7 Unforgettable Firsts in Iceland
- Lindsey Markwood
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Traveling to Iceland is about trying and experiencing new things. I just came back from a wonderful combination land and sea tour of Iceland and I had so many firsts. Here are a few of them.
Drysuit Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure
Located inside Þingvellir National Park, Silfra allows you to float directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water originates from Langjökull glacier, filtering through subterranean lava rock for decades. This process makes incredibly clear water with visibility exceeding 300 feet. I do have to share that the water was just above freezing, around 35 degrees Fahrenheit year round. The onsite guides assist you in putting on the sealed drysuits, keeping your body completely dry and buoyant throughout the swim. Wearing a drysuit at Silfra feels like stepping into a cold plunge pool while receiving a firm pressure hug. The guided snorkel lasts approximately 40 minutes. Small group guides accompany you in the water, take photos, and in our case, even pointed out a rare and beautiful Arctic char, a fish species seldom spotted in the fissure. How to Experience It: Markwood Magic arranges this as part of a custom Golden Circle land itinerary or as a private shore excursion during your cruise.
Tasting Hákarl (Traditional Fermented Shark)
Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic delicacy cured for several months. I am very glad I tried it. Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic delicacy cured for several months. Portions are served in small cubes on a toothpick, roughly the size of a raisin, accompanied by a traditional spirit chaser. I will try almost any type of food once. However, I did not like it in the slightest bit. The smell of the ammonia is what really got to me. Having fermented shark is a once and never again experience for me.
How to Experience It: Markwood Magic incorporates traditional food tasting tours in Reykjavík or includes verified restaurant recommendations in your custom daily itinerary.
Tasting Geothermal Rye Bread (Rúgbrauð)
Food offers a direct way to understand local culture, making traditional geothermal rye bread a priority tasting during my trip. While on my Silver Circle Tour I sampled traditional geothermal bread. It baked underground for approximately 24 hours at near boiling temperatures from the hot springs. When I tried this method of rye bread with a little butter it tasted more like a cake than a bread and was really good. This is a big deal that I liked it so much because I do not care for the US version. The Icelandic version is wonderfully dense, dark, and mildly sweet. It does not contain caraway seeds like you can find in the States.
How to Experience It: Markwood Magic can includes geothermal bread baking demonstrations and tastings as part of a customized Silver Circle land tour or private shore excursion
Crossing the Arctic Circle (66° North)
Sailing north of main island ports allows guests to cross 66° North into the Arctic Circle. Onboard Celebrity Silhouette, this milestone is marked with an official certificate, an Arctic Circle deck celebration, and a symbolic Arctic plunge pool event.
How to Experience It: Booking an Iceland intensive cruise routing with Markwood Magic provides the most comfortable access to Arctic Circle latitudes.
Riding An Icelandic Horse in Vík
Not only did I get to experience riding Icelandic horses in Vic on a black sand beach, but I also got to try a gait that is unique to this breed of horses. The tölt is a smooth four beat lateral gait that keeps the rider steady by moving side to side rather than bouncing up and down.
How to Experience It: Markwood Magic matches your travel party with licensed equestrian stables across the South Coast or West Iceland based on your riding comfort level.
Exploring Víðgelmir Lava Cave in the Silver Circle
Another core memory was walking through Víðgelmir, which is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The interior features a sturdy wooden boardwalk, stairways with handrails, and lighting throughout. Guides provide helmets with headlamps. Interior temperatures remain cold year round, preserving natural ice formations inside the cave even during July. These ice formations were my favorite part of the cave. Pro tip: Bring your gloves and hat with you on this tour. Your future self will thank you.
How you can experience it: Markwood Magic arranges private or small group excursions to Víðgelmir as part of a Silver Circle land tour in West Iceland.
Observing Atlantic Puffin Colonies
Puffins were one of the things I was looking forward most to seeing. Yes, I know I can find them in Maine, but to find them in Iceland would be iconic. Iceland hosts majority of the global Atlantic puffin population during summer nesting season. I was able to see Puffins three times during our trip. The first was a Puffin expedition out of Reykjavík. We rode around Akurey Island which is home to over 30,000 puffins. I was like a kid in the candy store watching them. I also saw these sweet birds twice in Vik. Once Reynisfjara Beach and the one time at Black Sand Beach.
How to Experience It: Nesting season runs from May through mid August. Markwood Magic schedules targeted boat tours and coastal excursions to ensure prime wildlife viewing during your travel window.
A trip to Iceland should balance memorable first time experiences with total physical comfort. Whether you want to cross the Arctic Circle by ship, float between tectonic plates, or explore quiet lava caves, Markwood Magic curates every step of your journey. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and turn your Iceland travel goals into a seamless reality.
