ICELAND & GREENLAND: An Unforgettable Arctic Adventure
Have you ever stood at the edge of a massive glacier, watched the earth literally bubble below your feet, floated between two continental plates, or watched a polar bear from a short distance away as it focused on eating a dead carcass? In Iceland and Greenland, these aren't just bucket list fantasies—they're everyday realities that await travelers of all ages.
My husband and I have vivid, fond memories from an unforgettable Arctic adventure that combined the best of two incredible destinations. The best part was that we shared these experiences with dear friends. We started with a spectacular 5-day self-drive tour around Iceland, exploring the famous Golden Circle and South Coast. Then we boarded an expedition cruise ship from Reykjavik to Greenland, where we experienced the breathtaking East Coast with its dramatic fjords and pristine wilderness. The entire journey was nothing short of transformative.
Let me take you through the incredible experiences that made our Iceland and Greenland adventure so special, particularly for active retirees like us who refuse to let age define what adventures we can enjoy.
1. The Golden Circle: Iceland's Perfect Introduction
The Golden Circle deserves its status as Iceland's most popular touring route. This 300-kilometer loop from Reykjavik showcases three of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders, all accessible via well-maintained roads.
Our day began at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. Walking through the dramatic rift valley, I was struck by both the geological significance and the rich history—this is where Iceland's parliament was established in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest democratic institutions.
Next came the Geysir Geothermal Area, where we witnessed the reliable Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water up to 30 meters into the air. There's something profoundly exciting about counting down with fellow travelers as the earth prepares to put on its spectacular show.
Our Golden Circle journey concluded at the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial meltwater cascades down two dramatic drops before disappearing into a rugged canyon. The accessible viewing platforms ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility level, can experience this natural wonder up close.
What makes the Golden Circle particularly ideal for retirees is its accessibility. The entire route can be comfortably completed in a day, with well-maintained facilities at each stop and plenty of opportunities to rest between attractions.
2. South Coast: Iceland's Dramatic Seaside Journey
If the Golden Circle gives you a taste of Iceland's diversity, the South Coast delivers a full feast for the senses. This stunning coastal drive from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon showcases Iceland's most dramatically varied landscapes.
During our drive, we stopped at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, each offering unique perspectives on Iceland's powerful natural forces. At Seljalandsfoss, we were able to walk behind the cascade for a truly immersive experience, while Skógafoss impressed with its sheer power and the rainbow that frequently appears in its mist.
The highlight for many travelers is Reynisfjara, the famous Black Sand Beach near the village of Vík. The stark contrast between the pitch-black volcanic sand, basalt columns rising like organ pipes from the earth, and the white-capped waves of the Atlantic Ocean creates a photographer's paradise. (Just remember to keep a safe distance from the water—those powerful "sneaker waves" are no joke!)
Further east, the otherworldly landscape of Fjadrargljufur canyon demonstrates nature's artistic capabilities. The 100-meter deep canyon with its winding river and moss-covered walls feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.
Our South Coast journey culminated at the crown jewel of Icelandic natural wonders: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. Here, massive icebergs calved from Europe's largest glacier float serenely in a lagoon before drifting out to sea. Many pieces wash back onto the black sand beach, creating the surreal sight of ice "diamonds" sparkling against the dark backdrop.
The South Coast drive can be ambitious for a single day, which is why I often recommend breaking it up with an overnight stay in the Vík area. This allows for a more relaxed pace that many of my retirement-age clients particularly appreciate.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Floating Among Icebergs
The crown jewel of our South Coast exploration was undoubtedly Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This vast glacial lake is filled with massive icebergs that have calved off from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
As we stood at the shore of the lagoon, we were mesmerized by the surreal blue ice sculptures floating serenely on the water. Some icebergs towered several stories high, while others displayed fascinating shapes sculpted by wind and water. The deep blue color of the older ice contrasted dramatically with the newer, whiter pieces, creating a natural art gallery that constantly changes.
For an even more intimate experience, we took an amphibious boat tour of the lagoon, allowing us to get remarkably close to these ancient ice formations. Our guide explained that some of the ice we were seeing was over 1,000 years old—a humbling thought that puts our human timescale into perspective.
The lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road, with a large parking area and relatively flat walking paths, making it ideal for travelers of all mobility levels. Even if you just spend 30 minutes admiring the view from shore, Jökulsárlón offers one of Iceland's most memorable natural spectacles.
4. Atlantic Puffin Colony: A Heartwarming Wildlife Encounter
One of Iceland's most beloved summer visitors is the Atlantic puffin. With their colorful beaks and charming waddling gait, these small seabirds capture the hearts of everyone who encounters them.
During our journey, we visited one of Iceland's accessible puffin colonies, where thousands of these "clowns of the sea" gather between May and August to breed. Watching these remarkable birds navigate their clifftop homes, dive into the ocean for fish, and interact with each other provides a genuine connection with Iceland's rich natural world.
What makes Iceland's puffin viewing especially appealing for older travelers is the availability of comfortable viewing platforms at sites like Dyrhólaey peninsula or the Westman Islands. These locations offer excellent opportunities to observe puffins without requiring strenuous hiking.
Remember to bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. While the birds often come surprisingly close to designated viewing areas, these tools will help you capture those magical moments when a puffin returns to its burrow with a beak full of small fish.
5. Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling Between Continents
One of the absolute highlights of our Iceland adventure was snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, which offers something few other places on Earth can match: the chance to float between two continental plates.
Located in Thingvellir National Park, this crystal-clear water-filled fissure sits directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water here has been filtered through underground lava rock for 30-100 years, resulting in visibility often exceeding 100 meters.
Now, I know what you're thinking—snorkeling in Iceland sounds cold! And yes, the water hovers around 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round. But don't let that deter you. We were equipped with high-quality drysuits that kept us perfectly comfortable, with only our faces exposed to the water.
What surprised me most about this experience was how accessible it is for older adventurers like us. The current gently carries you through the fissure, requiring minimal swimming effort. The entry and exit points are well-maintained, and experienced guides ensure everyone's safety and comfort throughout.
The moment of floating in that impossibly blue water, literally suspended between continents, creates the kind of travel memory that stays with you forever. And the bragging rights? Absolutely priceless.
6. Diamond Beach: Nature's Gallery of Ice Sculptures
While technically part of the South Coast journey, Diamond Beach deserves special mention as one of Iceland's most photogenic and accessible natural wonders.
Adjacent to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, this black sand beach is strewn with chunks of ice from nearby glaciers. As icebergs from the lagoon drift out to sea through a narrow channel, the ocean waves often push pieces back onto the shore, creating a constantly changing gallery of ice sculptures.
The contrast between the sparkling ice, black volcanic sand, and the powerful Atlantic waves creates a mesmerizing landscape that photographers dream about. My husband and I spent hours wandering among these natural ice sculptures, marveling at how the sunlight transformed them into glittering diamonds on the dark sand.
What makes Diamond Beach particularly wonderful for travelers of all ages is its accessibility—the beach is just steps from the parking area, and you can spend as little or as much time as you like exploring this natural art exhibition.
Each visit to Diamond Beach offers a completely different experience, as the ice formations change daily with the tides and weather. Some days feature massive, house-sized bergs, while others showcase delicate, crystal-clear ice fragments that glow in the sunlight.
7. Blue Lagoon Spa: Geothermal Relaxation
No trip to Iceland would be complete without experiencing the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Located conveniently between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport, this milky-blue hot spring offers the perfect introduction or farewell to Iceland.
We visited the Blue Lagoon early in our trip, and it proved to be the ideal way to recover from our flight and ease into our Icelandic adventure. Floating in the mineral-rich waters, surrounded by black lava fields and steam rising around us, felt like entering another world entirely.
The water's natural silica, algae, and minerals create a spa experience like no other, and the lagoon's comfortable 37-39°C (98-102°F) temperature is perfect for soaking tired muscles after a day of exploration. We enjoyed the included silica mud masks, which left our skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
What makes the Blue Lagoon particularly appealing for retirees is its excellent accessibility features, well-designed facilities, and the option to book premium experiences that provide additional comfort and privacy. The Premium package, which includes a reservation at the lagoon's excellent Lava Restaurant, makes for a special treat.
8. Fjadrargljufur Canyon: Nature's Masterpiece
One of the most breathtaking stops on our South Coast journey was Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This 100-meter deep and 2-kilometer long canyon is believed to be about 9,000 years old, formed at the end of the last Ice Age.
Walking along the canyon's edge, we were treated to spectacular views of the winding river below and moss-covered cliffs rising dramatically on both sides. The canyon's serpentine shape creates a series of perfect vantage points, each offering a new perspective on this natural wonder.
The main viewing path is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, though some of the outlooks require navigating a few steps. For those with limited mobility, the first viewpoint is easily accessible and still offers a magnificent view of the canyon.
The vibrant green moss covering the rocky walls contrasts beautifully with the dark basalt, creating a fairy-tale landscape that seems almost too perfect to be natural. This hidden gem is still relatively uncrowded compared to some of Iceland's more famous attractions, allowing for a more peaceful appreciation of its beauty.
9. East Coast of Greenland: The Ultimate Arctic Extension
After our self-drive adventure through Iceland, we boarded an expedition cruise ship bound for Greenland's East Coast, which took our Arctic experience to an entirely new level.
Greenland's East Coast is one of the world's least-visited regions, largely due to its remoteness and the pack ice that surrounds it for much of the year. This isolation has preserved both its pristine natural environment and the traditional way of life in its small Inuit communities.
Our expedition ship navigated through stunning fjords where towering mountains plunge directly into the sea. We witnessed massive glaciers calving icebergs far larger than those we'd seen in Iceland, and spotted wildlife including whales, seals, and various Arctic birds.
The expedition team arranged Zodiac cruises that brought us remarkably close to the ice edge and landings in remote locations where few travelers ever set foot. We visited small settlements where residents shared insights into their subsistence lifestyle, traditions, and the challenges they face with climate change.
What struck us most about Greenland was the scale—everything seems magnified, from the vast ice sheet covering most of the island to the profound silence broken only by the cracking of ice and the calls of seabirds. For travelers seeking to venture beyond the ordinary, adding Greenland to an Iceland itinerary creates a comprehensive Arctic experience that showcases both the accessible and the remote aspects of this fascinating region.
10. Reykjavik: A Culinary Adventure in Iceland's Capital
No trip to Iceland would be complete without spending time in its charming capital city, Reykjavik. We bookended our self-drive adventure with stays in this vibrant, walkable city, giving us the perfect opportunity to experience Iceland's surprisingly sophisticated culinary scene.
The highlight of our urban experience was an incredible sushi dinner that still has us talking months later. Iceland's proximity to pristine fishing grounds means the seafood is some of the freshest you'll find anywhere in the world. The restaurant (which I'm happy to recommend personally to clients) served us Arctic char, langoustine, and cod prepared with both traditional Japanese techniques and Nordic influences.
What made the experience special wasn't just the food—it was the quintessentially Icelandic atmosphere. The restaurant featured large windows overlooking the harbor where fishing boats were bringing in the day's catch, while the sleek Scandinavian design created a warm, inviting ambiance despite the chilly weather outside.
Beyond our memorable sushi experience, Reykjavik offered plenty of other culinary delights. We sampled traditional Icelandic lamb soup, indulged in fresh-baked rye bread with local butter, and even tried hákarl (fermented shark)—though I'll admit that last one is definitely an acquired taste!
Reykjavik itself is perfect for exploring on foot, with colorful buildings, interesting street art, and landmarks like the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall with its distinctive glass facade. The city's compact size makes it manageable for travelers of all ages, and there's a welcoming cafe on practically every corner when you need a rest and a steaming cup of excellent Icelandic coffee.
For shoppers, the main street of Laugavegur offers everything from high-quality outdoor gear to handcrafted wool sweaters (lopapeysas) and beautiful Icelandic design items that make perfect mementos of your journey.
Creating Your Perfect Arctic Adventure
What makes Iceland and Greenland such remarkable destinations, especially for retirees, is their unique combination of accessibility and otherworldliness. In Iceland, you can drive on well-maintained roads to see landscapes that seem from another planet. You can enjoy comfortable accommodations while experiencing natural phenomena that exist in few other places on Earth.
My husband and I discovered during our recent journey that these Arctic destinations reward travelers who approach them with an open heart and a sense of wonder. Whether you're experiencing the geothermal power of the Blue Lagoon, marveling at the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky, or simply taking in the pristine air and vast horizons, the region offers a profound connection with the natural world that many travelers find deeply rejuvenating.
Iceland's compact size makes it ideal for exploration, even on a relatively short trip. With a well-planned 5-7 day itinerary, you can experience an incredible diversity of landscapes and activities without feeling rushed. And for those with more time and a sense of adventure, adding an expedition cruise to Greenland (as we did) creates an even more comprehensive Arctic experience.
Ready to Experience Iceland and Greenland for Yourself?
Many retirees tell me they've dreamed of experiencing these Arctic wonders but weren't sure how to make it happen—concerns about weather, driving conditions, or accessibility often hold them back. That's where professional planning makes all the difference.
Whether you're interested in a self-drive adventure through Iceland like the one my husband and I enjoyed, a small group experience with like-minded travelers, or adding the ultimate extension with an expedition cruise to Greenland, there are options for every travel style and comfort level.
The lands of fire, ice, and dramatic natural beauty await, and age is no barrier to experiencing these wonders. Let's talk about making your Arctic dreams a reality!
Ready to turn your Iceland and Greenland dreams into reality? Whether you're chasing waterfalls, floating among ancient icebergs, soaking in geothermal bliss, or snorkeling between tectonic plates, this Arctic adventure promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Email me today and let a travel expert help you experience the magic of Iceland and Greenland like never before.
