The Most Fascinating Attractions in Iceland You Must See
Iceland – the place where nature decided to show off. A country where glaciers and volcanoes compete for attention, and hot springs tempt you to dive in and forget about the rest of the world. If you’re like me and love adventures and discovering new places, Iceland will feel like paradise on Earth. But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves – time for the details! I’m taking you on a journey through geysers, the northern lights, and… hot baths. Get your swimsuit, towel, and a sturdy jacket ready – because we’re about to embark on a true adventure!
Discover Reykjavik with Free Walking Tours Guided by Locals
Imagine walking through Reykjavik – a small but oh-so-charming city. Every now and then, you pass by colorful houses, with fresh Icelandic air swirling overhead. Now add a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes you won’t find in a typical guidebook. I know, because I’ve been on such walks, and trust me, with a local guide, it feels like discovering the city all over again – you see the Hallgrímskirkja church, but then learn that its architecture was inspired by Icelandic nature.
These free walking tours around Reykjavik are a great way to save a few krona, especially since life in Iceland is, to put it mildly, expensive. Plus, you can see not only the typical attractions but also the less-known corners waiting to be discovered. I once stumbled upon a small art gallery where I met a local artist. And I tried fermented shark. Would I recommend it? I’ll leave that to your imagination…
Dive into Icelandic Hot Springs
Picture this: you’re standing in a hot spring, steam swirling around you, with majestic mountains in the background. Icelandic hot springs aren’t just about relaxation; they are literally immersing yourself in the heart of the island’s geothermal magic. My personal favorite, aside from the Blue Lagoon (which, by the way, is like a geothermal Disneyland), is Reykjadalur. Why? Because to get there, you have to do a little trekking, and at the end, your reward is a soak in a warm river.
Iceland’s hot springs are a true paradise for those seeking natural spas. And the best part is, you don’t need to book in advance, though it’s worth checking before your trip to see if a particular spring is open. Prices? It depends on the place, but I’ll tell you, paying even $25 for such relaxation is worth it. Just jump in the water and feel the stress from a whole day of sightseeing literally melt away.
Geysir – See the Source That Gave Its Name to All Geysers in the World
When I first saw a geyser, I had one question: “Does it really erupt every few minutes?” The answer: Yes. And with such force! The Icelandic Geysir – from which all other geysers in the world take their name – is one of those places you just have to see with your own eyes. Although Geysir itself doesn’t erupt as regularly anymore, its younger neighbor, Strokkur, does the job. Every few minutes, it shoots water 30 meters into the air, as if saying: “Look, I’m the king here!”
Standing there, watching Strokkur in action, you can feel like you’re in the middle of nature’s spectacle. And while it may seem like it’s just hot water, the sight of these eruptions stays with you for a long time. If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget your camera, because such a geyser eruption is a rare sight. And the surroundings? Perfect for hiking, so you can easily combine geyser-watching with a little adventure into Iceland’s wild landscapes.
Admire the Northern Lights in Iceland
The northern lights are like dancing magic in the sky. You’ll understand what I mean when you see those flickering green and purple lights on a black winter night. For me, the first encounter with the aurora borealis felt like colliding with something from another world. And while the aurora is unpredictable, Iceland is one of those places where you have a pretty good chance of catching this show.
But before you head out to chase the northern lights, remember one thing: it’s best to leave the city. Reykjavik, though beautiful, isn’t ideal for aurora watching because of the city lights. I always recommend heading to Thingvellir or around Vík – the darkness there is your ally. And don’t forget warm clothes – Icelandic winter nights can be freezing! If you want more certainty of spotting the aurora, install an app that tracks aurora activity – for me, it was an absolute must.
Explore the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano – The Place That Stopped Europe
Imagine this: you’ve bought tickets for your dream trip to warm countries, everything is planned, suitcases packed, and suddenly… bam! All of Europe is grounded. Why? Because a volcano, with a name that sounds like an attempt at breaking a vowel-count record, decided to erupt! Yes, I’m talking about Eyjafjallajökull. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, and you’re fascinated by volcanoes, immediately add this to your “must-see” list in Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull is no ordinary volcano – in 2010, it grounded flights across all of Europe. Now the question: what else can stop such a massive machine like aviation? The answer: an Icelandic volcano. Oh, the irony, right?
I admit, when I first heard about Eyjafjallajökull, I thought it was a joke – until I actually got there. The surroundings are an entirely different world, and I’m not just talking about the lunar landscape. This is a place where you can not only come face to face with the giant that once made all of Europe freeze, but also visit a museum dedicated to its eruption. And here’s an interesting tidbit – it’s not just a museum with informational plaques, but full of stories about the people who had to deal with the challenges that this volcanic spectacle brought. And if you think that’s the end of the attractions, think again! The area around this volcano hides waterfalls so picturesque, you forget you’re on planet Earth. Add to that valleys and glaciers that look like they were imagined by some hardcore Icelandic painter.
Now, imagine you’re in Iceland and thinking, “I’d like to get closer to this beast.” Great! There are tours for that! Yes, you can admire Eyjafjallajökull up close, but be warned – in winter, it’s an attraction for those who aren’t afraid of challenges. I remember my winter trip, where every step on the glacier felt like a little survival mission. Price? About $500. Well, the price for extreme experiences must be right, right? But once you’re there, with the proper gear, a guide, and a slight tinge of fear in your eyes, you’ll understand it’s worth it. The up-close view of Eyjafjallajökull is something you won’t forget. Such a journey is not just an encounter with nature but also a moment of reflection on how small humans are compared to the power of nature. And you know what? For moments like that, it’s worth risking frozen fingers.
Visiting Eyjafjallajökull is an adventure that uniquely combines the past and the present. After all, how often do you get to visit a place that literally made an entire continent hold its breath? Every time I stand before this volcano, I feel like a tiny cog in this giant machine of nature. And that’s exactly it – the moment that reminds me why I love to travel. Iceland has something that draws you in and doesn’t let you forget it. Eyjafjallajökull is just the beginning – after all, there’s no shortage of volcanoes here. And who knows, maybe next time, you’ll be witnessing a spectacular eruption yourself?
