10 Wellness Lessons I Learned in Iceland
This past October, my husband and I along with 4 other dear friends had the pleasure of taking a 5 day adventure trip to Iceland with G adventures.
Iceland has a way of teaching you about health without ever saying a word. Its clean air, pure water, rugged landscapes, and simple food culture subtly reshape how you think about nourishment and well-being.
10 Wellness Lessons that Stayed with Me:
1. Simple food can be deeply nourishing.
Icelandic meals rely on a few clean, high-quality ingredients — fish, potatoes, greens, and dairy. It’s a reminder that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
2. Eat more omega-3–rich fish.
Cold-water fish like cod, Arctic char, and haddock are staples there. Eating fish a few times a week packs huge benefits for heart, brain, and joint health.
3. Quality really is everything.
Portions are modest, but ingredients are exceptional. Iceland reinforces that choosing pure, minimally processed foods is more important than obsessing over calories.
4. Embrace fermented foods.
Skyr, cultured dairy, and traditional ferments offer natural probiotics that support digestion, immunity, and steady energy.
5. Drink cleaner water.
Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest on Earth — naturally filtered by volcanic rock. It’s a reminder that staying hydrated with good-quality water affects everything from skin to stress levels. It was the best tasing water I have ever had !
6. Heat helps you heal.
Soaking in geothermal hot springs is practically a national pastime. The warmth and minerals relax muscles, improve circulation, and melt away tension — a wellness ritual worth bringing home via saunas or warm baths.
7. Move daily, no matter the weather.
Rain, wind, or snow doesn’t stop Icelanders from walking or hiking. Movement isn’t a chore — it’s part of life.
8. Eat with the seasons.
Local lamb, root vegetables, berries, and seaweed dominate the menu. Seasonal eating feels better, tastes better, and supports overall health.
9. Protect your mental calm.
The slow pace and vast landscapes make mindfulness effortless. Iceland gently shows how a calmer mind benefits digestion, hormones, and resilience.
10. Let nature be part of your wellness plan.
Whether it’s waterfalls, glaciers, northern lights (my favourite, and incredible) or coastal wind, nature is restorative. Time outdoors can lower cortisol and lift mood in ways no supplement can.
❄️ The Takeaway
These lessons aren’t complicated or trendy; they’re rooted in simplicity, nature, and presence. And the best part? They’re all things we can bring into our daily lives, no matter where we live. Iceland may be far away, but its wisdom stays with you.
Feel free to reach out to me for a personalized approach to simplified wellness.
Marsha Fenwick, C.N.P. R.R.T.
Marsha is not your typical nutritionist. She began her career 20 years ago as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Later, she earned her certifications as a Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioner, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner. Marsha is also a Certified Cancer Coach. Her clinical practice specializes in: sustainable healthy weight loss, digestive health, women's hormones, diabetes, heart health, and cancer prevention and recovery. Contact Marsha today for more information and to book a FREE 15 minute nutritional consultation.
