Top 7 Must-Do Activities for a Magical Icelandic Adventure
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, is a destination that often tops the bucket list of many adventurers and nature lovers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, from vast glaciers and active volcanoes to stunning waterfalls and geothermal hot springs, Iceland offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Embarking on an Icelandic adventure promises not just breathtaking sights but activities that engage you with the raw beauty of nature. Here’s a guide to the top seven must-do activities that will make your Icelandic journey truly magical.
Exploring Iceland Travel Packages: Discovering the Northern Lights
Exploring Iceland through travel packages offers a unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, along with Iceland's diverse and dramatic landscapes. These packages typically range from 4 to 10 days and include various attractions.
Iceland Northern Lights Exploration (8 Days/7 Nights): Provided by On The Go Tours, this package focuses on the Northern Lights. The duration allows for an extensive exploration of Iceland's unique features.
Friendly Planet Travel Package: This package includes not just the Northern Lights, but also visits to Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, and national parks like Þingvellir & Vatnajökull. It offers a comprehensive experience of Iceland's natural and cultural highlights.
10-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation: Focusing on Iceland's Ring Road, this package is available from August to March. It's designed to showcase Iceland's incredible sites during winter, making it an ideal choice for those interested in both the Northern Lights and Iceland's winter landscapes.
Hidden Powers & Northern Lights (4-Day Tour): This tour by Icelandair includes a coach tour to explore Iceland's raw nature, including volcanoes and hot springs. The tour also covers the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and offers stays in rural locations, enhancing the experience of the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights & Sky Lagoon Package: Offered by Icelandair, this package is available for booking well in advance and includes tours to three of Iceland's top attractions over three days and nights. It combines the allure of the Northern Lights with the relaxing experience of the Sky Lagoon.
These Iceland travel packages provide varied experiences, from in-depth explorations to short, immersive tours, all centered around the awe-inspiring Northern Lights and the country's unique natural beauty.
The Blue Lagoon Experience: Geothermal Bliss
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland offers a unique and luxurious geothermal spa experience, renowned globally for its healing and nourishing properties. The water's milky blue hue, a result of its high silica content, forms a soft white mud at the bottom of the lake, which bathers use for its therapeutic benefits. Rich in salts and algae, the water maintains a warm temperature between 37-39 °C (99-102 °F), providing a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
The spa, set in a striking lava field, is open year-round, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with varying hours on holidays. It is not just a place for bathing but offers a comprehensive experience with geothermal pools, saunas, a relaxation cave, and other spa treatments designed for both healing and relaxation. The Blue Lagoon is expansive, covering 8,700 square meters with a capacity of 9 million liters of geothermal seawater. Its depth ranges from 1.2 to 1.6 meters, allowing visitors to comfortably immerse themselves and enjoy the therapeutic benefits.
Beyond the spa, the Blue Lagoon also features unforgettable cuisine, offering a Michelin-starred experience, and is recognized as one of the 25 wonders of the world. This combination of luxurious spa treatments and culinary excellence makes the Blue Lagoon a special and somewhat pricey destination, but one that is highly recommended for a complete Icelandic experience.
Gullfoss and the Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous and scenic route, offering a spectacular circular sightseeing tour that combines stunning landscapes with historically significant sites. Spanning approximately 190 miles (300 kilometers), this route features three of Iceland's most popular natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall.
Gullfoss, meaning 'Golden Falls', is a particularly iconic site located in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland. This breathtaking waterfall can be reached within two hours from Iceland's capital, making it easily accessible for those who opt to rent a car or take a guided tour. The Golden Circle tour is a favorite among tourists year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring during the summer months from June to September.
For those planning a visit, rent a car in Iceland and explore these majestic sites at one's own pace, offering the flexibility to fully immerse in the natural beauty and historical significance of the Golden Circle.
Glacier Adventures: Hiking and Ice Caving
Glacier Adventures, specifically the Skaftafell Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike, offers a unique experience of exploring Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. This tour combines an ice hike and a visit to a natural ice cave, providing participants with breathtaking views and a chance to explore stunning natural formations. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, necessary gear like crampons, and all required safety equipment. Participants need to bring warm clothing, waterproof jackets and pants, hiking boots, headwear, and gloves. The tour is available from September to March, lasts about 4 hours, and is suitable for people in fair condition aged 8 and above. It starts with a drive to the glacier, followed by a hike and safety instructions before exploring the ice and the cave. The ice caves, being natural phenomena, vary in appearance depending on conditions and are only accessible in winter.
Whale Watching Extravaganza
Whale Watching Extravaganza is an annual event attracting enthusiasts and tourists to witness the majestic migration of whales. This event typically occurs in regions where whales, such as humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales, pass close to the shore during their migration. The extravaganza offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers and marine biologists to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Activities often include guided boat tours, where experts provide insights into whale behavior and conservation efforts. Onshore, there are educational workshops, photography sessions, and discussions led by marine experts. The event also focuses on raising awareness about marine conservation and the impact of human activities on ocean ecosystems. It's a family-friendly event, with activities and learning opportunities for all ages. The Whale Watching Extravaganza is not just about observation but also about education and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine life.
Horseback Riding: Experience Iceland on Icelandic Horses
Horseback riding in Iceland offers a unique experience with the country's distinctive Icelandic horses. Brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the 9th century, these horses, originally from Scandinavia and the British Isles, have become a unique breed due to a ban on horse imports since 982 CE, preserving their genetic purity. Icelandic horses are small but sturdy, intelligent, and friendly, with over 100 color variations. They are known for their unique gaits, especially the tölt and the flying pace, providing a steady and impressive ride even through rough terrain. Horseback riding tours in Iceland, often in small groups led by experienced guides, allow riders to explore Iceland's nature and engage with these charming horses. Options range from day tours to combination adventures like snorkeling, rafting, or hiking.
Savouring Icelandic Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine, deeply rooted in the nation's history and unique geography, offers a fascinating culinary experience. Originating from Scandinavian traditions established by Norwegian settlers in the 9th century, it has evolved to adapt to Iceland's rugged and isolated environment. The cuisine primarily revolves around locally available ingredients like lamb, dairy, and an array of fish, reflecting Iceland's status as a Nordic island country.
Key staples include skyr, a popular cultured dairy product often likened to a thick yogurt, and hangikjöt, a traditional smoked lamb. These are complemented by various breads, pastries, and a rich selection of seafood such as salmon, trout, redfish, shellfish, and occasionally, reindeer meat for special occasions. Historically, Icelandic dishes focused less on flavor and more on sustenance, but with advancements in technology and external influences, there has been a notable shift in taste and variety. Today, while traditional dishes remain integral, Icelandic cuisine has also embraced global culinary trends, with restaurants in Reykjavik and other cities offering a wide range of international foods.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Fire and Ice
Iceland offers a blend of experiences that cater to all – whether it’s relaxing in a geothermal spa, exploring the rugged terrain, or indulging in local cuisine. Each of these seven activities provides a glimpse into the diverse and enchanting world of Iceland. From the mesmerizing Northern Lights to the ancient glaciers, a trip to Iceland is a journey through a land of fire and ice, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
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