Did you even take a second to think about the fact that puffins form long-term monogamous pairs, reunite each breeding season, and take turns incubating their egg and feeding their puffling chick? Yeah, these darling little “sea parrots” love nesting and burrowing on the isolated islands of Iceland – only coming to shore from May to August to breed with their forever puff. So, much like the beloved seabirds, our favorite twin-mother-to-be, Erin Fox, headed to the shores of Iceland with her husband and family for a little nesting, exploration, and plenty of herring (we can only assume). This week, Erin is sharing the joys of Iceland and puffin season to further our fantasies of cooler temps and hygge comforts.
With three days in Iceland en route to England, Erin, our pro traveler, packed her schedule with Iceland’s finest food, coffee, glaciers, and warm, spa-like lagoons. Her first day was spent easing into her surroundings and SCOUTing out downtown Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. As a designer by trade and a creative at heart, Erin always makes a point to check out local galleries and art when traveling. Erin, we hope you invested in at least one mini volcano for the nursery.
Exploration always works up an appetite, so traditional soup in bread bowls warmed the stomachs, souls, and bodies of our Nordic travelers. Despite the chillier forecasts, ice cream is a highly popular year-round treat in Iceland. Additionally, cafés and best-in-class coffee are abundant and varied. Honestly, the trip could end here, and it would still be perfect.
Erin was fully acclimated going into day two, and with this notion in mind she headed straight to the glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, because these images could illustrate the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy, as well as The Hobbit.
Mere photos won’t do the scenery nearly enough justice without seeing for ourselves, but how awe-inspiring is it to spend a day exploring such natural wonders? Great reminder to treat our Earth Mother well! Touring the South Coast of Iceland is accessible and offers a host of other opportunities, like seeing the Northern Lights or walking volcanic landscapes and familiarizing yourself with Viking lore.
Naturally, the last day in Iceland called for relaxation. The Sky Lagoon was calling with its hot springs, saunas, and natural full body scrubs. Skjol rituals like these are quintessentially Iceland and the makings of a day that will knock you out when you hit the hay that night. A visit to the lagoon and feast of local favorites is exactly what you need before a crazy day of travel.
We hope reading this was as relaxing as recounting Erin’s luxurious dream vacay was for us. We also hope that you’ll do something Iceland-esque for yourself as we all get back into the swing of things this season. Whether it’s a comforting weekend away or treating yourself to a new body wash, do something kind for yourself. Your inner puffin will thank you.
