The most beautiful places that you simply must see!
Although Iceland is only a small island compared to other popular vacation destinations, this beautiful spot on earth is full of different facets, colors, and landscapes. After the hit series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in Iceland, the island was suddenly the talk of the town! From year to year, the island experiences a real boom in tourism – and not without reason! So, it’s time for the ultimate guide for Iceland. 😉
To make sure you’re not missing out on anything, we’ve put together the ultimate travel guide for Iceland that will help you discover the entire island without missing a single spot! So, be curious. 😉
6. Bathing in the blue lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to start your vacation. It’s only 30 minutes from Reykjavík and 10 minutes from Keflavik International Airport! As the name suggests, you’ll find a lagoon with milky blue, opaque waters, unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen. For those who love spas, this first stop will come in handy! The lagoon is a geothermal spa and helps many visitors recharge their batteries, regenerate, and relax. The special water is said to have a healing effect on our bodies, as it is rich in minerals and good bacteria. To start your Iceland adventure on an especially good note, you can also indulge in a beauty or wellness treatment while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The lagoon is located on the volcanic peninsula of Reykjavík and is surrounded by lava fields covered in gray moss.
5. Discover the Snaefellsjökull glacier and volcano
If you’ve ever read Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, then this location is a MUST. If not, be sure to catch up, because the book was one of the few I read voluntarily in school. It was inspired by Snaefellsjökull, which can be seen even from Reykjavik on a very clear day. It is a two-peaked glacier with a volcano at its base. To top it off: Both are surrounded by lava fields and a stunning coastline.
Many Icelanders hold this place close to their hearts, as this place alone shows just how diverse this beautiful country is. For this reason, the glacier and the volcano were declared a national park in 2001, which is why it has earned its place in our travel guide to Iceland! If you’re already in the mood for a trip to Iceland, check out JoinMyTrip and plan your very own adventure!
4. Let Iceland’s south coast take your breath away
Glaciers and volcanoes are now checked off your to-do list! Next on the list are wide, beautiful beaches. Now you get to see them. 😉 If you think of normal, white sandy beaches – you are wrong! A large part of the coast is covered with black sand beach, which makes the surroundings look even more dramatic and rough. The most famous black sand beach is in Reynisfjara. As if black sand wasn’t dramatic and beautiful enough, incredible rock formations also rise out of the water.
Do you know the tales of the little (big) giants? According to the Icelanders, they are trolls frozen in the light of the sun and looking towards the mountain Reynisfjall. The one thing we have to give them is that they have a lot of imagination for sure. 😉 While you’re there, walk a few meters further and you’ll come across the magical rock arch Dyrholaey, which will give you an awesome view. P.S. In the summer you can even see puffins there!
A few meters further east you will also encounter a true work of natural art, the so-called “crown jewel of Icelandic nature”. These are icebergs that wash up on the shore of the black sand beaches. When the northern lights shine on the ice, you might think you are part of a fantasy novel.
3. Watch whales in Húsavík
The next place in our guide to Iceland is Husavik. Iceland in general is the perfect place to observe these huge, beautiful creatures. There are up to 20 species of dolphins, whales, and porpoises hiding in the cold ocean. The town of Husavik is probably the best place in Europe to watch whales, as it is located on the bay of Skjálfandi, from where numerous whale watching tours are offered. You don’t need to be lucky at all, because animals are seen here almost every day – so the chances of success are high. 😉 In addition to numerous whale species, you can also observe puffins in the summer. These can be seen during the warm summer months specifically during the breeding season. So grab your travel buddy and put our travel guide for Iceland into action!
2. Get ready for the Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle tour covers all the sights in the southwest of Iceland, making it a popular tour for all the tourists out there. You can either do it as part of a guided tour or grab your travel buddies and take matters into your own hands! Allow about 5 hours for your walk. It sounds a lot, but what you will see during the 5 hours is absolutely worth it! Among other things, Thingvellir – the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland – is included. Be prepared for a breathtaking valley nestled between the North American and Eurasian plates, offering a beautiful landscape of lava fields and forests. Not to mention the streams that run through the valley with crystal clear water flowing in them.
Other attractions during this tour are the geysers in the geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. Pay special attention to the geysers, because they are by no means inactive. 😉 Some of them emit a fountain every 10 minutes, which can be up to 20 meters high! Iceland‘s most famous waterfall will also take your breath away. The water plunges with unimaginable force into a valley that was formed during the last ice age. Amazing, isn’t it? If you are lucky and the sun is shining during your tour, you can even see a colorful rainbow.
1. Record your experiences in the Ásbyrgi gorge
The last stop in our guide to Iceland is this stunning gorge. It is located in the northeast of the island and is one of many other natural attractions. Since we already know that Icelanders have a vivid imagination, here’s another tale: the locals believe that the gorge’s unusual shape comes from Odin’s eight-legged horse touching the ground. Whether you believe that or not is up to you! But you can take our word for it: the gorge offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Iceland and is perfect for photographing the end of your Iceland trip. In the valley itself there is a forest, almost a primeval forest, as densely overgrown as it is. Who knows what other mythical creatures roam around there. 😉
If our travel guide to Iceland has convinced you to take a trip to the beautiful island, check out JoinMyTrip, where you can either plan your own trip, or join a cool one!
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