It often takes us months to settle on a summer holiday destination, but one windy autumn day a letter from school changed everything. My daughter brought home details of an optional three-day school trip to Iceland, and as we looked at the cost over dinner, I joked that the whole family could go for a week for that price. Within days we had booked our own eight-night adventure to the land of fire and ice.
The Decision
The letter from school sparked a spontaneous idea. Glancing at the trip cost, I casually remarked that it seemed steep for just three days and that perhaps we could all go to Iceland for seven days for that amount. Our eyes met around the dinner table, the laptop was for once invited to join us during meal time, and it took only a little while to work out that although we could not all go for a week for that exact price, we could manage eight nights for about double that figure—including flights, accommodation, and car hire. The decision was made almost instantly, and eight months later we touched down on a landscape that felt utterly otherworldly.
Iceland’s raw beauty is hard to overstate. From the moment we arrived, the terrain looked like something from a science fiction film: vast expanses of volcanic rock carpeted with lichen that has been growing undisturbed for thousands of years, low-lying wildflowers in every shade, and mountains rising dramatically in the distance. It was a fitting introduction to a country where nature dominates every horizon.
Arrival and First Impressions
Our drive along Iceland’s main road—the only one that circles the island—was a gentle introduction. For the first hour or so we passed through fields of lava rock, many covered in a thick layer of lichen so delicate and ancient that stepping on it would destroy centuries of growth. As we neared Reykjavik, the landscape softened: wildflowers bloomed low to the ground, and the mountains to our right were scarred only by the occasional dirt track winding precariously upward.
“Steam rose from hidden cracks within them and snow nestled in shady crevices – it was like driving through a living geology textbook.”
Reykjavik itself was a surprise. The roads were wide and tidy, lined with low-rise buildings, and at 2pm they were practically deserted. We counted no more than four cars at any traffic light. The city felt calm and unhurried, and from the road we could see the wide blue bay where we would later go whale watching, with rocky islands rising from the sea beyond.
Reykjavik and Beyond
Leaving the capital, we entered a sea of purple-blue lupins stretching for miles—a sight for which Iceland is famous. The road hugged the coast, and we drove at a relaxed holiday pace, watching steam rise from hidden geothermal vents in the mountains and snow linger in shady crevices. Icelandic ponies grazed in the fields below, their shaggy coats a reminder of the island’s hardy spirit.
We passed through small villages where single-storey corrugated iron houses were painted in bright reds, yellows, or fresh whites. Apart from the occasional local also driving slowly—because Iceland is an incredibly relaxed country—the road was ours. It was the most stress-free holiday arrival we have ever experienced, and it set the tone for the entire trip.
The Cost of Travel
Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, so we were pleasantly surprised when we reached Selfoss, the nearest town to our accommodation. While prices were certainly higher than at home, they were not as outrageous as we had feared. We found that by shopping at local supermarkets and cooking some meals ourselves, we could keep costs manageable—leaving more budget for experiences like whale watching and geothermal baths.
The currency, the Icelandic króna, took some getting used to, but the locals were patient and friendly. Gas was pricey, but our hire car was fuel-efficient, and the distances between attractions were never too great. Overall, we felt that the value for money was excellent given the uniqueness of the experience.
A Taste of Iceland
Icelandic cuisine is deeply rooted in the island’s history and climate. Fresh seafood is abundant, lamb is grass-fed and flavourful, and dairy products are exceptionally rich. We sampled skyr, a thick yoghurt-like cheese that has been part of the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years, and we tried rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat. The food was simple but deeply satisfying, and it inspired me to create recipes that capture the essence of the country—clean, vibrant, and connected to the land.
One of the most memorable meals was a simple breakfast of rye bread with butter and cheese, accompanied by a glass of fresh juice. The bright colour and zingy flavour reminded me of the Icelandic summer, where the sun barely sets and the landscape glows with energy. That memory became the basis for this Turmeric Sunshine Juice—a vibrant, healthful drink that brings a little Icelandic sunshine into any kitchen.
Turmeric Sunshine Juice Recipe
This juice is a burst of golden goodness. Turmeric is the star, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and warm, earthy flavour. Combined with sweet carrots, tangy orange, and a kick of ginger, it is as delicious as it is beautiful. Fresh lemon juice brightens everything, and a pinch of black pepper helps your body absorb the turmeric’s beneficial compounds.
Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots, scrubbed and chopped
- 2 oranges, peeled and quartered
- 1-inch piece fresh turmeric root, scrubbed (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 1/2 lemon, peeled
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Push all the ingredients except the black pepper through a juicer. Stir in the black pepper and pour over ice. If you do not have a juicer, blend everything with a little water and strain through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag. Serve immediately and imagine yourself standing on a volcanic beach under the midnight sun.
This juice pairs wonderfully with a slice of dark rye bread and butter, just like we enjoyed in Iceland. It is also a perfect pick-me-up on a cold morning, reminding you that sunshine is always within reach—even if it is just in a glass.
Enjoy your taste of Iceland, and skál!