When I told my friends where I was going on holiday, they were surprised that I was leaving the warm Caribbean sun to go to a place with only six hours of daylight and an average temperature of around 4 degrees Celsius (40 F).
Iceland has always been on my Travel List. The chance of the Northern Lights, fuzzy Icelandic horses, and vast landscapes of otherworldy wilderness called to me.
However, it was always an adventure that I was nervous to take. I left the mid-Atlantic climate in favor of tropical air, crystal clear water, and their benefits to my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I no longer had to deal with cold wet winters and the pain and stiffness that accompanies them.
But then I read this quote – “How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it.”
Well. That was that. I researched, I planned a 5-Day Accessible Itinerary, we booked, we went, and it was AMAZING. I made sure to leave open time in case my body needed a rest (and it did). But it was absolutely unforgettable.
Take a Warm Soak
Iceland is known as “the Land of Fire and Ice” because of its underground volcanic activity. Despite its cold climate, Iceland is home to over 45 natural hot springs and over 200 swimming pools heated by this geothermal activity.
These hot springs are the perfect way to rejuvenate your body after a long flight or relaxing after exploring – everywhere in this country brings forth a sense of wonder.
Another reason to take advantage of Iceland’s geothermal pools is that the minerals found in the water are said to have health benefits. This could be as simple as improving blood circulation, helping with eczema, or relieving sore joints and achy muscles.
When planning, the world-famous Blue Lagoon, was at the top of my list. We booked tickets far in advance to make sure that we would get to experience the warm milky blue waters and purifying silica clay. The day before we landed, the lagoon closed to all visitors due to high levels of seismic activity. Bummer, but we didn’t let that keep us down for long, after all, there are 44 other hot springs to choose from.
Secret Lagoon
Upon landing, we went straight to the Secret Lagoon, the oldest thermal pool in Iceland! The pool is fed by a hot spring that flows constantly, keeping the water temperature around 38-40 Celsius (100 – 104 F) throughout the year.
ACCESSIBILITY– The pool had a sturdy staircase with railings, accommodating entering and exiting the water. The footing of the pool was loose, rounded stone. I needed my husband’s arm for balance a few times, but overall, it was very easy to navigate.
There are several spots around the Secret Lagoon where steaming water comes straight through the ground. A nice walking path is built around the pool so that you can safely watch the boiling, gushing springs of water from it. The path is a leisurely stroll of compact earth and boardwalk, allowing easy access to the unspoiled nature surrounding the bath.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
On the advice of a good friend, we also visited the Hrunalaug Hot Spring. It was one of my favorite experiences of the whole trip. Hrunalaug was a 30-minute drive from our Airbnb in Selfoss, making it a great cap to my scheduled rest day.
The Hrunalaug Hot Spring is a secluded and cozy thermal bathing spot surrounded by a truly peaceful and picturesque landscape, with the hot pot itself looking like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
ACCESSIBILITY– Parking is in a small gravel lot, with a 5-10 minute walk to the hot spring. The trail consists mostly of packed earth and boardwalk, but does have a small hill with stable stone steps to manage. The three walled earthen changing shed is low and tight (with no privacy), but does have a bench to sit while changing.
The easiest hot pot for me to manage getting in and out of was the first one, situated behind the shed. It is a waist deep tub with steps leading in to a fine gravel bottom. This was the warmest (and my favorite) soaking spot. The next two pools I definitely needed my husbands help to maneuver. If I had a pair of water shoes, then I think it may have been a bit easier for me.
I absolutely loved Hrunalaug, and as I mentioned, it was a highlight of our entire holiday. We could have easily soaked in the warm water and idyllic views all evening. However, we had dinner reservations and I did not want to manage the walk out past dusk.
Whichever thermal plunge you decide to take in Iceland, make sure you take that time to relax, unwind and soak in the nature around you. You are on vacation after all.
Chase Waterfalls
When I was planning our trip to Iceland, photos of waterfalls crashing through the moss-covered landscape left me in awe. While there’s no official record, there are estimated to be as many as 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. I started using Google Maps to mark my favorites close to the areas that we would be visiting. Then it hit me – surely not all of these spectacular falls are within my accessibility range.
I spent the next few days doing hours of research. Scouring the internet for information on trail length, terrain, and obstacles. Ultimately, I was left with seven waterfalls, fitting perfectly into the two days I had set aside in our 5-Day Iceland Itinerary.
I sandwiched our two days of waterfall adventures between soaks in hot springs. Did this help keep me moving and less sore from 2 days of walking? Probably. If you have the option to do this, I highly recommend it.
If you’re traveling to Iceland, I highly recommend adding a few waterfalls to your itinerary. Each was uniquely incredible, showcasing both the tranquility and power of nature.
I was thrilled with the accessibility and infrastructure of every fall we visited. The terrain ranged from a short, mostly flat walk to falls you could enjoy right from the parking area. Most trails had boardwalks as well as gravel stabilization grids. These grids keep trails even, dry and a breeze to navigate. To learn about each waterfall, check out my post: 7 Accessible Waterfalls in Iceland.
Look Up![]()
Icelandic days are notably shorter during the winter, but that doesn’t mean your adventures have to end at sunset. At night, the sky comes alive with constellations, shooting starts, and the Milky Way Galaxy spiraling overhead. Of course, not to be left out, the crowning jewel of dancing colors that people (including myself) hope to get a glimpse of. The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights.
Having a chance to witness this colorful, awe-inspiring phenomenon is what first drew me to visit Iceland. It’s been a dream of mine since I was young. There is never any guarantee that the Northern Lights will unveil themselves. Joining an Aurora tour or hiring a local guide can increase your viewing chances. These light hunters are experts in reading the conditions, weather, and solar activity. As a bonus, if cold weather is a major trigger for you, many groups offer additional cold-weather gear or the opportunity to stay in the warm car until the lights make their appearance.
On the night we scheduled our Aurora tour, the cloud cover was over 90 percent, making viewing impossible. The following evening we tried once more, but again, the clouds blocked the show. Our particular guide was unavailable for the remainder of our time. I was a little disappointed, but no one can control the weather.
The hot tub of our Airbnb made a perfect viewing location for the next two nights. Night one, the clouds again crashed our party. However, the second evening was crystal clear. As the sun set, the stars revealed themselves, and the sky came alive. The Milky Way was clearly visible and we were treated to one of the brightest meteors my husband or I had ever seen. Did we see the lights? No. Was I disappointed? No. Our evening was awe-inspiring. Looking at the universe, dreaming, laughing and reconnecting.
On our final evening in Iceland, I stayed awake until 2am, glancing out of our windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Aurora. A light green fog appeared on the horizon, only truly revealing itself through a long exposure photograph. Was it the dazzling dancing green, pink and purple lights I longed for? No, but I now have a reason to return to the north and memories under a star lit sky that I share with my husband.
ACCESSIBILITY: If cold is a trigger or you suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome like I do, I recommend lots of warm layers before venturing out into the Icelandic night. Some tours offer additional artic wear, or have the option to warm up in the vehicle. If standing for long periods aggravates your symptoms, you can check with your guide about providing a folding chair. Finding accommodation with a hot tub is also a great way to stay toasty warm, soothe aching joints and muscles while getting lost in the night sky.
Make Friends with the Locals
I always try to engage with the local community wherever I travel. People make the place. Despite the cold temperatures, the Icelandic people are warm and welcoming, proud of their country and culture. It was helpful that they and I share a common thread: we are horse people.
The Icelandic horse is as local to the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ as its people. The horses arrived in Iceland on the very first Nordic ships, weaving the Icelandic horse into the fabric of Icelandic culture. After centuries, you can’t visit Iceland without spotting the fuzzy Icelandic horses dotting the landscape.
Centuries of careful breeding mixed with the harsh Icelandic landscape have shaped the breed into what it is today. Able to withstand freezing temperatures, merciless winds, blinding snowstorms, the crossing of glacial rivers, and navigating rough terrain. They are Iceland. Rugged and beautiful.
ACCESSIBILITY: These small horses (not ponies) can be seen throughout the Icelandic landscape. Sometimes, small herds can be found near a fence line, which is great for taking photos directly from your car. You can also schedule a farm visit to meet the horses and hear their stories directly from their handlers.
If you choose to stop and photograph the horses you see along your journey, please remember the following:
- Never feed the horses: the wrong types of food or grasses can be hazardous to their health.
- Never trespass onto private property, almost all horses are kept on private land.
- Never ride a horse without the owner’s permission: this will put you and the horse in serious danger.
- When driving, do not stop suddenly, park in a dangerous spot, park in poor visibility, park on icy roads, or park on private property to see Icelandic horses.
Horse riding is another great way to interact with Icelandic horses while exploring the unspoiled nature of Iceland. Offering stunning views of panoramic landscapes. Riding tours are provided throughout Iceland with many stables only a few minutes outside Reykjavik.
ACCESSIBILITY: Always consult your healthcare professional before booking a riding tour. Tours accommodate all equine experience levels. On the smaller side, most Icelandic range from 125 to 145cm (4 to 4.5 feet) at the back. If you have reasonable mobility in your knees and hips, mounting shouldn’t be too difficult. It is important to note, that the tours I contacted did not offer step stools to aid in mounting. Additionally, to the walk, Icelandic horses have an incredibly smooth gait called the tölt. Good news to those with back, hips, or knee sensitivity.
Remember that it’s commonly believed that you should never ride a horse without knowing and understanding their name. So before saddling up, remember to ask your guide your horse’s name and its meaning.
I personally did not take a riding tour in Iceland. I had it loosely scheduled one morning, but my body needed a rest. Part of my career is riding, so I was content simply meeting, admiring, and loving on the horses at our Airbnb.
Road Trip
During our 5 days in Iceland, we drove A LOT. It was a great way to see the countryside, while not taking too much of my energy or causing wear and tear on my joints. We rented a mid-size SUV, allowing me to easily maneuver in and out of the vehicle. We included a GPS and WiFi Hotspot (lifesavers) in our rental. The GPS let us navigate everywhere on our itinerary and then some, while the WiFi kept us connected. This came in handy when researching lunch stops and close by attractions while on the road.
While we had an itinerary to follow, some of our favorite moments were times we pulled over to take in the panoramic view or marvel at the ever-changing landscape.
We traveled south to the Black Sands of Vik, north into the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and through landscapes of the Golden Circle. We saw steam vents, snow storms, lighthouses, lakes, fishing villages, moss-covered lava fields, and more. Every vista was more beautiful and awe-inspiring than the last.
We saw sights and made memories that weren’t on the itinerary, outlined by scheduled stops. We went down gravel roads, we got lost, we laughed, and we shared every moment together.
ACCESSIBILITY: Road trips or simply driving around a new destination can be a great (and easy) way to explore. I recommend opting for a crossover or a mid-size SUV for ease. Also, don’t forget to take plenty of breaks to stretch. Moving your joints and muscles is crucial to staying comfortable. Most places we stopped to explore had new boardwalks, pavement, or packed-earth walking paths.
The day we visited Reynisfjara (the Black Sand Beach in Vik) the sustained winds were close to 40 mph with gusts over 60. This made the otherwise short and level walk from the parking area to the basalt columns (300 meters) incredibly difficult for me. I had to hold my husbands arm most of the way. The sea was also quite angry, with occasional large waves washing all the way up the beach. It was beautiful, but as for anywhere in Iceland, check the weather and wind conditions before venturing out.
Iceland was a trip like no other, and my inspiration to start this blog. I was nervous that my pain and fatigue would hold me back from experiences and what I thought my ‘ideal’ Adventure vacation should look like. But it taught me through research, planning, self-awareness, and adaptation, I could Adventure Accessibly.
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