Summary of Experiences in Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, featuring breathtaking landscapes including dramatic volcanic formations, captivating hiking trails, and charming towns. Consequently, there are numerous remarkable experiences to undertake in Iceland that simply must not be overlooked.
How to Navigate Iceland
When planning our inaugural itinerary for a week in Iceland, one aspect that struck me was the extent of the landscape. I compiled a list of the best sites to observe, all of which necessitated travel once we arrived.
For straightforward access, chartered excursions and pre-arranged tours present the simplest method to visit notable locations in Iceland. However, these expenses can accumulate rapidly, leading to significant costs by the trip’s conclusion.
For our group, self-driving proved to be the most cost-effective solution. While car rentals are pricier relative to some other destinations, driving independently allowed us to save considerably and explore at our leisure. Additionally, this option is exceptional for witnessing the Northern Lights. By venturing into the rural areas and national parks, we could park and immerse ourselves in the spectacle of the aurora. This is precisely what we did while based in Reykjavik.
Remarkable Experiences to Pursue in Iceland
1.) Go Whale Watching
Upon our arrival, we undertook a 35-minute drive to the capital, Reykjavik, and embarked on a Whale Watching tour that spanned approximately three hours—truly remarkable!
We found it incredibly convenient to acquire our tickets and embark on one of several excursions provided by Special Tours (located at the harbor). It is advisable to secure your tickets ahead of time if there are concerns about availability, as it is among Iceland’s sought-after experiences.
Although we did not encounter the famous ‘Moby Dick’, we were fortunate to catch sight of some minke whales and dolphins. It is wise to maintain a flexible schedule following your tour, as they often run slightly over time.
2.) Visit Vik & Dyrhólaey
Situated approximately four hours from Reykjavik, Reynisfjara & Dyrhólaey offer one of Southern Iceland’s most stunning coastal regions to explore. Our visit was extremely enjoyable.
Take a brief walk or hike along the coastal paths that outline this beautiful area.
The scenery is particularly breathtaking during sunset, as the sun’s glow contrasts dramatically with the volcanic rock and sand.
Be sure to witness the Reynisdrangar (Reynisfjara Beach), whose unique basalt sea stacks define this locale.
3.) Try Icelandic Horse-Riding
One of the most thrilling experiences available in Iceland is horse-riding through the wind-swept tundra.
A recommended destination is Hestheimar, located approximately 1.5 hours south of Reykjavik. This family-operated horse farm, managed by Lea Helga Ólafsdóttir, her husband Marteinn Hjaltested, and their three children (Ísak Freyr, Sunneva Eik, and Hákon Snær), presents an excellent opportunity to learn about Icelandic horses and explore the wilderness through a guided tour.
Our afternoon there was enjoyable, marking it as one of the highlights of our Icelandic journey.
4.) Watch the Northern Lights
One particularly enchanting experience available in Iceland is witnessing the Northern Lights.
This phenomenon is more prevalent in the autumn and spring seasons, representing one of nature’s grand spectacles that remains etched in your memory. During our stay at Hotel Laki, just south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we had superb accommodations and delightful dining options. Notably, the hotel provides a wake-up service each night if the Northern Lights make an appearance.
We spotted the display around 3 am and promptly made our way into the surrounding wilderness for a firsthand experience.
5.) Drive the Golden Circle
Covering an approximate distance of 300km round-trip, the Golden Circle represents one of the premier routes through Southern Iceland to observe the region’s dramatic landscapes.
This includes iconic sites such as Storkkur, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir Hot-spring area in Thingvellir National Park, which is notable as the tectonic plates of the island separate.
6.) See the Geyser
Located on the Golden Circle, Strokkur and the Geysir are unmissable, erupting approximately every eight minutes; it guarantees a fantastic opportunity to witness geothermal activity firsthand. This experience is particularly striking if you have yet to observe such phenomena previously.
7.) Visit Gullfoss Waterfall
Just a quick 15-minute drive west of Strokkur, Gullfoss Waterfall showcases an awe-inspiring view.
Here, you can observe the beautiful landscape sculpted by the powerful currents of the River Hvítá.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening during the summer months; it remains light while most visitors have already departed.
8.) Visit Laugarvatn Fontana
Venture to the geyser hot spring region (along the Golden Circle) for an authentic warming experience in the naturally sourced hot baths of Laugarvatn Fontana.
If your visit coincides with lunchtime, you can also witness how geothermal bread is baked in the warm soil surrounding the baths. Although it may not possess the same aesthetic appeal as the Blue Lagoon, it still represents a pleasant experience if you find yourself in this area of Iceland.
9.) The Blue Lagoon
Located approximately 20 minutes from Keflavik airport, The Blue Lagoon is an ideal sanctuary to relax and indulge in a rejuvenating experience.
To attain a tranquil experience, it is advisable to arrive during the morning, as the lagoon can become crowded during peak hours and around lunchtime.
10.) Walk Behind Skogafoss
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss both present prime opportunities to engage directly with nature’s dynamic displays.
Seljalandsfoss allows visitors to walk behind its cascading water, while Skógafoss might even surprise you with a rainbow.
11.) Explore Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a vibrant city celebrated for numerous attractions, such as Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall, and Laugavegur, alongside its many live music venues.
Moreover, the nightlife in Reykjavik presents an opportunity to discover some of Iceland’s finest music performances. A leisurely stroll through the main streets will unveil the lively music scene in the city.
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