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Visit the Golden Circle, explore the Blue Lagoon, hike on glaciers, tour volcanoes, and watch the Northern Lights. Don't miss out on the Blue Ice Caves, Reykjavik's city sights, and the stunning waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Iceland is an ideal destination for most adventure lovers. The green swamps and tundra of the Órafí Desert, the scorching spring heat of the Alaskan craters, and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, home to a vast population of gulls, all exude a mystical aura that captivates. Near Iceland's southern coast, where the majority of its inhabitants live, 80% of the islands are volcanic, with glaciers, lakes, caves, and lava flowing through them, forming countless geothermal hot springs, a true immersive experience.
Iceland, Europe's westernmost country, lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, close to the Arctic Circle. With glaciers covering 8,000 square kilometers, it is Europe's second-largest island. Three-quarters of the country is plateau, 400-800 meters above sea level, and one-eighth is covered by glaciers. With over 100 volcanoes, over 30 of which are active, Iceland is a country with numerous volcanoes and frequent geological activity. It also boasts the world's largest number of hot springs and abundant geothermal resources, earning it the nickname "The Land of Ice and Fire."
Iceland's summer months boast the highest temperatures of the year, creating a high probability of experiencing good weather. The midnight sun, under a perpetually dark sky, is breathtaking. While there may be occasional rain, the weather is generally quite comfortable and relaxing. This is a prime time for sightseeing in Iceland, where the long days offer the chance to fully explore the country's most beautiful attractions. Whether you join a local tour group or drive around the island, it's a great way to experience Iceland.
Although Iceland lies on the edge of the Arctic Circle, it enjoys a moderate climate thanks to the warm North Atlantic current. The best time to see the aurora borealis is from September to April, and the best time to visit ice caves is from late October to March.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell has become Iceland's most popular glacier hiking destination. More and more people are adding glacier hiking to their Iceland itineraries, eager to experience an interstellar journey.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, is one of Iceland's most popular geothermal spas. Its pale blue waters, surrounded by a variety of lava formations, create a captivating and mysterious scene that attracts countless visitors. The Blue Lagoon's thermal waters are believed to have natural healing properties. Rich in minerals such as silicon and sulfur, the water is known to be effective for eczema and various skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Jökulsárlón National Park
James Bond, Tomb Raider, and The Fast and the Furious all chose this location for filming, demonstrating just how cool it is. It's hard to imagine anyone being disappointed after visiting. And global warming is melting glaciers around the world, and sooner or later, they'll disappear, and Jökulsárlón will be gone too.
Black Sand Beach
Iceland's black sand beaches stand out from the crowd, offering a unique apocalyptic aesthetic that defies conventional standards. The Hollywood blockbuster "Noah" was filmed here, and the black sands represent the end of the world, showcasing Iceland's sense of remoteness.
Recommended number of days for a visit: 5-10 days
Iceland is known for its volcanic landscape and hot springs, rich Viking history, and a deep cultural heritage tied to sagas and literature. It has become a popular travel destination due to its natural beauty and unique geography.
Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and mainland Europe. Visitors typically fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) from major cities, then use buses, taxis, or rental cars for local travel.
There are no set opening hours for Iceland, as it's an open country with natural attractions. The best time to visit is during summer (June to August) for pleasant weather, though winter (November to March) is ideal for Northern Lights viewing.
Most natural attractions are free to visit. However, certain sites like the Blue Lagoon and some guided tours require tickets, which can be purchased online in advance.
For popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle tours, and Northern Lights excursions, it’s best to book tickets a few days to weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer and holidays).
Iceland can be explored in a few days, but a week allows for a more relaxed exploration of its natural wonders, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjavik. For more remote areas, a 10-14 day trip is ideal.
Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French. Tours are offered for the Golden Circle, volcanoes, ice caves, and Northern Lights, and audio guides are available for some locations in Reykjavik.
A typical itinerary includes the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), followed by a visit to the south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Jokulsarlon). Optionally, add a trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or a day trip to the Westman Islands.
Night tours are popular for viewing the Northern Lights (September to March). Reykjavik also hosts special festivals like the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival in February. Some locations also offer night photography tours.
Iceland is busiest during the summer months (June to August). For fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (May and September) or in winter, especially if you're interested in winter activities or the Northern Lights.
Most tourist attractions and towns have facilities like toilets, restaurants, and shops. However, more remote areas may have limited services, so it's advisable to bring food, water, and essentials on longer journeys.
Many of Iceland's major attractions are accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, though some natural sites, like glaciers or certain waterfalls, may be difficult to reach. Reykjavik itself is wheelchair accessible, and many tours can be customized for accessibility needs.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Iceland, and mobile payments like Apple Pay are also commonly used. Cash is rarely needed except in some rural areas, though it's always good to have a small amount for emergencies.
Reykjavik offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining. Some popular places include Reykjavik's Old Harbour area and the Laugavegur shopping street. Outside Reykjavik, towns like Vik and Akureyri have local eateries offering Icelandic specialties like lamb and seafood.
Yes, Reykjavik has several vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and many restaurants offer plant-based options. Halal food is available in larger cities like Reykjavik, although it may be less common in rural areas.
In Reykjavik, there are various accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to guesthouses. Outside of Reykjavik, many guesthouses, hostels, and cabins are available, especially along the Golden Circle and South Coast routes.
Besides the Golden Circle, easy day trips from Reykjavik include the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Reykjadalur Hot Springs, and the Westman Islands. You can also take a day trip to Vik or visit the glaciers on the south coast.
Yes, souvenir shops in Reykjavik and other tourist towns sell items like wool sweaters (Lopapeysa), Viking-themed merchandise, local artwork, and natural beauty products made from Icelandic ingredients.
From Reykjavik, visitors can continue their trip to other parts of Iceland via domestic flights (e.g., to Akureyri or the Westman Islands) or by renting a car for self-driving tours around the island. Bus services also connect major towns and attractions.
