When you think of Iceland, you think of its beautiful natural attractions - the lights, the glaciers, and the geysers everything is so beautifully put together. It’s best if you’re an outdoor lover as most activities and must-visits are really close and deal with nature. Blue Lagoon is one of the top tourist destinations; it’s a spa with mineral-enriched water that’s healthy for your skin. Aside from that, make sure to drop by Thingvellir National Park and Jökulsárlón, which is one of the most stunning tourist attractions you’ll see. There are plenty of activities that await you here, such as swimming, hiking, and waiting - for the lights, specifically. It may be a romantic trip for couples but also perfectly enjoyed by families. Read on for the top 10 things Iceland is famous for.
1. Watch the Iceland geysers in action
When you think about Iceland, one of the first things that pop into someone’s mind would be the geysers. As the first discoverers of geysers, Iceland has some of the most beautiful and interesting geysers in the world. Known as the geyser hotspot, there are plenty of geysers one could explore, such as Geysir and Stokkur. Geysir was the first geyser to be discovered and shoots hot water up to 70 meters (229 feet) in the sky. Strokkur is another famous must-visit for tourists since it shoots hot water every 10 minutes, making it a great show to watch.
2. Be brave enough to try a shot of Brennivín
What’s a trip without tasting the local specials? Brennivin is Iceland’s alcoholic drink and is even called “black death.” This popular drink is often compared with vodka. However, this distilled spirit doesn’t have flavor and is actually made from grains and fruits. You can enjoy this drink in different ways, such as taken as a shot or mixed with Coke and other soft drinks. There are even versions where bartenders use it in making cocktails so that’s something to try too. The drink is perfect when paired with snacks. Drink responsibly as this has an alcohol content of around 40%.
3. Be in awe of the Northern Lights (from USD 59.0)
What a beautiful and stunning view. The Northern Lights is what makes Iceland special because of the playful colors dancing in the sky. With this tour, you’ll be able to enjoy different stopovers in places where you might be able to enjoy the skies. You’ll also get to know more about the country thanks to the tour guide. Seeing the Northern Lights is also requires luck so if you aren’t able to see it during the trip, the tour offers you to join them again at no extra cost. Make sure to take a lot of pictures and enjoy the moment at the same time.
Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
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4. Check out the local wildlife
During your trip, you’ll see several species of animals that are endemic to Iceland, such as horses, sheep, reindeers, seals, puffins, arctic foxes, and so much more. It really is a wildlife paradise in Iceland with the various animals you get to see. They also have a lot of bird species here. They are often visible when it’s nesting season so don’t be surprised if you see a huge flock of birds. The beautiful wildlife is definitely something you’ll appreciate.
5. View Iceland's majestic waterfalls
Aside from geysers and the Northern Lights, another beautiful natural feature in Iceland are their waterfalls. The waterfalls here are very eye-catching and is definitely worth the trip to view them. Glymur is the second largest waterfall in Iceland and is accessible via a two-hour hike. It is definitely worth it because of the views. Another must-visit is Gullfoss falls, which translates to Golden Falls, another iconic and beloved Iceland waterfall.
6. Immerse yourself in local culture
It’s always the culture that makes a country beautiful, and Icelandic culture isn’t any different. When traveling, it’s good to understand the culture to show respect and be responsible. The country uses English, Danish, and German languages when speaking. You’ll love how empowering they are to gender equality so you’ll see a lot of women in power here. They are also known for preserving traditions and beliefs, and you will meet people who believe in elves or the hidden people. Some interesting facts about their culture are that they don’t have last names, they banned beer, and they’re crazy about sauces - as in they coat almost everything they eat in a sauce.
7. Go on a tour of glaciers and volcanoes (from USD 225.0)
Explore the land of fire and ice by visiting the volcanoes and glaciers here. These natural attractions are too beautiful and interesting and shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy this tour by starting at Lava Centre, where you’ll view the volcano, earthquake, and geology exhibition. This is followed by a stop at the Skógafoss waterfall and Solheimajokull glacier, a hiking trip you’ll enjoy. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn more about the country’s history and its beautiful natural attractions. Everything is hassle-free and is such an enjoyable trip.
South Coast Fire and Ice Tour: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Lava Show
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes
8. Hike the Sólheimajökull glacier (from USD 73.99)
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Hiking is another thing travelers love doing in this country. Hiking allows you to see different sceneries along the way, test your physical abilities, and definitely connect with nature. Prepare your hiking boots as this tour is going to be a long one. You’ll go hiking up the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is quite accessible and easy to hike. It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country as well. You’ll be given hiking equipment and be looked after by a tour guide who will give you tips and tricks and lead you along the journey. During the hike, you’ll come across various attractions such as running water, caves, sinkholes, and many more. This trip is one that nature lovers will definitely love.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hiking Adventure in South Coast Iceland - Klook
9. Get a taste of Harðfiskur
When in Iceland, trying out their harðfiskur is a must. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy snack for on-the-go. The item is quite expensive because not all fish are qualified to be dried. There are different ways of enjoying harðfiskur - you can have it with butter or enjoy it as is. The process of creating this delicacy is by first filleting the fish, rolling it in some salt, and then hanging it out to dry.
10. Learn about geothermal energy in Hellisheidi (from USD 28.0)
Hellisheidi is the third largest geothermal power plant in the whole world. Iceland is very serious when it comes to its obligation with renewable energy. In this tour, you’ll be able to explore the plant wherein you’ll see various collections of rocks and minerals which were preserved. You’ll also understand the process of geothermal energy production and even know more about the history of this energy source. After the educational tour, enjoy drinks at Cafe Energy and pass by the exhibition.
Skip the Line: Geothermal Exhibition - Energy Entrance Ticket
Duration: 1 hour
Pack your winter clothes, it's going to be cold
With plenty of natural attractions, there is no doubt that Iceland is one of the most scenic countries on the planet. There is always something exciting to do or see here, from the food to the outdoor activities. Of course, you cant forget about the beautiful Nothern Lights. Book a trip to this country and see for yourself what makes it such an amazing place.
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