Category Archives: Europe

Off the Beaten Path in Iceland’s Golden Circle: Faxi Waterfall

Posted on October 13, 2018 by julieovaltrades

Peaceful is not something often associated with the tremendously popular Golden Circle route, but you can find that feeling at the hidden gem Faxi Waterfall along with the beauty the region is beloved for. Also known as Vatnsleysufoss and Horses … Continue reading →

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Visit Iceland’s Gullfoss Waterfall in the Golden Circle

Posted on October 12, 2018 by julieovaltrades

The Golden Falls, more commonly known in its Icelandic translation as Gullfoss, is a waterfall located in the Golden Circle and one of the most visited sites in the entire country. Fun fact: Gullfoss is the focal point of the … Continue reading →

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Geysir Hot Spring Area in Iceland’s Golden Circle

Posted on October 11, 2018 by julieovaltrades

Geyser is such a common word worldwide, yet it is derived from one very specific place in Iceland. Europeans first mentioned Geysir, or gusher in Icelandic, in 1294 and the name became an umbrella for the rare geological phenomena in … Continue reading →

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Hike to Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall: Bruarfoss

Posted on October 10, 2018 by julieovaltrades

A lesser known attraction in the Golden Circle, for now, Bruarfoss Waterfall is one of the most incredible sights you’ll see in all of Iceland. Its bright blue coloration is the stuff of fairytales, not filtered trickery. The river stems … Continue reading →

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Hike to the (Second) Tallest Waterfall in Iceland: Glymur

Posted on October 9, 2018 by julieovaltrades

Clamber through a cave, cross a river on a log, and climb up ropes into Iceland’s deepest canyon to get a glimpse of Glymur. Until 2011, this post would have been titled Hike to the Tallest Waterfall in Iceland. Since … Continue reading →

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The Most Hiked Mountain in Iceland: Mt. Esja

Posted on October 8, 2018 by julieovaltrades

If you’ve been around Reykjavík, it’s likely you are already acquainted with the Esjan Mountain Range, likely without even knowing it. Just across Faxafloi Bay the imposing flat topped mountains loom, setting the scene for a great picture of Sun … Continue reading →

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Red Hills of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve in Reykjavík, Iceland

Posted on October 7, 2018 by julieovaltrades

If you were dropped just twenty minutes beyond the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, the landscape at Heiðmörk Nature Reserve would fool you into thinking you were on Mars. The Rauðhólar, or red hills, are 5,200 year old pseudocraters which were … Continue reading →

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Bunnies & Wateralls of Ellidaardalur, Reykjavík’s Hidden Forest

Posted on October 6, 2018 by julieovaltrades

A hidden forest in the heart of the Icelandic capital Reykjavík, Ellidaardalur isn’t well known to the typical tourist. Discovering dense woods is a rarity on the island, making it all the more magical of a place. The preserve is a … Continue reading →

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Shopping at Kolaportið Market in Reykjavík, Iceland

Posted on October 5, 2018 by julieovaltrades

Shopping in Iceland can come with a hefty price tag, but if you catch the largest flea market in the country open only on weekends in Reykjavik – you might be able to haggle a decent deal. Kolaportið Market has … Continue reading →

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Birding at Tjörnin City Pond in Reykjavík, Iceland

Posted on October 4, 2018 by julieovaltrades

Birders traveling in Iceland flock to the capital city Reykjavík where up to 50 species of waterfowl reside at Tjörnin. Translating to pond, the prominent body of water is home to many interesting birds including eider, gadwall, scaup, greylag goose, … Continue reading →

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