Off the beaten track with Jimmy in Iceland

Journal

With its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape, Iceland is a destination that will leave you feeling inspired, invigorated, and in awe of the beauty and majesty of our planet. Whether you’re seeking thrills or tranquility, Iceland promises an unforgettable experience that will fire your imagination and fill your heart with wonder.

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, where the power of nature is on full display. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Gullfoss to the explosive geysers of Geysir and Strokkur, this island nation is a true marvel of the natural world. The Northern Lights dance across the night sky, illuminating the pristine wilderness in an ethereal glow, while glaciers, hot springs, and black sand beaches offer endless opportunities for adventure.

For those looking to get off the beaten track, the backcountry of Iceland is a place of raw, untamed beauty, with vast expanses of rugged wilderness and unspoiled landscapes allowing you to escape the crowds and truly immerse yourself in the majesty of the natural world.

Pelorus’ Co-Founder Jimmy Carroll recently hosted Financial Times journalist Sophy Roberts and her family on a trip to Iceland. Inspired by a travel book of poetry from times gone by, Sophy came to Pelorus with a request: to see the backcountry of Iceland, specifically the parts that no one else sees. After all, Pelorus’ expertise lies in showing you the heart of the destination, far from the throngs of tourists.

Jimmy described how the team put their heads together in tandem with “specialists we work with in Iceland who know the environment and the terrain” to design an incredible trip “which will enable the family to get under the skin of the country to experience it at its most real and raw.” From exploring spectacular glaciers to spending the night in an ice cave, the itinerary planned to take Sophy and her family into the real ‘wild’ – with the added impact of the short daylight hours thanks to this being a winter trip.

Whilst every Pelorus experience has contingencies built into the design process, such as having backup properties and emergency contacts to call upon if anything needs to change last minute, Iceland’s untamed nature can only be predicted to a certain degree. “We were hit by the most severe weather Iceland has faced in a decade,” Jimmy tells us. As Sophy mentions in her article, the team were forced to lean on these contingency plans and go above and beyond to ensure Sophy and her family still had an extraordinary experience, in spite of the weather.

And when we asked Jimmy for his most memorable Icelandic experience? Undoubtedly this one, and he’s our resident Icelandic expert having visited this incredible country multiple times.

Pelorus is unique because it allows clients the opportunity to have one of the team hosting, and it was this on-the-ground aid from Jimmy that proved to be vital to this trip. In Iceland the weather changes rapidly, even within a couple of hours, so having a team member on the ground experiencing the environment first-hand means alternative decisions can be made effectively and quickly and solutions can be found.

You can read Sophy’s full article in the Financial Times here, and if you’re feeling inspired by this unique adventure, keep reading for our top tips to get the most out of Iceland.

Whether you’re seeking thrills on the water, on land, or in the air, Iceland has something for every adventurous spirit. Explore glaciers by kayak, hike to the top of majestic peaks, and experience the rush of a lifetime as you soar over the rugged landscapes in a helicopter.

Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, horseback ride through the rolling hills, or even dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover a world of undersea wonders. With so many exciting and unique experiences waiting to be had, Jimmy explains why Iceland is the perfect destination for those who crave adventure and the thrill of the unknown.

For those traveling in winter, Iceland offers a unique and magical experience with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. This is the best time to see the spectacular Northern Lights, and there are some incredible glass-fronted properties (take a look at Deplar Farm and ION Adventure Hotel) that will have you staying in luxury whilst ensuring that you don’t miss those elusive dancing lights. For those looking for adventure and adrenaline, explore the rugged wilderness on a snowmobile tour as you traverse mountains and glaciers, stopping to admire the snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls on your way. After a long day spent outdoors, soak in one of Iceland’s famous hot springs – such as the Blue Lagoon – to warm up and relax.

Summer in Iceland offers its own unique beauty and a wide range of activities to enjoy. The landscape takes on a different look, with mountains once covered by snow and ice now vibrant and green. During this mild season, spend as much time as you can on foot hiking the incredible landscape. Tackle one of Iceland’s many summits, from the iconic Mount Esja to the lesser-known Skaftafell, or explore the country’s myriad glaciers before warming up in a wilderness geothermal spring and soaking in the mesmerizing surroundings.

INSPIRED TO VISIT ICELAND?

Whenever you choose to visit this awe-inspiring country, traveling with Pelorus will give you the peace of mind that everything is taken care of, leaving you to focus on exploring. Feeling inspired? Contact our Travel Designers to start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime experience.


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