The Call of the Ice

The Arctic has always been a place of fascination for me, a former Arctic researcher turned travel writer. The allure of the ice, the raw beauty of the extreme cold, and the stories of survival in such harsh environments have always captivated my imagination. So, when I heard about the 3-Day Ice Cave and Golden Circle Tour, I knew I had to experience it for myself. The promise of exploring the south coast of Iceland, hiking on glaciers, and venturing into ice caves was too tempting to resist.

As I embarked on this journey, I was reminded of my days in the polar regions, where the cold was both a friend and a foe. The first day of the tour took us to the Golden Circle, a route that showcases some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders. Thingvellir National Park, with its dramatic landscapes and historical significance, was a sight to behold. The Geysir area, with its bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers, was a stark reminder of the geothermal activity that lies beneath the surface of this unique island. And then there was Gullfoss, the majestic waterfall that roared with the power of nature, its icy waters cascading down in a breathtaking display.

Into the Heart of the Glacier

The second day of the tour was dedicated to the south coast and glacier hiking. As someone who has spent years studying glaciers, I was particularly excited about this part of the journey. The Solheimajokull Glacier, with its crevasses and ice formations, was a testament to the ever-changing nature of these frozen giants. As we strapped on our crampons and set off on our hike, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and fragility of the glacier. It was a humbling experience, walking on ice that has been around for centuries, knowing that it is slowly melting away due to climate change.

Our guides, Lofter and Berdi, were exceptional. Their knowledge of the area and passion for Iceland’s natural wonders was evident in every story they shared. They took us to not only the scheduled locations but also to secret spots along the south shore, places that only locals would know. One such spot was a serene lake with crystal-clear water, where we stopped to drink from a natural spring. It was a moment of pure tranquility, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The Enchantment of the Ice Caves

The final day of the tour was perhaps the most anticipated - the exploration of the ice caves in the Vatnajokull Glacier. As we ventured into the heart of the glacier, I was struck by the ethereal beauty of the ice formations. The caves, with their shimmering blue walls and intricate patterns, were like something out of a dream. It was a surreal experience, standing inside a glacier, surrounded by ice that has been sculpted by nature over millennia.

As the tour came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I had just experienced. The beauty of Iceland’s landscapes, the warmth of its people, and the stories of its past had left a lasting impression on me. This tour was not just an adventure, but a reminder of the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. I left Iceland with a renewed sense of awe and a promise to return one day, to once again explore the land of fire and ice.