Iceland Island Drive: Chasing the Northern Lights and the Realm of Ice and Fire

Iceland is the closest place on Earth to an alien planet. A 10-day island tour, from waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacial lakes to geothermal zones and the aurora,
Every kilometer reminds you: nature is far broader than you imagine.

After landing at Keflavik Airport, the first thing to do was pick up the car. Ring Road No. 1 is 1,332 kilometers long, with good road conditions but very rapid weather changes. It is recommended to refuel with dry food and fuel in Reykjavik, then head east along the southern shore.

The Golden Circle is the first stop for most visitors. The rift valleys of Singevelir National Park, the erupting water columns of geysers every few minutes, and the majestic Golden Waterfall form a condensed version of Iceland's scenery. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tour groups.

The black sand beach and glacial lake on the southern shore were the highlights of the trip. The basalt columns at Vic Black Beach contrasted sharply with the white waves, while the blue ice floating in the Jagu Salon glacial lake looked like scattered gems. If you're lucky, you might even see seals sunbathing on the floating ice.

Heading north around the island, Lake Mý and Detti Waterfall reveal another rugged side of Iceland. The geothermal area emits sulfur-smelling white smoke, and the lava formations are barren, as if you're on another planet. This is also a great spot for viewing the aurora in autumn; whenever the night sky is clear, green light may dance overhead.

A ten-day island tour won't be easy, but it's worth it. Iceland teaches people reverence: fear of storms, fear of glaciers, and reverence for moss that still grows in extreme conditions. When you finally see the aurora dancing in the night sky, you'll realize all the bumps and cold have been forgiven.