5 Things You Don't Want to Miss In Iceland
Updated: May 3, 2022
Do you dream of seeing the Northern Lights? Iceland is one of the top destinations on the planet to experience the Northern Lights, but there is so much more to this not-so-frozen island.
Trips to Iceland are as much of an adventure as they are about experiencing nature in its purest forms. From hikes to pristine waterfalls to swimming in hot spring lagoons, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.
Keep reading to check out 5 Things to do in Iceland.
Whale Watching Tour
There are many tours available that allow you to see whales as well as puffins. You can engage with Naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe. It is best to whale watch in the summer months, preferably April through September. Minke whales are the most common in Iceland. Follow the instructions carefully and be safe.
Blue Lagoon Spa
This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport. There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements. The lagoon is human-made and renewed every two days with fresh water. You can easily access the site via car or bus.
For even more time at the Blue Lagoon, stay at the Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon. Named for the Blue Lagoon's iconic healing element and architected into a vast lava plain, Silica Hotel is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. With 35 bright and spacious double/twin rooms, terraces with views of the volcanic horizon, and a private lagoon that is sourced from the same geothermal wellspring as the Blue Lagoon, the hotel enables an unforgettable experience of the wonders of geothermal seawater in a setting that is tranquil, intimate, and enchanting.
West Fjords
Located in a famous peninsula, the Fjords are breathtaking. You need to plan well and leave time to explore all this area has to offer. They have great attractions. You can visit a myriad of unique sites, such as the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum or the famous Látrabjarg cliff. There is much to experience in this mountainous, remote area. You will have options that will keep you interested while on your expedition.
Skogafoss
The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss, is the most scenic fall in Iceland. With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular. There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…
Silfra
Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park. It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and the Eurasian continents. It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year. The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels. There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel. The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. The maximum depth is about 207 feet. The water is the purest in the world, and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.
One of the best ways to experience Iceland is with a private tour. I work with the best partners in Iceland to make sure that you’ll see everything on your bucket list and even get to experience a few surprises.
When you plan early, you get better access to the most popular sites. If you need help deciding what to do while on vacation, I will make sure you’re matched with activities that align with your travel personality.
5 sights you don’t want to miss when you visit Iceland
Thingvellir
To see the Northern Lights, you need to know the best possible location to view this wonder. Thingvellir is by far the finest area to see this wonder. Be sure you check the weather so that you have a combination of dark and partially clear skies. Thingvellir is a national park, as well as a historic site. It doubles as a great tourist selection for you to see a rare vision as well as gain some insight into the history of the land.
Holuhraun
This is a relatively new site that you can visit located in the Highlands of Iceland. You will need a 4WD to reach the landscape and be sure you get a high-quality vehicle that is equipped to travel on the unique terrain. Holuhraun is the newest formed lava flow from a volcano that lasted from August 2014 through February 2015. When peering into the rifts of the lava, you see many beautifully vivid colors. While driving along the sand, you can still see steam in certain areas. It is a geological wonder to behold. Be careful and stay on the marked paths, and to wear gloves when handling any lava rocks.
Reynisfjara Beach
This beach is gorgeous and an absolute must-see! With its rare black sand and basalt columns, there is much to explore on this volcanic shoreline. The black sand is lava that cooled once it hit the water, and the sand is more like various small stones. White sand and red sand beaches (Westfjords) also exist in Iceland. While on Reynisfjara, you can see Gardar, which is a basalt cliff that resembles a staircase to heaven. It is a natural pyramid and was formed by columnar jointing. There are many basalt columns throughout Iceland, but this is by far the most exceptional.
Party in Reykjavik
This small town has the best party spots in Iceland, hands down! There are multiple bars and restaurants to choose from. None of the businesses charge a cover, and the music is fantastic!
Seljavallalaug
This natural pool is one of the oldest in Iceland, and you will surely have a memorable experience when visiting. The water is not that hot because it does mix with colder water.
Have you been dreaming about a trip to Iceland? Schedule a consultation with me to talk about how we can make it a reality.
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