Travel Insights

Iceland is stunning. Simple as that. The jagged coastlines, haunting cliffs covered in snow, and mysterious lakes are a feast for the eyes. Moreover, it’s one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, with a host of geothermal activities going on underground. As a result, there are many famed natural hot water spas like the Blue Lagoon. Plus, it’s a great place to go whale watching in any season, but especially in summer.
Want to demystify Iceland and learn all about history, culture, myths, and natural bounty on your trip?

Dive in!

1. Whale watching

You can spot whales all along the coasts of Iceland, but in some places sightings are more plentiful than others. Husavik, a small town with only over 180 residents, is the best place to spot about 11 different species of whales. Reyðarfjörður Fjord is another prime spot for whale watching. In fact, Keiko the killer whale, from the movie Free Willy, was captured along this fjord.

You can go whale watching any time of the year, but you may be the luckiest in summer (June to September) when the warm sea waters have plenty of fish and krill for the whales.

2. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Other than the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which dominates the landscape in the national park, there’s tons of opportunities to spot wildlife here as well. The coastal areas of the national park are also great for whale watching as well as bird watching. The area is home to large number of lava tubes, which have turned into caves, as well as extensive lava fields. A long hike should also be on the cards to admire the local flora and fauna up close.

3. Vestrahorn Mountain

At 454 meters, Vestrahorn Mountain stands proud as one of the most prominent peaks of Iceland. And, the surroundings are equally magical. A clear lagoon rests at the foothill and spills onto a majestic rolling beach of black sand. If you’re lucky, you can also spot wild Icelandic ponies and seals!

Sounds straight out of a fairytale, doesn’t it?

4. Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi, which means thunderous, is one of the largest waterfalls in the Westfjords region of Iceland at a height of 100 metres. Dynjandi is actually a series of waterfalls, seven to be specific, rumbling down in a series along a cliff. The journey to the waterfall maybe tad difficult but it’s definitely an impressive sight.

5. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

This is another great hiking spot in Iceland, where the scenary is dominated by towering sea cliffs and majestic waterfalls. Since this nature reserve is out in the wild, it’s extremely peaceful to enjoy at your own pace. Besides, you may catch a glimpse of a few Arctic foxes if you’re lucky.

6. Rauðasandur Beach

Another ridiculously photogenic beach in Iceland is the Rauðasandur Beach, which literally translates to “red sand” beach. This 10 km stretch is a magnificent sight on both sunny and rainy days. On a bright and sunny day, the sand glitters like gems. And when the sun is playing hide and seek in inclement weather, the color of the sand changes from red, to yellow, to black, and back to red in phases.

7. Enjoy a natural spa at the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the most enthralling places to visit in Iceland. Geo-thermal activity in the region keeps the milky-blue water of the lagoon at a cozy 102°F throughout the year. The landscape surrounding the lagoon is also breathtaking, almost a dramatic contrast, with lava fields all around. A trip to the Blue Lagoon is one of the most healing and luxurious experiences you can plan for in Iceland. And, it’s located only 15 minutes away from Keflavík International Airport.

10. Lake Myvatn

This lake was formed about 200 years ago due to a volcanic eruption and is one of the largest lakes in Iceland. The area still has a lot of geo-thermal activity, and the horizon is dotted with many active volcanoes. Many shallow pools around the lake also have heated water that’s perfect for a dip.

8. Golden Circle tour

The Golden Circle route is the easiest way to see the best of Iceland if you’re short on time. Hop on and fast track around the country to see the Tectonic Plates, Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater lake.

9. Tectonic Plates

This area is quite fascinating. At a glance it may seem like a regular rift or valley with rivers, lakes, and fault lines. But it’s actually the point where the North American and European plates are drifting away from each other. Prominent sights here are the Öxará River, which culminates in a series of waterfalls that descend into the Drekkingarhylur Pool.

10. Thingvellir National Park

The Tectonic Plates are situated in the Thingvellir National Park, which is about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik. Another geographical wonder here is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. And, if you’re up for an adventure, check out the Silfra Diving Spot, which offers one of the most special diving experiences in the world.

11. Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is another natural sight you shouldn’t pass up on your Iceland trip. The most fascinating part of visiting this waterfall is the unique view: you get to see the waterfall up close, but from above, which is pretty rare if you ask us. The thundering waterfall plunges into a gorge below and is absolutely stunning.

12. Kerid Crater Lake

This volcanic crater has a beautiful circular crater lake that warrants some attention on your Golden Circle tour. The view from the edge is absolutely magnificent and you can even hike down to the lake for a closer look.

13. Skaftafell Park

Hiking through Skaftafell Park is another enchanting experience you shouldn’t miss in Iceland. The park sprawls over 4,800 km and offers a dramatic visual experience. Most of the park is forested area punctuated by icy brooks and streams that merge into raging rivers. The forest floor is covered with black volcanic sand. There are many hiking trails around the park, which directs you to various fascinating sights. One of them is the Black Fall, where water tumbles down over black basalt from a great height. Another section of the park has a blue lagoon with glaciers. You can even take a boat out to navigate the icy lagoon and check out the glaciers.

14. Viking World

Get a dose of Viking lore at Viking World, located by the ocean in Keflavík. Apart from everyday artifacts and other archeological objects, you’ll find an amazingly preserved Viking galley, the Gokstad, which was found off the coast of Norway. If you’re an early bird, drop by to explore the museum and its child-friendly exhibits at your pace. Don’t forget the Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga, which pieces together how the Vikings discovered America.

15. Marvel at the Northern Lights

Who hasn’t dreamed of camping out under the Northern Lights? The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, reinforce the mystery and charm of Iceland and can best viewed from late August to mid- April. If you’re lucky, you can even spot them from Reykjavik. But, they’re best viewed out in the open, away from the light pollution, especially in Seltjarnarnes.

16. Visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a relatively young city, but it’s a hotspot of culture and reinvention. If you’re visiting Reykjavik, be sure to check out the following:

• Museums such as the Maritime Museum, Settlement exhibitions, and the National Museum of Iceland
• The stunning architecture of Hallgrímskirkja church
• The street art
• Beautiful and colorful Tjörnin, located in the center of the city
• Hafnarhús, a gallery for avant garde exhibitions
• Whales of Iceland, a museum with interactive exhibits
• And don’t forget to party at some of the city’s hotspots

17. Puffin Island

Akurey and Lundey, two islands close to Reykjavic, are known for their thriving puffin colonies. Among the two, Akurey is more populated with puffins as well as other coastal birds. Watching the cuddly birds nest and take care of their young ones is a lovely experience you shouldn’t miss.

18. Traditional Icelandic cuisine

A good gastronomic experience is always the cherry on the cake when you visit a new place. Since Iceland is pretty much a coastal country, most of the traditional food here include fish, either cooked or dried. Meat, especially lamb, and vegetables such as potato also feature prominently in traditional Icelandic cuisine.

Here are some amazing dishes to try:

• Plokkfiskur or fish stew that’s cooked with either boiled cod or haddock and potatoes
• Hardfiskur or fish jerky, which is best had with Icelandic butter
• Hakarl or fermented shark
• Kjotsupa or lamb soup Icelandic herbs and vegetables
• Svid or sheep head

Pair these brennivin, which is a drink made from fermented grains flavored with caraway seeds.

Happy exploring!