Swanson School of Engineering

Waking up early in Iceland feels different. Maybe it’s the excitement of knowing that every turn in the road brings a completely new landscape, or maybe it’s the sheer beauty of the country that makes it impossible to sleep in and miss it all. We started the day with breakfast at the hotel, where I got to try yogurt from a milk carton (apparently the norm here) mixed with granola among a few other things. By 8:30, we were back on the road, heading toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, ready for another day of exploring Iceland’s wild and ever-changing terrain. Our first stop was a lava field with waterfalls, and the view was breathtaking. The mix of dark volcanic rock and rushing water created a surreal landscape. I did not want to leave. We then made a quick stop in Borgarnes for gas, which ended up being the nicest gas station I’ve ever been to. I picked up two snacks: Lava Cheese crisps, which were amazing, and a drinkable version of skyr yogurt, which was delicious. Next, we visited Ytri Tunga, a beautiful beach with rocky terrain and crashing waves. Some people saw seals in the ocean, but I wasn’t lucky enough to spot any. Suddenly, out of nowhere, hail started falling, and we had to rush back to the bus. It proved how fast the weather could switch up on us. Lunch was at Hjá Góðu Fólki, where we learned about their greenhouse and even got to try an edible flower, which had a surprisingly great burst of flavor. For actual food, I had tomato soup, easily the best I’ve ever tasted. Arnarstapi and Hellnar were stunning, with dramatic cliffs and powerful waves. The wind was once again relentless, making the scenery feel even more intense. Even with the crazy wind, I did not want to leave the beautiful scenery. Our last stop was Malarrif Lighthouse, where we visited the visitor center and saw an old fishing boat, traditional fishing gear, and sea kelp samples. When we stepped outside toward the ocean, a sudden hailstorm and strong winds made walking pretty difficult. It was a battle against the elements, but it only made the experience more memorable. Honestly it was kind of fun to walk through the insane wind. Iceland’s landscape reminded me of when I visited the mountains a few hours from Christchurch, New Zealand back in 2023. Both places have volcanic peaks and rugged terrain that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. But they differ in some striking ways. New Zealand’s mountains were much greener, while Iceland feels rawer, with more exposed rock and less vegetation. The weather also plays a huge role in these differences. While New Zealand had mild, damp conditions, Iceland’s harsh wind, sudden hail, and colder climate make the landscape feel more untamed. Both places show nature’s incredible power, but Iceland feels more extreme, like a place constantly shaped by the elements. Being here is humbling and inspiring, making me feel small in the best way possible and once again proving the power of Mother Nature.