There’s a plethora of fascinating things to see and do in Iceland. Here are 8 of the most engaging experiences in Iceland according to you, our readers.
1. Hike on Langjökull glacier, West Iceland
Langjökull is Iceland’s second largest ice cap. Its volume is around 195 square kilometres and its highest point stretches 1,450 metres (4,760 ft) above sea level. Last year, a 500 metre (1,640 ft) long ice cave was drilled into the glacier to give visitors a new and totally different view of the glacier and the impact global warming has on the environment.
2. Explore a lava cave
You’ll find lava caves in many parts of Iceland. Víðgelmir cave in West Iceland is one of them. The lava tube has some of the strangest and most breathtaking structures created by Mother Nature. The cave is situated in the Hallmundarhraun lava field and is a popular tourist destination.
3. Visit Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
The Mývatn region in North Iceland is one of the country’s most magnificent places to visit. The eponymous Lake Mývatn (meaning Midge Lake) was created by a large volcanic eruption over 2,300 years ago. The surrounding landscape is dominated by stunning and unique volcanic landforms.
The Mývatn Nature Baths are located in the region. The baths are similar to the Blue Lagoon, only smaller and less frequented by travellers.
4. Eat skyr
Skyr’s ever growing popularity make it a “must try” while in Iceland. Skyr is a traditional, Icelandic dairy product resembling yogurt. The product is made from skim milk which remains after the cream has been removed. The milk is then warmed with live cultures from previous batches of skyr and strained from the whey after it has thickened.
Skyr can be bought in every supermarket.
5. Enjoy the midnight sun
The midnight sun is a stunning natural phenomenon occurring in summer in Iceland. Around the summer solstice (June 21st), the sun is visible for the full 24 hours in the Westfjords and about 21 hours in Reykjavík. It’s a beautiful sight!
6. Hunt for the Northern Lights
Although modern science has explained the phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis, the spectacle still stirs up feelings of awe and admiration in those who experience the magical green curtain that dances lightly across the starry winter skies. For the Northern Lights to be seen, conditions need to be ideal: a dark but clear sky.
Numerous tour operators offer special Northern Light tours, starting in September and ending in April.
7. Dine in Reykjavík
Iceland might not be best known for its culinary traditions—at least not yet—but there is an abundance of culinary delights for foodies to enjoy while visiting the country. Reykjavík, the country’s capital, boasts a number of excellent restaurants that gastronomes can look forward to visiting.
8. Super jeep tour along the south coast
The massive jeeps can take visitors to places inaccessible to regular vehicles. There are a number of different tours guests can pick between, among them is a special tour along Iceland’s south coast which includes a visit to majestic waterfalls and glacier hikes.
There’s a plethora of fascinating things to see and do in Iceland. Here are 8 of the most engaging experiences in Iceland according to you, our readers.
1. Hike on Langjökull glacier, West Iceland
Langjökull is Iceland’s second largest ice cap. Its volume is around 195 square kilometres and its highest point stretches 1,450 metres (4,760 ft) above sea level. Last year, a 500 metre (1,640 ft) long ice cave was drilled into the glacier to give visitors a new and totally different view of the glacier and the impact global warming has on the environment.
2. Explore a lava cave
You’ll find lava caves in many parts of Iceland. Víðgelmir cave in West Iceland is one of them. The lava tube has some of the strangest and most breathtaking structures created by Mother Nature. The cave is situated in the Hallmundarhraun lava field and is a popular tourist destination.
3. Visit Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
The Mývatn region in North Iceland is one of the country’s most magnificent places to visit. The eponymous Lake Mývatn (meaning Midge Lake) was created by a large volcanic eruption over 2,300 years ago. The surrounding landscape is dominated by stunning and unique volcanic landforms.
The Mývatn Nature Baths are located in the region. The baths are similar to the Blue Lagoon, only smaller and less frequented by travellers.
4. Eat skyr
Skyr’s ever growing popularity make it a “must try” while in Iceland. Skyr is a traditional, Icelandic dairy product resembling yogurt. The product is made from skim milk which remains after the cream has been removed. The milk is then warmed with live cultures from previous batches of skyr and strained from the whey after it has thickened.
Skyr can be bought in every supermarket.
5. Enjoy the midnight sun
The midnight sun is a stunning natural phenomenon occurring in summer in Iceland. Around the summer solstice (June 21st), the sun is visible for the full 24 hours in the Westfjords and about 21 hours in Reykjavík. It’s a beautiful sight!
6. Hunt for the Northern Lights
Although modern science has explained the phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis, the spectacle still stirs up feelings of awe and admiration in those who experience the magical green curtain that dances lightly across the starry winter skies. For the Northern Lights to be seen, conditions need to be ideal: a dark but clear sky.
Numerous tour operators offer special Northern Light tours, starting in September and ending in April.
7. Dine in Reykjavík
Iceland might not be best known for its culinary traditions—at least not yet—but there is an abundance of culinary delights for foodies to enjoy while visiting the country. Reykjavík, the country’s capital, boasts a number of excellent restaurants that gastronomes can look forward to visiting.
8. Super jeep tour along the south coast
The massive jeeps can take visitors to places inaccessible to regular vehicles. There are a number of different tours guests can pick between, among them is a special tour along Iceland’s south coast which includes a visit to majestic waterfalls and glacier hikes.
