7 Reasons to Visit Iceland

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Iceland is an amazing country and one that should be on your bucket list. Many come back year after year, eager to see more of her wonders and delights. The country is one of volcanos, atmospheric wonders such as the Northern Lights, glaciers, lava fields, and black sand beaches. If this hasn’t made you eager to book a tour, here are seven reasons to visit this remarkable land.

1 The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealisis one of the most amazing things you will ever see. Here, electrically charged particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen, creating a dazzling light show. The effects can be seen for miles, and one of the best places to see it in all of its glory is in Iceland.

Ideally, you want to come in the colder months, but it is not impossible to see it in the summer.

If you are on a road trip of Iceland, it is a good idea to hire a campervan that can go off-road. This will let you reach the places where the Northern Lights are more visible. Visit https://www.campervanreykjavik.com/in the first instance.

2 The Golden Circle

This is Iceland’s most popular tourist drive, and here you can reach gems such as The Blue Lagoon and Geysir, home of the exploding mud pits and jets of water are blasted hundreds of feet into the air.

If you’re traveling with kids, not only will they love this site, they will learn all about the land at the visitor center.

3 Landmannalaugar

If you have a 4 x 4 vehicle heading to the Highlands, Landmannalaugar, in particular, is a place that should feature on your schedule. Here, you’ll find the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a place of rugged landscapes shaped by volcano eruptions.

Places to see include The Rhyolite Mountains, a region which has been shaped by rhyolite, and as such, the mountains are vibrant colors and have an unusual appearance.

The Laugahraun Lava Field is like walking in an alien landscape. The rock formations are unusual, and you can’t help but feel both isolated and yet fascinated by the land.

Other attractions include Hot Springs, Grænagil Canyon, and Ljótipollur, the Ugly Puddle. You can take a comprehensive tour to Landmannalaugar to see every corner of the region.

4 Askja

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Askja in the Highlands is home to the famous Askja Caldera in the northern side of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Caldera was formed when a lava chamber just below the surface collapsed, causing three calderas to form.

It is in this region where you’ll find the Öskjuvatn Lake and Víti volcano. The Öskjuvatn Lake is 217m deep, and the Víti volcano contains a 60m deep geothermal lake.

5 Dettifoss Waterfall

Head to Vatnajökull National Park on Jökulsá á fjöllum (Glacial Mountain River) you will find the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the Dettifoss Waterfall.

Water flows from the mighty Vatnajökull glacier. The sound hits you first, and the floor shakes as the water cascades 44m to the level below. The spray is intense, and waterproof clothing is a must!

This waterfall can be seen as part of the Diamond Circle tour, and it is advised that you witness the impressive sight, which is the Dettifoss Waterfall.

6 Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Many locals use the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a weekend break, and it is only two hours from the country’s capital, Reykjavik.

This is no surprise as the region is packed with amazing things to explore. Consider, while in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula you can:

  • Visit lava fields
  • See the ice cap on Volcanos
  • Explore Caves
  • Experience Waterfalls
  • Visit the fishing villages

One of the wonders of the region is the Eldborg Crater. The name translates into English as the ‘Fortress of Fire’. The crater is 50m deep and has a diameter of 200m. It is a highly popular hiking area, and you should try and see it if you can.

If you prefer a more sedate experience, visit the natural geothermal pool, the Landbrotalaug Pool. The temperature is a consistent 36 – 40°C. Only two to three people can fit at a time, so it is often visited by couples who are hopelessly in love.

7 The Food

Fish is a big part of the Icelandic diet. As you have probably guessed, her Arctic Circle location means the food has to be hearty to resist the harsh winters. As such, many dishes revolve around potatoes, bread, lamb and dairy dishes.

Iceland also features cuisine from all over the world.

However, if you want to sample traditional Iceland dishes, here are some suggestions:

  • Kjotsupa– Kjotsupa is a soup made from tough lamb cuts and vegetables. It is a staple dish of the winter and very tasty.
  • Svid– This is a sheep’s head and like frogs legs in France it isn’t eaten regularly by your average Icelander.
  • Plokkfiskur– Boiled haddock or cod is served with potatoes either scrambled together or separate.

Iceland is a wonderful country and one you should visit very soon.