Things to do in Iceland Travel Guide

Things to do in Iceland Travel Guide

Even though it has rapidly risen to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Iceland still maintains the allure of a country that is still unknown. So, let’s explore the Things to do in Iceland Travel Guide. It’s possible that this is due to the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, or the vast stretches of open terrain that include nothing but Icelandic horses and the odd waterfall to reassure visitors that they aren’t totally alone.

It is a country that is well recognized for its friendliness and has a strong national pride in its history and mythology. In addition to its natural wonders, it also has a lively local culture.

Iceland’s landscape is the stuff of legend, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the renowned Skogafoss waterfall. This is often taken rather literally, since many of Iceland’s most well-known places have been mentioned in Viking mythology and other great works of literature. When you arrive, be prepared to be overwhelmed by the natural splendour of the area; around every turn in the road is another view that is so breathtakingly beautiful that it doesn’t seem possible.

Time Zone

Greenwich Mean Time

Things to do in Iceland Travel Guide

Mvatn

Mvatn is a more tranquil and wallet-friendly option than the more well-known Blue Lagoon. The water that emerges from the subterranean hot springs reaches temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius and is good for both your health and your skin (I spent over an hour relaxing here). Relax as you enjoy a slice of the geyser-baked bread that is available for purchase in the quaint small cafe.

Aurora Borealis

My experience of seeing this natural phenomena was without a doubt one of the most awe-inspiring events that I have ever seen. The lights are most beautiful when seen from isolated locations, away from the bright lights of cities. Between the middle of September and the middle of April is the optimum time to catch them. Nevertheless, this is conditional on the weather. The longer you remain, the higher your chances of success will be.

Reykjavik

The city of Reykjavik is filled to the brim with warm and inviting cafés, lively clubs, convivial taverns, and beautifully painted wooden row homes. It’s not very big, but if you want to get a sense for the city’s art scene and café culture, it’s worth spending a few days there. You’ll adore the party atmosphere here if you’re a night owl, but you should know that people don’t start going out until around midnight, and the drinks aren’t exactly cheap.

Blue Lagoon

Even though I found the Mvatn baths to be the most soothing and cost-effective alternative, it is impossible to argue against the fact that Iceland’s most renowned geothermal pool is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Even though it’s busy and pricey, there’s nothing else quite like it anywhere else in the world.

This enormous spa, which has a milky blue colour, gets its mineral-rich, heated saltwater from a geothermal plant that is located nearby. If you combine the silvery towers of the plant with rolling clouds of steam and individuals coated in white muck, you’ll get the distinct impression that you’re in the twilight zone, but in a positive sense.

National Park

This national park and UNESCO World Heritage site is interesting for two reasons: it is the original site of the longest-running parliament in the world (Vikings held political meetings here in the 10th century), and it is also the location where the North American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart. Both of these facts make it an interesting place to visit.

If you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs, this is one of the most important stops along the Golden Circle, and there are various routes to choose from. If you wish to spend the night here, there are also numerous campsites for you to choose from. There is no charge for entry.

Maelifell Volcano

The perfect cone form of Maelifell, which can be seen in Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park to the north of Vik, gives this volcano the appearance of a “classic” volcano. With the course of the summer, the snow will melt, exposing a lush, verdant surface that is covered in moss. The nearby park, which is filled with volcanoes, hot springs, and hiking routes, offers a wealth of opportunities for recreation and sightseeing. Since many of the park’s roads are closed during the winter months, the ideal time to visit if you want to get a close-up view of the volcano is during the summer months. From Vik, the drive to the volcano will take you around one hour and ten minutes.

Laugavegur Path

The trek along this 55-kilometer path that goes between Landmannalaugar and órsmork is just as popular with the locals as it is with tourists from other countries. It is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable hiking routes that can be found anywhere in the globe. It has a breathtaking array of scenery, such as mountains of varying hues, thermal springs and glaciers, rivers and lakes.

Because of its well-trodden path, warm cabins, consistent flow of other hikers, and numerous signposts, this excursion is one that is reasonably risk-free and straightforward in terms of logistics. You may choose to spend the night in a hut for around 9,500 ISK, or you can camp in one of the approved sites outside the huts for just 2,000 ISK. The whole path may be covered on foot in three to five days.

Fishing

Fish has helped make Iceland what it is today. Fishing in Iceland is highly popular and plays a significant role in the country’s culture as well as its food due to the abundance of fish such as salmon, trout, cod, and haddock. There are fishing cruises that depart from Reykjavik as well as tours that depart from more isolated locations like as the Westfjords. They may be found in just about every store you can think of! You should budget around 14,000 ISK for a three-hour fishing excursion.

Visit Landmannalaugar

These colourful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and volcanoes can be found in the inner highlands and are a favourite tourist destination for those who are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist circuit. The awe-inspiring scenery makes it seem as if we are on another planet.

Try out the Sulpher Wave Trail for a walk that can be completed in a single day. It takes around two hours to complete. Take note that in order to reach this location, you will need to travel on F-roads, which necessitates the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Variety of Cuisines

Take a culinary tour in Reykjavik if you are interested in learning more about the Icelandic food as well as trying some of the local favorites. For 139,950 ISK, companies such as The Reykjavik Food Walk will take you on a 3.5-hour tour during which you will visit 5-6 local eateries. You will get the opportunity to sample traditional foods, acquire knowledge about the preparation of such dishes, and gain first-hand experience with Iceland’s one-of-a-kind cuisine.

Icelandic National Museum

This museum in Reykjavik has enlightening displays on topics such as the first people to settle on the island, the history of Christianity in Iceland, the period when the island was ruled by both Norway and Denmark, and the struggle for independence. Although it is not very huge (you can probably go through it in the space of a couple of hours at the most), it is an excellent place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the locals.

Penis Museum

The Phallological Museum, more often referred to as the Penis Museum, is a very tiny establishment that is home to the greatest collection of penises and art that is centered on penises in the world. The museum has close to three hundred different artefacts, among of which are whale penises and (supposedly) troll penises!

Best Hotels in Iceland Travel Guide

Hotel Kea

The Hotel Kea has ideal real estate because of its location in the middle of Akureyri and immediately next to the well-known Church of Akureyri. As is the case with the vast majority of hotels in Iceland, the staff will gladly assist you in booking day trips to the nearby locations.

The town of Akureyri is located next to the breathtaking Goafoss waterfall, which contributes to the town’s popularity as a destination for whale watching and horseback riding trips (or “Waterfall of the Gods“). In addition, the hotel was designed with a focus on elegance and comfort, making it an ideal haven to retreat to after a day filled with exciting activities.

Ion Hotel

The Ion Adventure Hotel is an excellent option to go with if experiencing the natural splendor of the area around you is one of your primary objectives. The Ion Adventure Hotel is known for its comfortable accommodations and natural spa, which has a sauna and an outdoor hot pool. However, the hotel’s primary focus is on adventures, and guests may choose from a variety of exciting excursions while staying there.

Hotel Rangá

Do you feel like spending the night at the foot of a volcano? Of course you do. Should you choose to stay at Hotel Rangá, there is a good chance that you may see one of the many weddings that are held here each year. Due to the hotel’s very picturesque setting, it is virtually always fully booked throughout the peak travel season.

The various trips at Hotel Rangá highlight the splendor of the night sky, particularly the northern lights and stars, as well as the opulence of the geothermal bathing experience. However, if you are more interested in sports like as hiking or kayaking, you need not be concerned since Hotel Rangá is also in a fantastic position for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits.

Best Restaurants in Things to do in Iceland Travel Guide

Rub23

One of the most popular restaurants in Akureyri, Rub23 is known for its seafood, sushi, and beef dishes. The lunch buffet is available every day, and the service is of the highest calibre. Additionally, the restaurant makes use of its own own spice mix, which lends an original taste to each dish that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Fishing Enterprise

Fish Company is a contemporary restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is housed in the Zimsen home, which was formerly a shop and was constructed in the 19th century. Fresh fish prepared in an innovative manner using classic recipes is one of the specialties of this establishment, helmed by chef Lárus Gunnar Jónasson.

Forrettabarinn

Forrettabarinn is a wonderful and budget-friendly option for every meal of the day since it serves delectable food, is popular with locals, and is designed in the comfortable manner of a contemporary cafe. It is particularly well-known for its series of four-course dinners, each of which is certain to leave you feeling satisfied without draining your bank account.

Weather in Iceland

At the months of September through March, daylight in Iceland lasts for around five hours, but during the height of summer, the sun does not set for more than three hours. The day-to-night cycle throughout the spring is one that many visitors will be used to by the time they visit.

Temperatures in Iceland’s summer seldom get over 65 degrees Fahrenheit, averaging around around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm air that comes off of the Gulf Stream helps keep the winter months somewhat pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

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