Iceland is Our Land: Day 5

We spent our fifth morning packing and cleaning as we left our first AirBNB, then spent the early afternoon hiking up to a natural hot spring. We had initially planned to visit the Blue Lagoon, but we all forgot to pre-register and it was booked over a week out. So instead, we found the trailhead to the Hot River in Hvergerdi, about 40 minutes south of Reykjavik, and ascended the hour-long trail to the warm waters near the top of the mountain. 

Hike up to the Hot River in Hvergerdi, PC: Sam W

Though I was initially concerned over a blog post that said the hike up to the top was not for people afraid of heights, I found the trail to be beautiful, and only one place made me hold Brian's hand for safety. The bottom of the trail was insanely steep, but it eventually leveled out to be an enjoyable, though still moderately difficult, hike.

By the time we reached the top, we were frozen through. Initially the hot water of the river burned our skin as we stepped into the steaming river and adjusted to the rapid temperature change, but eventually we relaxed into the flowing water and found that sweet spot where it wasn't too hot and wasn't too cold. Unfortunately, it wasn't deep enough to soak, per se, but it was still fun to sit in a hot spring! We also had the unsolicited chance to see just how open to nakedness other cultures are, haha!

Soaking in the Hot River, PC: Emily M

We spent the rest of the evening exploring Reykjavik, which was both the location of our last AirBNB and our final destination. And what a great way to end the trip! Where most of Iceland seems to be devoid of a consistent culture and history (at least one visitors can experience for themselves), Reykjavik was a surprising glimpse into the music and food and people who make up this beautiful country. So much was within walking distance from our AirBNB, and we loved wandering from one colorful street to the next.

Reykjavik, PC: Brian T

Reykjavik, PC: Sam W

Overlooking Reykjavik, PC: Landry J

Brian, Randy, Eric, and I decided we had to experience the Icelandic lamb stew we had heard so much about before we left the country, so we settled on Cafe Loki. When we also saw fermented shark on the menu, we decided to go big or go home and ordered just enough for all four of us to taste. Our waiter lovingly laughed at us for ordering it and recommended the strongest alcohol they had to wash it down (we didn't order any, because we are just that brave...*insert the waiter laughing again*). Fun fact: Fermented shark smells like formaldehyde and tastes little better. I wouldn't call it the worst thing I've ever eaten, but the experience ended 3 hours later when the shark turned my stomach inside out (Shark: 1, Callie: 0). Apparently it's a delicacy consumed only once a year in celebration of Husband's Day in Iceland, but our waiter swears he loves the stuff. We debated whether it was a true love, or one of those things like fruit cake you're culturally conditioned to like only because it's associated with a familiar holiday...and then we tried it and decided it's probably the latter, ha. Here's the verdict after trying almost all of the traditional Icelandic dishes between our group of 18 eaters: If you're looking for great food, I wouldn't put Iceland at the top of your list. Try it all because #wheniniceland, but I am perfectly willing to admit that I'd be fine never consuming another bite of lamb or shark or chocolate-covered licorice ever again.

Cafe Loki traditional Icelandic meal of lamb stew and smoked lamb, PC: Callie T

Fermented shark, PC: Erik E

Our last night together saw the 18 of us gathered around the living room of our AirBNB, laughing together and listening to a poetic summary of our trip written by Jane, Co-Captain of Folklore.

Enjoying our last night together, PC: Sam W