Top 10 Experiences in Iceland
Iceland makes for the perfect viewing of the Aurora Borealis Photos: Michal Jonca
AUTHOR: MICHAL JONCA
Top 10 Experiences
ADVENTURES IN ICELAND
In August 2022, Iceland returned to the pages of the world press. The eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula was the reason for the renewed interest in this amazing island in the middle of the Atlantic. Interestingly, this is the second eruption in the last few months! Fagradalsfjall was active from March to September 2021. I think there won't be a better time to visit Iceland than now.
But volcanic eruption, however incredible, is not the only reason to travel to the "Land of Fire and Ice". Here are the top 10 magical experiences you shouldn't miss when traveling in Iceland.
WALK THE GLACIER
Be in a hurry to love glaciers, they disappear so fast. In the last 30 years, Icelandic glaciers have melted by about 14%. The Vatnajökull glacier is currently the largest in Europe. It covers 8% of Iceland's territory!
When visiting Iceland, be sure to include the glacier walk in your itinerary. It is an unforgettable experience to walk on a giant ice sheet, feel the cold and the wind, and see the blue depths of the crevasses.
During a glacier walk, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment: crampons, an ice ax, harness. You will also have a qualified guide who will help you overcome fears and enjoy the moment.
Carefully making their way across the glacier
CLIMB THE WATERFALL & CROSS THE RIVER…BAREFOOT!
Iceland is a place full of natural wonders. While there is no official count, according to reports, you can observe as many as 10,000 waterfalls. Incredible!
The second highest waterfall in Iceland - Glymur - is located just an hour's drive from Reykjavik. To get to the top, you have to walk about two km through a dense forest. Then the path leads to the river that flows at the foot of the waterfall. The real fun begins after crossing the wooden footbridge. Be ready for 2 hours climb and simply breathtaking views!
When you reach the top of Glymur, you have two options to choose from: go back the same way or cross the cold river and follow the path on the other side. I really recommend the second one!
It's not as spectacular as Glymur, but the path is easier and more pleasant. Besides, you can take a dip in a natural pool on the way!
Just remember to take your shoes off before crossing the river - the stones are very slippery.
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WATCH THE WATERFALL FROM BEHIND
You will say that you have already seen enough waterfalls. But believe me, the experience of watching them from the back is completely different!
One of the most popular places to do this is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is located on the South Coast, just a few minutes drive from the world-famous black sand beach - Reynisfara.
From the back, you can see the entire Seljalandsfoss waterfall and feel the power of waterfalls. Just be very careful: the stones are very slippery, so take your time and be careful!
The power of waterfalls is amazing
WATCH PUFFINS ON REYNISFJARA BEACH
Puffins are the most popular birds in Iceland. You can see them on many souvenirs and even on TV. There is a whole channel devoted to these amusing creatures!
In summer, puffins return to their nesting places on the Icelandic coast. The best place to watch them is at Reynisfjara beach. It's located near the village of Vik on the south coast of Iceland.
Puffins are quite tame, so you can get pretty close to them. Just don't disturb their peace and don't go into their burrows - they may attack you!
Reynisfjara beach is unique itself. It is famous for its black sand and incredible basalt columns. And, of course, for the huge waves that crash against the shore.
Puffin birds are quite tame and let you get up close for a good pic op
GO NORTH & FIND WHALES
In summer, the waters around Iceland become a real paradise for whales. According to reports, you have a pretty good chance of seeing them even from the shore. The best place for whale watching is Húsavík on the north coast of Iceland.
Húsavík is often called the "whale capital of Europe". No wonder, as up to twenty-three different whale species have been observed in the waters around this small town!
If you want to get even closer to these amazing animals, you can take a boat tour. You will see not only whales but also dolphins, seals, and other marine life.
Hoping to catch a great shot of marine life on a boat tour
RELAX IN A WILD HOTSPRING
There are more than 130 hot springs in Iceland, and you can find them almost everywhere on the island. The most famous one is the Blue Lagoon, but it's also the most crowded and touristy.
If you want to enjoy a relaxing bath in a less crowded place, I recommend going to Reykjanes Peninsula. It's located in the southwest of Iceland, not far from Keflavík airport.
There, you can find several hot springs, including Gunnuhver geothermal area and Krýsuvik hot springs. These are truly wild places where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
There are many places to soak in hot thermal waters in Iceland
ADMIRE THE MAJESTY OF FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO
Speaking about Reykjanes Peninsula, here is the time to mention the Fagradalsfjall volcano. As I mentioned in the introduction, Fagradalsfjall woke up again. Its activity started on August 5th and will last... no one knows how long!
I visited Iceland in August 2021 and must admit that of the phenomena I have seen in my life, an active volcano is second only to a total solar eclipse. The sight of the eruption and the sulfur-smelling lava river is something beyond description.
Looking at an active volcano defies description
TAKE AN AMPHIBIA TOUR
Jokulsarlon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. And no wonder - this place is truly amazing!
Jokulsarlon is a glacial lagoon located in the southeast of Iceland. It's famous for its huge icebergs floating in the water and the beautiful northern lights that can be seen here in winter.
If you want to get even closer to the icebergs, you can take an amphibia tour. These special boats can drive on both land and water, so you can explore the lagoon from all sides!
Just be prepared for the cold - even in summer, the water in Jokulsarlon is very chilly.
Take an amphibia tour to get closer to the icebergs
EAT FERMENTED SHARK MEAT
Fermented shark is one of the most famous (or rather, infamous) Icelandic dishes. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you are brave enough to try it, you should!
This dish is made from a type of shark called hákarl. The meat is first buried in the ground for several months to let it rot. Then it is cut into pieces and hung to dry for several more months.
After that, the hákarl is ready to be eaten. The taste is very strong and fishy, with a hint of ammonia. It's definitely an acquired taste!
If you want to try fermented shark, you can find it in many restaurants in Iceland. Just be warned - it's not for the faint-hearted!
SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Iceland is to see the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. These beautiful lights can be seen in Iceland from September to April. The best time to see them is from late November to early March.
There are many great places to see the lights in Iceland. My personal favorite is Thingvellir National Park. This park is located in the southwest of Iceland, not far from Reykjavik.
Thingvellir is a very special place where the continental plates of Europe and America meet. And it's also one of the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland!
The haunting beauty of the Northern LIghts in the night sky
CONCLUSION
These are just some of the amazing things that you can do in Iceland. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this incredible country today! Tell them I sent you for a big adventure.
Looking in a long view towards Fagradalsfjall
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Happy travels!
Michal Jonca
Michal Jonca is passionate about travel and food experiences has visited 40+ countries on four continents. He is a Travel Leader at the largest Polish travelers club, Soliści, organizing adventurous trips worldwide and the Community Manager at Passport Photo Online. Currently, he enjoys workation in Thailand and writes his blog.
A MESSAGE FROM ARTSY:
If you liked what you read, you might also enjoy other blog posts under Guest Bloggers and Just Because on my website. There you will find some other posts from helpful folks on health and wellness, travel and all things artsy.
I also like to add helpful notes sometimes at the end of my guest blogs that I know my readers will want to know. I have several friends who have already visited Iceland and have been pushing us to take a trip-even if a short one-to see this wonderful place.
You can find some very nice tour packages on Icelandair’s website. You can book your flights, hotels, tours and all and get an instant budget too. 4-5 nights will give you a chance to get a taste of the place by adding some spa time, Northern Lights tour and horseback riding just to name a few.
Blue Lagoon is where I will be heading to get a great spa experience, a first class room and fancy dinners at Moss. Your gourmet breakfasts and afternoon tea are already included and you can book some real adventure tours as well. Check out the property by clicking on their link above.
Blue Lagoon is the perfect stay while visiting Iceland Photos: Courtesy of Blue Lagoon
You can also get some quick tips and guides on things to do in Iceland from the Expedia video below. If Michal Jonca’s photographs don’t tell you everything you need to know to decide about putting it on your bucket list, the video will fill in any gaps! Book a trip soon.
Enjoy this tour video for additional info
Look for my next blog posts on my latest explorations for who to see, what to eat and where to go. Until then…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
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