Mixing Work and Play in the Land of Fire and Ice
Sometimes just a change of scenery is all it takes to boost productivity, and nowhere has more mind-blowing scenery than Iceland.
Iceland feels as though it was plucked right out of a fantasy novel, with its ethereal landscapes and elven lore. There’s a sense that the island is teeming with magic, which makes it all the more perfect to get out of your usual space and not just shake up your routine, but re-inspire it.
If hiking around glaciers or bathing in thermal hot springs sounds like it would be a distraction from work, think again. There are plenty of ways to stay productive on your workation, and that means more than just having a good Wifi connection (although that's important, too). With an itinerary designed specifically to recharge while working abroad, you'll quickly fall under Iceland's spell.
Hótel Geysir | Golden Circle | 5 nights
Hótel Vík | South Iceland | 6 nights
Sand Hotel | Reykjavik | 3 nights
An immediate excursion to the Blue Lagoon is the right way to start a workation in Iceland. This natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal waters rejuvenates the body and sets the tone for the entire trip, and you'll still feel the physical and mental benefits for days after you dry off.
At Hótel Geysir, you will be located in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle. It is the ideal base and jumping off point for sightseeing around the area. Being located within the geothermal area of Geysir, there are numerous other natural hot springs for decompressing after finishing your day's tasks.
The three "must-see" highlights within the Golden Circle are Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfalls, and Þingvellir National Park. All of them are accessible from Hótel Geysir and can easily be visited on afternoon excursions after a productive morning at your hotel.
Our recommended first stop for your free time is visiting the geysers, located right outside the hotel front door. This geothermal area is home to some of Iceland's most well-known geysers. The namesake Geysir rarely erupts, but the Stokkur geyser right next to it shoots scalding water up to 100 feet into the air every 5–10 minutes!
In the same afternoon, you can drive just 10 minutes to Gullfoss. Gullfoss, meaning "Golden Falls", are powerful waterfalls sending upwards of 5,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Hvítá River in the canyon below.
At Þingvellir (pronounced "Thing-fell-ear"), one can witness Iceland's geological forces in full effect. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, runs directly through the park. Because of this, geologists have been able to determine that the island is slowly splitting apart at the rate of two centimeters per year due to the movement of these plates!
Additionally, Þingvellir was the site of Iceland's parliament, the longest surviving parliament in the world, from the year 930 until 1798 when it was migrated over to Reykjavik.
Driving along Iceland’s southern coast is a surefire way to sample all of the country’s most iconic geographic wonders. Travelers can see volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, ice caves, black sand beaches, lava rock fields—the list goes on—in just a day’s worth of driving, but better not to rush it. Pull over often and have your hiking shoes ready, because you’ll want as much time as possible to absorb the natural splendor all around you.
Based in the country’s southernmost village, Hótel Vík í Mýrdal is a remote family-run hotel without having to sacrifice any amenities to be productive. The concrete, basalt, wood, and glass architecture even give the feel of a contemporary office building—if that office building were surrounded by glaciers and black sand beaches.
Plan your excursions around your work schedule (or vice versa) to the many wonders of Iceland's awe-inspiring southern coast. Some activities are worth dedicating an entire free day, so save those for your weekend time. Others are accessible enough that you can quickly stop over when you need a break from your desk.
Head out with a private driver-guide into the spectacular valley of Thórsmörk. You will be taken into the wild wonderland of the rugged and stunningly beautiful Icelandic landscape of Thórsmörk Valley, a natural paradise named after the Norse God, Thor.
Make the drive to the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Back in 1934, the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began to retreat, leaving the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón, in its path. The floating icebergs here are estimated to be over 1,000 years old and create a breathtaking picture from the surrounding shoreline.
Out east, we recommend stopping at the canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur for an easy hike. This magnificent and massive serpentine-shaped canyon is thought to be around 2 million years old. The canyon has narrow, sheer walls towering over the ravine below. Today, the water levels of Fjaðrá are often low allowing hikers to safely walk within the canyon, although a bit of wading through water is necessary.
From Vík, you can drive east along Myrdalssandur, giving you a view up to the Katla Volcano which lies dormant under the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Along the way, you will cross over the expansive Eldgarhraun lava field.
As you make your way out east, drive along
Vatnajokull glacier which offers breathtaking views of Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland’s highest peak, and other glaciers in this region. Feel free to stop for a hike on your own to Svartifoss Waterfall in Skaftafell.
At some point during your time in Vík, take a leisurely drive to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, beautifully framed against the rocky coast line by the basalt rock columns of Reynisdrangar.
You’d be hard-pressed to find another city like Reykjavik, a world capital where steamy lagoons, glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, and multiple national parks are just a day trip away. Apart from the natural phantasmagoria within easy driving distance, the city center is small enough to explore on foot but with plenty to stay entertained. Learn about Vikings, savor the avant-garde restaurant scene, and save some energy for Reykjavik’s legendary nightlife.
Sand Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart of Reykjavík situated on the shopping street of Laugavegur. Its location provides guests with easy access to enjoy the vibrant cultural life of Reykjavik. The hotel's Art Deco-style rooms pay respect to the history of the property mixed with modern design and original contemporary artwork to give each room an individual identity.
Drive west to the Reykjanes Peninsula. The best way to describe it is though it's as if you've landed on the moon. The reason for this spectacular landscape is the active volcanic system underneath the peninsula. If you're lucky, you may get a dramatic view of the Northern Lights over the Atlantic.
End your trip just as you started it: taking a dip in natural hot springs. One of the newest thermal baths to open in Iceland, the Sky Lagoon gets its name from the panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean, where the water and sky seemingly meld together. Whether you're looking at sunsets, dark storms, or even the Northern Lights, it always promises to send you off with a kaleidoscopic goodbye.
Leave behind your everyday office and try working among waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords. Chat with an Origin Travel Curator today to start planning your own personalized workation.
Cover photo: Petr Brezina / Shutterstock
Property photos courtesy of Hótel Geysir, Hótel Vík, Sand Hotel, and Sky Lagoon.
All other photos courtesy of Unsplash.