Midgard Adventure: Unveiling Icelandic Destiny
Local tour operator Iceland

How the decision to book a tour changed my life

I was young once, I walked alone. I thought myself rich when I met another traveler. People’s joy is in other people. Hávamál Stanza 47

 

Fate was a powerful force in the lives of Iceland’s first settlers. Read any saga or Norse myth, and fate is a centerpiece in the lives of both people and the gods.

Although governed by supernatural powers in Norse Mythology, fate was also believed to be altered by one’s decisions. Destiny was believed to be a thread spun, measured and cut by beings known as Nornir, and shaped through a series of events.

Fate comes to mind when I think about my first group tour in Iceland. My love affair with Iceland began in 2021 during a solo trip around the country I had planned after my trip to Norway was canceled.

I will never forget the feeling I had gazing out the window during a red-eye flight there. Thousands of stars glittered in the infinite night sky. At that moment, I knew this was destiny.

I had no idea that the decision to visit Iceland would change my life, and embarking on a group tour would enrich it far more than I could have imagined.

This is that story.

Fimmvörðuháls hike Iceland

The Best Souvenir

Embark on a group tour and make a new friend

It is a late August evening in the pristine nature reserve Þòrsmörk, a natural oasis rich with otherworldly landscapes and folklore. I am seated at a riverbank, watching the crimson sunset on the horizon.

Joining me are twelve locals whom I had just met that morning as we embarked on the epic Fimmvörðuhals trek with our guide from Midgard Adventure.

Fimmvörðuhals is a point-to-point hike that stretches twenty five kilometers from Skògar to Þòrsmörk. It traverses some of Iceland’s most diverse landscapes. This trek has been on my bucket list since I first saw the Myrdalsjökull glacier from this trail in 2021. I had to join when I learned my favorite guiding company was offering this as a tour. A last-minute decision prompted me to change my flight to be here, and when everything else aligned, I knew it was meant to be.

We had begun our trek above Skògar waterfall, following a path that winds through green hillsides and mystical waterfalls. Eventually, we reached the black sand lava fields, marveling at the otherworldly volcanic rock formations before descending into Thor’s Valley, revived by mountain scenery.

Despite being my fifth time in Iceland, it was my first day with locals and an unforgettable one. The taste of our victory beers was sweet on our tongues as we soaked our tired feet in the cold river, reliving tales of the day.

Seated beside me was Iris, a woman I had met on the hike. As we shared a bag of Draumur (chocolate covered Icelandic licorice), we were lost in conversations about life as if we had known each other forever.

We had begun the day as strangers and ended as friends, connected by this memorable experience and our love for the outdoors.

It was clear I was meant to be here not only for the photo ops and memories but also to make friends, and it all began two years ago during my first group tour with Midgard Adventure.

My Icelandic Love Affair
To me Iceland was not a destination, but a journey

My love affair with Iceland began in 2021. I was wrapping up my first book based on Icelandic folklore and Norse Mythology. Passionate about this genre and the Icelandic Sagas, I desired to see the places where these tales were born.

That July, I embarked on my first of many Icelandic adventures. It would be my first solo trip abroad and the start of my path to self-discovery. At the conclusion of the trip I was smitten with the land of fire and ice and vowed to return.

As an introvert, socializing and making new friends were always out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t until my second stay on the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula that I wanted to meet people.

I recall watching the impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks display from my little cottage and thinking I would love to experience an Icelandic New Year with friends here.

During my research in the spring of 2022, I discovered Þòrsmörk, or Thor’s Valley. The photographs of Þòrsmörk blew my mind; since it was the valley of the Norse god Thor, I was even more intrigued.

Due to the rugged terrain and dangerous river crossings to access Þòrsmörk, one must attend a guided tour. This is where my story with Midgard began.

I stumbled across Midgard Adventure during a Google search. Midgard is the name of the realm of people in Norse Mythology, and I loved the use of Runes around their logo. Both were centerpieces in my writings.

Furthermore, their website discussed their commitment to sustainable tourism and small tour sizes, all while delivering a personalized experience to their guests. In May of 2022, my third visit to Iceland was planned, and the tour was booked!

Attending a guided tour was intimidating as a solo traveler and an introvert. Spending an entire day with strangers in a foreign place was enough to paralyze me with anxiety. This may seem ridiculous to some people, but I bet a few of you can relate!

My fear melted away as soon as I entered Base Camp. Warm welcomes and friendly smiles greeted me like I had arrived home after a long journey. Before I knew it, I was cozied on the couch, drinking coffee, and chatting with strangers. I have attended many tours in Iceland since, and no one makes you feel as home as Midgard does.

To enrich the experience, a long-distance friend also met me here for the tour! She had booked a room at Base Camp and, on the morning of the tour, expressed how much she enjoyed her stay there.

Outside of Base Camp, our Super Jeep Thor awaited us. How cool, heading to Thor’s Valley in a Jeep named after the Thunder god?!

The journey to Básar, where our hike would begin, was an adventure all on its own. Thrilling river crossings and mind-blowing mountain scenery on the way to Þòrsmörk made the drive epic, and since then, I can’t get enough of journeying through the rugged highlands via Super Jeep!

During the hike, we made friends with people from all over the world, and our guide, Mike, was professional, knowledgeable, and fun, regaling us with tales of trolls and elves hidden in the rock faces along the way.

When we arrived at the lookout point, surrounded by snow capped mountains and an up-close view of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, we were in awe of the views. I asked our guide how to get to that glacier’s top, and he said it was a special trip. The idea of standing atop that giant thrilled me.

Following the hike, our guide took us to explore some hidden gems, such as a waterfall inside a cave that makes you feel like you have stepped into a fairytale book! This waterfall does make it into one of my books!

This had been a day of firsts for me. It was my first group tour, my first day with Midgard, my first time in Þòrsmörk, the first time I met a long-time friend in person, and my first Hraun bar- which I am now addicted to!

Since then, I have visited Þòrsmörk SIX times with Midgard Adventure. An excellent guiding company understands that it provides guests with more than just a day’s adventure—a life-changing experience shaped by new friends, connection with the land, and appreciation for the moment. Midgard gifted me this and more.

Along with outdoor adventures, long conversations in Base Camp with other travelers and guides have enriched my travels. Last summer, a stranger at Base Camp even answered some life-changing questions.

Mid August, I arrived in Iceland for my most extended stay. I was on a three-week camper van excursion with four tours booked with Midgard, including the Fimmvörðuhals hike.

My state of mind could have been better. I had just undergone some significant life changes, including the decision to change careers for something I was passionate about. Despite following my heart, I felt lost, questioning whether I was making the right decisions. Toward the end of my three-week stay, I headed south to Midgard Adventure for two tours.

Solo travel humbles you. You spend a lot of time alone on the road or at campsites, and you begin to crave the company of others. By that time, I was eager to return to Base Camp. Walking through the doors, I felt like I had arrived home. I spent the evening in the lounge area chatting with strangers about their trips and tours and dispensing Iceland travel advice to those who asked.

At one point, I engaged in a deep discussion about life with one of the guides, during which many of these big questions I had arrived with were answered.

That day was also my first encounter with Björg, the CEO of Midgard. Intrigued with my love affair with Iceland and my frequent returns to Midgard, Björg and I discussed my travels and what I sought. If you ever encounter Björg, consider yourself lucky. Chances are she will give you some life wisdom. Before I left Iceland, I stopped by Base Camp to say goodbye and discuss plans for a future collaboration about Thorsmork.

A few days later, I disembarked from Iceland, not as sad as usual because I was leaving with the best souvenir: new friendships. I would return for New Year, this time to be with friends.

My Wishes are Granted
My first Icelandic New Year’s Eve

When I returned to Iceland that December, my wish to enjoy a New Year’s Eve with friends was granted when I was invited to celebrate the holiday with Iris and her family.
We spent the evening playing games, eating licorice, watching the traditional New Year’s Eve show, and admiring the fireworks display. No one does New Year’s fireworks better than Iceland. It is spectacular!

The next day, I made my way to Midgard Base Camp. This time, I was in a collaboration about Þòrsmörk, where I was invited to write about the valley. To say I was grateful for this opportunity is an understatement.

When I arrived, I was greeted by Gina. Not only does Gina offer guests the warmest welcome but also bakes the best Hjonabandssæla. Be sure to try some at the breakfast buffet!

The next morning, eight guests and I embarked on our adventure to Þòrsmörk. Our guide, Raggi, who feels like a long-long brother to me, navigated the super jeep Freyja through the rugged terrain as I told the guests stories of Thor from beloved myths.

As we traversed the last river crossing, I gazed out the window towards a stunning sunset, noting how grateful I felt for this entire experience. I could not believe where that decision to book a group tour two years ago had led me. Life felt like it could not get much better than this.

I was right where I was meant to be.

The Adventure with Midgard Doesn’t End There
My first tree is planted, literally

This past April, I was invited to return to Midgard to give guests a talk on Norse Mythology. When I received the invitation, I had to step away from my computer to dry my eyes. I was so excited at this offer to talk about something I love in a place that has changed my life.

During the trip, my desire to stand at the top of Eyjafjallajökull was fulfilled. Led by Raggi in the formidable Fenrir truck, I and a group of guides and guests experienced what it’s like to travel to the top of Iceland’s most iconic glacier volcanoes. I have no words to describe this feeling besides magic.

The next day, during Midgard’s Sustainability Week, I participated in a lovely Earth Day practice and helped plant over 900 birch trees! As a frequent visitor, I felt it was time to give back, and I could not think of a better way than to plant a tree with my Midgard family!

In many ways this act was symbolic. What better way to celebrate the seeds I had planted years ago when I first yearned to see this beautiful country!

Iceland has given me so much. Besides deepening my appreciation for nature and history, she has reintroduced my passion for photography and writing, opened my world to new friendships, humbled me with her unforgiving weather patterns, and inspired the worlds in my books.

Group tours have enriched my travels even more by connecting me with locals to people worldwide and giving me these incredible opportunities I could have only dreamed about before.

This summer, I will return to Iceland for the eighth time in three years for another camper van adventure, including more Midgard tours and a girl’s trip hiking adventure with my new friend Iris. Each time, it gets harder to leave. Deepened by friendships and an unexplainable connection to the land, my attachment to this country has only strengthened.

As far as the Midgard family, I can’t thank them enough for that warm welcome years ago. Base Camp is now my home away from home, and I look forward to my stay there. It shows us the power of smiling at a stranger, and I sense my adventures with them are not over!

As you embark on your future travels, I ask you to open your heart to the possibilities of more than just a photo op or memory. Go ahead and book that tour. Talk to a stranger. Take the chance. Immerse yourself in what you love. If you are an introvert or a solo traveler, there is even more reason to go on a group tour! You never know where it might take you: a pearl of wisdom, an unforgettable moment, or, if you are fortunate, you may get the best travel souvenir, a good friend, and a fate you could have only dreamt of!

Takk fyrir Iceland and Midgard!

 

 

About The Author

Arielle Lokadóttir is an American writer who fell hopelessly in love with Iceland during her first visit back in 2021. Since then, she has returned to the land of fire and ice six times, (soon to be seven!) with no end in sight of her Iceland obsession. Her fascination with Iceland began while researching Icelandic mysticism and magic for her books featuring the gods and goddesses of Norse mythology. During her second visit, she desired to explore Thor’s Valley, so she booked her first tour with Midgard Adventure. She chose Midgard because of their impeccable reputation, commitment to sustainability, “runes on their logo,” and the strong presence of “girl power.” Little did she know Midgard would become her home away from home. Since then, every visit has included a tour with Midgard, and she states Midgard gifted her the best souvenirs, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories.

Her favorite place in Iceland is Þorsmòrk (she just can’t get enough of that striking valley!) and although she is a vegetarian, admits to always enjoying an Icelandic hot dog when visiting. She is the author of the blog site, “An Owl an Iceland,” which features musings about her travels to Iceland, as well as photographs and travel advice.

When she is not writing or planning her next trip, you can find her pouring candles for her candle company, practicing photography, training for a running race, or volunteering at a raptor center. When people ask her why she loves Iceland so much, she says she cannot describe what she feels besides that the land itself has touched her soul and won’t let go. Her favorite quote is by a fellow Iceland-influenced author, JRR Tolkien, “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us”.

 

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