Traveling to Iceland is a magical experience. This is the land of northern lights, volcanoes, rugged landscapes, waterfalls, mountains and natural hot springs. Iceland has become a favorite country for many travelers.
It is a beautiful country full of warm and welcoming people, although with quite high prices. So you can’t travel to Iceland on a budget. Want to know what are the best plans when visiting this country? Read on! We have some ideas of what you can see and do.
What are the best things to see and do when traveling to Iceland?
The spectacular scenery is the main attraction to see in Iceland. Tourism and nature go hand in hand in this country allowing visitors to do amazing and unique activities. Let’s see some of the things to see and do when traveling to Iceland.
Dive into the Blue Lagoon
This famous geothermal pool is the country’s main tourist attraction. It may be crowded and expensive, but there is nothing else like it in the world. This huge, milky-blue spa is fed by heated seawater rich in minerals.
Visit and stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital is packed with places to entertain and a brightly colored old town with rows of wooden houses. It’s a very small city, where it’s worth spending a few days to really get a feel for the city’s art and culture. If you are a night owl, you will love Reykjavik’s party life. The nightlife starts at midnight.
Take a look at the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.
Located in the southeast of Iceland, this is one of the country’s most popular attractions. You can enjoy watching and listening to the ice on its way to the sea. For a closer look at the glaciers, consider exploring the lagoon by boat.
See the waterfalls
Iceland is the king of waterfalls. There you can find many waterfalls. Among them, Dettifoss, located in the north, is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Gullfoss, is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss, is beautiful and is configured so that you can walk behind it, and then there are Skogafoss, Svartifoss and Goðafoss. If you love waterfalls, you’ll love Iceland.
Visit the natural baths of Mývatn when traveling to Iceland.
These were quieter and less expensive than the famous Blue Lagoon. The geothermal spa offers the most relaxing natural bathing and is the most enticing attraction. The water from the subway hot springs reaches 37-39 ° C and is beneficial for health and skin.
Visit Thingvellir National Park
This national park and UNESCO World Heritage site is interesting for two reasons: it is the original site of the oldest parliament in the world and it is also where the continental shelf plates of North America and Europe are breaking up.
Hike the Golden Circle Tourist Trail
During the summer months, hiking in the Icelandic highlands becomes a popular pastime. This tour, among many other things, can allow you to stand on the edge of the North American Plate rift. And, looking out at the crack in the Eurasian Plate in the distance, breathtaking!
Stroll along the Laugavegur Trail when traveling to Iceland.
This 55 km trail running between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk is as popular a destination for locals as it is for foreign visitors, and remains one of the most extraordinary hiking trails in the world. It offers a wide variety of landscapes, multi-colored mountains, hot springs and glaciers, rivers and lakes.
Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail when traveling in Iceland.
Stretching between Þórsmörk and Skógar, this trail can be done in one day or split into a two-day adventure. You can camp or book one of the mountain huts located along the route.
Visit Skaftafell Ice Cave
The overwhelmingly beautiful ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park attract adventurers from all over the world. Travel agencies organize trips to the glaciers, from where you can visit the caves. Be sure to go in winter, when the ice does not melt and it is safe to enter.
Whale watching when traveling to Iceland
Around Iceland, there are more than 20 different species of whales that frequent its waters. You can find a wide variety of tours available, and most of them last about 3 hours. The main whale watching season is from April to September.
See the Northern Lights
Seeing this wonderful natural phenomenon in person is one of the most amazing things to do. The lights are best admired in remote locations away from city lights. The best time to appreciate them is from mid-September to mid-April. However, it’s a lottery!
Go to Landmannalaugar
The multi-colored rhyolite mountains, lava fields and Hekla volcano make it a popular tourist destination. The striking landscapes look like a different planet. Hiking and horseback riding are among the most popular activities here.
See Kirkjufell Mountain
Near the small town of Grundarfjörður in western Iceland, the mountain stands out beautifully in a flat landscape. Around this stunning mountain you can find plenty of smaller waterfalls and see the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.
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Hike the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Stretching from the west coast, this peninsula is crowned by a large national park. It is a great place for a hike or a walk along the coast. There are numerous hills and mountains to climb, including Snæfellsjökull. If you’re feeling adventurous book a glacier walking tour.
Look out for puffins when traveling in Iceland.
Puffins can be seen nesting all over Iceland between mid-April and mid-August. The largest populations can be found on the Westman Islands and in the West Fjords. As well as in certain parts of the East Fjords.
Visit the National Museum of Iceland
This museum in Reykjavik contains informative exhibits on early settlers, Christianity in Iceland, the island under Norwegian and Danish rule, and the independence movement. While not too large, it is a great visit if you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the people.
ALFA