Adventurer of the Week: Leah Starts with Iceland!

Welcome to our “Adventurer of the Week” series! Each week we will feature individuals that were inspired to make every moment an experience in Iceland by going out on epic tours with us that allowed them to interact with nature.

This week's installment of our "Adventurer of the Week" series tells the story of Leah, who is taking full advantage of her new-found freedom from college and traveling Europe! She Walked on the Ice Side with us and took some great pictures along the way!

What motivated you to visit Iceland?

I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights and had seen pictures of Reykjavik when looking up European travel destinations. I figured I’d travel to Iceland some day in the future, but the opportunity came and I jumped at the chance immediately.

How long was your stay? Did you travel solo or with a group?

I only spent about a week in Iceland. I booked the trip solo, but met up with a girl I met in a women’s travel group on Facebook. We were both traveling solo and figured it would be fun and safer to see the country together.

Which tour did you take and why did you choose it?

I booked the Take a Walk on the Ice Side tour since it included glacier walking and visiting popular waterfalls. It was the best all-in-one tour package that suited my Iceland wish-list. Our tour guide Kari was such a delight and the sights were breathtaking!

What is one thing you will always remember about your tour?

Being alone on the glacier, far from civilization. I remember looking out over the massive land of ice, and all you could hear was the whistle of the wind. Though we were in a group of maybe 10 or 12, I felt so isolated and one with nature. Every bit of Iceland had incredible scenery, but there was nothing like standing on top of this majestic glacier.

Another fun memory was learning Icelandic phrases with our guides on the bus. That might be the most difficult language I’ve ever heard, and we had fun trying to pronounce all the waterfall names. We butchered every word, but it was fun learning about their culture and language.

What is something that you learned about Iceland that surprised you?

I didn’t know what to expect, but I was so surprised by how modernized the country was. They’re very progressive in politics and have a huge unwavering support for all ethnicity and sexual orientations. Everyone just seemed more happy and inclusive in Iceland.

It was also shocking seeing the police carrying little to no weapons. Iceland has a very low crime rate and the law enforcement don’t carry guns. I felt safer in Iceland than I’ve felt in most populated cities. Everyone is friendly and I don’t feel judged for being a tourist.

If you had more time in Iceland, what else would you like to see and do?

I’d love to see the whole eastern half of the country. I’d like to go back during warmer seasons and hike in the country. Due to cloudy weather, I wasn’t able to see the Northern Lights on my visit, so returning is an absolute must!

What tips do you have for people who want to visit Iceland?

Book your excursions and plan around them. Don’t waste any time looking at travel books trying to plan the next days activity. It saves you money and you feel like you’re getting the most value out of your trip.

GO SEE THE GLACIERS! On our tour, we learned about the ice melting and how over time, the glaciers will be smaller and nonexistent. See the beauty and appreciate what this country has to offer.

What adventure are you off to next? What is your next dream adventure?

I’m off to Europe in May to travel the German countryside for a couple months. I just graduated college this past December, so I’m taking full advantage of the time I have now and seeing all Europe has to offer.

Leah’s adventure is only one of the many features that make for an unforgettable experience. Book your tour and join us for an excursion that is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.

Have you been on a tour with us in Iceland and would like to be featured as an “Adventurer of the Week”? Feel free to email us at info@mountainguides.is.