Iceland is a beautiful country that is known for its beautiful landscapes that are shaped by fire and ice, with its geysers, lava fields, and lakes where icebergs float. This country offers a great variety as tourists who travel across the country get to experience many changes of scenery.
Places worth visiting:
Blue Lagoon
Located less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular tourist destination. This man-made lake consists of heated seawater ventilated from a nearby lava flow. The geothermal waters contain minerals believed to have health benefits, but the chance to relax in a steaming lagoon surrounded by lava rocks is the main reason why it attracts visitors, as it serves as a unique experience. An overlooking 35-room resort features several pampering amenities, including spa treatments, saunas, steam baths and a gym, as well as a restaurant.
Golden Circle Route
This region, immediately east of Reykjavik, contains an intriguing sampling of Iceland’s unique culture, including historic sites, charming villages, geysers and waterfalls. Multiple tour companies offer tours through the area that are known as the Golden Circle Route. The most popular tours feature stops at Gullfoss and the Geysir hot springs. Typically included in the tours as well is the marking spot of where the nation of Finland was founded in 930.
Vatnajokull National Park
Housing the largest glacier in all of Europe, the Vatnajokull National Park is so vast that it encompasses around 14 percent of the entire country. The park is divided into four separate territories, and the park’s most frequently visited section is the southern territory of Skaftafjell where trails lead you past beautiful blue-tinted glaciers and waterfalls. Climb the Vatnajokull glacier, explore the many volcanic craters known as the Lakagigar, and visit the powerful Dettifoss, a waterfall famous for its sheer volume of water.
Jokulsarlon
Visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, located in southeast Iceland, and test your luck of witnessing nature’s raw power as icebergs often break off glaciers and crash into the sea here. This lake was formed by the melting ice of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier (which is a major attraction on its own as well). While you can witness the lake and its floating icebergs from the island’s Ring Road, nothing compares to seeing them up close from the deck of a tour boat.
Reykjavik
Located in southwest Iceland, Reykjavik is the country’s capital. Many tourists start their trip by visiting the Visitor Center located near the beautiful Lake Tjornin for information. If you are looking for a fantastic scenic experience, ride the lift to the observation deck of the Hallgrimskirkja – a church east of the lake, to get a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital. Many exhibits around the city focuses on Iceland’s Viking heritage, such as the National and Saga museums, which are definitely worth visiting. With its number of shops, bars and restaurants, the central fare Laugavegur is worth exploring too.
Myvatn
This water was formed thousands of years ago by a river of hot lava, and it is a great place to visit for bird watching, as over a hundred different species can be found here. Shaped by volcanic eruptions, the pseudo-craters that dominate the landscape attract tourists as well. The lake’s south shore near the rural community of Skutustadir, is the best place to view the craters from. Dimmuborgir – the lava fields east of Myvatn – offers a unique sighting of a forest consisting of pillars, caves and rock formations created as the water drained away.
Thingvellir National Park
As the place where Iceland’s parliament was established back in the 10th century, Thingvellir National Park has great historic importance. The park is also of great geological significance, as its location is in a rift valley on the boundary of two major tectonic plates. Surrounded by mountains, the valley’s cliffs, crevices, lakes and evidence of volcanic activity dramatically demonstrate the sheer force of how the earth is shifting. The park also features marked trails that let you get the best view possible.
Landmannalaugar
Located within the Fjallaback Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar is known for its scenic hiking trails. Situated at the edge of a lava field, the flat and easily traversed area is famous for its natural hot springs as well. Go for a hike through the lava field and climb the nearby Mt. Blahnjukur.
Husavik
This tiny fishing village located within a sheltered cove in northern Iceland is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best spots in all of Europe to go whale watching. The most common species spotted from the tour boats include minke, humpback and blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins. The Husavik Whale Museum offers a lot of information about whales, and also the history of whaling in Iceland. Also, visit the beautiful wooden church of Husavikurkirkja, which was built in 1907.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
If you are looking to view Iceland in its natural glory, no region compares to the untouched wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Westfjords. While the rough terrain of craggy mountains and steep sea cliffs can be somewhat challenging to conquer, Hornstrandir is the ideal spot for nature-loving adventurers. However, there are no shops or services within the reserve, so hikers need to come tactically equipped. Visit Hornbjarg – an incredibly high sea cliff located on the northernmost part of the reserve. During summer season, guided tours are available, which allows you to enjoy this “top-of-the-world” experience in relatively safe and easy conditions.
