The Most Perfect Things to Do in Iceland
SIGHTSEEING
How about starting our journey at Black Sand Beach? Well, the black sand seashores of Vik are an extremely well-known attraction on the shores of Reynisfjara at the southern tip of Iceland. It is a great place with interesting rock formations! Especially worth seeing in nice weather. Watch out for the waves.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is one of three stops framing the Golden Circle. Hence, it is one of the most visited places in Iceland. It isn't only a place of groundbreaking as a place where the ground actually breaks or put decisively, where the North American and the Eurasian mainland plates meet and drift separated. In this place, you will be amazed by this amazing wonder. Here, you can even snorkel or dive right at the center of this place.
Black Beach, Vik
Thingvellir National Park
CULTURE
Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and find an authentic way to explore the history and arts of Iceland. One of the ways to learn Icelandic culture is visiting The National Gallery of Iceland. Established in 1884, it is a leading art museum comprising many of the principal art pieces from Icelandic art culture.
Enjoy its collection consisting mainly of 19th, 20th, and 21st century art. Also, this museum boasts a fine collection of international art. The principal functions of this place are conservation, collection, research, education, as well as presentation of Icelandic and international art.
Let’s see the different faces of Icelandic culture by taking a tour at the Herring Era Museum. This is the only museum of Iceland that won an international award: the European Museum Award for the best new museum for industry and technology.
This museum allows visitors to see how important the fishing industry has been for the development and survival of Icelandic people. It possesses a wide array of historic artefacts, such as heavy equipment, traditional tools, and a boathouse with eleven old fishing ships.
Also, you will get amazed with the stunning coastal scenery of Eyjafjörður as well as the marvelous mountains of Tröllaskagi. This experience will provide you with a decent mix of culture and nature.
The National Gallery of Iceland
The Herring Era Museum
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Generally, the summer months, June through August are the best months to visit Iceland for all-round outside activities. These incorporate hiking, horse riding, whale-and puffin-spotting. The days are particularly long in summer, peaking June – July during the Midnight Sun, when it's rarely really dark.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Always have a good preparation before you go. Do represent your country in positive ways. Remember to shower before you enter the pool. Also, it’s advised to take a tour to bring you into a unique perspective of Icelandic nature, culture, and attractions.
When you visit Iceland, you should not be afraid to try speaking Icelandic. Don’t drive off the road if you don't have 4x4 capable vehicle since it can be a dangerous activity. So, it’s advised to stick to the main roads. Also, remember to not stop on the road to take pictures. Lastly, don’t forget to pack weather appropriate clothing.
LANDMARKS
Visiting Reykjavik? Don’t forget to visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, the landmark symbol of this city. This transcending grey pillar stands tall above of everything else in the otherwise simple architecture of the city. Surrounding it are curated iron houses painted in all the colors of the rainbow with the infrequent wooden home standing out in the between. The view from Hallgrimskirkja tower offers a magnificent chance to see all the colored houses and the vistas on the harbor as well as Esja beyond. Obviously, it's a totally can't-pass up opportunity for photos.
The church was designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, one of Iceland's most well-known and adored architects. He was inspired by Svartifoss waterfall, one more landmark worth looking at. When they are compared, it isn't difficult to see the inspiration. The basalt rocks that frame the waterfall are the rising pillars on each side of the church tower.
Another landmark that you must visit is Svartifoss waterfall. Framed by dark basalt hexagonal pillars that hang down like the pipes of a giant organ, Svartifoss is one of Iceland's most intriguing looking waterfalls. Its name, which means Black Falls, originates from these dull sections. Svartifoss is situated in the Vatnajokull National Park in southeast Iceland. To see this dazzling waterfall, you will need to hike for about one mile to arrive at the falls. A special reward? Well, you can see three different falls while on the way to Svartifoss.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Svartifoss waterfall
POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
The first thing that most people think of Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. Probably, it’s because of the unique location, colors, and medicinally assured healing powers. It is situated smack in the center of the Reykjanes Peninsula. In the middle of the Keflavik airport and Reykjavik making it the perfect stop to make to or from the airport.
Only 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík, this most famous of geothermal spas is a must visit tourist destination. Here, you'll discover natural bathing in light blue water in the shadow of a power station. A whole Blue Lagoon industry has developed around this attraction since it initially turned into a hit with local people in 1976. The water from the underground hot springs achieves at 37-39 degrees Celsius and is supposed to be really beneficial for both skin and health.
In the south of the country, Vatnajökull National Park is a place that is known for glaciers and incredible ice caves, which attract travelers from around the world. The wide national park (one of three in Iceland) is divided into four segments and comprises Vatnajökull ice sheet and its environmental factors. You'll discover various visitor centers; those in Skaftafell Ice Cave and Höfn are open all year, while Skriðuklaustur and Jökulsárgljúfur are closed in winter.
The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave is during winter after heavy rain has washed the top layer of the glacier away. If seen at the perfect time, the cave is covered in magnificent blue light. Group visits to all regions can be organized off-season. If you’re in healthy shape, probably you should consider doing a glacial trek with an experienced guide. The treks get you on the ice for an exceptional experience to see glacial breaks and caves. Also, you will find fresh water from little pools on the surface.
Blue Lagoon
Vatnajökull National Park
Skaftafell Ice Cave
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Experience brand new apartment accommodations at Reykjavik Residence Hotel. Located at the downtown of Reykjavik, this hotel is perfect for those who look for a comfortable and luxurious place to stay.
Located 18 km from 8 km from UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, ION Adventure Hotel offers spacious and comfy rooms with an on-site spa and sauna. Enjoy Nordic specialties at the hotel's restaurant and a bar with marvelous views.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels
BEST RESTAURANTS
ituated in Reykjavik, Islenski Barinn is one of the best restaurants in Iceland to visit if you are looking for a typical Icelandic bar. The best part is that it's extremely comfortable and is such a respite from the snowy chill outside.
Once here, you can attempt a portion of their reindeer meatballs and roasted leg of lamb. On the other hand, if that doesn't make you happy, try the slensk kjötsúpa, an Icelandic meat soup that is so delicious.
Another best restaurant you should visit must be Drangar, which is a thoroughly cool restaurant that is located inside the amazing Hotel Kría. Currently, this isn't the sort of spot that is all style over substance and we guarantee you'll get one epic dinner here.
Drangar serves traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist which is so delectable. Be sure to attempt their barbecued spotted cod and their Skyr as well as cucumber dessert.
Íslenski barinn
Drangar Restaurant
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
Reykjavík Gift Store is a great store with awesome items to purchase. Also, you can get cool Icelandic air freshener. Don’t forget to visit Blue Lagoon Shop to get skin care products such as body scrub.
Reykjavík Gift Store
Blue Lagoon Shop
