The most interesting attractions in Iceland you must see
Iceland – a place where nature has decided to show off. A country where glaciers and volcanoes fight for attention, and hot springs tempt you to dive in and forget about the rest of the world. If, like me, you love adventure and discovering new places, then Iceland will be like heaven on earth. But hey, let’s not get carried away – time for the details! I’m taking you on a journey through geysers, northern lights, and… hot baths. Get ready with your swimsuit, towel, and a sturdy jacket – because we’re in for a real adventure!
Discover Reykjavik with free walking tours led by local guides
Imagine walking through Reykjavik – a small but oh-so-charming city. Every now and then, you pass some colorful houses, and fresh Icelandic air swirls above your head. Now add a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes you definitely won’t find in a typical guidebook. I know because I’ve been on such tours myself, and trust me, with a local guide, it’s like rediscovering the city – you might 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 Icelandic crowns, especially since life in Iceland is, to put it mildly, an expensive affair. Plus, you’ll get to see not only the typical attractions but also those less-known corners waiting to be discovered. Once, I stumbled upon a small art gallery where I met a local artist. And I tried fermented shark. Do I recommend it? I’ll leave that to your imagination…
Immerse yourself in Icelandic hot springs
Picture this: you’re standing in a hot spring, steam rising around you, and majestic mountains stretching in the background. Icelandic hot springs are not just about relaxation; it’s literally immersing yourself in the heart of this island’s geothermal magic. My personal favorite, aside from the Blue Lagoon (which, by the way, is like Disneyland in its geothermal version), is Reykjadalur. Why? Because to get there, you need to do a little hike, and at the end, you’re rewarded with a bath in a warm river.
Icelandic springs are a true paradise for those seeking natural spas. And the best part is, you don’t have to book in advance, though it’s worth checking before you go whether the spring is open. Prices? It depends on the place, but let me tell you, it’s worth paying for such relaxation, even if it’s 50 euros. Just jump into the water and feel the stress of the whole day’s sightseeing melt away.
Geyser – see the source that gave its name to all geysers in the world
The first time I saw a geyser, I had one question: “Does it really erupt every few minutes?” The answer: Yes. And with what force! Iceland’s Geysir – from which all other geysers in the world take their name – is one of those places you simply must see with your own eyes. Although Geysir itself no longer erupts as regularly, its younger neighbor, Strokkur, does the job. Every few minutes, it shoots water 30 meters into the air, as if to say: “Look, I’m the king here!”
When you stand there watching Strokkur do its thing, you can feel like you’re in the middle of a nature show. And even though it may seem like it’s just hot water, the sight of these eruptions will stay with you for a long time. If you plan to visit, don’t forget your camera, because a geyser eruption is not an everyday sight. And the area? Perfect for hiking, so you can easily combine geyser-watching with a little adventure on Iceland’s rugged trails.
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 shimmering green and purple lights in the dark winter sky. For me, the first encounter with the aurora borealis was like colliding with something from another world. And although the aurora is unpredictable, Iceland is one of those places where you have a real chance to witness this spectacle.
But before you go chasing the aurora, remember one thing: it’s best to leave the city. Reykjavik, though beautiful, isn’t ideal for aurora viewing due to city lights. I always recommend heading to Thingvellir or the areas around Vík – there, the darkness is your ally. And don’t forget warm clothes – nights in Iceland in winter can be freezing! And if you want to increase your chances of catching the aurora, install an app tracking aurora activity – for me, it was an absolute must.
Visit the Eyjafjallajökull volcano – The place that stopped Europe
Imagine you have tickets for your dream trip to sunny countries, everything’s planned, suitcases packed, and then suddenly… boom! All of Europe is grounded. Why? Because a volcano with a name that sounds like a challenge for vowel-pronunciation records decided to erupt! Yes, we’re talking about Eyjafjallajökull. If you haven’t had the chance to see it yet, and you’re fascinated by volcanoes, immediately add this to your “must-see” list in Iceland. Eyjafjallajökull is no small player – in 2010, it stopped flights across Europe. Now, the question: what else could stop such a big machine like aviation? The answer: an Icelandic volcano. What irony of fate, right?
I admit that when I first heard about Eyjafjallajökull, I thought it was a joke – until I actually got there. The surrounding area is like a 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 fact – it’s not just a museum with informational boards, but one filled with stories of people who had to deal with the challenges brought by this volcanic spectacle. And if you think that’s the end of the attractions, I’ll tell you: wait! The surroundings of this volcano hide waterfalls so picturesque that you forget you’re on planet Earth. Plus valleys and glaciers that look like they were dreamed up by an Icelandic painter with an imagination set to “hardcore.”
Now imagine you’re in Iceland, thinking: “I’d like to get closer to this monster.” Great! There are tours like that! Yes, you can admire Eyjafjallajökull up close, but I warn you – in winter, it’s an adventure for those who aren’t afraid of challenges. I remember my winter trip, where every step on the glacier felt like a little survival challenge. Price? About 450 euros. Well, the price for extreme experiences must be right, right? But once you’re there, with the right equipment, a guide, and a hint of fear in your eyes, you’ll realize it’s worth it. A close-up view of Eyjafjallajökull is something you won’t forget. Such a trip is not only an encounter with nature but also a moment of reflection on how small humans are in the face of nature’s power. And you know what? It’s worth risking frozen fingers for moments like these.
A visit to Eyjafjallajökull is an adventure that uniquely connects the past and present. After all, how often do you 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 witness a spectacular eruption yourself?
