The ultimate travel guide: Iceland
The most beautiful places you simply have to see!
Although Iceland is only a small island compared to other popular vacation destinations, this beautiful spot is full of different facets, colors and landscapes. After the hit series "Game of Thrones" was filmed in Iceland, the island suddenly became the talk of the town! From year to year, the island experiences a real tourism boom – and not without reason! So it is time for a travel guide for Iceland 😉
To make sure you don't miss a thing, we've put together the ultimate guide to Iceland, so you can explore the entire island without missing a single spot! So be excited 😉
6. Bathe in the blue lagoon
The blue lagoon is the perfect place to start your vacation. It is only 30 minutes from ReykjavIk and only 10 minutes from Keflavik International Airport! As the name suggests, you will find a lagoon with milky-blue, opaque water like you have probably never seen before. For those who love spa, this first stop will come in handy! The lagoon is a geothermal spa and helps many visitors to recharge their batteries, regenerate and relax. The special water is said to have a healing effect on our body, as it is rich in minerals and good bacteria. To get your Iceland adventure off to a great start, you can also indulge in a beauty or wellness treatment while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The lagoon is located on the volcanic peninsula of Reykjanes and is surrounded by lava fields covered in gray moss.
5. Discover the Snaefellsjokull glacier and volcano
If you've ever read Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," this place is a MUST-see. If not, make up for it, because this book was one of the few that I read voluntarily in school. It was inspired by Snaefellsjokull, 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. For many Icelanders, this place is especially close to their hearts, as this one place alone shows 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 in line are wide, gorgeous beaches. And you get to see them now 😉 If you think of normal, white sandy beaches – thought wrong! Much of the coast is covered in black sandy beaches, making the surroundings seem even more dramatic and rugged. The most famous black sand beach is Reynisfjara. As if black sand wasn't dramatic and beautiful enough, incredible rock formations rise out of the water as well. Do you know the tales of the little (big) giants? According to the Icelanders*, these are trolls frozen in the light of the sun, looking towards the mountain Reynisfjall. One thing we have to hand it to them – you have a lot of imagination 😉 While you're there, walk a few meters further and you'll come across the magical rock arch Dyrholaey, which will provide you with a brilliant view. P.S. In the summer you can even see puffins there!
A few meters to the east you will also find a true work of nature, the so-called "crown jewel of Icelandic nature". These are icebergs that are washed 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 HúsavIk
The next place in our travel guide for 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 Skjalfandi, 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. They are breeding during the warm summer months. So grab your travel buddy and put our Iceland travel guide into action!
2. Go on the Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle tour covers all the sights in southwest Iceland, making it a popular tour for all the tourists out there. You can either take 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 them is Thingvellir – the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland's mainland. 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 forget the streams flowing 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 formed during the last ice age. Awesome, or? If you are lucky and the sun is shining during your tour, you can even see a colorful rainbow.
1. Capture your experiences at asbyrgi Gorge
The last stop in our travel guide for Iceland is this breathtaking 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 comes another tale: The locals believe that the unusual shape of the gorge comes from Odin's eight-legged horse touching the ground. Whether you believe this 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 capturing the end of your Iceland trip photographically. In the valley itself is a forest, almost a jungle, as dense as it is overgrown. Who knows what other mythical creatures are hanging around there 😉
If our 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 trip!