When you think about Iceland, a mental picture of a country with unending sheets of ice, snow and freezing cold is likely. However, this is only partly true and quite an unfair representation of the real treasures of Iceland.
The people are warm and welcoming, the land itself is magical in every experience. It is a land of myth and legends, and the diverse landscape from ice to green; volcanoes and waterfalls is breathtaking.
Indeed, the country is so picturesque it is no wonder it has become a Hollywood favorite location for shoot epic scenes.
Here are some top reasons why you should visit Iceland on your next vacation.
1. The Northern Lights
The phenomenon known as Northern Lights or by its technical name aurora borealis is a beautiful sight in the sky at night. These lights are said to be caused when the upper section of the atmosphere is struck by supercharged electrons caused by the solar wind. When viewing them at night they seem to be pure magic.
With Iceland's location at the top of the world, the country becomes the best spot to view the full wonder of the Northern Lights. They are usually seen on the Jokulsarlon lagoon located in South Iceland. They are largely seen over the period from September to April.
2. Blue Lagoon
There are several hot pools in Iceland and its abundant use of geothermal power demonstrates this fact. However, one such pool takes the prize home and has earned international fame, the Blue Lagoon.
The water is geothermal heated and it is warm all year round such that taking a pool on the water is on most tourists' checklist. Lava rocks with an extra appeal thanks to the snow cover they have taken over years add to the spectacle. With its sulfur and silica content, a good dip in the water is refreshing and healing to your skin and spirits.
In case you want to get away from the tourists, you can get your share of dipping from one of the different natural hot tubs that are all over Iceland.
3. The Mountains
Iceland is a country with many peaks and the mountains with their extending ranges provide a beautiful cherry-on-top to the already magnificent landscape. Some are multi-coloured like the ones found in Landmannalauger. The mountains are made from rhyolite rock a result of volcanic activity. You feel like you are hiking on multi-colored glass made of pink, green, black, brown and purple and even yellow colors.
There are mountains close to the city for those who don't feel as adventurous; or you can go to the ones in the far ridges which provide greater hiking opportunities and a different perspective.
No single mountain in Iceland is similar to another; each having its unique and distinct characteristics.
4. The Volcanoes
Iceland is known as the land of ice and fire yet it is only the ice part of it that occupies the minds of many. The country has a number of active volcanoes but they have not erupted in many years. However, it is these inactive volcanoes and their volcanic activity from volcanic crater lakes and rivers, to the black volcanic beaches that are the main attraction
A trip to see these landscapes is a trip into natural art. If you love adventure, you can also enjoy some tours that will allow you to descend right into the heart of a volcanic mountain like the Thrihnukagigur volcano. This is usually a journey 128 meters deep and allows you to explore the volcano seeing the stained walls which creates a powerful collage - what a truly unique opportunity!
5. Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a standout feature in Iceland and there are many of them. Thanks to the landscape of the country and with several peaks and slopes, it is easy to find a waterfall.
They capture the essence of the beauty of Iceland with the water dropping majestically over lava rocks and vegetation providing a great background. They range from high and powerful ones to small ones which usually occur in series.
The Svartifoss waterfall is one of the major ones and a prominent tourist attraction.
6. Ice Caves
The ice caves of Iceland have been featured in a number of movies and they are even more breathtaking when seen firsthand. They are usually found next to or inside glaciers.
Some, like the one in the Langjokull glacier, are manmade. The crystal walls and the effect of the light on the walls is a spectacle you have to experience.
7. Glaciers
11% of the land in Iceland is covered in glaciers and they are largely found all over the country. The best way to see these glaciers is via a cruise. Some have resulted in big icebergs creating great attractions with the unique wildlife they attract.
8. Food
The cuisine on the island is pretty unique. While the history of the place required farming, fishing, and gathering in the harsh conditions; advances in technology and agriculture have seen a development of a new and fresh cuisine you have to sample. You can enjoy a wide range of dishes from lamb dishes to seafood meals.
9. Midnight Sun
This is another uniquely Iceland experience you have to experience. Iceland is located just under the Arctic Circle giving it bright summer nights. These never ending days can be experienced from May to late July.
During the summer solstice, from 20th to 22nd June, the Midnight sun sets a few minutes past midnight and it rises before it is 3 AM. Whether you are alone or in a group, this experience feels out of this world and creates different perspectives on some of the major landscapes. It is almost spiritual.
10. Adventure Trails
Iceland is the perfect destination for adventure-loving travelers. Whether you are looking for cycling, riding or hiking adventures and tours. It is a great country for those enjoy Jeep journeys; whilst the mountain ranges provide challenges of varying difficulty to hiking enthusiast. The open land is paradise for cyclists and bikers with hilly sections and slopes providing the needed challenge whenever you crave some. You can never be out of ideas for a new adventure in Iceland.
Over to You:- Is Iceland on your bucket list?
- Which of these Iceland experiences would you plan in to your itinerary?
Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!