Iceland

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Iceland in August: Beauty, Power, and a Trip I’ll Never Forget

In August 2025, my mom and I traveled to Iceland with Nordic Visitor on their Highlights of the Ring Road tour — seven nights, six days circling one of the most visually dramatic countries on earth. Iceland delivered everything you imagine it will: roaring waterfalls, drifting icebergs, moss-covered lava fields, and skies that never seem to fully clear or fully darken.

It was spectacular. It was also the trip that became permanently intertwined with one of the hardest moments of my life.

Getting There: A Delta One Lesson

We flew from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik in Delta One. The lounge at JFK was outstanding — elegant, comfortable, and a wonderful way to begin the journey. Unfortunately, the aircraft itself did not live up to expectations.

It was an older plane with a Delta One configuration that lacked the layout and amenities we had come to expect. The seat and overall soft product felt dated, and for a long-haul premium cabin, that was disappointing.

To Delta’s credit, they listened to our feedback and issued us a future flight credit. But here’s my advice: always research the specific aircraft you’re booking. Look up the seat map. Check recent photos. Don’t assume all Delta One cabins are equal. A beautiful lounge does not guarantee a beautiful flight.

Reykjavik: A Necessary Pause

We arrived in Reykjavik and stayed one night before the tour began. I always recommend arriving a day early — it gives you breathing room in case of delays and time to adjust before the itinerary starts.

Reykjavik has its highlights. Hallgrímskirkja church is striking. The rainbow street is colorful and lively. There are some genuinely good restaurants. But personally, it isn’t a city I would spend extended time in. It feels relatively modern and understated. For me, Iceland’s magic lives outside the capital.

Beginning the Ring Road

The next morning, we were picked up to begin our journey. Our group was small — about 15 or 16 guests — traveling in a beautiful Mercedes-Benz van. Nordic Visitor handled the hotels and breakfasts, and from a logistical standpoint, everything was smooth. Luggage was managed efficiently, the pacing was comfortable, and the early days of the tour unfolded seamlessly. Then Iceland began to reveal itself.

Walking Between Continents: Þingvellir National Park

One of our first major stops was Þingvellir National Park, part of the famous Golden Circle. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You’re literally walking between continents.

We stood in the Almannagjá gorge, surrounded by towering lava rock walls coated in moss. The pathway stretches through the rift valley in a way that feels almost cinematic. Even with other visitors nearby, it felt ancient and quiet — a reminder that Iceland is shaped by forces far bigger than us.

Gullfoss: Power and Mist

Next came Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. It drops in two dramatic tiers into a deep canyon, and in the rain it felt almost prehistoric.

You hear Gullfoss before you see it. The roar of water echoes through the canyon, and the mist rises thickly into the air. On our rainy August day, the sky hung low and gray, amplifying the moodiness of the landscape. It didn’t feel staged or polished — it felt raw.

South Coast Waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

Along the South Coast, we visited Skógafoss, a 200-foot waterfall that falls in a single massive sheet. Standing at the base, you feel the vibration of the water in your chest. The black volcanic sand beneath your feet and the relentless curtain of water in front of you make it one of those rare places that truly matches the photographs.

Not far away is Seljalandsfoss, more delicate but equally captivating. Tall, narrow streams spill over vibrant green cliffs, and what makes this waterfall unique is the ability to walk behind it. There’s a path that curves around the back, offering a view from inside the mist. Waterproof clothing is absolutely essential here — and in Iceland generally.

August in Iceland means unpredictable rain. We were grateful for waterproof pants, waterproof shoes, and proper hooded jackets. Iceland rewards preparation.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs break away from the glacier and drift slowly across the water. Pale blue ice floats against gray skies, occasionally shifting with the tide. The entire setting feels quiet and surreal.

Across the road is Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacier ice wash ashore on black volcanic sand. The contrast is stunning — ice like scattered crystal against dark sand. Even in the rain, it was breathtaking. Perhaps especially in the rain.

This may have been my favorite visual moment of the entire journey.

And Then Everything Changed

A few days into our trip, I received news that my best friend of 30 years had suddenly fallen ill. Not long after, she passed away.

There is no way to prepare for a phone call like that. The world narrows immediately to one objective: get home.

We contacted Nordic Visitor’s emergency line expecting clear guidance on the fastest way off the island. Unfortunately, the assistance we received was not helpful and cost valuable time. It was the hotel front desk staff who ultimately provided the solution. A young woman calmly told us there was an airport just five minutes away and a flight leaving within the hour.

In an act of extraordinary kindness, someone from the hotel drove me in their personal car to the airport and made sure I got there in time.

I was able to make it back to Portland after my friend had already passed, but I was there to be with her family.

Nordic Visitor later offered us a small credit toward a future trip, which I appreciate. Still, I can’t help but feel that more could have been done in the moment — not just financially, but in terms of immediate, informed support during a true emergency.

Looking Back

Iceland is one of the most visually stunning countries I have ever visited. The waterfalls, the ice, the raw landscapes — they are unforgettable.

But now when I think of Iceland, I also think of her.

Travel has a way of attaching itself to moments in your life. Sometimes it’s joy. Sometimes it’s grief. Iceland will always hold both for me — extraordinary beauty and profound loss, woven together.

It was a spectacular trip. And one I will never experience the same way again.

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