Whale Watching, Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a dynamic city offering travellers a variety of things to do and see. The most popular activity is certainly whale watching which happens all year round. However, it is the summertime when you are most likely to get the sight of these giant mammals and there are plenty of whale watching summer tours to choose from, including whale watching in the midnight sun. Apart from these whale watching trips, some seafaring tours are available to take in Reykjavik including bird-watching and island visiting tours. Most of these voyages start from the Old Harbor of the city. Reykjavik is also home to a few museums such as the National Museum of Iceland, Landnámssýningin and Árbær Open Air Museum which exhibit the city culture and history. The towering, modern Hallgrimskirkja church and the glass-domed Perlan restaurant are a must on your trip to Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon, Grindavík

The Blue Lagoon in southwestern Iceland is the leading attraction of the fishing town of Grindavík. It is located about five kilometres from the centre of town and can also be reached by taking a roughly 45-minute ride from Reykjavík, the capital. Considered as one of the wonders of the world, this geothermal spa has its water reaching the heat from 37 to 39 degrees celsius which is stated to be extremely beneficial both for health and skin. Therefore, do not miss a bath in these warm and mineral-rich springs to revive yourself. Apart from bathing in this extraordinary environment, there are a few other things to track down. It is noted that an entire Blue Lagoon industry has developed around this attraction. There are shops where skincare products can be found, spas where spa treatments are available and restaurants where one can eat and drink. Do not think of leaving the place without exploring all of these.

Spectacular Geysers

In the southwest part of Iceland, Strokkur is a spectacular fountain-type geyser. Lying beside the Hvítá River and a nearly one hour ride from Reykjavik, it is the most visited active geyser in the country. Strokkur is the prime highlight of the Haukadalur valley, a splendid valley of hot springs, boiling mud pots and exploding geysers. The valley also features some restaurants, cafes, and hotels which are located rightly opposite to its main geothermal field. Strokkur geyser is the most active geyser in Haukadalur and probably because of this reason it is the most famous of the geysers. It generally explodes every 6 to10 minutes and usually reaches a height from 15 to 20 metres. However, occasionally, it can reach roughly 40 metres at max. On your way to the widely-known Golden Circle, it is a great idea to check this geyser out; or you can take a day tour like the Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik, which stops at several important points around the area making sure that you get the most memorable experience.

The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights also referred to as the Aurora Borealis, are a celestial display of coloured lights in the night sky of the high-latitude areas of the earth. They are related to the solar wind and usually happen when excited solar particles collide with atmospheric molecules. This extraordinary and sensational light display is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The appearance of the Northern Lights is quite unpredictable and therefore, it is always the best idea to take the suggestion of the manager of your hotel or lodge before going to bed about when it may occur or you can simply ask the receptionist to call you if it appears. For literally the best possibility to see this spectacular natural wonder, take any tour available, like the Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik, which guarantees an overall amazing experience.

Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve

Fjallabak, also known as Fjallabak Nature Reserve, is a protected area in the Highlands of Iceland. The entire region is filled with rhyolite mountains, crystal blue lakes and geothermal wonders. Landmannalaugar, the famous geothermal wonderland, is located here in the southern highlands of Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It is an absolute favourite hiking destination with hikes ranging from a couple of hours to several days. The most popular hiking route is the Laugavegur Trek, which leads from Landmannalaugar inside Fjallabak Nature Reserve to Thórsmörk. Landmannalaugar is also known as the “people’s pools” due to its exceptional hot springs, where Icelanders, as well as travellers, can bathe with absolute freedom. A mountain hut with basic facilities to stay for a night or more is also found in the region.

Maelifell Volcano & Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park

Located in the south of Landmannalaugar, Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park contains the fourth largest glacier of Iceland, the Myrdalsjökull. To its west lies Eyjafjallajökull, a small glacier. The park is recommended to be toured during the summer season due to safety issues. In wintertime, because of heavy rainfall, the roads to the park get damaged, which makes it quite risky to make the trip. There are a number of attractions to be explored in the park including some natural volcanoes and hot springs. Mælifell is a notable volcano that is resulted by volcanic outbursts beneath the Myrdalsjökull icecap. This cone-shaped volcano with a height of about 200 meters gives a breathtaking glance, especially during the summer, when it is covered entirely by green moss.

Skaftafell Ice Cave, Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is an extensive national park that is centred around Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cap in Iceland. Its huge glaciers, exceptional ice caves, icy mountain peaks, and geothermal fields draw tourists from all over the world. Among its many visitor centres, some like in Skriðuklaustur and Jökulsárgljúfur remain closed during the winter season while others like in Skaftafell and Höfn are open all year round. Skaftafell Ice Cave is perhaps the main attraction of the national park which should be visited in winter right after the heavy shower has washed away the top tier of the glacier. If you visit it at the right time when panoramic blue light is shed, your experience will be unforgettable without a doubt. If interested, you can take a Glacier Hike Tour with an expert guide for an astonishing adventure.

Askja Caldera

Askja, meaning little box or caldera, is a volcanic caldera, with a 712-foot lake deep lake, in the Dyngjufjoll mountains of Iceland. It was the result of a significant ash eruption, at the core of the central volcano, which prompted the roof of the magma chamber to drop. Askja is regarded as a part of Vatnajökull National Park and is located in its northern region. This 50 square kilometres caldera has a few volcanoes like Víti, a volcanic crater and a geothermal pool, the water temperature of which is usually 30 degrees Celsius. Víti is an absolute favourite bathing place and if you desire to take a dip, always be extra careful as the sloping path becomes very slippery, especially, in the damp climate.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss, a majestic waterfall located in Vatnajökull National Park, is an outstanding natural attraction in Northeast Iceland. It is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with an average water volume discharge of 193 cubic metres per second. Depending on weather and volcanic activity, its volume changes; and at times, it becomes so powerful that it causes the surrounding rocks to vibrate. It is recommended to visit this waterfall either in the early morning or later in the late evening when it is less crowded and it is better to approach the east side because it is quieter and there is relatively less traffic on the road.

Kirkjufell Mountain, Grundarfjördur

Grundarfjörður is a pretty little town lying on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Western Iceland. It is encircled by towering mountains and the 463-metre high Mountain Kirkjufell is its main attraction. Kirkjufell, meaning Church Mountain, is the most prominent mountain in the town and arguably the most photographed mountain in the country. Visit the mountain in winter to see the jaw-dropping display of the Northern Lights. The Eyrbyggja Heritage Centre in Grundarfjörður is the information centre for the entire peninsula and it enlightens the visitors about the history of the town through exhibitions. Some small streams and waterfalls are also found in this beautiful town which can be explored during your excursion.

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