Visiting Iceland has been on my bucket list for years. However, for some reason, it just hasn’t happened yet. I would love to explore this country and even take a superjeep tour. I have however, been doing a lot of research into this beautiful place. So much so, it feels as though I’ve been hundreds of times – even though i haven’t yet. I’ve also heard a lot about camping in a campervan in Iceland and it being reason enough for some to visit the country. Again, something i would love to do – just need to get the hubby on board!
Here are a few of my top picks as to why you should visit Iceland…
Northern Lights
Probably the most well known aspect of visiting Iceland are the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis. The northern lights come about when electrically charged particles released from the sun enter earth’s atmosphere. They then collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.
The variations in colour are due to the type of gas the particles are colliding with. The most common colour is green, which is produced by the particles colliding with oxygen about 60 miles above the earth. The less commonly seen red auroras are produced by oxygen gases at a much higher altitude, approximately 200 miles above the earth. It’s the nitrogen gases that produce the blue or purple auroras.
So many people have wanted to go to Iceland to see natures finest firework display. However, you should also know it doesn’t happen all the time. So don’t go expecting to see it, count it as an awesome bonus if you do!
Icelandic Water
Icelandic water is the purest water in the entire world. This is because of the natural filtration through the lava fields. A natural process that’s been perfected by thousands of years of un-touched snow melt passing through the Ölfus Spring. Said to be full of natural goodness to hydrate and vitalise the soul.
Reykjavik
Although beautiful, Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital resembles a small town more than a city, let alone a capital city. Reykjavík is surrounded by amazing mountain ranges. Home to museums, art galleries and gourmet restaurants that people travel from all over the world to come and visit. Especially in recent years as tourist numbers have grown dramatically.
Founded in 1786 as an official trading town, Reykjavík grew steadily over the decades. It’s now among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. With so many great amazing places to visit and things to do, it’s probably best to book a excursion so you don’t miss out while you’re there.
Geothermal Spas
Another very popular reason people visit Iceland is to go and have a plunge in the geothermal pools, the most famous one being the Blue Lagoon. Not only does this style of outdoor bathing date back to before Viking times, geothermal springs also provide you with great health benefits, but also energy for powering vast areas of the country.
The various different pools have different vibes, some are peaceful and immersed in nature, a place to relax and unwind, while others have bars, saunas and more for socialising and having a great time in.
Embrace Your Inner Child
To get in touch with your inner child. Iceland is an enchanted land where over 50% of the locals admit to believing in trolls and elves.
Take a guided tour to Hafnarfjördur, reportedly the largest settlement of dwarves and ‘magical spirits’. Dare to discover these ‘hidden folk,’ as they are called by direct translation from Icelandic.
Waterfalls
Open all year round, the star of the Vatnajökull National Park is undoubtedly Svartifoss (Black Fall), a 12-meter cascade surrounded by the black basalt formations that give it its name.
Almost as impressive are the Hundafoss and Thjofafoss waterfalls that feed it from the west, and finally there’s the rather grand Goðafoss waterfall in the northeast, where the Norse idols were thrown when Iceland decided to go Christian.
Glaciers
On the face of it, going to see a giant block of ice that moves roughly an inch per year isn’t a very attractive proposition. But the world’s slowest juggernauts also tend to produce some of the most gorgeous scenery in their trail.
And since over 10% of Iceland is covered in them, it means most of the country offers glimpses of their exceptional beauty. Some of the most famous are Vatnajökull (this is the largest in Europe), Öræfajökull and Langjökull, in the west of the Icelandic highlands.
Daylight Hours
Although Iceland is probably at it’s best during the winter months, many people tend to avoid this time of year due to the VERY few hours of daylight. In December, there are only 4-5 hours of daylight. Something to bare in mind as you won’t get to see all that much!
Where as in July the sun shines for at least 20 hours, which is great for sightseeing, but not great for sleeping, so if you struggle not sleeping in total darkness, thats something to think about as not all hotels will have blackout blinds. In the Autumn months, daylight usually lasts for about 10 – 11 hours so it’s closer to what we know back here in the UK.
Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall has become a symbol of Iceland and one that many tourists love to go and visit during there stay here. It was originally intended to be a giant development for hotels, apartments, malls, restaurants and banks, however, the financial crisis crippled the project halfway through the building process so wasn’t quite finished as it was meant to be.
The government stepped in to help pay for the last remaining bits that needed doing to get it finished, and I’m sure they’re glad they did as this huge, colourful steel monster that seems so top heavy it might keel over, has proved very popular with both tourists and locals who frequent the hall.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is typically a winter activity in Iceland but the whale watching season actually starts in November. Which is usually when you can start booking tours to go out and see the passing whales.
If you’re luck while visiting Iceland, you might even see one jumping out. However, you’re more likely to see some tail fins and backs breaking the waters surface.
Ice Caves
The caves that lie beneath the amazing Vatnajökull glacier are one of nature’s greatest wonders. The beautifully shaped ice holes provide travellers with access to a world full of swirls, ripples and waves, all captured in motion by the ice.
However, it is a very seasonal sight seeing tour so if you want to see it, you must go there in winter. Any other time of year would be far too dangerous as the caves become unstable when they begin to melt.
Beautiful Beaches
While visiting Iceland, don’t forget about their beautiful beaches. It possesses some of the world’s best beaches. You can sit on a thermal beach, heated by the hot water flowing into the bay. Or visit the black sandy beaches in Reynisfjara.
There’s also the 6 mile Rauðisandur beach. A stunning red sandy beach and VERY challenging to get to. You’ll almost always have it to yourself, even in during the busiest of tourist seasons. Just prepare yourself for the trek!
Nature
When it comes to Iceland’s wildlife, there’s plenty to see. The Icelandic horses are famous worldwide, it’s actually illegal to import any foreign breeds into Iceland. While the reindeer aren’t actually an indigenous species, thousands of them now roam wild on the island.
In the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, you’ll often see whales and dolphins swimming by. Along with the puffins splashing about off the islands of Lundey and Akurey in Reykjavík Bay.
What are you most looking forward to when it comes to visiting Iceland?
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