Category Archive for Iceland
Salty Tours Iceland tour company review! Goth custom guided day trip: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, black church Búðakirkja.
Hail Iceland! Feels good to be back (in black) in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Photographer Joey Wong and I first visited Iceland in 2015 and took a custom, private day trip out of Reykjavik with Salty Tours. We loved the experience so much that we teamed up with them again — this time, to see Goth locations like this rather heavy metal black church, Búðakirkja!
Salty Tours is a family-run Icelandic tour guiding company. On our previous trip in 2015, Thor and Anna took us to photogenic folklore spots. This time, Thor’s daughter –Ingunn Thorsteinsdottir — drove and guided us around the lesser-known Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. (Check out our cinematic video of the adventure here.)
Salty Tours focuses on small group trips with personalized service — meaning that you’ll get an expert-guided Icelandic adventure tailored to your travel style and interests. In my case, I was keen to see the Gothic black sand. lava and pebble beaches… Read on to see where Ingunn took us on our unforgettable day trip.
We flew to Iceland on from London on PLAY Airlines, a new low-cost Icelandic airline operating between North America and Europe. Despite being a no-frills airline, PLAY’s staff was lovely and their cushioned seats were comfortable. We brought along our own snacks and water (since those cost extra), and enjoyed the quick flight to Reykjavik’s Keflavík Airport on this cheerful red-and-white fleet. (If you’re planning an Iceland trip from major cites in the US/Europe, PLAY is the best bang for your buck.)
We settled at our Reykjavik hotel, and then were ready to explore with Salty Tours. Ingunn picked us up in the morning, and took us to a variety of offbeat spots in Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
At the top of my list: I wanted to see Búðakirkja (Budhir Church), a spooky-looking little black church that dates back to 1848.
The church’s pointed spire and demonic silhouette are an epic contrast with the natural surroundings. Although you might think this is a church for the devil (or death metal fans), the black color in fact was originally a tar coating historically used to protect wooden buildings.
We’ve been shooting lots of reels these days — and I did a happy dance in front of Iceland’s black church! Watch our Gothic travel video here on @LaCarmina IG.
To add to the Halloween feeling — Budhir Church is next to a graveyard. The tombstones peer out over the sky, mountains, and ocean.
I had to do the “devil horns” hand sign in front of Búðakirkja. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is about a two hour drive NW from Reykjavik, so we were grateful to Salty Tours for taking us there.
The Nordic countries (especially Norway) are fond of black metal. This heavy metal genre often has Satanic themes, and emerged in the early 80s with bands like Mayhem. I could see metalheads headbanging in front of Iceland’s black colored church… or lighting it up in flames!
Photographer Joey Wong love shooting Iceland’s sweeping landscapes and attractions.
When you book a custom trip with Salty Tours, they’ll take you around in a luxurious car like this black Mercedes, and plan a personalized itinerary with you. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a photography tour, these local guides will put together the perfect day trip (or several days journey) using their expert knowledge.
Ingunn knew we’d love Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, one of the highlights of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The waterfall has several cascades flowing down the rocks against a picture-perfect icy landscape.
We even saw rainbows reflecting off the falling water! Watch our Instagram video to see the footage.
Next to the falls is the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell. Although this translates to Church Mountain, I think it looks more like a witch’s hat! (Bomber jacket Kuwalla Tee)
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is about a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik, which was a pleasant journey in Salty Tours’ luxe vehicle. Ingunn told us about the history and folklore of the region as we drove past scenic cliffs, glaciers, mountains, and bodies of water.
What should you pack for a trip to Iceland? It depends on the time of year — we were here in late April, and it wasn’t overly cold. I wore Uniqlo HeatTech leggings and a top, which provide insulation despite the thin material. My Miffy fuzzy pouch is from Japan, and my miniskirt is this BDG Suki moto denim skirt.
I hope this provides you with some Iceland outfit inspiration! I wore slouch socks from Japan with Comme des Garcons x Salomon sneakers, as the terrain requires good walking shoes.
Another benefit of traveling with Salty Tours — they take you to non-tourist areas, a far more peaceful and bespoke experience than joining a big bus tour to the Golden Circle.
Kirkjufell mountain rises over the waterfalls… You may recognize this landscape, as it was featured in Game of Thrones!
Weather can be variable year-round, but we got lucky with blue skies. All photos by Joey Wong.
Iceland is a photographer’s dream, filled with fascinating natural formations. You can see our previous Iceland 2015 adventures here (we went to Blue Lagoon and more).
Our photography and content have come a long way since then, thanks to improvements in camera technology.
Traveling with our Salty Tours guide Ingunn felt like going on a road trip with friends. She grew up in Iceland and has many years of experience guiding for her family’s company.
I kept warm with Uniqlo HeatTech (shirt and legging), Maison de Fleur gloves from Japan, and a BDG Suki moto racer denim mini skirt.
Onward to another Gothic destination — Djúpalónssandur, a black lava and rock beach. The steps can be a little daunting, so take your time with the descent.
There are several hiking trails around Djúpalónssandur with magestic views (I’m not a hiker, though!)
My white Comme des Garcons x Salomon platform sneakers contrasted with the pitch-black rocky ground.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula has it all, including this black lava and sand beach. I was enthralled by the dramatic environment.
Close up on the black pebbles, known as Djúpalónsperlur (Pearls of Djúpalón) — they’re the rounded remnants of ancient lava flows. You can also find rusty metal remains strewn about, from the 1948 shipwreck of British trawler, Epine GY7.
You need to be strong and hardcore to survive (especially back in the day) as a fisherman or sailor in Djúpalónssandur
The wild Atlantic ocean crashes onto the shore, which is marked by striking red-black rock formations created by eroded lava.
There are tales of Icelandic elves and trolls lurking in these parts.
The lava cliffs are also a sight to behold. The hexagonal basalt columns are made when the molten rock cools and breaks in this pattern.
As Cersei says on Game of Thrones: “The North cannot be held… not by an outsider. It’s too big and too wild. And when the winter comes, the Seven Gods together couldn’t save you and your royal army.”
If you want to get around to the interesting, remote areas of Iceland, you’ll need a car. Since we were in the good hands of Salty Tours, we didn’t have to worry about car rentals, directions, navigation and other logistics — we could simply relax and take in the picturesque landscapes as passengers.
Ingunn knew we’d love the vibe at Arnarstapi, on the southern coast of Snæfellsnes. How neat is this naturally eroded stone arch, called Gatklettur.
Giants exist north of the Wall in Game of Thrones… and we found one at Arnarstapi. This is a massive stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a guardian spirit said to be half man and half troll.
In our video of our Salty Tours day trip, you can see me scooting inside the Troll!
With uncanny landscapes like this, it’s no wonder that Iceland is a treasure trove of tales about elves, trolls, and other mystical beings.
We can’t thank Salty Tours enough for this unforgettable tour of Gothic spots in Snæfellsnes Peninsula! Please reach out to them if you’re keen to do a custom, private day trip like ours. Salty Tours does pick ups and drop offs from your hotel in Reykjavik, and puts together the perfect itinerary to fit your interests.
The certified guides are so friendly and caring — you can see our previous trip with Salty Tours in 2015 with Ingunn’s father, Thor!
I leave you with some final shots of Iceland’s black metal church — I think the Miffy bag adds to the spookiness! (All images Joey Wong.)
And please watch the reel of our Iceland adventure with Salty Tours here (@lacarmina Instagram).
Is the Land of Fire and Ice somewhere you’d like to visit? If you’ve already been, what were some of your most memorable moments?
SHARE & COMMENT
12 things I love about Iceland! Travel guide to best Reykjavik restaurants, nature tours, art galleries.
Iceland, you are magic. I’ve recently been reminiscing about my trip to the “land of fire and ice,” which turned out to be one of my favorite destinations of all time!
It’s now easier than ever for North Americans to fly to Iceland. WOW and Icelandair have increased the number of inexpensive, direct routes from major cities in the US/Canada to Reykjavik. If you’re on the East Coast, you can find tickets for under $300, and the flight time is only about 6 hours.
Recently, I’ve gotten quite a few requests for Reykjavik travel tips — so I thought I’d lay it all out on one page. Enjoy my “12 things I love about Iceland,” and check out all my detailed Iceland travel guides here.
(You can also check out my travel video about my Iceland adventures, above. It includes footage of the Blue Lagoon, food, nature, art and nightlife that we experienced.)
1 – Get outdoors and discover Iceland’s unique nature
You can’t miss out on the sci-fi landscapes and mystical Northern lights. From Reykjavik, it’s easy to book a car or tour that lets you experience Iceland’s surrounding landscapes. I suggest that you do a day trip with a guide, such as a Northern lights tour package in Iceland.
Iceland’s intriguing black sand beaches were the perfect backdrop for a Gothic fashion photoshoot. My braided hair and bell-sleeves are inspired by Daenerys in Game of Thrones (the show films the “Wall” and “North” scenes on this island).
2 – Take a selfie with a horse
Icelandic horses are the definition of “kawaii” (cute). This breed developed in isolation, which gives them a short, plush appearance. The layers of fat and fur protect them from the cold, but also makes them extra warm and adorable! I stopped to say hi to a herd of Iceland horses: they gently nuzzled up and took a selfie with me.
3 – Search for elves
Many locals believe that they share their country with elves, or “Huldufólk”. According to the folklore, these little creatures hide in mossy rocks, caves and forests. I recommend stopping by Hafnarfjordur, the park where they supposedly reside. While I didn’t catch any glimpses of Huldufolk, I did enjoy the serene energy of the elf park.
4 – Witness Iceland’s waterfalls and geysers
Many travelers go on Iceland’s “Golden Circle” tour, which takes them to the most popular nature sights: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting geyser Strokkur. However, I recommend going off the beaten path: you’ll find mesmerising waterfalls and sulphuric pools, without the tourists and gift shops. Above is Öxarárfoss, my personal favorite. Such an incredible feeling to get close to these powerful falls.
5 – Dip into the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular attraction, but it’s well worth the visit. The lagoon is man-made, with warm waters rich in sulphur and silica that come from a nearby power-plant. You can choose from a variety of passes, and I recommend booking well in advance for the best possible access times.
Unlike in hot tubs, which make me light-headed, I felt great in these soothing, mineral-rich waters. You can wade into different parts of the pool for varying heat levels, and dab a white, natural face mask on your skin. Don’t forget to tie up your hair and protect it from the steam, especially if it’s colored (I put mine in a bun and wore a shower cap, after Joey Wong took these photos).
(If you like my swimsuit, you can shop for similar designs with a click below!):
6 – Smile at the street art
Street art is everywhere in Reykjavik, and it’s beautifully executed (case in point — this London Police x Above mural above, on Laugavegur street). From 2010-14, Reykjavik’s major was an offbeat comedian named Jon Gnarr. He encouraged people to create public art, which resulted in innovative large scale works all over the capital city.
7 – Shop for skulls at Dead Gallery
I noticed a Reykjavik art studio with a Buddhist mandala and skulls on the outside: how could I resist going in? This turned out to be Dead Gallery, the lair of musician and artist Jon Saemunder. Jon’s works — especially his paintings and watercolors of skeletons — are expressions of his mantra: “He who fears death cannot fully enjoy life.”
8 – Feel uplifted at Hallgrims Church
I’ve long been fascinated by Hallgrímskirkja, a futuristic church on top of a hill in the center of Reykjavik. I was thrilled to see the Expressionist architecture in person: the alien-like curves are reminiscent of stark Icelandic landscapes under snow. Inside, there is a pipe organ that reminded me of Blade Runner, and windows that reflected coffin-shaped shadows over the white altar.
9 – Pose inside a prism at Harpa Music Hall
Reykjavik is a small city and easy to explore by foot. Make your way towards the waters, where you’ll find Harpa Concert Hall. The building’s ultra-modern facade flickers in the light, with 1000 prismatic panes that seem to change colors when viewed from different angles. At night, the glass and steel structure comes to life with light projections.
10 – Dine at Apotek
One of my favorite dinners in all of Europe came from Apotek. This comfortable yet upscale restaurant is located in a 19th century pharmacy, hence the name. I started with cocktails named after medicines, and then feasted on the freshest seafood inspired by both Icelandic and Argentinian cuisine. Beautifully presentation, lovely atmosphere: I’d say this is the best restaurant in Reykjavik.
11 – Feast on fish and chips
I ate like a Viking at Icelandic Fish and Chips, an inexpensive eatery that delivers tremendous flavors. You can choose from a variety of fish such as pollock, and it comes with creative dips, roasted potatoes and vegetable sides such as cauliflower tempura. Leave room for the handmade desserts made with ingredients like coconut.
12 – Party hard in Reykjavik
The country that birthed Bjork has an exciting music/nightlife scene. I bar-hopped in Reykjavik, and was impressed by the live bands found in most of the venues. For those who love rock and alternative sounds, check out Dillon. Reykjavik has something for everyone: hip hop, LGBT, retro, and even RuPaul’s drag race performers.
I hope these “12 reasons to love Iceland” give you incentive to visit! You can see more of my Reykjavik travel tips here, as well as in my travel video.
(And you can pick up a Gothic swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon below!)
LA CARMINA
