Things to do in Iceland
The land is so famous for the Aurora Borealis, but it offers more than that. Besides the evasive Northern Lights, this volcanic island is a favorable place for adventure sports and relaxation. Iceland provides you unique form of trip with its numerous natural wonders such as bursting geysers, snow-capped mountains, and much more. Here are top things to do in Iceland you should plan for your coming trip!
Hunting the Northern Lights
The land is well-known for the Northern Lights, but you need appropriate time. The high time is between November and March, especially the period of the month when the moon is small, you will have higher chance to witness. The night sky needs to so crystal clear and it is better if the temperature is freezing outside. You can join a tour or just walk and drive to a dark area and see. There is nothing more to ask if you stay at somewhere having outdoor hot tubs, the lights will not be missed while you can stay in the warm place.
The Blue lagoon, Grindavik
There is nothing more fantastic than sipping on strawberry champagne while steeping in the Blue Lagoon’s milky sapphire waters. This spa was built on a large hot pool that is located in the middle of lava fields full of black volcanic boulders and is naturally geothermal heated.
Any kinds of weather make it perfect for your activity, even rain or snow. There is a swim-up bar offering you healthy green spinach smoothies or small bottles of fizz. The spa also focuses on skin improving treatments such as seaweed facial masks, volcanic rock scrubs or in-water massage.
Moreover, you can spend all day there at a pool-side cafe or an exaggerated Lava restaurant. Especially, the sushi in Blue Cafe is alluringly fresh, despite a bit pricey and the view to the lagoon from the floor-to-ceiling windows is extremely spectacular.
The Fish Company, Reykjavik
The beauty of Iceland gather mainly in the countryside, but the country’s capital also a must-explore place. You will be busy all day enjoying buzzing art culture and variety of museums. However, at night, the Fish Company is recommended for you for dinner. This sophisticated restaurant offers you dishes with tradition and modern international touches. Do not miss pan-fried prime of lamb with Icelandic saltkjot — Iceland preferred dish costing about £30 and the grilled monkfish, fish soup with langoustine and coconut jelly starter.
Going Whale watching, Reykjavik
Although you can see these giant mammals around the year, the best time is between May and September. From the Reykjavik’s old harbor, the trip starts at 1p.m. and there are 3 and 1 ones per day in summer and winter, respectively. You can spot totally 23 different kinds of whale, like minke and humpback. And you also can eye-witness white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and countless types of seabirds such as puffins.
Silfra, Thingvellir National Park
You will regret a lot if miss the chance to go to Silfra in the Thingvellir National Park. This place is the only location on earth where you can swim and snorkel between two tectonic plates. Annually, two plates crack about an inch away. The transpicuous glacier water giving visibility of some 120 meters delivers you unforgettable snorkeling and diving experience. Let’s imagine how cool is that you are swimming INSIDE the border of two pieces of the Earth — Eurasian and American plates. Do not worry about the cold! Water temperature ranges from 2–4 degree Celsius, yet you will be equipped appropriate outfit to stop the cold. The only parts that get cold are your hands and cheeks, but you are in water only about 30 minutes and you will have a cup of hot chocolate right after to dismiss the cold.
Gullfoss waterfall
Reach the farthest point of the golden circle, the home of some natural wonders, you can find one of them, the gorgeous golden waterfall. It is the most spectacular and renowned waterfall where you will absolutely lose your breath as looking at cascading water from snow-capped mountains. If you want to have full view of surrounding mountains while enjoying something hot, there is a cafe for you offering hot soups and sandwiches.
Geyser geothermal field
You will never find out how weird Iceland is until you get to these hot bubbling fields of steam. All the landscape is covered with steam coming from gurgling pools and erupting geysers. In Iceland, Strokkur is now the most vigorously spouting spring. The water erupts every few minutes and get the height of even 40 meters sometimes around the delightful shout of the crowds. The Golden circle tour’s price is some £50 for a day. It includes 3 stops: Geyser geothermal field, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park.
Langjokull glacier
Have you imagine how exciting is shooting along a glacier landscaped by mountains and crisp blue skies. Your trip will be more fantastic if you are guided by a specialist 4x4 driver who leads you to places seem unreachable. If two people share a skidoo, it takes you about £175 for a day. And if you want to save more, you can rent a car and meet the drivers in Gulfoss and then they drive you into the mountains.
