One thing that I can always count on to make me happy….
Adventuring around with my Viking!
If you have read just one other post on this blog than you already know how much I love heading off for an adventure. In my opinion there is no better way to spend a day off then by exploring a new area, or revisiting a favorite place! If I had it my way everyday would be spent heading off for adventures, but, I’m an adult and I guess I have to take care of other life responsibilities.
Speaking of these responsibilities, life has been crazy busy lately and my time for adventures has basically been non-existent so far this year. I am hoping this will be changing after this month, the weather is getting nicer up here in the Arctic and I am ready to get out and explore!
But even on those days when I am short on time I still make it a goal to get out for some type of little adventure. For me, getting out of the city, even for just a short adventure, is like taking a mini break from life and rejuvenates me for the week ahead. Over the past year my Viking and I have gotten the whole mini adventure down and have a few favorite spots we like to visit when we have a few hours to explore.
What makes a trip a mini adventure?
These are trips that take an hour or less to reach, meaning you can go there, explore for a bit, and be back in the city all in just a few hours. So even if you are short on time you can have one epic adventure in Iceland!
If you find yourselves in Reykjavik with a few hours to spare these 5 mini adventures are perfect for you!
Brúarfoss
Distance from Reykjavik: 88km, One hour 30 minutes
Total trip time: Three to Four hours
The adventure to Brúarfoss is a bit longer than the rest on this list, but if you have 3-4 hours to fill why not spend that time searching for the blue waters of Brúarfoss? Having visited this magical blue waterfall in both winter and summer I can vouch for this when I say it doesn’t matter what time of year you are in Iceland this place is gorgeous. And both times I have visited this gorgeous waterfall there was no one else around! If you make the wise choice to add Brúarfoss to your Iceland itinerary be sure to write down these directions so you will be sure to find the blue waters of Brúarfoss.
Krýsuvík
Distance from Reykjavik: 36km, 40 minutes
Total Trip Time: Two hours
On those days when I am really short on time Krýsuvík is one of my go to places. The adventure to Krýsuvík packs in a little bit of everything! A trip to Krýsuvík will take you past Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, unique rock formations along the road, gorgeous views over the lake and a not so visited geothermal area, all the makings for a perfect Icelandic adventure!
Þorlákshöfn
Distance from Reykjavik: 46 km, 40 minutes
Total Trip Time: Three hours
Þorlákshöfn is a place that I only just recently visited and what a fun adventure it was! On a visit to this small town you can walk along a beautiful black sand beach, explore some unique looking lava rocks and even venture down into a cave! If you are more of the adventurous type this trip is for you, you can even go surfing at those beautiful black sand beaches!
Grindavík
Distance from Reykjavik: 52 km, 42 minutes
Total Trip Time: Three hours
One thing Iceland has no shortage of, charming little fishing towns! I love visiting these little towns, probably because I am from a small town myself :) One of my favorite little coastal towns that is an easy drive from Reykjavik and doesn’t get as much hype as I think it deserves, Grindavík. It could be the adorable animals you will find running about, or maybe its all the fishing history along with a few shipwrecked boats to check out. Or it could be the charming orange light house found in Grindavík. Okay it is all of these things and then some that make Grindavík a favorite of mine, and I know they will make it one for you too!
Reykjadalur
Distance from Reykjavik: 42 km, 38 minutes
Total Trip Time: Three to Four hours
Looking for a unique Icelandic hike for your mini adventure? Reykjadalur is the place for you! This 2-3 hour hike will have you walking up into the mountains, past a waterfall and beautiful blue water pools, through geothermal steam and back to hot springs. If the Viking would be up for it I would hike Reykjadalur and soak in the hot springs every weekend!
Imagine all these beautiful places are just an hour or less from Reykjavik! The unique and gorgeous places in Iceland are nothing but amazing, I feel so lucky that I get to venture to the beautiful places above whenever I want!
If you want to take your own Icelandic mini adventure add some of these places to your list and come ready to explore!
Question of the Day?
Do you prefer short adventures or longer ones? Do you have a favorite area to visit on weekend adventures?
