With towering tundras of fast-flowing falls, large gleaming glaciers and hidden scorching springs, it’s no surprise Iceland has a nickname of the ‘Land of Fireplace and Ice’. And to assume that hardly even covers what could be discovered on the bottom, not to mention the paranormal Northern Lights that swirl via the evening skies or the majestic marine mammals that inhabit the encompassing waters.
We’re positive this Viking-made nation is in your must-see checklist, however since there’s a lot to see if you’re there, we’ve scoured excessive and low for the highest suggestions, the must-dos and the need-to-see sights. Nevertheless, in the event you really need essentially the most out of your journey, think about a small guided tour with certainly one of our knowledgeable native leaders.
Expertise Iceland on a small group tour
1. Roam round Reykjavik
It might be exhausting to say and even more durable to spell, however this Icelandic capital metropolis is definitely worth the trek to get right here. As that is seemingly your own home base throughout your Iceland enterprise, it’s best to take a while to wander its many points of interest. One of the recognisable sights is the long-lasting Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral towering over the rooftops and roads. Climb to the highest to see the town’s mountainous backdrop or, merely marvel this spectacular constructing from the skin.
If the decision of the Vikings has led you to Iceland, we’d suggest a number of sights that honour the nation’s settlers. See the spectacular Sólfar (Solar Voyager) Viking boat statue standing tall over the harbour, or cease by the Nationwide Museum for a glimpse on the nation’s journey from the 9th century to fashionable occasions.
Talking of contemporary occasions, this eclectic metropolis is dwelling to artists, music makers and creators alike – all culminating in an enchanting cultural scene. Different notable stops embrace:
2. Glide over glaciers
With a reputation like ‘Iceland’, you’d most likely anticipate some spectacular feats of frozen water, and boy does this northern land ship. Encounter frozen landscapes match for a fairytale ice queen and put together to be wowed by the otherworldy make-up of floating glaciers and chilled-out water.
Glacier climbing is a well-liked pastime in these components. Or, see icy spectacles just like the Jokularson Glacier Lagoon from one other angle by boarding a ship or paddling over in a kayak. Discover the ice caves and hike atop the glacier on the Solheimajokull Glacier, or gaze out throughout the huge Vatnajökull Ice Cap, certainly one of Europe’s largest ice caps.
3. Go to an Icelandic seaside
What chances are you’ll not anticipate from Iceland is {that a} seaside go to is effectively definitely worth the journey to the coast. In contrast to most seashores discovered all through the world, Icelandic shores can include distinctive black sand that greets frosty-looking arctic waters framed by distinctive stone buildings. When venturing south, cease by Reynisfjara seaside, discovered by the charming village of Vik. Whereas right here, see the basalt columns referred to as Reynisdrangar, an unimaginable pure stone formation.
Different worthy seashores embrace the Djúpalónssandur seaside discovered west on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Diamond Seaside on the southeast coast, aptly named for the diamond-like iceberg fragments that wash ashore.
4. Hop via the Golden Circle
If you happen to’re hoping to see a few of Iceland’s marquee points of interest multi functional go, you’re in luck as a result of they’ve made it so simple as a round drive. Properly, not fairly an ideal circle, however nonetheless. Named the Golden Circle for its ovular route, this journey takes you from Reykjavik to the key websites of Thingvellir Nationwide Park, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall and, in the event you’re within the know – the (not-so) Secret Lagoon.
Thingvellir Nationwide Park was the situation of Iceland’s first parliament. Whereas little stays of this historical past, some previous foundations could be seen if the place to look. Inside the nationwide park can be the positioning of two neighbouring tectonic plates: the North American and Eurasian plates, slowly splitting aside. Right here can be the place the Silfra dive web site is situated – however extra on snorkelling and scuba diving later.
The opposite two points of interest of the Golden Circle are the websites of the Gullfoss Waterfall and Strokkur Geyser. The Gullfoss is Iceland’s largest waterfall, with two drops that equate to a complete top of 32 meters (105 ft). In winter, the positioning might grow to be partially frozen and, arguably, much more gorgeous to behold. The Strokkur Geyser is an lively geyser within the Geysir Geothermal Space that erupts each 5 to 10 minutes with a formidable jet that may typically rise up to 40 meters (131 ft) excessive.
Summer season vs Winter: The very best time to go to Iceland’s Golden Circle
Our Golden Circle excursions
5. Wander the waterfalls
If you happen to’re not somebody who will get to see many grand water options in your on a regular basis life, then you definitely’re in for a deal with. Iceland waterfalls are a few of the strongest and magical in the whole European continent. What’s additionally superb is that a lot of them have a singular story to them, giving life to those thunderous pure occurrences. As a result of there are fairly a number of to see, we’ve listed a few of the most iconic and noteworthy.
- Skogafoss: a favorite amongst travellers and locals alike resulting from its staggering magnificence and folklore. If you happen to’re even going to exit of your method to see a waterfall, it ought to most likely be this one. These in luck might even catch a rainbow rising from the waters.
- Seljalandsfoss: in the event you’ve appeared up Iceland, you’ve seemingly seen an image of this waterfall, because it’s among the many favourites of tourists. The Seljalandsfoss additionally has a little bit of a splash zone with a path across the again of the falls that lets you see out from behind the falling water – that means you’ll seemingly get a little bit moist.
- Selfoss: a waterfall within the northern area that appears like a sequence of falls resulting from its size. A powerful pure surprise that’s price a point out in your itinerary.
- Svartifoss: not usually does a waterfall encourage structure, however that’s precisely what the Svartifoss did for distinguished Reykyvik designs such because the Hallgrimskirkja Church. The 20 meter (65 ft) tall falls tumble off a sequence of gray basalt columns right into a pool of eroded rocks. The columns are so pristinely formed that it’s exhausting to imagine they’re not man-made.
- Godafoss: named ‘Waterfall of Gods’ for its poignant historical past in relation to the flip to Christianity. The story goes that within the 12 months 1000, the lawspeaker threw his statues of the Norse Gods into the falls, an act that signified his determination to make Christianity the official nationwide faith.
- Gullfoss: discovered on the Golden Circle route and named the ‘Golden Falls, ’ this waterfall additionally has political significance as an area lady threatened to throw herself into the falls if a development venture had been to start on the positioning.
- Detifoss: because the second strongest waterfall in Europe, the Detifoss (translation ‘Tumbling Falls’) is understandably a formidable visible. These falls are much less identified for magnificence and extra for its thundering pressure and discoloured white-grey water.
- Kvernufoos: an in depth companion to the better-known Skogafoss, however with its moss and stone-framed gorge, it’s undoubtedly one so as to add to the checklist. It’s additionally normally a little bit quieter than its common neighbour.
6. Hike glaciers, volcanoes and mountains
Irrespective of in the event you’re a trekker, a hiker or simply somebody who enjoys a leisurely stroll, the pure wonders of Iceland present ample locations to discover at your individual pace. What’s much more spectacular is that these aren’t your common treks. No, right here in Iceland, you’ll be able to hike glaciers and volcanoes alongside stunning mountains and valleys.
A number of the most notable hikes are the Vatnajokull or Fimmvörðuháls Glacier hikes, the Mount Esja climb and the Thórsmörk (Valley of Thor) Nature Reserve trek. If you happen to’re searching for a volcano to climb, the Litli-Hrútur – a freshly made volcanic panorama in Iceland’s southwest, is a must-see.
6 of the most effective hikes in Iceland
7. Absorb the minerals.
So, we’ve coated the ice a part of ‘The Land of Ice and Fireplace’, however what in regards to the hearth? Properly, that comes within the type of decadent scorching springs and geothermal swimming pools which are dotted all through the nation. The now world-famous Blue Lagoon is simply one of many many places to profit from Iceland’s hot-spot exercise, and whereas it’s actually a gorgeous location, there are many different locations to heat up after a protracted day of glacier climbing. A few of this scorching spring water even has properties that make it helpful on your physique, with minerals that may ease sure pores and skin circumstances and even sore joints.
Earlier than you swim in a few of the extra off-the-beaten-track springs, be sure you verify for warnings, as a few of Iceland’s naturally shaped scorching springs aren’t appropriate for swimming.
8. Encounter an animal
To not be outdone by the surroundings are the non-human inhabitants of Iceland. From huge whales and pointy-toothed sharks to orange-beaked puffins and fluffy horses, the wildlife of Iceland deserves a shout-out of their very own. Lots of the animals you’ll see on land usually are not native to the island, with the primary settlers bringing over sheep, horses, cattle and canine alongside different notable species similar to reindeer.
Be taught extra in regards to the creatures of this icy land on the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum or whereas working on a horseback experience – courtesy of the normal Icelandic horses.
What was native to the land had been the arctic foxes, together with many species of birds, such because the lovable puffin, which could be discovered right here every year from round April. You possibly can search for these birds by land or sea, typically even aboard a whale-watching tour. With our knowledgeable guides on our carbon-neutral crusing boat excursions, chances are you’ll simply be capable to tick off a minke and humpback whale sighting, in addition to loads of different marine life who name the Arctic waters their dwelling.
Looking for Puffins at Iceland’s Latrabjarg Cliffs
9. Glimpse the Northern Lights
Relying on the time of 12 months, chances are you’ll be in for a once-in-a-lifetime expertise: seeing the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is most frequently seen from September to late March, particularly across the equinoxes on the twenty first and twenty second of March and September.
Clear and darkish circumstances are the most effective for aurora-spotting, though they’ll by no means be fully assured. Head away from the lights of the massive cities and cities for the most effective probability to view the mesmerising actions and shifting colors of the photo voltaic particles getting into and ionising in our ambiance.
Our resident guides are well-equipped and well-prepared to provide the greatest probability of seeing the present. They will additionally offer you a historical past of the traditional folklore surrounding the lights, which is as fascinating because the show itself! Iceland additionally has a day by day forecast throughout this time of 12 months for if you’re most probably to glimpse the shimmering spectacle, so hold an eye fixed out.
What it’s actually like watching the Northern Lights in Iceland
Nothern Lights excursions
10. Scuba dive or snorkel
If you happen to’ve ever wished to swim between tectonic plates (as a result of doesn’t everybody), Iceland has you coated. Generally known as the Silfa Fissure, this freshwater dive spot is considerably well-known within the diving neighborhood. First, for its unimaginable 70-meter visibility and second, it’s seemingly the one place on this planet the place you swim between continents. You’ll want a dry swimsuit to maintain your temperature up because the water sits at a toasty 2°C (36°F) year-round.
There are different locations round Iceland for snorkelling, such because the Kleifarvatn geothermal lake, the place underwater scorching springs and sulphide deposits convey life to the in any other case quiet water.
11. Discover an ice cave or two
The Icelandic ice caves are one more seasonal sight to see. Used all through the centuries for shelter, these days, Iceland’s caves are common customer points of interest. There are about 4 forms of caves present in Iceland: glacier, lava, ice, in addition to man-made, and a few even embrace swimming spots.
Throughout winter in Iceland, glaciers can type holes and make glacier ice caves. None is probably as well-known because the Crystal Cave within the Kverkfjöll caves inside the Vatnajökull glacier. Shut by is one other favorite, the Katla volcanic cave. Caves could be harmful and even exhausting to seek out. It is best to at all times put on a helmet and different security gear. For that motive, it’s really helpful to hunt out ice caves with the assistance of a information or on a tour.
12. Style the delicacies of Iceland
Consuming in Iceland could appear at first to be a little bit completely different than different locations; nevertheless, there’s lots to pattern throughout your time right here. Well-known spots embrace the well-known Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur scorching canine stand within the Reykjavik primary sq. or the Hlemmur Mathöll and Grandi Mathöll meals halls, which serve the whole lot from conventional native delicacies to internationally-beloved favourites like tacos, pizzas, sushi and extra.
There’s a smorgasbord of high-quality eating places serving the nation’s specialties, together with Icelandic salmon, lobster tails, trout, liver sausage, and the nation’s drinks, similar to schnapps and craft beers. You may also discover native makers when exploring the nation, together with on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the place native elements are sustainably used to create natural teas, jams and extra.
6 native cuisines to strive in Iceland
We’ve mixed a few of the hottest points of interest alongside some lesser-known spots on our Iceland excursions. Expertise the magic of Northern Mild looking, whale watching, waterfall chasing and way more on our small group adventures via this magical nation.
