Global Narratives Connect Our World - Podcast Interview on life in Iceland

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Last month I was interviewed by Karthika - from the website Culturally Ours for their Podcast series.

Founded in 2018, CulturallyOurs is a platform dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, exploring lifestyle, food, art, travel and culture from around the world through retreats, narratives, stories and conversations, and celebrating global diversity. Our audience comprises of enthusiastic, culturally curious individuals who value diversity and inclusion in all walks of life and seek to understand each other’s worlds from the inside out. We believe inclusion promotes belonging, purpose and wellbeing in individuals and within a community.

In this episode, we explore Travel and talk about my life’s journey from Scotland to Iceland by way of Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and India.

 
podcast interview
 

listen to the interview here

The Panorama Glass Lodge, Iceland (vlog)

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Last weekend we had the pleasure of staying at the Panorama Glass Lodge just outside Reykjavik and it was truly magical. The lodge is a luxury Scandinavian glass cabin, think modern igloo, with panoramic views across the bay and up into the night sky ready for some pretty spectacular Northern Lights viewing. The lodge is designed with a glazed sleeping area so you can lie back and enjoy the magnificent Icelandic sunsets, gaze up at the stars, and hopefully enjoy the Northern Lights dancing above your head. The lodge also has a private outdoor hot pool heated to 40'c so you can enjoy a long, hot soak with the Aurora. 

The Panorama Glass Lodge is located about 30 minutes from the center of Reykjavik, a short and easy drive. The Lodge is located in Hvalfjörður (the fjord of the whales), overlooking the sea with a stunning Icelandic mountain backdrop. The setting is remote and so very private and peaceful - the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

watch the vlog

Sabrina and her husband run the Panorama Glass Lodge and do an amazing job of looking after you from a distance. Even though we never met, the entire check-in and check-out process was so smooth. It's simple, once you book you're sent a code to use on the Nuki app. Download this app to gain access to the lodge. This makes check-in and check-out easy and hassle-free so you can come and go as you please. 

We packed light as we didn't need much, Sabrina really has thought of everything from towels, slippers, and shampoo to binoculars, tea, and a torch.

Glass Lodge Iceland

When we were there, early May 2018, the weather was a little un-Spring-like and snowy but it all added to the cozy retreat. 

breakfast in bed

There's a fully stocked kitchen with a kettle, toaster, and fridge so you can easily fix up some food. I brought us some treats for breakfast and we decided to go all out with breakfast in bed. We had Icelandic skyr with granola, croissants, and a berry smoothie. 

I just love this colour palette, especially how flows from inside to out. 

Though the interior is compact, it's very well designed and feels spacious enough for two (plus bump). There's a sleeping area with a king-sized bed, kitchen, dining area with table and chairs and showroom with toilet, huge waterfall shower, and a really cool spa-like design. There's also an outdoor seating area but it wasn't quite summery enough for that!!

Though it was snowy when we went, it was still May so the nights were getting a little lighter. The lodges glazed sleeping area has blinds that you can pull down. Tough the Viking happily sleeps in any condition, I used my eye mask as there aren't blinds on the roof.

Layoutlines sketch

Naturally, I was so inspired by our time at the Panorama Glass Lodge that I had to pick up my pen and sketchbook...in between snow showers and get a few sketches done. 

We highly recommend the Panorama Glass Lodge, I miss the view already. It feels so homely and comfortable. Its design is fabulous and interior too, Sabrina has truly thought of everything so it makes for a very special experience. If you want to see more, check out my highlights on Instagram Stories and watch the vlog here.

the famous Northern Lights from the Panorama Glass Lodge

Panorama Glass Lodge Northern Lights

Panorama Glass Lodge, Iceland

from €465 per night until 1st July 2018, €485 thereafter

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Sonia Nicolson

Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.

Geothermal Road Trip, Reykjanes Peninsula

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One of the first things I suggest when people ask me what to do when they arrive in Iceland is to head to the Reykjanes Peninsula and see the geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík, and having not been ourselves for a few months, we headed back and did a little vlog too. A big thanks to Toyota Island for lending us the Land Cruiser for the weekend, it was super comfy, and thank goodness for those heated seats!! 

watch the vlog

Our Geothermal Road Trip

The Icelandic geothermal landscape

Heading from Reykjavik toward Keflavik you really get a feel for the dramatic Icelandic landscape. On the drive, it goes from a dark and lifeless moonscape to a soft and green moss-covered lava scape. Once you arrive at the geothermal area, you'll smell it first but, the steam meets you and the ground truly comes alive. 

Gunnuhver, ICELAND

Is an easy stop and well worth it to experience the steam, smell, and colours here. Legend says that this Geysir is the ghost of a dead woman (Gunner) who was killing peasants. The local priest gives her a ball of yarn to follow, she followed the yarn down a hole where the geyser started - people believed it led straight to hell. 

This is a great introduction to Iceland and makes for a fun, shortstop which is very accessible. You can park right by the path that leads to the Gunner Geysir viewing platforms, and walk around the site. 

Krýsuvík, ICELAND

Slightly further along the coast, passing Grindavik where I recommend you stop at Bryggjan for a warm bowl of local lobster soup and bread (free refills). You will no doubt smell Krýsuvík before you arrive here. The geothermal steam bellows from the ground and the colours are fabulous. Again, very accessible. Park and walk on the boardwalk-style path, and climb the stairs to get a view across the park. 

On a cold day, Krýsuvík is a surreal place to stand and watch the earth as it steams and bubbles away. It might look sunny and warm in these pictures but it was easily a chilly -10'c brrr. As the steam rises and drifts out over the snowy landscape, you can't help but wonder "Where the heck am I"?!!

Check out the crazy colours in these pictures, the ground is a beautiful mixture of greys and coppers, steaming away, it's so raw and alive. 

How to get there

Roads may be affected by recent volcanic activity, please check with local authorities

did you visit

tag me in your posts on social @sonianicolson

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Sonia Nicolson

Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.

The Aurora Bubble Hotel, Iceland (vlog)

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Last week I had the chance to stay overnight in the Aurora Bubble Hotel, known as the 5 Million Star Hotel, so I took my Mum and we headed off to sleep in a bubble under the stars. A beautifully crisp winter’s day, we arrived into a winter wonderland, ready for the Aurora and to sleep under a blanket of stars. 

watch the vlog

The Bubbles act like a hotel and provide you with a room that is fully transparent, providing the perfect Northern Lights Hotel. Each Bubble sleeps two adults in a comfortable double bed, the minimum age is six years old for health and safety reasons. The structure is completely inflatable and made out of a fire-retardant PVC tarpaulin, you literally sleep in a bubble. The structure keeps itself inflated by a slight over-pressure from a noiseless ventilation system. The system is designed to renew the air 2-7 times per hour, this also prevents any humidity. The system has a heating element with a thermostat so the Bubble is cozy and warm all winter.

Bubble Hotel Iceland

Nestled in a small Icelandic wood the Bubbles are the ideal Northern Lights viewing platform, lie back and watch the starry sky. Sleep under the stars, right in the woods, it's a very special night. Some of the Bubbles have a white panel around the bottom of the walls at bed height which gives a little privacy but this doesn't interfere with any Northern Lights viewing. 

Transparent Bubble

The location of the Bubbles is kept secret until you have booked but I can tell you that they are located in the countryside near Fludir and the Golden Circle. It's about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and two hours from Keflavik Airport. The Bubbles are nestled in a beautiful spot, set back from the road and surrounded by trees. You can also see the volcanos Katla and Eyjafjallajökull in the distance. 

This is an opportunity to truly chill out - lie back and take it all in. Sleeping under the stars and watching the Aurora Borealis dance above you might be a dream come true. It’s the ultimate glamping experience. So, if the sky is clear of clouds then you will hopefully have a good chance of seeing a starry sky with some magical Northern Lights dancing above your head. 

READ: How To See The Northern Lights

Northern Lights Bubble

The Bubbles are part of a tour offered by Northern Lights Iceland. This means that you can't stay without booking the full tour. The tour is fabulous and takes you in a luxury suburban jeep to the Golden Circle stopping at Geysir, Gulfoss, and the Secret Lagoon. The tour group is small, maximum of six people, and there are only nine Bubbles on the site so it feels very private. 

Nearby is the town of Fludir where you could take in the waters of the Secret Lagoon. This is a unique natural hot spring, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland (made in 1891). The water holds at 38-40 Celsius (100-104 Fahrenheit) all year round. Swim and float around, try to find the hottest part of the lagoon. You can also take a short walk around the lagoon to see the beautiful landscape, original changing hut, natural geysers heating the lagoon, and the nearby greenhouse. 

Service House

There is a service house on site which is a short walk from each Bubble. Here you will have access to two shower rooms with a sink and toilet. There is also a small kitchen and dining space where you can store and prepare food and drinks. There is a fridge, kettle, coffee machine, and two-ring electric hob with plenty of dishes and a dishwasher.

If you are looking for food then there is Minilik, an Ethiopian Restaurant nearby and this gets great reviews. We went to Mika, a family-run restaurant specializing in handmade chocolates and langoustine dishes. I highly recommend the langoustine soup and garlic bread. 

As the Bubbles are small, there isn’t room for a suitcase or many belongings so pack light. A small rucksack or hand luggage-sized case is ideal. Pack your pajamas, wash bag, camera (and tripod for Aurora shots), a good book, and your swimming stuff for the Secret Lagoon. Towels are provided at the Bubble but bring your own for the Secret Lagoon.

Wear good walking boots, wind and waterproof coats, and layer up. You won’t need a towel or bedding, and the Bubbles have extra blankets, electric blankets, and a spare air heater to keep you cozy and warm. 

Aurora Bubble

If you have hired a car and are driving on from the Bubbles then you can self-drive as there is a small parking bay on site but keep in mind that you still pay the full cost of the tour even if you are driving yourself. 

tour includes a nights stay in a Bubble

My Iceland Bucket List

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For all my friends, or friends of friends or people that contact asking for my recommendations of things to do in Iceland  - I've put together an Iceland Bucket List to share with you. These are places, sites, restaurants, and hotels that I recommend or, yup, still want to try. Click the names for links. I recommend self-driving so you have the freedom to come and go as you please but there are lots of wonderful tours on offer too. 

Near Keflavik (Iceland International) Airport

access is limited due to volcanic activity - check with local authorities

  • Blue Lagoon - book tickets in advance, go for the option with marks and drink at the swim-up bar

  • Gunnehver Geysir - near Blue Lagoon, amazing but smelly landscape

Reykjavik, Iceland

  • Harpa - concert venues, worth looking at inside and out, a tour of the building on offer

  • Hallgrimskirja - view from the top, service in English last Sunday of every month

  • Perlan - ice cave exhibition, view from the top - still to do (newly opened)

  • Seabarren / Sægreifinn - lobster soup

  • Íslenski barinn - Meat soup, shark, beer

  • Cafe Loki - rye bread ice cream

  • Laundromat - a great breakfast, I love the pancakes

  • Fish Market - for a special meal, try the epic taster menu

  • National Museum - still to do

  • Icelandic Phallological Museum - still to do

  • Reykjavík Art Museum, Hafnarhús - still to do

  • Settlement Exhibition - still to do

  • Reykjavík Art Museum - a great big space with some mad exhibitions

  • National Gallery of Iceland - still to do

  • Nauthólsvík Beach - hot pool, nice walks, cafe

  • Grotta Lighthouse - great for Northern Lights spotting, small hot pot, beach walks

the Golden Circle

  • Pingviller National Park - tectonic plates, amazing landscape

  • Geysir - erupting every few minutes, the cafe is good here (free soup refills)

  • Efstidalur - farm serving homemade ice cream, eat a steak in the restaurant overlooking the barn

  • Gulfoss Waterfall - powerful waterfall, wrap up as can get wet

  • Fontana - geothermal spa - outdoor spa on the side of a lake, go from steam and hot pool to lake!!

  • Secret Lagoon / Gamla Laugin - fab hot pool, walk around the site after

  • Mika Restaurant - a lovely family-run place with lobster and handmade chocolates

  • Fridheimar Greenhouse - eat tomato soup amongst the plants in this greenhouse - still to do

  • Bruarfoss Waterfall - still to do

  • Kerid - Walk around the edge of a crater

Hveragerdi, Iceland

  • Reykjadalur hot river - roughly a 1hr hike but well worth it to bathe in the hot river at the top

the South Coast trail

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - walk behind the waterfall

  • Gljúfrabúi - 2mins walk after Seljalandsfoss

  • Seljavallalaug Natural Pool - amazing pool, can be cold if it's been raining/snowing

  • Skogafoss Waterfall - huge waterfall, not worth the stairs to the top

  • Skogafoss Bistro - soup and a view

  • Sólheimajökull - Glacier, you can walk up to it but you'd need to join a tour to go on it, amazing experience

  • Plane wreck - a long walk, only do if you really want to

  • Reynisfara / Black Sand Beach - be careful of the waves

  • Dyrhólaey - dramatic coastal landscape

  • Vik - Service Station burgers to tide you over

  • Skaftafell - Glacier + Ice Cave tour

  • Jokulsarlon / Glacier Lagoon - stunning, enough said

  • Diamond Beach - just over the road from Jokulsarlon, epic for photography

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

  • Snæfellsjökull National Park - self-drive and see some amazing landscape

  • Djúpalón Beach - the beach where fishermen lifted stone weights to show their strength

  • Snæfellsjökull - glacier

  • Kirkjufell - the most photographed mountain in Iceland but stunning

  • Norska Húsið - traditional houses, architecture

  • Súgandisey - orange lighthouse, a lookout point

  • Helgafell - mountain

  • Malarrif - coastline and lighthouse

  • Saxhöll Crater - drive into a crater

  • Stykkishólmskirkja - futuristic church here

Accommodation in Iceland

…and on my bucket list:

  • The West Fjords

  • Landmannalaugar

  • Fjaðrárgljúfur

  • Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

  • Akyreri

  • Myvatn Nature Baths

  • An Ice Cave

  • The Ring Road

what's on your iceland bucket list?

Secret Geothermal Pools in Iceland

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SECRET POOLS IN ICELAND

A trip to Iceland, the land of fire and ice, wouldn't be complete without a few hot pool visits and Iceland has some of the most incredible, natural geothermal pools. Trust me, there’s a lot more to it than the Blue Lagoon so today I'm sharing 4 of my favorite pools, and 6 that are still on my wish list. 

Hot springs are scattered around Iceland, some not accessible and others on private farmland but some are welcome to the public and you really should make a visit. I love relaxing in a hot pool, taking in the geothermal waters of a local spa, or rewarding myself with a soak in a hot river after a hike, and Iceland sure offers you these treats. My favorite pool is still Seljavallaug because the water here is algae and so so good for your skin. The dreamy and very romantic Blue Lagoon, a world know spa, will always have a place in my heart as it's where my Viking took me on our first date but I do find the water very drying on my skin. The Secret Lagoon is a great find if a little touristy but the water is always hot and fabulous. And finally, the hot river at Reykjadalur is a pretty damn unique experience and one everyone should do if they can. 

1. BLUE LAGOON

It’s the most obvious one so let’s start here. The Blue Lagoon is everything you have imagined it will be. It’s a truly relaxing experience and can be a very romantic one too. Located near Keflavik International Airport, it’s an ideal stop on your way to or from the airport. Recently extended in size with a new swim-up bar and in-water massage area, the Blue Lagoon is a great welcome to Iceland. The distinctive blue hue of the water comes from that sulphur, so it’s a good idea to remove copper or silver jewellery before bathing as it can cause discolouring. Swim around in the calming blue silica waters, try out the waterfall, steams rooms, cave, and algae or silica masks. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the swim-up bar whilst your mask works its magic. With a rather large price tag and appearing on almost everyone’s bucket list, keep in mind that there are other options. 

2. REYKJADALUR

Located an hour’s hike from the town of Hveragerði (45min drive from Reykjavik) is a hot river that welcomes you after a pretty stunning hike. The landscape is beautiful and changes from bubbling brown mud to green moss, steam billowing from the ground and rising from the algae-filled waterfalls. Reykjadalur, meaning steaming valley, is the first of our completely natural (and free) recommendations. Once you arrive at the section popular for bathing, you’ll notice there no changing huts. Strip down to your swimming costume and brave the few steps into the water. Access has been made easy by a manmade boardwalk with steps into the river. There are some screens to shelter behind and change but this is a pretty wild experience, especially if the weather is wild too, though it's an unforgettable one. Walk or paddle upstream for hotter water, lie by the small damns and take in the views. 

3. GAMLA LAUGIN / SECRET LAGOON

This pool is a great introductory pool with easy access, changing facilities, and a shower. The Secret Lagoon is a unique natural hot spring, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, built-in 1891. It’s a large pool that was once used by local women to wash clothes in and was the local swimming pool where children learnt to swim until 1947. The water holds at 38-40 Celsius (100-104 Fahrenheit) all year round. Here you can swim and float around using the noodles provided to find the hottest part of the lagoon. Once you are warm enough, take a short walk around the lagoon to see the beautiful landscape, original changing hut, natural geysers heating the lagoon and the nearby greenhouse. There is a cafe here for a hot chocolate or snack afterward too.

4. SELJAVALLAUG

Seljavallalaug is an algae pool located in a very dramatic setting at the base of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. It’s relatively easy to find but is quickly changing from a local, secret pool to one being visited by tourists. On the south coast and just a short drive from Seljalansfoss waterfall is Seljavallalaug. Park at the car park by the guesthouses and make your way up through the valley following the river path. It’s a short 15-20min walk on rocky terrain, crossing one waterfall, but is relatively easy and kids will manage. The pool is manmade and built into the rock face. There is a small but basic changing hut where you can change and leave your belongings. The pool is naturally heated but can be a little cooler if it has recently rained or snowed. The tap feeding the pool is located at the top of the pool, where everyone gathers but hot water also trickles down the rock face. This is an algae pool so can feel a little odd but is amazing for the skin. Lie back and enjoy the landscape, imagine the activity of the mighty Eyjafjallajökull and the history of this pool. 

This pool is cleaned by volunteers annually and you can make a donation by the entrance to the changing hut. Please enjoy but respectful of the pool and its landscape, leave no trace. 

still on my bucket list:

MÝVATN

The Blue Lagoon of the North, though a lot smaller, Myvatn was developed in 2004. Located on the sloped of Dalfjall, the baths have a beautiful backdrop of ochre-coloured hills. Dalfjall is home to Iceland’s first geothermal power station. The milky blue colour of the water comes from 25 metres below you. The perfect place to enjoy a long hot soak in the 38-40 ̊C water or a seat in a sauna after hiking and travelling. There’s a cafe here too.

Landmannalaugar

Set in some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery Iceland has to offer, this geothermal bath is located in Landmannalaugar, the highlands of Iceland. The landscape changes with the movement of the sun, a truly unique place surrounded by over 500-year-old lava fields and mountains of yellow, blue, white and more. Enjoy the pool, the water here is 36-40°C all year round. Stay in one of the local cabins or camp and hike the many treks. You will need to join and tour or self drive a 4WD here, though access in the winter can be very challenging.