7 Secret tips from locals experts in Iceland
Welcome back to the 4th article of the Insider Tips series! For this article, we travel to cold Iceland which we call nordic paradise. Where some of the most beautiful natural wonders can be found, on the island isolated away from the rest of the world. Who would ever want to leave this island we call Iceland anyway? Let’s start discovering the best of Iceland with these 7 insider tips!
7. Go crazy on the world’s best milk chocolate
Knowing that Iceland has the world’s best milk chocolate, I am already convinced that Iceland is my calling. Iceland is home to Omnom, which is a small chocolate factory in Reykjavík. Omnom specializes in bean to bar chocolate using Icelandic milk. In addition, they won a gold prize for the world’s best milk chocolate. Now you must try it! They have a factory and a shop that you can go visit in Reykjavik to indulge in amazing milk chocolate during your stay here. If you would like to find like-minded travelers to share this experience with and come home with new memories then check out JoinMyTrip! The world’s largest community of like-minded travelers.
6. Swim in Iceland’s oldest pool
The next insider tip is, while you’re here in Iceland you should go swim in the oldest pool called Seljavallalaug. The pool is situated in between Seljalandsfoss and Skoógafoss waterfalls, which is a sight that speaks for itself. There’s even a changing room available, all you need is to bring your swimsuit. Including, the whole area is completely free to use, so swim to your heart’s desire but, also remember to be respectful to the area. To get there you will have to drive on an off beaten path and then walk for around 15-20 mins to arrive at this spectacular view that surrounds the pool.
5. Hike to Glymur waterfall
The drive to Hvalfjörður fjord has been neglected ever since the tunnel through Hvalfjörður was opened. Due to this, people no longer felt the need to drive through Hvalfjörður fjord, which means people also hardly get to see the stunning fjord. Which by the way, at the bottom of it you will find a trail that brings you to Iceland‘s tallest waterfall called Glymur. Can you guess how tall it is? It’s 198 meters tall, for anyone wondering.
Plus, it’s pretty easy to get there. The hike takes about 2-3 hours, but you won’t even notice as the time goes by. Why? Because you will be so distracted by the gorgeous scenery that lays in front of you throughout your whole journey there. You can also book a tour guide that leads you there. If you are interested in joining unique trips to Iceland then, check out JoinMyTrip to travel with like-minded people!
4. Admire the nordic black church
This has to be one of the darkest churches but also one of the most beautiful in Iceland. The church is called Heimaey Stave Church and it is completely black! Fun fact; It is also the only black church in Iceland. The church was built in the early 2000s and has a nordic looking style, which you will quickly notice. Something about the color black just feels very Icelandic, or is it just me? I mean, the black beaches, black churches, they must not get very much sunlight either so, I don’t really blame them. This is a true insider tip for Iceland as not many people know about it since it is located on a small island called Heimaey Island.
3. Become a Viking on the Viking Village Film Set
If you have ever wanted to feel like you’re living in a world of Vikings then there is no better place to start than here in Iceland. By driving east past Hofn, you will come across an abandoned film set that was built to look like a Viking village. The funny thing about this is that it was built for a film that never happened. The great thing about this, however, is where the film set is situated. The abandoned Viking village is located by such beautiful mountains in the background making it the perfect location for a photoshoot. To enter the film set though is not free and costs a small fee that will allow you to explore around this unique, almost real-like Viking village. Do you want to plan your own trip to Iceland with other like-minded travelers? Go to JoinMyTrip to start creating your dream trip!
2. Discover the architectural genius, Harpa concert hall
This might not sound like an insider tip, because everyone probably knows about the Harpa concert hall in Reykjavík. It is a pretty iconic landmark in Iceland after all. However, hear me out. The concert hall itself is an architectural genius because it is stunning. The building is covered in colored glass, add the sunset into it and it is an absolute sight to see. The idea of building a concert hall in Reykjavík actually began in the 1880s but they only managed to start building the concert hall in 2007. A pretty long idea to be held in if you ask me.
1. Explore the ice kingdom
The first insider tip of Iceland and an absolute must, is exploring the ice caves in the Vatnajökull glacier. It is also in fact the largest glacier in Europe. I am not letting you leave Iceland without visiting here first, however, it is only accessible during the winter. So, make sure you come here in the right season, with the right people. When I say with the right people, it is because the ice caves can be dangerous. Visit the ice caves with a professional guide who knows their way around and can guide you through in case anything were to happen. Emerge yourself into ice paradise and be stunned by the blue beauty that overwhelms you.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of insider tips for Iceland that will make your trip to nordic paradise worth it! Find like-minded travelers to join your trip to Iceland or plan your own trip with JoinMyTrip. Share costs, experiences, and come home with unforgettable memories. Stay tuned for our next edition of the Insider Tips Series!
Fancy some more travel inspiration, tips, and tricks? Check out our other articles;
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- The Ultimate Travel Guide: Iceland
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