Commence a Remarkable Journey to Iceland
Iceland, a Nordic island located in the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America. The island offers some of the finest scenery, displaying the unparalleled beauty of fire and ice, which is not seen anywhere else, and is home to dramatic volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and the prominent northern lights. Tourists arrive here from all over the globe, seeking an incomparable experience, whether hiking, driving the Golden Circle, exploring Icelandic culture, or witnessing the Northern Lights. If Iceland is on your bucket list, this article will offer better guidance. Therefore, attentively sift through the following sections to learn in depth about Iceland.
Important information about Iceland
- Capital: Reykjavik
- Population: 393,160
- Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- Language: Icelandic
- Airport: Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Top Things to do in Iceland
Iceland offers an unmatched natural experience for visitors that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. The Nordic island is packed with a vast array of activities, leaving no one unsatisfied, regardless of their tastes and preferences. Therefore, consider going through the following pointers explaining some activities you can indulge in while you are staying in Iceland:
- Witness the Northern Lights: The aurora, or Northern Lights, is one of the primary reasons tourists flock to Iceland. To witness the glamorous northern lights, travelers will need to visit between September and April, when nights are darker, and the city's light pollution is less intense. Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the South Coast, or Thingvellir, to have the finest experience under the night sky.
- Get a tour of a Glacier Cave: You can either make a booking online or contact a locally owned tour company to book a glacier cave tour. On this four to six-hour-long adventure, you will get to enjoy hiking on long glaciers and witness the blue ice caves, offering an unmatched experience for thrill-seekers. Additionally, there are several options, including the Crystal Caves in Vatnajokull, the Year-Round Katla Caves in Myrdalsjokull, and the human-made ice tunnels in Langjokull.
- Watch the Whales: Not just in Europe, but worldwide, Iceland offers the best whale-watching opportunities thanks to its unique location. If whale watching is what you strive to witness in Iceland, consider arriving during the summer from May to August. Also, there are certain locations where the success rate is often higher, such as Husavik, Faxaloi Bay, and Reykjavik, for witnessing Humpback whales, dolphins, minkes, and propoises.
- Hiking Experience: Iceland is truly a haven for hikers, as there are several locations and landscapes, from volcanic fields to glaciers, with prominent trails such as Laugavegur, Glymur, or Reykjadalur. There might be no other place like Iceland with such a wide variety of landscapes. However, hikers must stay prepared to deal with changing weather, as it can unpredictably change.
- Walking the Black Sand Beach: The Reynisfjara, the world-renowned black-sand beach, features basalt columns and black sand due to its Volcanic origin, formed from cooled lava that flowed into the ocean during eruptions. You can have a great walk along these black beaches; however, it is advisable to stay cautious, as the unpredictable waves can be dangerous, and it is advised to maintain a distance from the edge of the shore.
Places to Visit in Iceland
Iceland offers some of the most pristine, untouched natural gems across the country, giving visitors ample options to explore and be fascinated by each new location. Whether you are a beach person or prefer to hike on the challenging peaks, it has it all waiting to be explored. Therefore, consider jotting down the following locations in your bucket list, and explore what suits you the best:
- The Golden Circle: A renowned sightseeing route in Iceland that passes through three of the island's most fascinating attractions. These include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, all of which are among Iceland's best attractions. The Golden Circle is a 300-km loop that can be covered in a day and offers some of Iceland's finest views.
- The East fjords: If you are seeking a more peaceful experience in Iceland, consider visiting the East fjords, nestled along the country's eastern coastline and known for their charming fishing villages, magnificent scenery, wild coastal roads, and dramatic fjords. East Iceland is different from South Iceland and allows you to explore more easily, thanks to fewer crowds, offering the most picturesque views in Iceland.
- The South Coast: The Southern Coast is a bit more crowded, but once you explore it, you will know why. Iceland's South Coast is one of the best places for a road trip, a guided tour, or just to get to know Iceland through its majestic setting. because of its utmost natural magnificence. The South Coast can be easily explored in a day, but it is advisable to spend at least two days here to discover more hidden gems.
- Reykjavik: It is a must-visit city in Iceland, just a 45-minute drive from Keflavik Airport, featuring vibrant, colourful buildings, a sophisticated art scene, and deep-rooted Viking history. Some of the Iconic landmarks you must visit during your stay include Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, Parliament House, Sun Voyager sculpture, National Museum of Iceland, Saga Museum, and much more.
- The Highlands: Iceland's Highlands is a widely spread, uninhabited, and remote interior plateau covering 40% of the country. This features panoramic volcanic terrain, glaciers, vibrant rhyolite mountains, black-sand deserts, and several geothermal areas. The area is generally accessible to off-road vehicles and showcases Iceland's raw, untamed side.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
- Peak Seasons: Iceland experiences a peak season from June to September, when the country attracts flocks of tourists from around the world. This season not only offers a warmer atmosphere but also the vibrancy of Iceland through cultural celebrations and festivities. This season is also perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, road trips, whale watching, and much more.
- Shoulder Seasons: The shoulder seasons offer a balance during the transition between spring and autumn, when outdoor activities are a little less available, and tourist numbers drop. This season, particularly in May and September, is also when prices remain within budget, and the weather is pleasant. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to witness the early northern lights.
- Off-seasons: The off-seasons, or low seasons, are when tourist numbers drop significantly, particularly from September to March. Although this is the best season to witness the northern lights, the temperature can range from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius, making it very challenging for visitors to endure the weather.
Cuisine/Food to Try in Iceland
The best way to explore a culture is through its food, as it reveals people's choices, preferences, and much more. When visiting Iceland, you can also try some of the finest dishes, offering authentic flavours that connect with its deep-rooted history. Hence, to cater to your taste buds, you can consider trying the dishes mentioned below while you stay in Iceland:
- Slow Roasted Lamb
- Skyr
- Hakarl
- Icelandic Fish
- Icelandic Lamb Soup
- Rugbraud
- Icelandic Ice Cream
- Icelandic Hot Dog
- Hangikjot
- Rye Bread
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Iceland
Iceland is a mesmerizing location, which can make anyone fall in love with its natural beauty. However, there are some strategic tips you can keep in mind to deal with the dangers beyond its beauty. Due to Iceland's unpredictability, and locals' beliefs, you should be remembering some of these tips when visiting Iceland:
- When visiting Iceland, it is recommended to plan everything in advance before actually heading out. You have to pre-create a bucket list of things you want to see and do in Iceland, and prepare accordingly. Often, Last-minute preparations might disappoint you, as the weather is often unpredictable.
- Before entering a public pool or hot springs, you have to shower thoroughly. As relaxing is beloved by locals and tourists from all over the world, it is a social activity, not a solitary activity. Properly taking a shower is considered a basic courtesy, and travelers should not ignore it to respect locals' customs and beliefs.
- Pack warm clothing and thermals, including waterproof and windproof gear, which can come in handy in rapidly changing weather conditions. Even if you are visiting during the summer, it is always best to stay prepared in advance, as the weather can change spontaneously.
- Consider registering your travel plan with this Icelandic search-and-rescue service before hiking and exploring remote terrain. Iceland has several dramatic locations that can be challenging for travelers, and unpredictable weather can lead to mishaps. Which is why staying prepared to deal with any unforeseen event is crucial.