Breathtaking Places to Visit in Iceland
So you’re looking to visit Iceland? That is excellent because many regard Iceland as Europe’s most beautiful country, and there are so many top iceland attractions.
Iceland is Europe’s second-largest island, with a vast coastline of nearly 5000 kilometres. Did you know Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik is the most Northern capital city globally?
The country is home to Europe’s most incredible views, majestic nature, and best adventure day trips. Here are some of the best Iceland things to do.
1. Enlighten yourself on Iceland’s great history
Did you know that Iceland has a history that dates back centuries? The Vikings founded the country, and you can see vast amounts of Viking culture and heritage around the island.
A top Iceland attraction is the Viking World Museum because it is home to exhibits, a Viking ship, and a replica of the notorious Gokstad ship.
Did you know during the 18th-century, there was an enormous volcanic eruption that almost left the island deserted? You can see various examples of the eruption’s damage throughout the island.
2. Observe the incredible Northern Lights
If you’re lucky, you can see the incredible Northern Lights from Iceland, and the main reason you can see the Northern Light is Iceland’s high altitude. You will need darkness, so the best time to visit Iceland is from August to April but lights tend to show up mostly in September and March.
Did you know that the International Space Station is at the same height as the Northern Lights? Therefore, astronauts can see them from the side.
Every year, the peak of the light between May and September. You can find a variety of information about tours on the Reykjavik Excursions website.
3. Witness the incredible midnight Sun of Iceland
During the summer months, Iceland’s sun never sets. How does that sound if you’re from the United Kingdom, where grey skies dominate yearly?
The midnight sun is one of Iceland’s top attractions. You’ll find a sky full of beautiful orange, red, and pink colours.
It is only possible to see the midnight sun during the summer months of June to August, and it is possible to get excellent tours to various viewpoints.
4.Go whale watching
Whale watching can be hugely disappointing because you’re not always guaranteed to find one. In Iceland, you stand an excellent chance of seeing some of the world’s most giant whales.
You should visit Iceland from April to October because this is the most fantastic time to see one. Visitors always love seeing the minke whales and humpback whales.
There are various beautiful tours, where you’ll pass through some of Iceland’s most excellent scenery as you observe the prehistoric beauties.
5. Visit Iceland’s world-famous geothermal baths
If you’ve used Instagram – you have probably seen pictures of Iceland’s iconic hot springs. During the winter months, the hot springs are incredibly popular with tourists because they are ideal for relaxing.
You can find these hot springs all across Iceland, but the Blue Lagoon is the most popular. It is a large lake in Reykjanes peninsula with an average yearly temperature of 39 degrees Celsius!
Moreover, you’ll reap the enormous benefits of the water’s rich minerals, including silica and sulfur making it one of the best iceland places to visit.
6. Wander around the Þingvellir National Park
Iceland is home to some of Europe’s – and the worlds – most incredible national parks, and the Þingvellir National Park is one of the best.
The national park is only a mere 45 minutes from Reykjavík, easily accessible via tour and car. Additionally, it is one of Iceland’s most historically significant destinations.
In recent years, UNESCO declared the site a world heritage site because of the numerous natural wonders. You can even dive and snorkel between tectonic plates.
7. Marvel at the volcanoes
Iceland is notorious for its great volcanic activity. And there are numerous active volcanoes you can explore.
Famous volcanoes include the Katla volcano, Hekla, and the Thrihnukagigur volcano. The fantastic benefit of the Thrihnukagigur volcano is you can go 128 metres deep into the Volcanoes heart.
From here, you can see the Volcanoes stained walls – a truly magnificent experience. The volcanic activity comes hand in hand with Iceland, and visitors love the majesticness of this.
8. Visit world-class waterfalls
The chances are, if you’ve seen tourism videos of Iceland, or you’ve watched YouTube vlogs, you have likely seen Iceland’s waterfall. The nation is home to some of the world’s most incredible waterfalls.
The most famous waterfall is the Svartifoss waterfall because it offers genuinely remarkable nature and photographic opportunities.
Also, why not visit Gullfoss Falls? They are equally as incredible. Although you can’t swim in Iceland’s waterfalls (unless you want to freeze), you’ll witness some breathtaking scenery.
9. Explore the Ice Caves
Iceland’s incredible ice caves are famous because they have featured in countless movies. However, there is nothing better than witnessing them first-hand.
The most famous ice cave is in the Langjokull glacier because it is human-made, and you can see crystal walls with an incredible light effect on the wall.
Moreover, you can find ice caves everywhere on the island, and they are magnificent and some of the best places to visit in Iceland.
10. Munch on the local cuisine
Iceland has a unique cuisine that remains relatively unheard of around the globe. It is a delicious cuisine, and there are many excellent places to eat it in Iceland.
Some of the world’s most delicious seafood is in Reykjavik, and visitors love the eclectic mixture of delicious fish while they go Reykjavik sightseeing.
Furthermore, the island has seen widespread technological advancement in recent years, making various local produce available on the island.
Final Thoughts
Iceland is a country that offers some of Europe’s most incredible beauty. The country is ready and open for tourism in 2021; why not check it out for yourself?