ICELAND

Iceland was one of my very first adventures abroad, and looking back, it taught me far more than I ever expected. It was my introduction to budget travel, unpredictable weather, and the kind of problem solving that only comes from figuring things out as you go.

In February 2018, four of my girlfriends and I set off for what was supposed to be a long weekend in the Land of Fire and Ice. The plan was simple: arrive Thursday, spend a few unforgettable days exploring, and fly home Sunday. Iceland, however, had other ideas.

A winter storm swept across the island, grounding our flight home. Combined with the unpredictability of WOW Air (which has since ceased operations), our quick getaway unexpectedly turned into a ten day adventure. At the time, international phone plans weren't nearly as common as they are today. Only one of the five of us had limited international service, which meant navigating flight changes, finding accommodations, and adjusting our plans with very little ability to communicate.

With only four to five hours of daylight each day, we packed every moment with adventure. We drove nearly halfway around Iceland's Ring Road, explored glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and ice caves, and after the storm settled in, spent several days discovering Reykjavík while waiting for flights to resume.

On our final night, after days of checking the forecast and looking hopefully toward the sky, we were finally rewarded with the Northern Lights. It felt like Iceland's way of thanking us for embracing every unexpected twist the trip had thrown our way.

That first visit gave me only a glimpse of what Iceland has to offer, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression. It challenged me, surprised me, and sparked a lifelong appreciation for embracing the unexpected while traveling. There is still so much of this incredible country left to explore, and I have no doubt I'll be back.

Tromsø

  • Skaret by Vander
    25 Storgata, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Clarion Hotel The Edge
    Kaigata 6, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Moxy Tromsø
    Huldervegen 2, 9016 Tromsø, Norway

  • *** denotes a favorite

    Smørtorget(Breakfast & Coffee, 8am–4pm)
    Storgata 94, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    ***Risø Mat & Kaffebar(Breakfast & Coffee, 8am–5pm)
    Strandgata 32, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Kaffebønna(Coffee, 7:30am–6pm)
    Storgata 69, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Dragøy(Quick Dinner, 11am–7pm)
    Storgata 65, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Burgr(Quick Dinner, 12pm–10pm)
    Storgata 61, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Egon Tromsø(Quick Dinner, 10am–11pm)
    Storgata 50, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Bardus Bistro(Sit Down Dinner, 5pm–10pm)
    Cora Sandels gate 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Mathallen Tromsø(Sit Down Dinner, 5pm–10pm)
    Storgata 22, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    ***Balthazar Vinbar & Restaurant(Sit Down Dinner, 5pm–11pm)
    Storgata 102, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    ***Tromsø Tapas(Sit Down Dinner, 4pm–10pm)
    Grønnegata 58–60, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Emma's Drømmekjøkken(Sit Down Dinner, 5pm–10pm)
    Kirkegata 8, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Arctandria SjømatRestaurant(Sit Down Dinner, 5pm–10pm)
    Kaigata 6, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    ***Ølhallen, Tromso’s Oldest pub est. 1928 (Drinks, 11am–12am)
    Storgata 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Rorbua Pub(Drinks, 11am–2am)
    Samuel Arnesens gate 12, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Agenturet Øl og Vinbar(Drinks, 3pm–12am)
    Storgata 22, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Magic Ice Bar Tromsø(Drinks, 5pm–11pm)
    Kaigata 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

  • The Arctic Gateway Monument(Historic Landmark, Anytime)
    Roald Amundsens plass, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    This monument marks Tromsø's historic role as the "Gateway to the Arctic," where many famous polar expeditions began.

    Polar Certificate(Souvenir, Anytime)
    Tourist Shop Tromsø
    Storgata 83, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Pick up an official Polar Circle or Arctic Circle certificate to commemorate your visit above the Arctic Circle.

    McDonald's(Northernmost McDonald's in the World, 10am–11pm)
    Storgata 70, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    A fun bucket list stop! While no longer the world's northernmost McDonald's since one opened farther north in Finland, it's still one of the northernmost and a fun photo opportunity.

    Arctic Cathedral(Landmark, 1pm–5pm)
    Hans Nilsens vei 41, 9020 Tromsdalen, Norway

    One of Norway's most iconic churches, famous for its dramatic architecture and beautiful stained-glass window.

    Fjellheisen Cable Car(Scenic Viewpoint, Hours Vary)
    Sollivegen 12, 9020 Tromsdalen, Norway

    Ride the cable car to the summit of Storsteinen for panoramic views over Tromsø, the surrounding fjords, and the Arctic mountains.

    Polaria (Aquarium & Arctic Museum, 10am–5pm)
    Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø, Norway

    Learn about Arctic wildlife, climate, and marine life while visiting bearded seals and interactive exhibits.

    The Polar Museum(Museum, 11am–5pm)
    Søndre Tollbodgate 11, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

    Explore the stories of Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen, Arctic trapping, and Norway's legendary polar expeditions.

    Tromsø Harbour Walk(Scenic Walk, Anytime)
    Kaigata & Storgata Waterfront, Tromsø

    A beautiful waterfront stroll, especially during blue hour or after dark when the harbor lights reflect off the water.

STORIES

& WRITINGS

The Day We Almost Became an Icelandic Weather Statistic - February 2018

Iceland Prints

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Northern Lights | Iceland 2018
from $40.00

All prints are professionally printed on high quality photo paper with a matte finish, designed to provide rich color, sharp detail, and long lasting quality for years to come.

Please note that pricing does not include matting or framing. Prints arrive unframed, allowing you to customize the final presentation to best suit your space and style.

Please allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for printing, processing, and delivery.