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Top 10 Things to do in Iceland

Iceland has dramatic landscapes filled with natural beauty. There are active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and huge glaciers.   

The Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks are home to protected glaciers. You cannot run out of attractions to see while in Iceland.

This land of the Vikings is an absolute favourite of many holiday makers. It is one of the most volcanic places in the world, hence the name the land of ice and fire.

The volcanic activities have birthed natural spas that can be enjoyed during winter. All the fun is not outside in the country, you can also get some fun activities at the capital, Reykjavik.

Here are the top 10 things to do while in Iceland.

1. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon

One sure thing to do while in Iceland is taking a dip into the famous Blue Lagoon. This Lagoon is found in Grindavik.

This is a very popular spot so booking a ticket in advance will save you time. Mornings are the best time to visit since it’s quieter and less crowded.

Visiting during winter is also fun since the temperature in the Lagoons is constant. The water and the mud from the Lagoon are believed to have healing properties.  Give yourself a treat.

2. Marvel at the northern lights

By Kristian Pikner – Wikimedia

The northern lights also known as Aurora Borealis are Iceland’s biggest natural attraction. You can catch these lights between October and April every year.

These lights occur when particles from the sun collide with particles from the earth. The polar lights are usually green but vary from time to time. Other colours you can see include purple, red or yellow.

They are unpredictable on when they show or how long they will last. So, take your chance when you see them.  

3. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

By Yathin S Krishnappa – Wikimedia

Waters in the Iceland territory is home to more than 20 cetacean mammals. The most common species sightings are minke whales and humpback whales.

Other rare sea mammals to spot here include killer whales and fin whales. While on this guided tour, you will also get to see sea birds like including skuas, Arctic terns, guillemots, and even the colourfully billed puffin.

There are different locations to experience these natural phenomena. Iceland is popular for its abundance of sea animals.   

Husavik is the most popular whale-watching spot in Iceland. Other places include the Westman Islands.

4. Visit Reykjavík

This is the capital city of Iceland. It is home to about 200,000 people. It is home to the majority of Icelanders.

There are several atmospheric cafés, lively clubs, and brightly coloured old wooden houses. Party life here is something to look forward to when visiting this city.

If you love quiet time, then spend some time at the reading cafés, go for walks on the beautiful coastline. Sample the local delicacies as well as the beer.

This city is a cultural centre and there are several museums, art galleries and souvenir shops to visit.

5. Check out the Geysers

There are about 1,000 natural geysers in the world and some of them are found in Iceland. The term geyser was coined from the Icelandic word geysa which means to gush.

One geyser to visit is the ancient Great Geyser in Haukadalur Valley. It is about an hour and a half from the capital city. This geyser shoots up to 70 meters high of hot water.

Another one is the Strokkur Geyser. This one erupts every few minutes and goes up to 20 meters high.

6. Admire Hallgrímskirkja

Lovers of architecture will love this notable landmark. It is a church located in the heart of Reykjavík. This is one of the tallest man-made structures in the city.

There is an elevator that takes visitors to the top of the church for sweeping panoramic views of the city. The architects designed the church after the Svartifoss Waterfall.

There is a statue of Leif Ericsson outside the church.

7. Drive along the Ring Road

By Jniemenmaa – Wikimedia

Driving along this route will expose you to several natural attractions in Iceland. The route is 807 miles long and connects the capital city to Akureyri, the second-largest city in the country.

During the drive, you will see beautiful cascades among other natural beauties. You will see Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the beautiful Lake Myvatn.

It takes about 4-5 hours to complete your drive around the Ring road also known as the golden circle.

8. Go Surfing between two tectonic plates

The best place to go snorkelling and surfing while in Iceland is at Silfra. You get to swim between two tectonic plates in the clearest water.

The Tectonic Plates is at the Þingvellir Plain. It is the point where North America and Europe shift from each other.

On the other side, you will see several waterfalls as well as the Drekkingarhylur Pool.

9. Go Hiking at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

By Steenaire – Wikimedia

This location is not only picturesque but also quiet. It is remote and there is not much pollution but a well-preserved nature reserve.

During your hike, you will cross paths with several wildlife that call the reserve home. There are also magnificent cliffs.

10. Bathe in Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

This is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. It was formed after a volcanic eruption happened more than 200 years ago. the area around the lake still has active volcanoes.

There are several spots with natural heat under the earth. Dip into one of the warmed pools for a natural bath.