https://www.journey-unburdened.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://www.journey-unburdened.com/blog/blog-post-title-one-egd7n monthly 0.5 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606888723-MJJR7MS5BUK7ZMSCCZCR/Screenshot%2B2026-03-15%2B154152.png Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Map of Iceland We drove the Ring Road of Iceland, which takes you in a circle around the entire country. We drove it clockwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773607326913-64VM8VTGEYOLQRG3IT5L/Screenshot%2B2026-03-15%2B154241.png Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Map of Italy We visited Rome, Pompei, and some beach towns south of the Amalfi Coast. That southern coastal area has very few American tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606455242-8M4J3GR6ZIC73XFFL81F/PXL_20250615_113646164.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - The Settlement Center This is a fun little walk-through, interactive museum with some of the Saga stories of Iceland. It’s a great way to learn a bit about the history at the beginning of the trip. English audio guides come with your admission. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606455901-IUTR6KUMPU4RAE7EHPZ7/PXL_20250615_163021812.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Krauma Spa This spa is on the fancier side but still allows children. It is right beside a natural geothermal area that provides the heated water for pools of different temperatures. There is also a cold plunge pool that was way too cold for me. The selling point for this spa on the first day is that they have a relaxation room with lounge chairs and a fireplace in the middle. A perfect place to rest after your overnight flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606465723-HN5JC1IU2TH28WN1MYI5/PXL_20250615_194845558.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Vatnsdalsholar View Point This viewpoint is just a quick side trip from the Ring Road. There is a staircase that takes you to the top of a hill to see the many mounds formed by an ancient landslide. When we visited it was particularly windy and chilly, so don’t forget your jacket and hat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606466153-8394VEW97QZWJY9II05V/PXL_20250616_091908607.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - First night accommodation We loved this little house next to a farm and mountains. Two dogs greeted us and wanted to play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606476403-MFZHRUF26GMN3X1Q88G5/PXL_20250616_095720841.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Waterfall near Fosslaug hot pot I didn’t get a picture of the hot pot without people in it, so I can only show you this nice waterfall that is just beyond the hot spring. A quick 15-minute walk from the parking lot will bring you to a circular pool of natural hot spring water. There are no changing facilities, so come prepared with your bathing suit on or ready to change behind a towel. You will probably be joined by some fellow travelers from all over the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606473918-3LQVS4OJ210RY5BV92QY/PXL_20250616_134419596.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Akureyri The largest town in the north of Iceland, Akureyri is still very small. There is a main street with cute shops and restaurants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606482690-VDXI5ID4R68NY9UCV0LN/PXL_20250616_151302588.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Godafoss waterfall The name of this waterfall means “Falls of the Gods” and has a great legend behind it about a Norse chieftain throwing Pagan idols into the falls. The falls can be viewed from several different areas and you can take a short hike down to the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606487534-6KQYMGR656X9T20CV08K/PXL_20250616_162002539.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Skutustadagrig pseudo craters This was our first stop in the Myvatn Lake area. These craters were formed by an ancient volcanic eruption in the area. There is a great little visitor center that describes the geology, flora, and fauna of the area. Across the street you can grab some ice cream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606492932-M0PYAVWQ6685UOQAY19D/PXL_20250616_172609693.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Viti Crater Up a little ways into the mountains you will find this extinct volcanic crater with blue water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606498189-DMXCKBRZVN98YLJ7NVN4/PXL_20250616_180417530.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Hverir geothermal area This Mars-like landscape has small pots of bubbling water all around. Stay on the marked path for safety and be prepared for the sulfur smell. I loved this otherworldly landscape that is so different from anything I’d seen before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606500697-Z6J3WMJYOD39Y4ZRF0QC/PXL_20250616_184321095.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Hike up Hverfjall Volcano Trail Another extinct volcano and this one takes a hike to the top. The ground is gravel and moves under your feet, so this hike can feel a bit challenging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606506062-YK1RWV6Z4CE2C8YMKFKM/PXL_20250617_075507338.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Dinner at a dairy Vogafjos Farm Resort offers a restaurant with windows into their milking stalls. The food was delicious and, in my opinion, you can’t beat a view with some cows. We also stayed the night here and had a good breakfast the next morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606505493-59CY2WO23SB234P54VMI/PXL_20250617_090511898.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Whale watching in Husavik This is one of the highlights of the trip. Husavik is the whale watching hot spot of Iceland and it did not disappoint. We went with North Sailing and say several humpback whales. They give you thermal gear to stay warm and dry and serve cinnamon buns and hot chocolate on the way back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606511612-JR4E8OT058TMTUIM1H0C/PXL_20250617_104635384.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Yes, the whales came that close! We got very lucky and had a pair of whales surface very close to the boat for a minute or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606520925-22KOKIOQXHPBRE4KJ281/PXL_20250617_145503298.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Dettifoss We checked out Dettifoss waterfall from the west side. There is a bit of a climb over an area of rocks that is well-marked to get to several viewing areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606519164-GP0EG7ZBFNIL2P0Q6IFO/PXL_20250617_170916704.MP%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Walk to Studlagil Canyon To get to the Instagram-famous Studlagil Canyon you will need to hike a bit. As long as you have a 4×4 vehicle, you can make it to the second parking area that will reduce your hike to 30-45 minutes. Along the way you will see this lovely waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606533196-2JK6RD1N0XH4I8NSP44Z/PXL_20250617_171612451.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Sheep along the way We also saw these sheep along our hike to Sudlagil Canyon, a ubiquitous site in Iceland in the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606530052-F4OYKJRZ1EX9MG214CSR/PXL_20250617_175856581.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Studlagil Canyon The hike - and the hype - is worth it. This canyon provides a great example of the hexagonal columns that form during lava cooling. The water, which is blue in the summer, gives a very beautiful contrast to the columns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606534718-HMC84Q9QU2UNL8CWUCFJ/PXL_20250617_215456964.MP%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - A beautiful drive This drive on a back road in the eastern part of Iceland was truly beautiful, one of those views that a camera can’t accurately capture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606539219-8K1849R8E8S1IYLSN4CX/PXL_20250618_113029603.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Viking village set This small replica village was built for film productions. Now you can pay to visit and walk around the area. There are some yummy waffles in the cafe of the visitor center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606547384-ZAE3JL2T94QRJK72RXNF/PXL_20250618_121156644.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Vestrahorn Mountain You can get a great view of Vestrahorn Mountain from the Viking film set area. Also walk a little farther in the other direction to see the rocky coast and you may spot some seals basking on the rock island nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606543396-3V1ACXXDG3EQ87X277XZ/PXL_20250618_140251046.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon This glacier lagoon sends chunks of ice out to the ocean, some of which end up on Diamond Beach on the opposite side of the highway. You can take boat tours in the lagoon, but you get a great view standing on the shore. Watch carefully, and you may see some playful seals in the water or sunning themselves on the ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606555444-48R45OASDKPXLUQJZDUW/PXL_20250618_150104078.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Diamond Beach You can find chunks of ice, big and small, on Diamond Beach. We had fun watching the small ice bergs pass under the bridge and guessing where they would go from there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606559460-9O64NRSTDEVD7LYRLEDL/PXL_20250618_163406241.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Mulagljufur Canyon An uphill hike will reward you with stunning views of this canyon. In summer it is green with small waterfalls cascading down the sides. The hike up can be strenuous for those who are not avid hikers. Plan for 45-90 minutes of hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606565864-0HXVF9RDE8BEEX0ECPZ9/PXL_20250619_095655776%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Fjadrargljufur This canyon is equally stunning and requires a shorter hike than the previous one. Justin Bieber made this canyon popular by filming a music video here. There is a grated observation deck that allows for some great photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606570505-I0ZHWHJNARN9C86DEC5C/PXL_20250619_112354464.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Reynisfjara Beach This black sand beach is one of the more popular attractions for tourists due to the presence of giant hexagonal columns. Heavy erosion in Winter 2025-26 has made the columns inaccessible for a while. The beach should eventually replenish itself. If you visit, be incredibly careful and pay close attention to the warning lights as sneaker waves are common and deadly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606571324-P598DTLHIZMKTZTZ6AF3/PXL_20250619_134409874.MP%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Dyrholaey Viewpoint This viewpoint is easy to get to with a parking lot nearby and a short, paved walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606573809-BRN8UM9FCDF1OQLOFMLS/PXL_20250619_143722926.MP%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Kvernufoss This waterfall is very close to the more popular Skogafoss. It requires a short hike from the parking lot. Just viewing from the front or side is nice, but you can also walk behind it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606582710-WMUQ3H4DK5FLSIXFIDKT/PXL_20250619_163221362.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Gljufrabui waterfall Just a short walk away from Seljalandsfoss is this waterfall inside a hidden part of the mountain. You can see people walking that direction from Seljalandsfoss. You’ll need to traverse a small section of slippery rocks to get inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606590677-EEH7VYT7STY32BGBF65D/PXL_20250621_090951816.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Sun and heat From the cool and overcast climate of Iceland to the heat and sun of Italy. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen because shade in Pompei can be hard to come by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606585943-NNF37RY4NZFESEZKBBLO/PXL_20250621_090448352.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Pompei and Mount Vesuvius From one of the main squares in Pompei you can see the volcano in the distance that was responsible for destroying the city. Rick Steves has a great audio tour of Pompei that you can download on your phone. If you would rather take a guided tour, consider splurging on a private tour or small group to avoid the giant group tours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606600430-KWA909QZ51O3NFA5X5ZA/PXL_20250621_152043923.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Temples of Paestum Who knew Italy has the best-preserved Greek temple in the world? This archeological area was a huge hit with both our boys. There is a museum with artifacts as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606601591-4I9JEYAZQ412CXOGMK06/PXL_20250621_152818347%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Up close to the temples You can get right up onto some of the temples at Paestum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606609187-CZVKKBVY4FFNJKSAMA7R/PXL_20250621_173628185.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - View from our agriturismo I can’t recommend this place more highly. We were served a delicious breakfast and dinner with beautiful views and quiet calm. Check out Agriturismo Tempa del Niglio in Ascea, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606615127-GQSG6F3AEDYQZI4HK2Q1/PXL_20250622_083613180%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - San Severino abandoned village The small abandoned village of San Severino sits up on the hill overlooking the newer version of the town below. You can take a short hike uphill and check out the crumbling structures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606615766-IIUJZ7E9NA2QKXNJDZ93/PXL_20250622_094304899.MP%7E2.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Baia degli Infreschi You can take a long hike to this bay or drive slowly down a bumpy dirt road and park at Azienda Agricola Oasi Infreschi for a meal and then walk a short way to this lookout point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606619128-LFL29WYOG5W7JZH5U8SC/PXL_20250622_150449665.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Palinuro from the water We had a lovely afternoon boat trip to view the rock formations and swim. While we stopped for a while, they served some Prosecco. The water is blue and oh-so-clear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606619781-U5WEZ507OJI0X1QPLFMT/PXL_20250622_163345686.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Pisciotta We only had time for a short walk through this pretty little hillside town, but if you have a longer time, take the opportunity to eat at one of the local restaurants and enjoy the ambiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606625715-R5SSR3J62MNBFN9CNFLX/PXL_20250623_094043493.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Ancient Velia This ancient site in Ascea was founded by the Greeks and then taken over by the Romans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606633408-S16J493O7Q072X5OH0JI/PXL_20250624_115827901.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - View from hotel in Rome We loved our hotel in Rome with a patio and view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Check out Bloom Hotel, which is walking distance to the Vatican. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606633242-TJGTXSKRBRGYL4WLIIZ0/PXL_20250624_145626585.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Vatican Museums Our boys were in awe of all the art in the Vatican Museums. Rick Steves has a great audio tour of the museum that you can download on your phone. It’s a lot of walking, though, and by the end of it we opted not to try to get into St. Peter’s Basilica. My husband and I had seen it before and hopefully the boys can come back on their own in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606643750-7ETGWRV7MJW5M43A6O8L/PXL_20250625_072304173.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - The Colosseum Another big hit with the kids. Make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly and will likely not be available on site. Rick Steves has a great audio tour of the Colosseum that you can download on your phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606650210-FQA6FYJXBZJASG833ADL/PXL_20250625_115435121.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - The Pantheon Another great ancient site in Rome and another one with a Rick Steves audio tour you can download on your phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606649995-V6PVUG7X76958MCQJNMR/PXL_20250625_123349574.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Trevi Fountain The crowds at the Trevi Fountain can be quite large. Mix that with the heat and pounding sun, and you may be ok with a quick view. If you are an early riser, try to come by in the morning. Also keep in mind that the closest area to the fountain is now limited to those with a ticket. You can still see the fountain from the higher platforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606658365-6DWNYR6Q8YFXTCDZ17LX/PXL_20250626_184524206.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Back in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja This church is probably the most recognizable manmade structure in Iceland. It is a Lutheran church and rather sparse on the inside. You can purchase a ticket to take the elevator to the top to get a view over Reykjavik. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606654696-SCH36FMW1G0GFQ0YHMVB/PXL_20250626_185651749.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - View from Hallgrimskirkja From here you can basically see the homes of 40% of Iceland’s population! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606664504-U45SDDH7EDWV6AL8S3FJ/PXL_20250627_091953021.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Westman Islands puffin colony To get to the Westman Islands you need to take a short ferry. To make things easiest, bring your car along. The puffin colony on Heimaey is the largest in the world. The best months to see them are April to August. Make sure to keep your distance and don’t disturb their nesting areas. If you visit in August (or sometimes early September) you can see locals helping the pufflings who have wandered off course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606661784-FBEWNDUBMZHVLWJ87IEI/PXL_20250627_093525339.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - More puffins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606666390-8O7OLGS5MF4XX6IN474F/PXL_20250627_103659210.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Eldfell Hike up this new mountain formed by a volcanic eruption that reshaped the island in 1973. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606670066-3GIFFY9HZ27E5MSA53LX/PXL_20250627_115143820.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Reminders of the 1973 volcano Miraculously, nobody was killed during the volcanic eruption in 1973, but many homes were buried. Check out the Eldheimer Museum to hear about the event and see an excavated home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606671803-9URMRU7Z1U7F7M981M2J/PXL_20250627_133009544.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Playground fun These cool bouncy pillows are in playgrounds across Iceland. The kids finally got a chance to play on one while we waited for our ferry time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606677317-7OLQ7CMJ0PQRUNH44LQ5/PXL_20250628_121903557.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Hrunalaug Hot Spring River On our last day in Iceland we hiked up to this hot spring river. The hike was a bit harder than I had expected, but the reward was great. There are minimal facilities here, including a boardwalk and some privacy pavilions for changing clothes, but note that there aren’t any curtains, so a friend or family member will need to hold up a towel if you want a bit more privacy. The farther upstream you go, the warmer the water is, until it’s too hot for anyone. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Bring a picnic and your favorite drink! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606685195-6NZFDR9P99FKP7I9FIZS/PXL_20250628_154003194.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Thingvellir National Park This is the original site of the Icelandic parliament, where clan chiefs would meet once a year. There is a visitor center and lots of walking trails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606687270-A291O6YMHKTG107KI15J/PXL_20250628_154332697.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - Tectonic plates... or maybe not There is a walking path between two stone cliffs and you may hear that this is where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. That’s not quite right, but fun to imagine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e7aab767131920cb49b85a/1773606691588-EPJBPMC1W54P4YIFTKLX/PXL_20250628_172317082.MP.jpg Blog - Journey Unburdened - That’s how we roll… Combining Iceland and Italy in one trip, because why not? - More sheep You really can’t miss the sheep everywhere in Iceland in the summer. 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