If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Iceland it’s very important to do your research first which is why I have done the groundwork for you here. The outstanding beauty including views of glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, rainbows, streams and mountain ranges — to name a few should be enough to convince you. Amongst these, there is ample opportunity for adventure with tours of mountain biking, hiking, snow mobiling, horseback riding, river rafting and elf hunting, yes elves. (There is even a school dedicated to learning about elves in Reykjavik (the capital of Iceland) where you can be immersed in the knowledge of these mythical creatures, AKA ‘hidden folk.’)
I wanted to narrow down 10 reasons for traveling to Iceland; really, I could talk all day about this and share more than 10 but for your sake I am keeping it light. Read below for inspiration on why traveling to Iceland should be at the top of your bucket list and why it’s on mine.
1. Easy To Get To
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a 5 hour direct flight from Boston, Washington, DC and New York on Icelandair. This airline has direct flights from Iceland to seven major airports in North America including Seattle, Orlando, Toronto, Minneapolis and Denver. Iceland also offers transportation via buses which covers the entire country with their network and also offers ferry services connecting various ports.
2. Northern Lights
You have likely heard much about these stunning lights but didn’t realize they can be viewed in Iceland not just Northern Alberta (some good humour for us Canadians.) Iceland is actually the ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights because at hot spot Hotel Ranga staff will actually look out for you throughout the night and give their guests a wake up call if the Aurora Borealis appears. Imagine watching these breathtaking lights shimmer upon you in the midst of your travels, pretty surreal.
3. Blue Lagoon
This stunning geothermal spa is one of the 25 wonders of the world and is a must-visit for any traveler wanting to experience one of the most relaxing sensations. Blue Lagoon is a unique geothermal spa situated in a lava field in Grindavik located in Southwestern Iceland. It was formed in 1976 during operation at a nearby geothermal power plant. A few years later, people started to bathe in the water and began to apply the natural silica mud from the lagoon to their skin, in which they noticed gave their skin a wonderful soft, and smooth feel. Now, this natural lagoon is comprised of a wide range of massage treatments, therapies and spa amenities. Not to mention, the view is out of this world.
4. Golden Circle
The Golden Circle route takes only 3 hours so is ideal for those who don’t have 10 days to travel along the Ring Road route. The Golden Circle lets travelers experience Iceland’s landscape without a lot of time, there are paved roads so four wheel drive isn’t necessary and short hikes are available if you feel like stretching your legs. This drive allows visitors to get in touch with some of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful adventures.
5. Culture and History
Iceland is composed of some of the world’s most fascinating historic moments in history, including the fact that their European culture is based on age-old traditions and their viking heritage is woven into the Icelandic culture. Culture is prominent in Iceland, the first language is Icelandic and Danish and English are also taught in schools with English being the language most commonly spoken in Iceland. There are many museums available to relish in Icelandic history including the Saga museum in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. The National Museum of Iceland and Skogar museum in South Iceland are two great options for immersing yourself in the history too.
6. Ring Road
There is one main road in Iceland known as Ring Road, or Route 1. This particular venture takes 10 days to complete, but what you can experience in just 10 days is unimaginable. This road goes all around Iceland and within it there are smaller roads and routes that lead to towns, attractions and the like. This is a picturesque 2 lane road with views including fields, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, lakes, glaciers, and hot springs — to name a few. And sometimes the Northern Lights can be seen along this road too. Convinced yet? I know I am.
7. Lake Myvatn
If you’re the type who has a flair for taking a dip in a natural lake, this is the lake for you. Lake Myvatn is a shallow body of water situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland. This lake was created by a lava eruption 2300 years ago, surrounded by volcanic landforms and lava pillars. Lake Myvatn is likely to be met with cracks and caves full of naturally heated water suitable for bathing. The Hverfjall crater is to the east of Myvatn which is approximately 1 km in diameter which also provides an amazing view to look at.
8. Pingvellir National Park
This may sound like your typical national park tourist destination, but don’t be fooled by it’s seemingly ordinary name. This national park is located in the Southwestern region of Iceland, is part of the Golden Circle tour, and is only a 45 minute ride from Reykjavik. Pingvellir national park boasts a significant amount of history, culture and geological importance. One of the most important tourist destinations is this national park due to the major events that have unfolded here. This place is comprised of high cliffs and is a national backdrop for open air parliamentary assembly of Iceland. This parliament assembly was held annually from 930 AD to 1798. It is to this day the oldest existing parliament in the world to be first assembled here. Not only does this park hold political significance, but it presents a stunning natural landscape too. Almannagja, within Pingvellir is a canyon formed between 2 tectonic plates, and is a visual representation of the continental drift. This national park is home to the largest natural lake in Iceland and is a perfect spot for scuba divers, located exactly on top of the cleft which separates North America and Europe. Pretty cool hey?
9. Crystal Ice Caves
If you’re the type who’s interested in capturing stunning natural photos, then visiting under the Vatnajokull glacier is for you. This glacier is comprised of meltwater, which is water released by the melting of snow or ice. This creates intricate natural ice tunnels, with sunlight streaming through the ice giving the ice a beautiful blue tint. You will need a guide to visit these caves but it’s well worth setting up. The caves are a unique combination of fiery volcanoes and icy glaciers which is actually why Iceland is called The Land of Fire and Ice. A quick note though, stick to visiting these caves in the winter because in the spring and summer months they are dangerous due to a threat of collapse, cold winter temperatures.
10. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
This is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland and is along the Ring Road route. This particular waterfall rises 200 feet in the air, and is 60 metres tall. What makes this waterfall so unique is that there is a short hiking trail that takes you behind the waterfall itself, which makes for awesome photos because of the range of various angles you can take advantage of. The well-developed trail makes this particular waterfall so enchanting and is a must-see for the avid adventurer alike.
With stunning imagery of mountains, winding roads and surreal natural hot springs Iceland is a go-to for the person seeking adventure and culture dipped into one wild trip of a lifetime. I know I’m booking a ticket asap, will you? I hope these reasons compel you to seek out one of the world’s greatest travel destinations.
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