❄️ Iceland — Snow, Northern Lights, and Hot Baths
We visited Iceland in December, only for few nights and it was cold, snowy, and perfectly clear — ideal for seeing the Northern Lights. The moment we arrived, we noticed how charming the wooden houses were and how drinkable the tap water is — such a simple joy. People were friendly, and the city wasn’t busy, which made settling in easy and calm.
🏨 Hallgrímskirkja & Local Food
We stayed near Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, which was a stunning landmark to have nearby. Its towering presence and unique architecture made the city feel both grand and peaceful. From there, it was easy to explore the city and find cozy restaurants.
Our favourite dining spot was Café Loki, right near the church. We went back a few times for their Icelandic lamb meat soup — thick, hearty, and warming, almost like a stew, which inspired me to recreate it at home. We also tried hákarl(fermented shark) and rye bread ice cream, and noticed rye bread was everywhere in cafés and menus — such a comforting staple in Icelandic cuisine!
Breakfast at the hotel included a shot of fish oil, a local tradition said to be good for health. Small details like this made every meal feel special.
🌌 Northern Lights Adventure
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. We booked a bus tour that drove us far from city lights. Walking through the snow in the darkness, surrounded by the stillness of Iceland, was a little eerie — the vastness even made me wonder if it was the magnetic fields affecting me!
And then — they appeared. Aurora Borealis, dancing across the sky, magical and surreal. It felt like stepping into a painting of light and colour — a moment I’ll never forget.
💧 Sky Lagoon & Nature Walks
We had hoped to visit the famous Blue Lagoon, but it was sold out. Our hotel suggested the Sky Lagoon in the city, so we decided to walk there from the centre — a long, scenic walk through Icelandic nature.
Arriving at the lagoon was unforgettable. The infinite warmth of the water, the sunset glow, and the view of the horizon created an immersive experience — truly one of the highlights of the trip. After the sauna.
🖼️ Murals, Churches, and City Life
We spent our days walking around, taking in the murals and the stark beauty of Icelandic landscapes. Inside Hallgrímskirkja, there was a lift to a higher level, offering a panoramic view of the city and surroundings — a peaceful moment of reflection.
Even the small details — crisp air, snow underfoot, wooden architecture, and quiet streets — made Iceland feel otherworldly and artistic, a place that inspired both sketches and contemplation.
🎨 Artist’s Eye – Colours of Iceland
Iceland in December is a landscape of contrasts, and as an artist, the colours were unforgettable:
Sky & Northern Lights: deep navy, emerald green, violet streaks — like liquid jewels above the snow.
Snow & Ice: soft whites, pale blues, and the subtle shimmer of sunlight reflecting off frozen surfaces.
Wooden Houses: warm ochres, muted terracotta, and rustic browns, standing out against the cool landscape.
Sky Lagoon: endless greys, blues, and warm golden hues at sunset — water blending seamlessly into the horizon.
City Details & Murals: pops of ochre, cobalt, and bright reds in street art and doors, small bursts of energy in a quiet, icy city.
These colours weren’t just beautiful — they inspired sketches, paintings, and ideas for my own work. The contrast of warmth against cold, muted versus vivid, and natural versus human-made made Iceland feel like a live painting at every turn.
🍲 Lamb Stew Recipe Inspired by Café Loki
After tasting the thick Icelandic lamb meat soup at Café Loki, I recreated it at home:
Ingredients:
500g lamb, cubed
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
1 tbsp butter or oil
500ml stock (lamb or vegetable)
Salt & pepper to taste
Method:
Brown the lamb in butter or oil in a large pot.
Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
Add carrots, potatoes, herbs, and stock.
Simmer gently for 1–1.5 hours until lamb is tender and the broth is thickened.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Tip: Mash a few potatoes near the end for extra richness — just like Café Loki’s version!
💛 Little Things That Stayed With Me
Fresh lamb meat soup, rye bread, and trying hákarl
Fish oil at breakfast — a tiny taste of local tradition
Walking in the snow under clear skies
The magical Northern Lights dancing overhead
Sky Lagoon’s warm, infinite water and sunset
🗺️ Places We Visited
Reykjavík City Centre & Hallgrímskirkja – wooden houses, murals, cozy cafés
Café Loki – lamb meat soup, rye bread ice cream, local dishes
Northern Lights Tour – dark skies, snowy landscapes
Sky Lagoon – immersive hot baths, nature walks, infinite sunset
Murals & Streets – city art and inspiration
