Iceland is a truly unique and beautiful country, and there are so many amazing things to see and do while visiting. We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to visit Iceland and see some of the natural wonders and have some once in a lifetime experience.
The Golden Circle
A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Golden Circle includes a visit to the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, which cascades down into a deep gorge, and the geothermal area of Geysir, where you can see the famous Strokkur geyser erupting. You’ll also have the chance to visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament.
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure
Another exciting activity to add to your itinerary is snorkeling in the Silfra fissure. This incredible natural wonder is located in Thingvellir National Park, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. The water in the fissure is crystal clear and incredibly pure, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.
Snowmobiling on a Glacier
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, consider going snowmobiling on a glacier. This is a great way to explore the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Iceland, and you’ll have the chance to see some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country.
A Relaxing Visit to Blue Lagoon
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in the middle of a lava field. Here you can relax in the warm, soothing waters and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich water.
A Guided Tour of an Ice Caves
For a truly unique experience, consider booking a guided tour of the blue ice caves. These beautiful and mysterious caves are located on the Vatnajökull glacier, and they offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the stunning blue ice up close.
A Visit to the Capital City – Reykjavik
Reykjavik City Food Tour
Finally, be sure to leave some time to explore the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik. One of the best ways to experience the local culture and cuisine is to take a food tour, which will take you to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city and give you the chance to try some of the delicious local specialties.
Reykjavik Lutheran Church Hallgrimskirkja
Another must-see attraction in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja, a stunning modernist church that towers over the city skyline. The church is located on a hill overlooking the city, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
There is also a nearby restaurant called Loki’s that serves famous Rye bread ice cream. It is a can’t miss experience when in Reykjavik. If you do have the opportunity to take a food tour, it is likely this will make the list but if not definitely make sure to search it out on your own!
See the Northern Lights
The highlight of the trip for sure was seeing the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora borealis, is a truly magical and unforgettable experience. This natural phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a stunning display of colorful lights in the sky.
There are few things more awe-inspiring than seeing the Northern Lights in person, and Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see this natural wonder. The country’s location on the edge of the Arctic Circle and its high latitude make it an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights, and the clear, dark skies of Iceland provide the perfect canvas for the lights to dance across.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and hope to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is during the winter months, when the skies are darkest and the chances of seeing the lights are at their highest. It is generally dark enough starting in September until April.
It’s worth noting that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, as they can be unpredictable and are dependent on several factors such as solar activity and weather conditions. However, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland are generally good during those months, especially if you venture outside of the city and away from light pollution.
There are a number of tour companies that offer guided Northern Lights tours, which are a great option if you want to maximize your chances of seeing the lights and learn more about this natural phenomenon.
These tours usually involve traveling to a secluded location away from the city, where the skies are darker and the chances of seeing the lights are higher. Many tours also include amenities such as hot drinks and blankets to help you stay warm while you wait for the lights to appear.
We downloaded the apps – “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” and “Aurora Forecast” – which provided a good guide for when to see the northern lights. Depending on what part of the country you are in, there are many posts online about where the best places to view the Borealis are, such as this one.
Another key to capturing moments with the northern lights is getting the settings on your phone right. You will not be able to capture enough light with your phone during a video but you can capture the movement of the northern lights with a timelapse. Downloading an app like Nightcap helps you take those long exposure photos.
Seeing the Northern Lights is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one that should not be missed if you have the opportunity to visit Iceland. Whether you choose to go on a guided tour or venture out on your own, seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of this stunning country.
Conclusion – Iceland is Definitely Worth a Visit
Iceland is a truly incredible and breathtaking destination, with so much to see and do. From the natural wonders of the Golden Circle and the thrill of snorkeling in the Silfra fissure to the relaxation of the Blue Lagoon and the excitement of snowmobiling on a glacier, there is something for everyone in this stunning and unique country. And, of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without the chance to see the Northern Lights, a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, experiencing the local food and drink scene, or simply marveling at the breathtaking natural beauty of Iceland, this is a destination that truly has it all. If you need any help booking tours in Iceland we would be happy to offer recommendations and assistance.