From volcanic craters and geothermal lakes to green meadows and peaceful towns, Iceland has many attractions to offer travelers! There are a few things you should not miss when you are heading on a trip to Iceland for the first time — experiences that are quintessential to exploring this beautiful country!
Although Reykjavik is a fascinating city, if you have several days in Iceland, don’t spend all of your time there. Take your time to head out into the countryside and see some of the natural beauty the country has to offer. Keep in mind the fact that the days are longer in the summer, so you will be able to do much more sightseeing then, than in the winter!
The Blue Lagoon
Just because it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a swim! Swimming in the Blue Lagoon is like nowhere else in the world. Its geothermal warm waters are milky blue, due to the sulphur minerals and the rich silica content. The waters of the spa originate from 2,000 metres below the surface, where seawater and freshwater combine. The spa itself offers great facilities and is located within a lava field in the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwestern Iceland.
It is believed that these minerals are incredibly beneficial to your health and they will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Soaking in these soothing waters is an absolute must-do experience during your trip to Iceland!
The Northern Lights
Seeing the beauty and magic of the Aurora Borealis for the first time is an experience you will never forget. On a cold and clear winter night, you can see the shimmering waves of blue, green, and purple dance across the sky. This is a natural neon light show created by earth’s atmosphere, with captivating colors that are always changing. Electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gas particles in the atmosphere, which creates the bright, dancing glow.
The best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September to March. This breathtaking phenomenon is unpredictable, so you will be never guaranteed to see them. However, there are Aurora Forecasts that you can follow, which will give you hints for Aurora hunting during your trip to Iceland.
The Great Geyser
As one of the most impressive natural wonders in Iceland, the Great Geyser was active for over 10,000 years. It is called “Geysir” and it was the first geyser ever discovered — every other natural fountain of hot spring waters spurting out of the ground is named after this one! When it was active it was a truly spectacular sight to see — the earth burbled and churned before an enormous jet of steaming water spouted 70 metres into the air.
Although the Great Geysir is dormant at the moment, you can visit the nearby Strokkur, which is another geyser 100 meters south. It erupts every 10 minutes or so and its column of boiling water can shoot up to 30 meters high. The entire area is a fascinating place to explore, known for its bubbling rock cauldrons, sulphurous pools, and hot and cold springs.
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