Conditions must be perfect, with limited-to-no cloud cover, flaring activity in the magnetosphere, and no light pollution. As well as volcanoes and geothermal lakes, you can find glittering glaciers, underground caves, and elegant national parks covered with wandering reindeer. If you are planning your next travel post-Covid-19, Iceland might be the perfect destination for you! One of the incredible by-products of living in a geothermally active country is the abundance of natural hot pools dotting the landscape. This contrast also means that you will find a huge amount of geothermal activity here which has given rise to famous natural spas such as the Blue Lagoon and other ancient warm water pools. Being located so far north, Iceland is a country that seems to be perpetually covered in snow and ice, but underground it is a different story, and this is actually one of the most volcanic regions in the world, with a huge number of active volcanoes ready to erupt at any moment. The state of … While this might sound unlikely, Iceland's glaciers are already melting at an astonishing pace. Skaftafell Park spans an amazing 4,800 square kilometers and has some of the most unique landscapes on earth. There are several spots here where the natural heat under the earth has warmed up some of the pools and you can bathe in the hot waters. Sitting in the northeast of the country is the Asbyrgi Canyon which is in the shape of a horseshoe. If you’re lucky, it can also serve as a fantastic point from which to view the Northern Lights. If possible you need to come here in the summer season from June to August as outside of this period the weather is changeable and the park may be closed. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? That is a life risking situation. The vast majority of them will see a decent blend of local Icelanders and outside visitors, thus ensuring a night of interesting conversation. In a country made up of countless awe-inspiring natural attractions, it might seem hard to pick out just one that outmatches the others, and yet Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon takes the crown every time. Driving the Golden Circle can be achieved in a few hours. Iceland is known for its contrasting landscapes that literally cause the earth here to smoke and erupt under your feet. Here you will find a replica of a Viking ship from the 9th century called the Icelander which had the claim to fame of sailing across the Atlantic in 2000. Considering the sheer variety of experiences available in Iceland, picking and choosing how to spend your time and budget can often be a difficult part of your pre-holiday organization. As with many tours in Iceland, whale watching guests will also spot various seabirds, including skuas, Arctic terns, guillemots, and even the colorfully billed puffin. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Find what to do today, this weekend or in December. 1. Make the most of it! Like any cool spot Reykjavík is also constantly reinventing itself, as you can see at … Things to Do in Iceland, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 870,342 traveller reviews and photos of Iceland tourist attractions. The Northern Lights are infamously elusive, having left thousands of visitors disappointed with their intermittent absences. The canyon is 3.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide and there is a cliff in the middle of it from which you will be able to take in the vistas over both sides. If the Blue Lagoon is out of your budget, there are always other spas that offer similar experiences, such as the Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle and the Mývatn Nature Baths in the north. As such, you can enjoy the warm geothermal waters here as well as admire the spectacular surrounding scenery at the same time. Þingvellir National Park is important to Icelanders for many reasons, one of which is its aesthetic beauty. Thankfully, having tried and tested every adventure and experience available in the country, Guide to Iceland is an authority when it comes to choosing the best means of filling your time in Iceland. Downtown Reykjavík is awash with bars, coffee houses, restaurants, and social events. Husey in the east of Iceland sits sandwiched between two mighty glacial rivers and is encircled by the majestic Eastern Mountains. Considered the largest church in the country. Reykjavik is coziest during the colder months: restaurants are lit by candlelight, bars are packed with locals heading out for a nightcap, and the iconic … Discover a wide range of Mountain Tours Why not join this Mo... What travel experiences are fundamental to making any visit to Iceland unforgettable? Golf Courses in Iceland Cross-country Ski Areas in Iceland Kayaking & Canoeing in Iceland Waterskiing & Jetskiing in Iceland Climbing Tours in Iceland Fishing Charters & Tours in Iceland Running Tours in Iceland Air Tours in Iceland Ski & Snow Tours in Iceland Other Outdoor Activities in Iceland via GIPHY. Alongside Dettifoss, visitors to the Diamond Circle will also visit such attractions as Húsavík, Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Lake Mývatn. While some visitors choose to partake in a Zodiac boat tour, others are content to sit on the shoreline and watch as the playful seal colony dips and dives around the heaving chunks of ice. The route then moves on to the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Kerid Crater Lake. What are the most popular tour choices and cultural excursions? Things to Do in Iceland, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 869 574 traveller reviews and photos of Iceland tourist attractions. This is one of the better beaches to visit in the area as for all its legends and myths it is also easy to access and has an asphalt road that leads straight to it through the park. By choosing to partake in a horse riding tour, visitors guarantee themselves a tried-and-tested method of experiencing Icelandic nature. Some think that in a century, an entirely new fjord will have overtaken the lagoon. 10. Sunbathing is not really the most popular activity here as the weather in Iceland is not especially conducive to sunning yourself on the sand, but you will be able to go for a seaside walk and enjoy the pounding waves and the turquoise lagoon. However, others spread the route out over a whole day, even adding a snorkeling or snowmobiling tour for extra excitement. 12 Things NOT To Do in Iceland 11. We strongly recommend Iceland as your next destination due to its magnificent scenery and! Along the way you will find attractions such as the famous Thingvellir National Park, the Tectonic Plates, the spot on which the Icelandic Parliament used to sit in ancient times, and the Strokkur Geyser. Much of the area is covered in thick bird wood forests as well as black volcanic sands and icy raging rivers. It dominates the skyline of Reykjavik, although it also offers its own amazing views over the city if you climb to the summit. Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? The Seljavallalaug Pool dates from 1923 which makes it one of the oldest swimming pools in the country. There is also a famous ice cap here and you can hike all around the park following a series of trails that take you to sections such as the Black Fall where you will find a waterfall that tumbles over black basalt cliffs. Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss Waterfall are the main stops, but you can also add on Goðafoss Waterfall, Dark Castles, and Eider Falls to the route. Gullfoss Waterfall is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Iceland and lies on the Hvita River. The ultimate icy experience is entering one of the country’s gorgeous blue ice caves. Viking World Museum will make you feel as if you have gone back in time and ended up in the Viking Age. If you want to get out into the wilderness within easy reach of Reykjavik then consider Thingvellir National Park which is just 45 minutes away. Still, having considered general popularity, Icelandic authenticity, and traveler feedback, we’re sure that you’ll find one, if not all, twelve choices to your liking. Once on the skidoo you will power over the slippery surface of the glacier and take in the crisp air and the jet blue skies for which Iceland is famous. 1. Here you will find clouds of the winged heathens buzzing and whizzing around the lake shoreline, making the use of netted-hats and long sleeves an absolute necessity. Find Iceland's largest selection of tours,... Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland, 10 Amazing Icelandic Things the Locals Take for Granted, 7. Photo from Flexible 4 Hour Whale Watching & Puffin Watching Tours Combo with Transfer from Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja is a must-see place to overlook Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Nature lovers can go whale watching and bird watchers will find a plethora of local coastal species. Half a mile away from the capital city Reykjavik are the islands of Akurey and Lundey which are known for their gorgeous and cuddly puffin colonies. What are the Top 12 activities and experiences you shouldn't miss while on holiday in Iceland? It is well known for its flora and fauna and you will find 175 different kinds of plants here as well as 30 species of birds. The pool is part of a hillside at the base of a mountain and it is filled with water that pours down the side of the rock face. In order to do that you will find a range of routes up the mountain and there are both gentle trails for novice hikers as well as steeper paths to the summit for experienced climbers. There are camping areas all around the country and obviously, it is a lot more budget friendly than staying at hotels. Whether this has anything to do with beer only being legalized in 1989, or perhaps the eternal darkness that blankets the country each year, we can’t be sure. From the towering bird cliffs of Hornstrandir to the tumbling Dynjandi waterfalls, the Westfjords has something for everybody. It is during the winter, however, that Iceland truly lives up to its name. As well as the mighty glacier you can also enjoy amazing lava tubes and lava fields here and the site also attracts a wide range of local flora and fauna. Reynisfjara is not the only beach on the South Coast worthy of note. Photo from Hot Spring Hike of Reykjadalur Valley. Visit The Black Sand Beach In Vik Iceland Visiting the black sand beach in Vik is definitely a must. Close to Reykjavik is Mount Esja that rises 914 meters into the sky. Going out at night is certainly a favorite pastime amongst the local population, who will jump at the chance to enjoy a few cold ones before the night’s end. The Ring Road is the main road that makes a loop around the entire island. List of Best Things to do in Iceland 1. The church is actually modeled on the Svartifoss Waterfall in the south of the country and you may also notice that it has a statue of Leif Ericsson outside who was famous for discovering North America in 1000 AD, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Located in the southeast of Iceland, this ice floe is only a couple of decades old and now one of the most popular attractions in the area country. Here is a list of the Top 12 Things to do in Iceland. It’s also home to Silfra Fissure, one of the top 10 snorkeling spots worldwide. As with most places across the world, the longer the night goes on, the more debauched downtown Reykjavik’s general atmosphere will become. Read on and acquaint yourself with seve... What are some of the small but amazing things in Iceland you might not find elsewhere? When does the midnight sun take place in Iceland? While some criticize Iceland as not being quite frozen enough to warrant the name, this is, in fact, a country of floating icebergs, sweeping glacier tongues, and dazzling blue glacier ice caves. You can undertake a whale watching tour on either larger vessels or smaller powerboats. To that end, if you are very lucky you may even be able to see them from the capital city of Reykjavik, although if you are staying in the city then it is best to travel to Seltjarnarnes where there is a much higher chance of success away from the light pollution. Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik. They are also an excellent place to kick back and have a friendly chat with fellow bathers. Bear in mind however that the falls literally thunder over the side of a mountain so this is not the quietest area to lay your head. The falls rise 32 meters in the air and you can either watch them from a path that takes you to the base or stay at the summit. The waters here had long been said to have healing properties as they contain silica and other minerals and people flock here every year to treat a range of skin conditions and other ailments. Discover the best top things to do in Iceland including Vatnajökull National Park, Tectonic Plates, Snæfellsjökull National Park. How can you recreate the best Icelandic dishes? The Westfjords boasts the northernmost glacier in Iceland, Drangajökull, the picturesque bay Arnarfjörður, the domineering mountain Bolafjall and even the puffin-heavy island of Flatey. Of the two Akurey is more famous as it has the larger puffin population and you can also see a plethora of other wildlife here including cormorants, ducks, seagulls, and guillemots. You can explore the ship and wander underneath the hull as well as learn more about Viking history through a range of static and rotating exhibitions. See Dettifoss Waterfall in North Iceland, 3. If you like cities, then you can enjoy the engaging capital of Reykjavik which has one of the best hidden dining and nightlife scenes in Europe, but if you are a nature lover then you will be absolutely spoiled for choice on a trip here. Visiting in winter? This incredible phenomenon, dancing in ribbon-like waves of purple, green, and gold, must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Hot spring tours make for fantastic getaways and are the number one way to counter jet lag or a hangover. Which mountains are the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Iceland? 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland) The capital of Iceland is a young, culturally happening city, as well as a launch pad for natural wonders that people dream of seeing their whole lives. Whale Watching. Whatever you are looking for, Iceland is also a land of myths and legends, and you can tour the country learning of trolls, elves, giants, and mythical creatures that all add to the allure of this mysterious yet inviting country. Husavík is considered Iceland’s whale watching capital due to the abundant animal traffic that passes through its fjords. The Diamond Circle route is in northern Iceland with four popular stops. The Tectonic Plates sit on the Þingvellir Plain which is the point between North America and Europe where the plates are shifting away from each other. He was then cast out from the region by elves who then reclaimed the Dark Cities as their own homes. The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, comprised of three major attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Haukadalur Geothermal Valley, and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. All of these and more make up the diverse and staggeringly gorgeous landscapes of Iceland’s northwest. Like Iceland’s far east, international guests frequent the Westfjords less than the south, southwest, and north. Thankfully, most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance, meaning only the shortest of stumbles home after the party ends. This natural light display occurs only in the winter and only at the earth’s highest elevations. One of the most prominent buildings in Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja Church is pretty hard to miss. Taking a dip in a thermal lagoon is one of the most well-known, iconic things you can do in Iceland! The brewery produces a range of alcoholic drinks as well as requisite Icelandic beer and you can take a tour which will fill you in on how beer has been made here through the ages. The area in which the waterfall sits is a protected nature reserve and there is also a camping area here if you want to stay and take in the majesty of the waters for a while longer. This availability is good news for those visitors looking to see these mighty giants up close, and even better for those willing to slip on a pair of crampons and take to hiking the ice cap itself. Thankfully, there are handy steps you can take in advance to help better maximize your chances. The waterfall gives way to lots of smaller waterways as you ascend to its location before you finally see the main event, the raging waters of Dynjandi. On the other hand, smaller boats mean smaller groups and a more intimate setting. Whale watching tours depart from three primary locations: Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Husavík . When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? Instantly recognizable for its diminutive stature, short legs, and muscular build, this isolated breed is famed for its reliability, resistance to the harsh natural elements, and its five gaits. There are trips that depart from the central harbor several times a day throughout the winter months and there are an amazing 23 different kinds of whales in the waters around Iceland including humpback and minke whales. This 32-meter high feature demonstrates the power of Iceland’s water systems as it cascades over two rocky tiers and into a dramatic valley below. Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier retreated very quickly from 1920 to 1965, leaving this breathtaking lagoon behind, which is up to 190 meters deep. Iceland could very well be one of the best places in the entire world for whale watching. Keep read... What are the most delicious Icelandic recipes? The most common species sightings are minke whales and humpback whales, though there is always the possibility of seeing rarer animals, such as killer whales and fin whales. Falling 44 meters from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, Dettifoss crescendos with a mighty crash into the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon below, creating one of the most spectacular and dramatic natural sites available to visit in Iceland. What are the “Must-Sees” and “Must-Do’s” for those with only limited time? Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Iceland! Get on an Iceberg in Jökulsárlón. After all, it is a still lake decorated with glittering icebergs, groaning and crunching against one another as they make their way from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier to the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly, it is this glacier that was featured in Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. It’s also where Medieval Icelanders formed the world’s first democratically elected parliament in 930 AD. They can also provide a wealth of scientific information to add even more color to the experience. You will also find a blue lagoon which is studded with icebergs and you can take to the waters in a boat and get up close to these spectacular blocks of ice. Haukadalur is home to the hot springs, Geysir and Strokkur, the latter of which erupts to over twenty meters high every five minutes or so, as well as numerous steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Find what to do today, this weekend or in December. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Keflavik, Iceland on Tripadvisor: See 1,794 traveler reviews and photos of Keflavik tourist attractions. Located in the capital city of Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja Church which incidentally is the largest of its kind in Iceland. The mountain is made of volcanic sediment and basalt and is famous for its multi-hued rhyolite rock. Best Things To Do In Reykjavik 1. Top Things to Do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 505,788 traveller reviews and photos of 333 things to do when in Reykjavik. Powerboats can also get closer to the animals themselves as their motors make far less noise. We have reviews of the best places to see in Iceland. Anyone who enjoys hiking should not miss the chance to go walking in one of the most remote parts of the country where you will have a good chance of seeing cute Arctic foxes as well as seals and the occasional whale. 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