Iceland is an island country, located in Northern Europe, the Northern Atlantic Ocean, and the Greenland Sea. It’s like it has a strategic location between Europe and Greenland. The country is surrounded and rich in geysers, icefields, hot springs, fjords, mountain peaks, and many sightseeing attractions.
If you ask the Icelandic citizens, their country is rich, both in culture and nature. Iceland is a beautiful place to travel to and there are a lot of surroundings you can visit. In this post, we’ll talk more about the most popular and unique trips in Iceland, and what you can do each day. Consider including these recommendations in your itinerary when visiting Iceland. Iceland may be a land of fire and ice, but you need to book a trip to experience it firsthand.
Sky Lagoon
One of the recent attractions that got very popular is the Sky Lagoon. This is a geothermal spa with an amazing view over the ocean where you’ll get a unique spa experience enriched with centuries-old cultures and traditions. It’s located near Reykjavik, so you’ll have no excuse not to visit this place if you are staying somewhere in the capital. Moreover, you can plan a day trip in a car since it’s close to the capital city. And if you are looking for the best car rental Iceland experience, you can check the latest deals and offers from some of the local companies.
Flateyri
If you have driven down the Ring Road, then you must have seen the Westfjords. The North-West region is a trip of its own with many great attractions. Flateyri is a hidden gem that attracts a lot of tourists and locals. This lovely town has a population with something more than 200 people and it’s a place where everybody knows each other. The scenery is astounding, so make sure you have your camera around.
Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula sits along the Atlantic Ocean. You may think swimming and catching flights are the only activities around here. There’s more than that. This is an area of geothermal activity, known for its incredible scenery and volcanic eruptions. The peninsula lies upon two continents, the North American and the European. Moreover, it’s split where these two plates meet. Some locals even call it the “Bridge Between Continents”.
The Reyjkjanes Peninsula offers a diverse set of activities, like exploring the cliffs, enjoying some of the geothermal Seltun Area baths, visiting small villages, learning more about their culture, chatting with the locals, and much more.
Skaftafell National Park
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Yes, Iceland is all about nature and national treasures. However, a trip to the Skaftafell National Park is worth the drive. Technically, this park now it’s part of the Vatnajokull National Park, but there are a lot of major attractions that will take your breath away. First, you can visit Svartifoss, so-called the “Black Waterfall”. A short walk from the center brings you to this waterfall that plummets basalt, black columns. You can either join a walking tour or walk the edges and enjoy the hike.
Then, you can make a turn and visit the tallest mountain peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjukur. The peak can be climbed with an experienced guide during the summer period.
Icelandic Highlands
The Icelandic Highlands is located in the southern part of the country. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone who wants a little relaxing time. The Highlands area is full of hot springs and thermal baths, waterfalls, and epic scenery. Landmannalaugar is the main attraction. It’s an area characterized by wide valleys, hot springs, and tall mountains. One of the most dramatic waterfalls is located there, Haifoss. It can be reached via a hiking trail, and with 122 meters in height, it’s the third tallest waterfall in Iceland.
Akureyri
Akureyri is a cute town, known as the Northern capital. It’s the only city in Iceland that is located in the North. The town population is estimated to be 18,000 and it’s the perfect place to explore the Icelandic lands. It’s close to the whale-watching tours in Husavik and it’s near Myvatn Lake. The sights might be limited for the tourists, but you can have a fun day visiting the Arctic Botanical Garden and the historic houses known as Laufas Turf. And, churches are not missing on the trails. It’s a country that has many churches, so get used to seeing at least one in every city you visit.
What’s even better, Akureyri is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights at. It’s very dark during nighttime and when you head outside the city, it’s guaranteed that you’ll see these lights shining.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This peninsula is located between Reykjavik and the Westfjords in the North. It has one of the most unusual coastal sceneries and it’s the home of the Kirkjufell mountain that resembles a church. Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another destination that needs to be added to your must-visit list.
