Everyone is Flocking to Iceland, Here is Why You Should Too
The once remote country- now a bonafide tourist destination has people flocking from all over hoping to get their hands on a piece of an unforgettable experience that Iceland has to offer. Especially, in part to more affordable airline rates from airlines like Icelandair & EasyJet, this travel destination has become more accessible. The renown Nordic country is quickly topping the bucket list of every type of traveler- attracting the lounge and relax vacationist all the way to the thrill-seeking adventurist with it’s endless things to do.
This subarctic country covered in volcanoes, glaciers and black-sand beaches also still holds a sense of mystery to the more novice traveler. If you’re unsure where to begin planning your trip you have come to the right place. Whether if you’re going for a good time, not a long time or plan to stay as long as your heart’s desire- consider this your ultimate guide to Iceland travel. Here is everything you will want to see and want to know when planning your visit to this magical wonderland.
TO DO
Most travelers flock to Reykjavík, but most insiders know there’s no way to explore Iceland without visiting the unforgettable sites just an hour’s drive outside the city. Experience a variation of mystical waterfalls and the natural phenomenon this lush land has to offer, an adventure junkie’s paradise awaits…
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Ahhhh the famous Golden Circle-the ultimate road trip of a lifetime! Iceland offers views of some of Mother Nature's finest art displays. Geysers, waterfalls and volcanic craters, what can get better than that? Depending on how many stops you plant to take, the Golden Circle can take as little as 5 hours up to a few days if you spread it out. For reference, I did a majority of the stops- we left at 7:30 AM and returned around 1:30 AM when the sun was still up. The 18 hour journey was long but well worth it since our trip was only planned for 4 days in Iceland.
There are many great tours you can take- Snaeland Travel offers custom tailored private tours for a more personal experience. If you plan to rent a car you can find a user friendly classic Golden Circle map here and tailor it to your own personal preference. You can also stay local as some waterfalls are only within two hours distance such as Glymur, Bruarfoss, and Skógafoss.
Here are some great stops along the Golden Circle that are highly recommended:
Gullfoss
An iconic waterfall located in South Iceland offers spectacular falls that come from Iceland’s second biggest glacier, Langjökull.
Skógafoss
One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of some 62 meters and a width of 25 meters is a sight to see and the best part? You can walk right up to it and hike behind the water. Be prepared to go at a slow pace as the trail is slippery from the water backsplash so visitors tread along slowly.
Brúarfoss
Famous for being Iceland’s Bluest waterfall. To get to this waterfall, be prepared to walk. There once was a shorter walk located on private property but has recently been shut down to the public. The hike to get here is now a 7 km (4.4 miles) round trip walk. It is well worth the walk as there are smaller waterfalls along the way.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Located on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal you will find a world-famous black-sand beach. Not your average white-sand beach experience but one worth visiting for the picturesque views alone!
THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon has landed itself on top of many travel enthusiasts bucket list's lately and it's certainly a testament to it's milky blue waters that boasts an otherworldly appearance that draws people in effortlessly.
This geothermal spa is one of Iceland's most popular attractions where you can stay, play and destress while soaking in it's therapeutic waters. The Blue Lagoon’s water temperature averages 37–40 °C (98–104 °F) year round making it basically the the most badass jacuzzi on this planet (especially in the dead of the winter). The three active ingredients in the geothermal water include silica, algae and minerals making for a very relaxing experience that will leave your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
Read more about visiting the Blue Lagoon here.
The Northern Lights/ Aurora Borealis
Is the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Well then Iceland is a great spot to be to view this beautiful, natural phenomenon which are visible eight months out of the year! The best time to see natural phenomenon is from early September to late April but skies are most dark in the Winter, which makes the Aurora Borealis more visible. I recommend booking a tour with a company like Arctic Adventures for a more one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience which embarks their guests on a Northern Lights hunting adventure.
Icelantic Horses
Because they are just so darn cute! You will see them driving around the outer Ring Road.
Glacier and Ice Cave Trekking
Iceland has many incredible glaciers waiting to be explored. The Sólheimajökull glacier is made up of ancient frozen water and is perfect for getting to witness the spectacular ice formations and ice caves.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Located in South Iceland this glacier lagoon is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world. It is about and extra 2 hours further outside of the Golden Circle in the south coast but if you have the time to add on it is definitely worth the visit.
Dive the Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is a rift between of the North American and Eurasian continental tectonic plates with over 100 meters of water visibility. Divers and snorkelers can swim between the tectonic boundaries experiencing some of the clearest water on Earth. Diving at the Silfra Fissure is often ranked as one of the top 10 diving experiences in the world.
Reykjavík
When you’re not out exploring all that Iceland’s natural landscape has to offer, immerse yourself in the culture of the Icelandic people by experiencing their music, art and fresh cuisine in the beautiful city of Reykjavík.
DO
Whale Watching
You can take a whale-watching tour out of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour year-round. See humpback whales, orcas, blue whales, and dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. OR…
Puffin Tour
From the same port at Old Harbour you can schedule a Puffin tour because who wouldn’t want to see these adorable creatures up close and personal?
The National Gallery of Iceland
Get your art fix and pay a visit to The National Gallery of Iceland. The art museum is home to some of the most distinct, thought-provoking modern and contemporary work made by Icelandic and international artists alike.
Harpa
This concert hall in the heart of Reykjavík stands out with its gorgeous architecture- a modern building designed by Danish Architects. Harpa held its opening concert is 2011 and has since become one of the city’s greatest landmarks.
EAT
The country of Iceland is known for it’s innovative take on seafood, not to mention how fresh it is. Here are some great spots that serve up local cuisine.
GRÁI KÖTTURINN (THE GRAY CAT)
Amazing Breakfast
SVARTA KAFFIÐ (THE BLACK COFFEE)
Great vegetarian options
SNAPS
A very trendy & quirky bistro offering wine, seafood and steak.
Matur og Drykkur
Great for the foodie. Local dishes like roasted mussels and lamb flakes. It’s classic Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is definitely your best bet but do not be afraid to visit during the winter. It is pretty cold year round in Iceland so in the Summer the weather will be mild and you won't have to worry about driving in icy conditions. Also in the Summer the nights are bright- the sun comes up around 3/4 AM and doesn't fully go down until about 2 AM. However, if you do visit during winter and plan on staying in the capitol, the city of Reykjavík has an underground heating system to keep its sidewalks and streets free of snow and ice making it safer to get around.
If you are heading to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, December is the best month but of course make sure to check the Aurora forecast here. Also, in December there are plenty of Christmas lights and Markets to see for the holidays.
Getting Around
Rental Car hands down! It is fairly reasonable to rent a car in Iceland. Make sure you get the insurance that covers dings and dents. Driving in Iceland is easy as it is mainly flat and not a lot of people on the road but because there is so much nature around there are small rocks and pebbles everywhere and some roads that aren't paved so it is better to be safe than sorry. If you don’t purchase the GPS add on make sure you download your Google maps into your phone before heading out, and don’t forget a car charger for your phone!
Additional Tips
Explore outside of Reykjavík
Whether you are in Iceland visiting only for just a few days or plan to stay longer, I highly recommend going out side of Reykjavík. Definitely spend a day exploring Reykjavík because it is worth seeing to check out the museums, cafés, and the famous Hallgrímskirkja church. You can also stay local as some waterfalls are only within two hours distance such as Glymur, Bruarfoss, and Skógafoss, or you can even schedule a Puffin tour, whale watching tour or head to the Blue Lagoon (all take about a half day).
Clothing
Most importantly bring a weather proof (and warm!) jacket. If you plan to do some hiking make sure you bring good shoes with traction that you don't mind getting dirty.
Drinking Water
The tap water in Iceland smells a bit different but is safe to drink. Reykjavík’s uber environmentally-conscious land runs on geothermal power so the water comes from a volcanic ground source giving the water it’s sulfuric smell.
What to Expect
Iceland may be affordable to get to but spending time in the city can be quite expensive. Make sure you save up ahead of time. Save some money by stocking up on snacks and on-the-go meals from the local grocery stores.
Bathroom breaks are hard to come about when doing the Golden Circle and Inner Ring Road, make sure you map out where the small cities are and local restaurants, gas stations, etc. are along the way to be prepared. Most of the bigger waterfall attractions have visitor centers with restrooms and small snack stalls.
Never get discouraged with time! Iceland is one of few places in the world that offers plentiful daylight to get around. If you have the energy and enough gas in the tank (quite literally and figuratively), take the time for one more stop or two! It’ll be worth it. Let’s just say Iceland has so much to offer that even if you spent lots of time leaving your footprints behind or stopped in for a short stay- this breathtaking land full of nature’s wonder will always leave you wanting to come back for more.