Iceland: Your Next Vacation Stop
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Iceland: Your Next Vacation Stop
Iceland is a country of huge contrasts. A land of fire and ice, of boiling lagoons and freezing mountains. Of almost Scandinavian chic and rugged wilderness. All put together, it makes for a truly memorable vacation destination.
There are few places in the world with landscapes as dramatic or exciting as Iceland. For such a small island it packs in an enormous amount, from craggy coastlines and towering mountains to glaciers, volcanos, and bubbling hot springs. And that’s before you get started on the metropolitan delights and cultural attractions of Reykjavik, the capital.
Iceland should be your next vacation stop. It is one of the best places to visit on a cruise, on a tour of Europe, or just as a standalone destination. So if you are planning a trip to this fascinating, wild country, take a look at some of the main attractions below!
Skaftafell Ice Cave
Hiking across Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, is a special experience in itself. Glacier hiking is thrilling and offers a wealth of amazing views. But the most exciting part of Vatnajökull Glacier is the opportunity to explore the Skaftafell Ice Cave, an otherworldly cavern formed naturally within the ice of the glacier itself. You’ll be transported to another dimension and encounter sights, sounds, and feelings you never knew existed.
The Blue Lagoon
One of Iceland’s most famous and busiest attractions, the Blue Lagoon lives up to the hype and is worth braving the crowds for. Experiencing the awesome geothermal power of the earth while luxuriating in the milky-blue waters of the lagoon is exciting and relaxing all at once, and the swim-up bar and additional spa facilities put the finishing touch on this brilliant destination.
Reynisfjara Beach
You might not believe that a beach on the rocky, ice-covered island of Iceland could possibly compete with the glorious golden sands of the Caribbean, Australia, Southeast Asia, or really anywhere at all, but Reynisfjara Beach is regularly ranked as one of the top ten in the world! With black sand and dramatic basalt cliffs, this is a stunning location and a must-visit attraction.
Hallgrímskirkja
If you plan to spend some time in Reykjavik then you must visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of the tallest buildings in the entire country. If you can face the climb, the view from the top is exceptional, with the entirety of Iceland’s capital city spread out below and its wild, ice-covered landscapes on the horizon!
Whale Watching
Seeing whales in the wild is a life-changing experience and Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Over twenty different species of whales call the waters around Iceland home, so it’s the ideal location to really explore the diversity of these incredible marine mammals. Whale watching tours depart from Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Husavík, and you’ll have the chance to see minke and humpback whales galore, with a chance to see rarer beasts like killer whales and fin whales, and even, just maybe the largest animal on earth, a blue whale!
A Night Out in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a surprisingly cosmopolitan and exciting place for a city of its size and boasts a fantastic drinking and dining scene. New Nordic cuisine rules the roost here, with restaurants like MAT Bar, Messinn, and Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar flying the flag for fascinating, locally sourced cooking. Don’t miss the chance to experience the excellent craft beer culture here too, with breweries like Bryggjan Brugghús really making up for lost time (full-strength beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989!).
Dettifoss Waterfall
In the middle of the Vatnajökull National Park, tucked away in North Iceland, lies a rampaging, torrential force of nature in the form of the Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful cascade. Pouring nearly 150 feet down from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, Dettifoss descends into the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon at the bottom in a crashing, magnificent display of the power and awe of nature. It is one of the most breathtaking and impressive sights Iceland has to offer. Dettifoss is part of the northern Diamond Circle, a less touristy but no less impressive alternative to the famous Golden Circle.
Head West
Some parts of Iceland, particularly the southwest corner, can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed, a little full. To get a little breathing space, and to explore a more traditional, more authentic aspect of this fascinating country, head west to the Westfjords. Here you’ll find a region rich in history, culture, myth, and magic, where it feels like witches, fairies, trolls, and ancient gods might still lurk around every corner. You’ll also find some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the country.
The Westfjords offer the chance to see Drangajökull, the northernmost glacier on the island, as well as the looming bulk of Bolafjall Mountain, and the charming and picturesque island of Flatey, full to bursting with a huge population of puffins. You can also get a taste of Iceland’s amazing history, culture, and mythology at the Arctic Fox Center, the Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery, or the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum!
