Iceland I definitely wanted to make it out to the Westmans but it was one of those “want to do too much for what time you have” sort of problems. That’s so wonderful you can explore them all by car now! So much adventure lies ahead…. :D

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I feel like that is what has happened to me with the Westman islands as well, wanted to visit but never had enough time. This year I am making sure there is time!

  • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

    I love the idea of the Secret Lagoon! Iceland is so stunning! Do Icelandic people marvel at it’s beauty or are they just used to it? x

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I feel like it is half and half. Some people think it is so beautiful and go out and explore as much as possible, others are just like yeah whatever.

  • http://www.thesunnysideothis.com/ Isabel

    yes!! can’t wait to see the posts were you will reveal all the magic! don’t stop nagging until you GO there! lol, I’m also in the “we should see this, this, and this in Slovenia” mode!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Haha, this is what our men get for bringing us over to their countries, they must be our tour guides and show us everything!

      • http://www.thesunnysideothis.com/ Isabel

        foreeeeever basically! haha

  • http://www.somethingsaturdays.com/the-blog.html Elizabeth @Something Saturdays

    It’s great that you have these places written down so you
    can refer to it as 2015 goes on. It’s so easy to let places in your own
    neighborhood/country slip by you because you think “it’s so close, I’ll obviously
    make it there someday” without ever making any plans to go. Travelling around
    your own part of the world is a great way to see new, amazing things without
    going too far and usually without spending too much money! It’s so important to
    make the effort and just do it!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I so agree, I found myself saying that last year, just oh we can visit some other time. I don’t want to miss out on all these beautiful places though so Ia m determined to see them!

  • http://www.cestmoisaralouise.com/ Sara Louise

    Lately I’m seeing more and more photos of Iceland and I completely understand why, it’s breathtaking! What an amazing place to live :)
    This year, I’d like to travel around the US more, because it’s something I’ve never really done, and I’d love to get back to France… I need a pink wine fix!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I really need to travel around the US more as well, I have done very little! Iceland is a beautiful place, you will have to do a little detour on your way to France next time ;)

  • http://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.blogspot.com/ adventuresofalondonkiwi

    What a gathering of roadtrips!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Bring on the roadtrips!

  • http://www.lifeplus1.me/ Lifeplus1

    Puffins?!!?

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am the same way, when I was living in the states I was always dreaming of international travel. When I move back though I am going to try and see more. Nashville is high on my list!

  • http://www.fullofbeansandsausages.com/ Holly Hollyson

    I had never heard of Bruarfoss before! It looks so lovely, I can’t wait for you to go there so I can see your photos!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I really must go there, the pictures look absolutely stunning!

  • http://www.undertheashtree.com/ Ashley Hufford

    the main reason we are heading back to Iceland this summer is for the West Fjords! Although now I may have to add all of these to the list!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I have heard so many amazing things about the West Fjords, you guys are going to love it! Are you planning a road trip up there?

      • http://www.undertheashtree.com/ Ashley Hufford

        Yes!! We’re renting a camper and doing the ring road, but West Fjords are Brandon (my boyfriends) obsession! I can’t wait!

        • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

          Oh that sounds like so much fun! I want to do the ring road as well!

  • http://heleneinbetween.com/ Helene

    I can’t pronounce some of these names but that doesn’t mean I’m not saving this post for later! Actually sending him the link now so maybe I can convince him :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      There is a music festival here this summer, I think that should be on your list:)

  • http://www.brookemeaganjones.com/ Brooke Jones

    Ok all these places look amazing. Seriously, Iceland looks like a dream. I don’t know how I could ever choose between those places. I think it’s so important to travel your own country. I’ve done a lot in Canada, but there are still places I’d like to visit and others I’d like to go back to and spend more time. I’m going to Newfoundland this summer, so that’s a big one for me. And they have puffins too!!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Awe yay for puffins, I really must see these adorable creatures! And I am with you, I think it is really important to travel within your own country and not forget about what is nearby.

  • http://breathewithus.com/ Hugo Cura

    Great stuff. I have been to all of those places except Brúarfoss. Will try to go there in March when I return to Iceland. Highly recommend the West Fjords and Heimaey/Westman Islands. Probably two of the best “off the beaten path” places, if there’s such a thing in Iceland since everything besides the capital region and a few other spots hardly get any visitors. Take some time for the West Fjords, they’re well worth it :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Yes, these places are high on my list, looking forward to visiting.

  • http://www.kati-rose.com/ Kati Rose

    I hope you travel to all of these locations so I can see more pictures as they all look amazing! I’m hoping 2015 will be a year of travel in and outside the country as I got a part time job at an airline so the perks will come in handy :)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      That sounds like a great opportunity to travel! I thought about working at an airlines, mainly for the perks :)

  • http://treasuretromp.com/ Nicole @ Treasure Tromp

    Landmannalaugar doesn’t sound like a real place ;)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I know right! I am still working on pronouncing the name!

  • http://writergirlm.com/ Martha

    Ooh…these look like beautiful destinations!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Iceland is just full of them!

  • Julie DenOuden

    Every time I come to your blog I am just utterly amazed at how gorgeous Iceland looks!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks for stopping by Julie! Iceland makes it easy, it is just so gorgeous!

  • http://the.pyreflies.org/ Jessica ThePyreflies

    I agree with Julie (below) I was about to say the same thing… every time I come to your blog I just want to go to Iceland!! It’s such a beautiful place :) I live in the USA and one of my dreams is to take a road trip around the entire country!

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I would love to take a road trip around the US one day as well. When I move back to the states I really want to travel around the country more, so much to see!

  • http://skyenvy.com/ Sarah | Sky Envy

    I can’t believe I’ve been to Iceland but never left the airport!!! And to think Iceland Air was giving away free long stopovers without additional cost. I should have known you or heard about your blog four years ago. Then again, Iceland is so beautiful, it deserves more than a stopover!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      It sounds like you will have to take another trip back to Iceland! Those free stopovers are awesome!

  • JustGoPlaces

    I saw your post on Ink & Adventure. Love your photos! Iceland is on our to-do list. My husband goes all the time for business trips and so the kids and I really want to go.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Welcome! It is funny, since I moved to Iceland I have met/heard of so many people who have traveled to Iceland for work. On one of his work trips you guys will have to join him!

  • http://beertimewithwagner.com/ Jordan Beck Wagner

    If I come back to Iceland, can we please go to the Westman Islands together?! I’m such a sucker for islands, water, and bright houses! How adorable!!! xo

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Yes please! It is actually quite easy to visit so I can´t believe I still haven’t been there!

  • http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chicadeedee

    Puffins! I’m going to have to look into this, I love those little birds!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Another reason you need to visit Iceland :)

      • http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chicadeedee

        it’s booked! May 17th till the 24th, save that weekend of the 24th for me! :)

  • http://www.akeanesenseofadventure.com/ Christine @ A Keane Sense of A

    Gorgeous! The West Fjords look so magical! Crazy that such a small country can pack so much beauty!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I agree, for such a small place it has a lot to offer!

  • http://megancstroup.blogspot.com/ Megan @ Semi-Charmed Kind of L

    WOW. This post just reinforces my desire to visit Iceland. What do you think the best month to visit is? I don’t mind the cold, but I would like to be able to explore outside without getting frostbite. :)

    Our goal is to travel more within the US this year: We’re hoping to visit Portland and do a New England road trip, at the very least.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I would recommend May-October. July is the most popular month to visit but the other months still have decent weather and lots of daylight!

      • http://megancstroup.blogspot.com/ Megan @ Semi-Charmed Kind of L

        Thanks for the tip! And I will now know to avoid July to hopefully experience (somewhat) smaller crowds. :)

        Megan C. Stroup
        megancstroup.blogspot.com
        *a lifestyle blog featuring travel & books*
        Find me on Twitter: @semicharmedkol Find me on Instagram: @mcstroup
        Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/megancstroupblog

  • http://www.notentirelyperfect.com/ Stephanie

    Puffins! Oh you have to go see puffins, they’re so cute!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Aren’t they so adorable, I really must see them!

  • http://jpabstfitness.wordpress.com/ Jen@jpabstfitness

    Wow! All of those places look absolutely breath taking!!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Iceland never fails to be anything but stunning!

  • http://www.thriftygypsytravels.blogspot.com Katrina Elisabet

    I absolutely travel within my own country, but right now I’m partial to your current country! I would love a dip in the Blue Lagoon right now… or summer…..

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I think it is too often we forget about traveling in our own country so great to hear you enjoy yours to the fullest. Aww a dip in the Blue Lagoon sounds amazing right now!

  • http://www.simplysaratravel.com/ Sara

    What a lovely list for 2015! That waterfall is gorgeous! And I’ve heard a lot about the West fjords - if I ever get the chance to visit Iceland again, that’s the area I would love to explore!

    I like your plan to roadtrip in Iceland this year. I’m in the very beginning stages of planning a big roadtrip through France. i just have to start narrowing down my long list of places to see!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      A roadtrip through France sounds absolutely amazing! I think roadtrips are the best (and most fun) way to see a lot of things on one trip.

  • http://www.crumbsinthebed.com/ Kerri

    This sounds like an exciting travel year for you! I quite enjoy travelling around Belgium, although I worry that we will run out of places as it’s so tiny haha! Also not have a car, we’re sometimes a bit limited to the places we can get to at the same time.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am hoping to make the most out of having a car (finally) and traveling around Iceland as much as possible!

  • http://superduperfantastic.com/ suki

    All of these photos make me want to go to Iceland immediately! :) These are gorgeous!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Yes! Iceland is gorgeous head this way!

  • Beth

    Is there any part of Iceland that ISN’T dramatic, gorgeous landscape? I hope you get to all of them, and out of the bitter parts of winter soon!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I know right, that is how i feel about it as well! Thanks Beth, I am ready to be out exploring in the sunshine again :)

  • http://whisperingsweetly.com/ Shane Prather

    It all looks so beautiful!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Isn’t it though!