Jökulsárlón (The Glacier Lagoon)

This glacial river lake can be found to the south of Vatnajökull National Park. Just beside Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, Jökulsárlón grows or shrinks depending on the glacier’s melt each year. Overall, since the 70s, the glacial lake has grown four times bigger. What makes this area so surreal, however, is the strange bright blue hues of many of the icebergs with the black volcanic rock on the shore and the snowy hills around it. This combination of features can’t be found anywhere else, making Jökulsárlón a fantastic place for even the most well-travelled adventurer in search of something new.

The Eldhraun Lava Fields

At 218 square miles, this is the largest lava flow in the world. The catastrophic eruption occurred between 1783 and 1784. The vast amount of poisonous gas and ash was cataclysmic for Iceland at the time, killing 20% of the people and between 53–82% of the domestic animal population. The fallout of ash blackened the skies around Europe and many scholars speculate that the crop failures caused by the lack of sunlight were a substantial contributor to the French Revolution. Today, however, the Eldhraun Lava Field is a site of natural beauty and serenity, with a bright green moss growing over the strange lumps and bumps of the volcanic rock underneath. If this interests you, check out our caving tour in Leidarendi Lava Tunnel.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

The fire part of ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ refers to Iceland’s volcanicity. The country’s numerous volcanoes, over many millennia, have created some truly surreal rock formations and landscapes, but some of the strangest and most beautiful places are below ground. That’s why we suggest heading to Raufarhólshellir — perhaps as part of our Iceland lava tunnel tour. While Raufarhólshellir is only the fourth longest lava tunnel in Iceland, it is relatively close to Reykjavik and it has some of the most beautiful and surreal rock formations and colours.

Svartifoss

This iconic waterfall is famous. Many people will have seen images of it and admired it without even knowing which country it belonged to. What makes Svartifoss surreal, however, is the basalt columns that comprise it. Basalt columns are created when hot lava meets extremely cold water, causing the lava to cool much quicker than usual. Basalt columns are rare, but they can be found in little pockets all around the world. However, many people consider Iceland to have the most impressive basalt columns in the world, with Svartifoss standing tall as one of Iceland’s most impressive geological attractions. If you love waterfalls, check out our guide to the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland!

The Aurora Borealis

The last item to make it onto this guide isn’t a place at all, as you can see it from many places in Iceland. It is, however, one of the most surreal phenomena on the planet, so it more than earns its place on this list. The Aurora Borealis is caused by solar winds disturbing the magnetosphere around the Earth and it can only be seen very far north during wintertime. There are many spots around Iceland, outside of the city’s bright lights, that are popular for spotting the Northern Lights. We recommend asking the locals when you arrive as everyone will have helpful advice for you. We will do our best to ensure our guests can see the Aurora, but it is never guaranteed. If you’d like to learn more about it, check out our guide to photographing the Aurora Borealis! 

That’s all we have time for today. We hope we’ve inspired you to add at least a couple of these surreal places to your next trip to Iceland. And if you have any questions about any of the tours mentioned in this travel guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Iceland today!

The post What are the Most Surreal Places in Iceland? appeared first on Cool Travel Iceland.

Iceland Was Late to the Graffiti/Street Art Scene

Like many things, it took a little longer for graffiti to find its way to Iceland. This is because Iceland is an island and the internet wasn’t always as fast or as full of beautiful high-res images of street art in other cities. Iceland’s pioneering street artists in the 90s had to draw inspiration from films, music album covers, their own travels, and any other place they could. However, since then, Reykjavik’s street art scene has gone from strength to strength and is often regarded as one of the world’s top cities for street art.

Ode to Mother – Laugavegur

Hong Kong-based Belgian street artist Cara To (AKA Caratoes) created Ode to Mother back in 2015, as part of the city’s Wall Poetry Project. You’ll find this fascinating artwork on the Mjúk Iceland shop on Laugavegur 23 — this is Reykjavik’s main shopping street and there are many other great pieces of street art here. Ode to Mother is pretty trippy and was inspired by a song of the same name by local band Ylja.

Horses in the Night – by John Gent

This ethereal artwork is relatively close to the city centre; you’ll find it in Hverfisgata, an area of the city that used to be run down but has had a lot of work and investment put into it in recent years. It is now considered ‘the cool quarter’ of the city by many. Horses in the Night was painted by John Gent, who claims he was inspired by the song Pale Green Ghost by John Grant.

Wolf – by Elle

Wolf is another piece that was created during the Wall Poetry Project mentioned earlier. It was painted by Elle, a visiting American artist, and it was inspired by the song Tuttugu og Eitthvað by local hip hop group Úlfur Úlfur. This image seems to depict an elf in a wolf’s skin, howling, with two other wolves alongside her. Like all the best street art, Wolf is open to interpretation. What do you see? You’ll find this mural at Laugavegur 3.

Vampire – by *FACE and Agent Fresco

Another great piece of street art on Laugavegur, this mural was created as a collaboration between Agent Fresco and *FACE. The pair say they were inspired by a famous medieval Icelandic saga called Laxdœla Saga, which means that the monster in the mural isn’t a vampire at all; it’s a kind of Icelandic undead creature called a draugur that sucks the will out of its victims.

The Masquerade – Phlegm

This enchanting mural packed with 27 surreal masked characters was created by Phlegm and you can find it at Aegisgata 7, near the harbour. The detail on this particular mural is incredible; you can almost always find a new detail each time you visit it.

There are countless other murals throughout Reykjavik and even more graffiti tags of varying beauty and complexity. We can’t possibly cover them all here, so we’ve just highlighted some of our favourites. We hope this guide has inspired a few readers to add a street art tour of Reykjavik to their next Iceland trip, and if you have any questions about our Iceland Tours, please feel free to get in touch.

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Skógafoss

As you might expect, Skógafoss is a waterfall on the Skóga River. This incredible waterfall is found in the south of Iceland, just off the ring road, making it very easy to access. It is 25m wide and 60m high, making it one of the county’s most impressive waterfalls. What’s interesting about Skógafoss is that it used to mark an earlier coastline for Iceland. But, as Iceland is always growing and changing, it is now roughly 3.1 miles from the coast. Due to the large amount of spray, a visit to Skógafoss on a bright day will pretty much guarantee a rainbow.

Hengifoss

Hengifoss is 128 meters tall, making it the third-highest waterfall in Iceland. But it’s not just its great height that makes Hengifoss stand out. The stark black basalt and clay-red layers of rock all around Hengifoss make it one of the most striking waterfalls in Iceland. You can visit this waterfall in Hallormsstadur National Forest to the east of Iceland. In fact, Hengifoss is usually considered the star attraction of Hallormsstadur, and we highly recommend that you visit if your travels take you over to the east side of the island.

Goðafoss

You’ll find this epic waterfall in northern Iceland, just off the country’s main road, so it is very easy to drive to. Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls due to the sheer amount of water rushing and falling from it every second. While not as tall as some of the other waterfalls on this list, Goðafoss more than makes up for this with its 30m width and huge volumes of water. The word Goðafoss is usually taken to mean ‘waterfall of the gods’ — and there are some fascinating stories about how it got its name… But you’ll have to discover these stories for yourself when you visit.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss has Niagra Falls vibes and is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. When you visit this gargantuan waterfall, you’ll be blown away by its scale and beauty. Dettifoss gets its huge supply of water from a very big glacial river called Jökulsá á Fjöllum. And Jökulsá á Fjöllum gets its water from Vatnajökull — the largest glacier in Europe. You can find this epic waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park, which is in the north and not far from the Lake Myvatn area. At over 100 metres wide, the sheer scale of Dettifoss will take your breath away.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is perhaps Iceland’s most famous waterfall, and there is good reason for this. Gullfoss translates to ‘Golden Falls’ and it is found in Iceland’s world-famous Golden Circle Tour. Gullfoss is technically two different water features very close together: the first is an 11-metre cascade, and this is followed by a 21-metre waterfall. The overall effect is breath-taking. Just make sure you bring a camera with you. Another reason why Gullfoss is so popular is because it is very easy to get to. In fact, it’s only a two-hour drive from Reykjavik!

That’s all we have time for today. There are, of course, many more beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. This list (and any others like it) are obviously subjective. What’s particularly wonderful, however, is the sheer number of beautiful waterfalls available in Iceland and we hope you will add one or two of the waterfalls on this list to your next Iceland adventure. If this blog has inspired you to start planning a trip to Iceland and you’d like to know more about our Custom Iceland Tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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When trying to photograph any natural phenomenon, the first thing you need is patience. And this goes double for the Aurora Borealis — also known as the Northern Lights. One of the world’s most impressive spectacles. Iceland is perhaps one of the most famous places in the world for seeking out the Northern Lights. This is why we felt it was appropriate for us here at Cool Travel Iceland to offer our own advice for photographers hoping to snap this stunning natural light show. If anything in this guide inspires you to plan a trip, check out our range of Iceland Day Trips and Private Iceland Tours.

First Step: Finding the Aurora Borealis

While it would probably be better if the Northern Lights were easy to find, they might lose some of their appeal if this were the case. There’s an elusive mystery to the Aurora that pulls people to the Arctic Circle from all over the world. While most people who know where (and how) to look for the Aurora will find it, some leave disappointed. This is because the lights can’t be accurately predicted. There are several things you can do, however, to greatly increase the chance that you’ll spot the lights when you visit…

Visit Iceland at Winter

Iceland is a very appropriate name for our island as it has more than its fair share of ice. With 269 officially named glaciers and particularly cold winters, it really is the land of ice. However, if you’re happy to put on a few layers and be careful, then winter in Iceland has a lot to offer. And the best part about spending winter in Iceland is that it is the only time of the year when you can see the Northern Lights. As you need sufficient darkness in order to see the lights, you can usually only see the Aurora in Iceland between September and mid-April.

Choose a Location Away from Reykjavik

It’s really not hard to get away from civilisation in Iceland. In fact, most of our island is uninhabited. This is definitely a bonus when hunting for the Northern Lights as you get the best views when away from any light pollution associated with towns and cities. Different tour guides and experts have their own ideas about the best places to spot the Aurora Borealis, and it’s always good to listen to locals. However, rather than listing several out-of-the-way places you should try, we’d just like to recommend any remote location with zero artificial light. Keeping an eye on Twitter with the #auroraborealis is also a good way to react to any reports of particularly good views of the lights as and when they present themselves. Just be very careful when driving on the winter roads. If in doubt, it is better to rely on local professional drivers.

Photography Advice for Capturing the Aurora Borealis

So, you’ve taken all of the relevant advice and finally find yourself standing somewhere in Iceland at night in the winter, staring up at the breath-taking Aurora Borealis. Now you actually have to take a few good photographs of it… This is surprisingly tricky for some people, depending on which camera equipment you use. You will find so much different advice on how to best capture the Aurora — some of the advice is even contradictory. We aren’t photography experts, so we will refrain from getting too technical. However, there are some reasonably simple things to keep in mind if you want to take great photos of the natural world’s greatest lightshow…

Camera Settings When Shooting the Aurora Borealis

First off, it’s important to recognise that there are far too many different kinds of cameras out there to be able to offer advice that applies to every different machine. With this in mind, we encourage you to experiment and to try different settings and techniques to see what works for your camera. Disclaimer stated, here are a few settings to consider:

Keep ISO settings low as this will reduce the amount of noise in your shots. However, if the Aurora Borealis is particularly dim, you may need to raise the ISO until you get the desired result. 

You will usually want the aperture as wide as it goes to allow as much light as possible into your camera. A wider aperture will result in much more vivid colours.

Autofocus can really struggle in the dark, with nothing to grab on to. You will get much better results if you manually change the focus, taking shots and judging which looks best.

Shutter speed is the last thing to consider when capturing the Aurora Borealis. You will need to react to your conditions as sometimes the lights are fast and flickering — other times they flow slowly through the sky. If the lights are moving slowly, lower your shutter speed and experiment with several shots until you find the right speed.  If the lights are fast, you will need to raise the shutter speed in order to capture them.

Camera Gear for Shooting the Aurora Borealis

Setting yourself up for the best photos means being prepared with the right type of equipment. One of the most important pieces of camera gear you will want for your Northern Lights photoshoot is a tripod. Without a tripod, you will struggle to capture this magical moment. 

There are so many travel-friendly, lightweight tripods out there that are very affordable. Keep in mind, however, that a more durable tripod can serve your needs better on our uneven terrain and in the winter climate. If you’re keen to capture the best photos of the Aurora Borealis, then a high-quality tripod is highly recommended! 

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to travel all the way to Iceland in the winter to photograph this hard-to-shoot atmospheric phenomenon… Then we can say with confidence that it absolutely is worth it. As incredible as many of the photographs are, no image of the Aurora Borealis is half as enchanting as actually being here yourself. We hope we’ve helped a few readers begin to plan their dream Northern Lights trip in Iceland. If you’d like to arrange a visit to Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis and you have a few questions about our range of tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The post Guide to Photographing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland appeared first on Cool Travel Iceland.

Most stores are open late in December (10 pm) and as it draws near Christmas they get very busy.

The first Sunday in December the advent starts. In every home you will find advent wreath which is a candle decoration with four candles. Each Sunday in December one candle is lit. On the advent children go to Christmas dances, sing Christmas songs and dance around the Christmas tree and meet some of the 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses.

On the 23^rd it is a tradition to eat fermented skate fish. It’s smell is really strong and many people can not even imagine putting it in their mouth. But still many people enjoy it and embrace this smelly tradition every year.  

The 24^th of December is called Adfangadagur in Icelandic and is the main Christmas celebration day in Iceland. Christmas starts at 6pm on Adfangadagur when the church bells ring in the Christmas. That night families prepare their Christmas dinner and after the meal they all sit together by the Christmas tree and open presents.

The role of Santa Claus is different in Iceland than for example in the US. He’s not the one who brings the presents and puts them under the tree, that is the parent’s job and all kids know that. You can read more about the Icelandic Santa clauses here.

The day after Adfangadagur is Joladagur or Christmas day and most people eat hangikjöt and laufabrauð. Hangikjot (hanging meat) is a smoked leg of a lamb and laufabraud is a thin deep fried bread that is eaten with butter.

On Christmas day many families have family gatherings with their relatives. The day after that is called the Second day of Christmas which is also a public holiday and it is also popular for the big family gatherings.

The Christmas do not end there, they even continue over the New Years and aren’t officially over until the 6^th of January when the last Yule Lad goes back to his home in the mountain. That day, the last day of Christmas is called the Thirteenth. In every city you will find a nighttime bonfire where people come together, maybe blow up the leftover fireworks from New Year’s Eve and say goodbye to Christmas.

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13 nights before Christmas the Yule Lads start descending from the mountain to town one by one.

On the night of December 11th children put their shoe in the window in hope that they will find a nice small gift from the Yule Lad when they wake up. The Yule Lads know if you have been good or bad and if the children have been good, they get something nice, if on the other hand they have been bad, they will get an old potato, and nobody likes that. This tradition keeps on going for those 13 nights before Christmas, so it can be a nice time for the parents when all kids behave.

Each and every Yule Lad has a name and it´s own character.

The first one is called Stekkjastaur or Sheep-Cote Clod.  He harasses sheep, but is impaired by his stiff peg legs. He arrives the 12^th of December.

The Second one is Giljagaur or Gully Gawk. He hides in gullies, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk.

The third one is Stufur or Stubby. He is abnormally short and he steals pans to eat the crust left on them.

The fourth one is Þvörusleikir or Spoon-Licker. He steals Þvörur (a type of a wooden spoon with a long handle) to lick. He is extremely thin due to malnutrition.

The fifth one is Pottaskefill or Pot-Licker. He steals leftovers from pots.

The sixth one is Askasleikir or Bowl-Licker. He hides under beds waiting for someone to put down their ‘askur’ (a type of bowl with a lid used instead of dishes in the old days), which he then steals.

The seventh one is Hurðaskellir or Door-Slammer. He likes to slam doors, especially during the night.

The eight one is Skyrgámur or Skyr-Gobbler. A Yule Lad with an affinity for skyr, an Icelandic dairy product.

The ninth one is Bjúgnakrækir or Sausage-Swiper. He would hide in the rafters and snatch sausages that were being smoked.

The tenth one is Gluggagægir or Window-Peeper. A voyeur who would look through windows in search of things to steal.

The eleventh one is Gáttaþefur or Doorway-Sniffer. Has an abnormally large nose and an acute sense of smell which he uses to locate laufabrauð, an Icelandic deep fried bread.

The twelfth one is Kjötkrókur or Meat-Hook. Uses a hook to steal meat.

The thirteen and the last one is Kertasníkir or Candle-Stealer. Follows children in order to steal their candles (which in those days were made of tallow and thus edible).

Gryla their mother is a scary and not very good-looking troll lady. Some say she has a big wart on her extremely big nose. She is said to spank her Yule Lads when they misbehave. Children in Iceland fear Gryla like hot lava because she is said to take children who don’t behave and put them in her big brown bag and bring them to her mountain.

Leppaludi their father is supposedly Gryla´s third husband. He is considered to be very lazy and an unpleasant man.

The Christmas cat is a giant black cat that lives with this unordinary family in the mountain. It is said that if you don’t get a new piece of clothing before Christmas the Christmas Cat will eat you. But don’t worry, there are no reports of that happening yet. Just make sure you at least buy a pair of new socks to prevent him coming for you if you ever spend Christmas in Iceland.

Originally Yule lads were for scaring children the days before Christmas, they were troll like and looked nothing like the traditional international Santa claus we know today. They were portrayed as being mischievous thieves. Today they have become to be more like the one we know, both in looks and behavior. 

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See the Northern Lights in the Wintertime

Since it’s bright nearly 24/7 during the summer, any trip dedicated to seeing the Northern Lights needs to be planned for the winter. Many guidelines list the ideal timeframe as running from September to April, although there is a pervading myth that colder temperatures improve visibility of the lights, it is the darkness that is key. During winter in Iceland, it is common to have as little as 5 hours of daylight, and this is what makes it so good for spotting the Northern Lights.

Get Out of the City

As you need darkness to see the Northern Lights,  it’s important to escape the city boundaries. Although Reykjavik is a wonderful city and an excellent place to base yourself for parts of your stay, the light pollution of the city will interfere with catching sight of the aurora. However, that is not to say that it is impossible to see the Northern Lights from the city. If you are unable to get to more remote areas, the Grótta lighthouse is only a short distance from downtown Reykjavik and it is relatively free of the city’s light pollution. Time-restricted travellers who are not spending nights away from the capital can also take guided Northern Lights tours; these normally last 3 to 6 hours and take you to good locations for seeing the lights outside of the city. 

Consider Renting a Car

Renting a car can offer you more freedom with your own schedule, but it’s actually quite challenging to hunt the Northern Lights on your own. Following the forecast throughout the day is a skill that local tour guides hone over the years. It allows them to choose the most likely location on any given day for successfully finding the Lights. Many hotels will offer wake-up calls if the lights are seen during the middle of the night; having a car in such cases means you have the opportunity to find a secluded place to really enjoy the spectacle. Of course, that also means you’ll be suddenly waking up and trying to navigate in the middle of the night! We recommend you relax on your vacation and allow an expert local tour guide to safely take you around. The driving conditions in Iceland can be very hazardous and there’s no need to stress yourself while you’re on holiday.

Be Conscious of Changeable Weather

As mentioned above, finding clear, black skies will be tantamount to getting beautiful views of the Northern Lights. This is called a Northern Lights “hunt” for good reason! If you are booking your trip a long time in advance, you can consider researching solar cycles, as some seasons are less likely to offer up clear sights of the lights than others. However, the local forecasts will be your best friend for reaching areas free of cloud cover. The weather in Iceland can be changeable, but it does mean that poor weather on one night of your journey does not necessarily mean you won’t have clear skies the following day. That’s why taking a Northern Lights tour with a local expert gives you the best chance of seeing them. 

Capture Photos With a Long Exposure

Certainly, some visitors will eschew photo sessions to simply revel in the beauty of the phenomenon taking place above them. But given the remoteness of Iceland and the Northern Lights’ potential to allude those looking for it, we suggest bringing a good quality camera for documenting your trip. To the human eye, some of the colour can be lost from the solar winds, but taking photos with a long exposure of between 5 and 25 seconds will bring out those famous, luminous greens. 

We hope this short guide has left you inspired to travel to this wondrous country in search of a spectacle unlike any other. If you have any comments or questions for us, we would love to hear from you, contact us here. 

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Choose a Car Suitable for Your Needs

For travellers visiting Iceland during the summer months of July and August, a small two-wheel drive car may be perfectly adequate for your journey, so don’t lose money in booking an off-road vehicle where it isn’t necessary. You will need four-wheel drive, though, if you are looking to get right off the beaten track and into the depths of Iceland’s wilds. Iceland’s mountain roads are known as F-roads…and they are not for everyone. That’s why we always recommend you book a tour with an experienced mountain guide for your safety. If you are travelling during the winter months, share your plans with the hire company, as the treacherous winter conditions will leave some routes inaccessible. At Cool Travel Iceland, we can help you plan your route, identify the right car for your needs, and ensure you have the right insurance for your trip. Contact us any time for professional insight!

You May Not Need a Car for Shorter Stays

Due to Iceland’s remote geography, it is often somewhere that guests have been dreaming of visiting for some time. For this reason, many will plan an extended stay that allows them to really delight in the natural wonders the country has to offer. However, if you are time-restricted or have planned a city break in the nation’s capital, Reykjavik, you will still be able to experience the magical beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders. And for this trip, you may not need to hire a car as local transport routes provide easy access to both thermal pools and the Golden Circle. Take a look at our How Many Days Should I Spend in Iceland? guide, which provides an itinerary for those making a shorter trip.

Pack the Car Appropriately

Conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable. You may be travelling in summer, but you can still find yourself caught in rain showers and high winds. Even if setting off for the day in glorious, sunny weather, always have a hooded weatherproof jacket, warm sweater, hat, gloves, and scarf with you in the car. Pack sturdy hiking boots for exploring on your stops. And have a thermos flask and some food with you for picnics or stretches of the journey through sparsely populated areas where it may not be easy to find a place to eat.

Be Aware of Driving Conditions in Iceland

Driving conditions in Iceland might differ dramatically from the driving you’re familiar with back home, it’s good to research the unique challenges you may encounter driving in Iceland. Be aware that conditions are changeable, so consult local forecasts and be sure to drive especially carefully when the roads are icy and take extra precautions in windy conditions. If visiting out of season, check for road closures and keep your routes to the main roads, though we strongly advise driving holidays are planned for the summer season. As an agricultural country, Iceland is home to large numbers of livestock, and you will encounter them on the roads in the summertime. Look out for signs that indicate that animals may be crossing, especially reindeer in the east.

Know the Terms of Your Rental Agreement

Our last suggestion: pay attention to the terms of your car rental and be aware of what cover you will require for your chosen route. Most companies offer extra insurance for ash and ice damage. Due to Iceland’s natural landscape and unique weather conditions, you will encounter ash and ice which can pose a threat to your car’s windscreen and paintwork in high winds –– this is a worthwhile investment, and essential for those going off-road. Also, be aware that some companies include mileage restrictions in their rental plans and exceeding the limit on your journey could be very costly. Choose an unlimited mileage deal, unless you’re certain of the distances you will cross. Finally, the car companies will provide you with a full tank of gas upon pick-up. Avoid incurring extra charges by returning your rental with the tank filled. 

This brings to a close our tips for renting a car in Iceland. We’re always happy to help you at Cool Travel Iceland to research and plot your route before arrival to ensure you get the very best from your travels in this spectacular country. We can take away all the planning stress and make sure you get the right vehicle for your trip, plus the correct insurance coverage based on our local expertise.You can feel free to contact us here for help planning the perfect Iceland itinerary.

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Volcanoes in Iceland

With some 30 active volcanic systems across the island, Iceland’s volcanoes have erupted a third of the world’s total lava output over the past 500 years. Volcanoes have shaped Iceland both geographically and culturally; they are at the heart of Iceland’s landscape and often occupy a prominent role in the country’s myths and legends. Visitors can explore volcanic sites in many parts of the country, with Snæfellsjökull being one of the most beautiful and easily accessible. Located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, this 700,000-year-old glacier-capped volcano can be hiked and many local companies will offer guided tours. The volcano is also famous for featuring in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. 

Another notable volcanic option would be the Westman Islands which saw the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973; today you can walk around the area some of the inhabitants were forced to abandon during the eruption. This is a stark glimpse of the devastating force an eruption can bring. Finally, consider enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano and take an elevator into the volcano’s magma chamber — a unique and unforgettable attraction. 

Seeing The Northern Lights in Iceland

No list of Iceland’s natural phenomena would be complete without mentioning the Northern Lights. This breathtaking sight is the sole reason that many visitors decide to make the trip to Iceland. A cosmic light show resulting from solar winds causing disturbances in the magnetosphere, the northern lights are a spellbinding experience that will forever remain with you. This phenomenon is most likely to be seen during the darkest months of the year, so do plan your visit between September and March. But be aware that you are not guaranteed to see the lights during your stay—we like to think its unpredictability is a part of the magic, making the spectacle all the more special when it arrives.

Iceland’s Great Glaciers

Iceland is known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, so when you are done with exploring volcanic sites, you have to then visit some of the country’s mighty glaciers and ice caves. Extending from the mountains at Vatnajökull, the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier is a sight of extraordinary beauty. Take a tour and wander through ice caves inside the glacier that have been created by flows of water tunnelling through the ice cap. You will be struck by the intense blue colours found inside the caves, the space seems to glow. It’s no surprise that this magical location has been used as a location for many films and tv shows. 

Iceland’s Famous Hot Springs

You’re on holiday, so don’t spend your entire trip trekking across the hills and glaciers of Iceland. Take time to do as Icelanders do and relax in a geothermal pool. Heated naturally by the volcanic systems bubbling under Iceland’s surface, these pools will warm and relax you as their high mineral content works wonders for your skin. Visiting hot springs is a central part of Icelandic culture and you will find various types of public and private sites for bathing as you travel around the country — from the tourist-heavy, but picture-perfect, Blue Lagoon just outside of Reykjavik, to local municipal pools exclusively populated by locals. Whichever part of the country you find yourself in, look out for signposted pools and be sure to try them out for yourself. This is a slice of authentic Icelandic life, and the restorative power of lolling around in the waters will ensure you’re suitably rested before your next adventure. 

Iceland’s Waterfalls

Boasting hundreds of magnificent waterfalls, visitors to Iceland could dedicate their entire trip to exploring the country’s waterfalls and they wouldn’t come close to exhausting all the beautiful spots scattered throughout the island. Iceland’s waterfalls conjure images of ancient kings, trolls, and fairy-folk. Famous sites such as Kirkjufell have recently featured in Hollywood productions such as the TV series Game of Thrones. It is tricky and arbitrary to pick a single waterfall that should rank above others, but Skógafoss should be considered for any Iceland itinerary. Legend has it that a Viking hid his looted treasure behind its falls and on sunny days visitors will often get to see two rainbows glowing across the face of the waterfall. 

So ends our run-through of natural phenomena you should not miss on your visit to Iceland. And there is so much we didn’t even mention! We hope you have enjoyed these ideas and that you are feeling inspired to begin planning your trip to Iceland. If you have any comments or questions for us, we would love to hear from you, contact us here.

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Remote, unspoilt and otherworldly, a visit to Iceland is a journey like no other. With over 100 volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, geysers and glaciers, Iceland is a cinematic land steeped in myth and legend. But its northerly location can mean that, for many travellers, plenty of planning is required. For this reason, we’ve put together this guide to help you get the most from your holiday, whether you’re enjoying a long weekend or stopping for an extended stay. Before you begin, please take a look at our range of Iceland tours, or, if you have an idea for your trip not covered in our standard range, why not consider our custom Iceland tours.  

A Long Weekend in Iceland

Reykjavik

Already being spellbound by Iceland as we are, our answer to the question of how long you should spend in Iceland is always the same: as long as you conceivably can. However, we know for many that an extended stay will not be an option. Well, we’re delighted to tell you that there are many unforgettable things you can see in Iceland, even with a limited schedule. For those making a shorter trip, we recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. The below suggestions could easily be achieved on a 3-day trip, dedicating one day to the city, one to the thermal pools, and one to the Golden Circle. 

In Reykjavik be sure to visit the city’s most famous landmark: the Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church. Standing 74.5 metres tall, the church is one of the tallest structures in the country and offers an excellent view of the cityscape from the top of the tower which can be reached by elevator. Elsewhere, the Harpa Concert Hall is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture and shoppers will enjoy exploring the independent shops and coffee houses dotted around this creative, vibrant city. In the evenings, you will find no shortage of fine restaurants offering boundary-pushing cuisine, or bars selling locally crafted beers. But Iceland’s greatest draw is its natural wonders and many of these are easily accessible from Reykjavik. 

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

These geothermal baths are one of the country’s most popular attractions and an excellent place for rest and relaxation on your travels. Located a mere 45 minutes from Reykjavik, the waters are rich in minerals that do wonders for your skin. The pools are often busy, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment. For those wishing to go all out, take a spa treatment or relaxing massage at the retreat.

The Golden Circle

Another amazing day trip that can be taken from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle contains three of Iceland’s natural wonders and should be an essential part of any Iceland itinerary. The journey can easily be made with a rental car,on one of the many tours leaving Reykjavik daily or in a private tour if you want to relax and have a private driver/guide to tell you about the locations and history. The first major stop on the route is to the Thingvellir National Park. Lying in a ridge between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this haunting landscape was home to Iceland’s annual parliament between 930AD and 1798AD. The next stop is Gullfoss waterfall, a powerful, 32-metre fall that is close to the hearts of Icelanders, as encapsulated by the story of environmentalist Sigríður Tómasdóttir who threatened to throw herself into the crashing waters if energy companies interfered with the landscape. The final major stop of the day would be to the geysers in Haukadalur. Although the most famous of the geysers, Geysir (which gives us the English word), is no longer active, although its baby brother, Strokkur, still puts on a show by blasting thermal waters into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. 

For Those on an Extended Trip

Route 1 (the Ring Road)

In addition to the sights outlined above, which can be enjoyed on a short stay in Iceland, visitors on an extended trip should consider taking a rented car or a custom private tour and circling the island on the Ring Road. This route takes you right around the coast of Iceland and allows you to really marvel at the variety of the island’s landscape. Explore black sand beaches on the island’s southern coast and marvel at the haunting sea stacks that jut out from under the waves. In the north, admire Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss; the earth will groan beneath you as walls of water crash from the face of the cliff. Engage with local culture in the many charming villages you will pass through, the local people are always ready to extend their hospitality to travellers. Finally, check out some of Iceland’s volcanoes, such as Eyjafjallajökull, famous for causing global chaos during its recent eruption in 2010. The Ring Road is certainly the best way to explore the diversity of experiences on offer in Iceland, but we recommend a minimum of seven days in the country to complete a full loop. 

Whale Watching in Iceland

Our final suggestion for travellers who are not restricted to a short visit is to go whale watching. If you have a day available, we highly recommend taking a whale-watching excursion. In recent years, Iceland has built a reputation as one of the best locations in Europe to see whales. Anyone who has watched these majestic creatures in their natural environment will attest to the silence that sweeps over the boat as visitors first catch sight of an enormous tail rising from the water. It is simply breathtaking. 

This is all we have time for today. As you can see, even if you are on a restricted schedule, you can base yourself in the capital and make daily excursions to explore some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural sights. For those staying longer, around 7-10 days is ideal to tour the country via Route 1. If you have any questions for us, or simply want to reach out for a chat, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!

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