So you’re thinking of traveling to Iceland, huh? Rest assured, you are making a great decision. Iceland remains one of my top 3 favorite places. With incredible volcanic geology, stark coastlines, and ice-draped mountains, Iceland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit… for, well, anyone.
When I first stepped off the plane and entered Keflavik International Airport, I found myself somehow amidst a Scandinavian dream. The clean minimalist airport, like other Nordic or Scandinavian airports, was like a blank canvas. But when I ventured outside, the blank canvas was replaced by one painted by broad brushstrokes of moss green, dull black and swirling gray. The landscape, though obscured by fog, was other-worldly.
It was dawn when we arrived — the start of a new day. The air smelled fresh and geothermal — a funky smell that I now associate with Iceland and find pleasantly unique. That was where my journey in the Arctic started (yes, still a few hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle). It was the very beginning of my adventurous life with my husband, Colin, and our love story. With incredible views, volcanic landscapes, and the geothermal aroma that energizes most of the country, your soul will thank you for traveling to Iceland.
Here are the best things to do in Iceland other than dance at the beach at Vik like Colin. Do it — we won’t judge.
Western Iceland: The Golden Circle (þingveller, Gullfoss, Geysir and Strokkur Geothermal Area)
þingvellir National Park – Ok, your plane just landed, so where can you start? þingvellir National Park is one of the greatest historical sites in Iceland. Located near the largest lake in Iceland Þingvallavatn, it is home to Iceland’s first County Council, and it is the original site of the world’s oldest parliament still in existence, dating back to Norse times around year 930. Not only is it praised for its history, it is surrounded by volcanic rock and sand, and is one of the most picturesque places in Iceland.
Gullfoss – is a breathtaking waterfall in Iceland, and also very convenient to get to from Reykjavik. It is 32 meters (104 feet) tall, and 175 meters (575 feet) wide. This “Golden” waterfall is appropriately named. With the way light hits it, you are likely to see rainbows adjoining the beautiful waterfall.
Geysir and Strokkur – Geysir Geothermal Area
This place has one of the world’s most active geysers, and the steaming, colorful pools make this area a prime hot spot! Glowing, other-worldy blues and yellows give the area its rightful place as one of the most mystical spots in Iceland.
Arnarstapi – Hello iconic natural bridge! This former busy fishing hub is a great place for a photogenic walk along a rocky shoreline, complete with arches, sea stacks, and lovely pea-green moss. And guess what! – it’s just within reach of Snæfellsjökull National Park!
Kirkjufell – On the North of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell, has the reputation for being the most photographed mountain in Iceland. And of course, we had to snap a photo ourselves. This 463 meter (1519 feet) high mountrain was another filming site of our most loved, or hated Sci-Fi/Fantasy drama, Game of Thrones.
Northern Iceland: Akureyri (Arctic Botanical Gardens, Akureyri Church Akureyrakirkja, Christmas House, Jolahusid, Northern Lights, Godafoss, Dimmuborgir, Mývatn)
Nestled on the west side of the inland end of Eyjafjordur, the charming city of Akureyri is a fishing port, agricultural center, and manufacturing center for fish and dairy products. It is also the largest city in the country after Reykjavik, with only about 18,000 residents. This city which roughly translates to “Field Sand-Spit” is actually more impressive than its name. Just 100 km (62 mi) from the Arctic Circle, I like to think it’s the place I fell in love with my husband, and where my love for the Arctic began.
The Arctic Botanical Gardens – This surprisingly lush garden, depending on the time of year of course, is located on the west side of Eyjafjörður fjord. It was founded by women from Akureyri with the goal of creating a setting for restfulness. It became the first public park in Iceland. Now it is also one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It houses most of the plant species in Iceland, and it is a site for scientific research on agriculture in the Arctic. Its peaceful setting is completed with a lovely wood and glass cafe overlooking the garden.
Akureyri Church (Akureyrakirkja) – This towering church completed in 1940 was designed by one of Iceland’s most renowned architects, Guðjón Samúelsson. He also designed Iceland’s most famous church, Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. Akureyrakirkja sits atop a hill and overlooks the town center, making it one of the most photo-worthy architectural sites in Iceland.
Jolahusid (Christmas House) – is a fun shop for Christmas lovers and kids. With tons of candy, cookies, Christmas-themed merchandise, and music, you will wonder if you have stepped into Santa’s workshop. Even in September it inspired anticipation for the coming holiday season.
See the Northern Lights – Unquestionably one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the entire world, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) naturally flood the web with beautiful photos. However, there’s nothing like seeing them in person and watching them dance across the night sky. Akureyri is one of the best places to experience them. They are especially worth seeing during the winter months December – February. Fortunately, we saw them as early as September! Be sure to look outside, the Northern Lights dance quickly, so you do not want to miss them.
Godafoss – This waterfall is truly the waterfall of the Gods. Located along the Diamond Circle, this beautiful cascade measuring 30 meters (99 feet) across was one of our favorite parts of our trip to Akureyri. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
Dimmuborgir – is a large area with distinctive lava formations. It is situated on a lava plain east of Mývatn in Iceland and has a number of caves, exquisite rock formations, and other remnants of volcanic activity from eruptions that occurred more than 2300 years ago! As one of the sites featured on the popular Game of Thrones, it has become a popular destination attracting a number of tourists. Nevertheless, with its vast area, this place feels far from crowded. It has been the center of many Icelandic myths, as the home of trolls, elves, and even Santa Claus. So watch out for Santa and the Elves!
Mývatn Nature Conservation Area is one of our favorite spots and is especially great for those who love hiking and swimming. Surrounded by impressive mountains, lava formations, and volcanic sites, there is so much to do in this area, including climbing Hverfell. This 396 meter (1,300 ft) explosion crater is a steep climb but worth the journey to the top. After arriving at the top you can walk around the crater’s rim to get spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Southern Iceland: Svartifoss, Reynisfjara Beach)
Svartifoss – Svartifoss, “Black Falls” is a unique waterfall best known for its stunning basalt columns. It inspired the design of the Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik. The 20 meter (65 feet) tall waterfall is one of the most unique sites in Iceland.
Reynisfjara Beach – This basalt column beach is one of our favorite beaches and fortunately it is not too far (2.5 hour drive) from our favorite, Diamond Beach! This scenic black-sand beach is a great spot to capture fun photos. It is unquestionably one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.
You made it to the end! All you have to do now is pack your bags! Safe travels!
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