17 Reasons Why I Fell in Love with This Mossy, Smoky Island

As you travel across Iceland, the landscape constantly shifts, yet blends together like a symphony—each turn revealing a new melody of nature. It's breathtaking to witness how untouched terrain can shape such a rich palette of contrasts. Glacial ice sculpts mountainsides into cozy valleys like a potter shaping clay, while cooled lava and wind carve fantastical rock formations.

But beyond its natural beauty, there are so many more reasons to fall in love with this island:

1. It’s the best whale-watching hotspot.

back of the boat as we scanned the ocean for movement. Suddenly:

"Look at 3 o’clock, front deck!" a crew member called.

Everyone rushed to catch a glimpse. Cameras clicked. A spout of water shot into the air, followed by the slate-colored hump of a humpback whale. She rolled and vanished into the sea, her fluke—the tail fin—leaving a perfect ring on the water.

Whale watching isn’t exclusive to Iceland, but here, you witness them in their natural home. Depending on the season, you may spot humpbacks, minkes, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, puffins, and gannets.

2. There are almost no trees.

The land unfolds into plains and folds into mountains, offering uninterrupted views. As the Icelandic saying goes, "If you see three trees together, you have a forest."

3. Skyr isn’t yogurt—it’s magic.

Thick, creamy, and packed with protein, Skyr tastes like a divine mix between yogurt and pudding. Brought by the Vikings, it's a must-try.

4. Airplanes carry diaries.

On my flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri, I found a notebook in every seatback pocket—filled with sketches and stories from previous travelers. I added mine too. What a poetic alternative to in-flight movies!

5. They don’t need an army.

With a population just over 300,000, Iceland has no standing army. Their peaceful society channels resources toward welfare—not warfare.

6. Elves and trolls are real—at least in spirit.

Elves are deeply embedded in Icelandic folklore. In fact, construction projects have been rerouted to avoid disturbing their sacred rocks. In Kopavogur, a road called "Álfhólsvegur" was curved around an immovable rock believed to house elves.

7. Yoko Ono chose this island.

To honor John Lennon’s dream, Yoko built the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island, just off Reykjavik. Powered by Iceland’s geothermal energy, the beam of light is a symbol of peace visible from afar.

8. The land literally smokes.

"Reykjavik" means "Smoky Bay"—named after the rising steam spotted by early settlers. In places like Reykjadalur Valley, hot springs bubble out of the earth. You can even bathe in some geothermal spas.

9. Volcano bread is a real thing.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, dough made from rye, buttermilk, and golden syrup is sealed in a pot and buried in hot soil for 24 hours. The result? The warmest, densest bread I’ve ever tasted.

10. Icelandic horses have five gaits.

Most horses have three gaits—walk, trot, canter. Icelandic horses have five, including the tölt and flying pace. Isolated for over a thousand years, their breed remains pure and unique.

11. You can see tectonic plates meeting—above ground.

Þingvellir National Park is one of only two places on Earth where tectonic plates (North American and Eurasian) meet above the surface.

12. It’s one of the greenest countries.

With over 400 square meters of green space per person, Iceland sets a global example in environmental care.

13. The people are among the happiest.

Our guide Thora said, “We are one big national family.” Isolated for generations, Icelanders have learned to find joy in togetherness and simplicity.

14. They serve hot chocolate soup!

Yes, you read that right. Kakósúpa is made from cocoa, milk, and starch—a comforting treat in the cold.

15. They love books.

Icelanders gift books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading. One in ten citizens will publish a book in their lifetime. Reykjavík is even a UNESCO City of Literature.

16. You can follow the Aurora Borealis.

Chasing the Northern Lights on a freezing winter night is unforgettable—even if your fingers are too numb to take a photo.

17. You can sunbathe at midnight.

In summer, the sun never truly sets. Waking up at 2 a.m. to sunlight is a surreal experience.

Kakósúpa (Cocoa Soup) Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 cups water

• 3 cups milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 
  

Instructions: Mix the cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Slowly whisk in water until smooth. Boil for 5 minutes. Add milk and boil again. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water, then add to the soup and cook until it thickens. Serve hot with whipped cream.

From steaming valleys to glacier peaks, Iceland touched my soul in every way. And that, perhaps, is the real magic of this mossy, smoky island.

— Nita Bajoria