TOP 5 THINGS TO SEE IN ICELAND
Iceland is home to many natural wonders, and there are some you really shouldn’t miss. Here is the complete list of the top 5 things to see in Iceland. The great news is that the island is pretty small, so you can use the Blue House in Reykjavik as a home base and make trips to reach the best things to do in Iceland. Our staff at the house will give you the best local tips for transportation and details. Let’s start dreaming about your next vacation!
1. The Great Geysir
Easily number one on our list. The Geysir, also known as The Great Geysir, was the first Geysir discovered by Europeans. It gave the name to all other spouting hot springs, which are now named after this one. The Geysir itself is rarely active these days, though its valley (Haukadalur) has many hot springs, like the powerful Strokkur, Smiður, and Litli-Strokkur. Strokkur, in particular, shoots vast jets of water from 20 to 40 meters high and erupts every five to ten minutes.
Visiting Geysir feels ritualistic. Years can go between eruptions, but when they happen the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 meters.
2. The Blue Lagoon
This lake of geothermal seawater is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. It is well connected to Reykjavik with tours and frequent transfers to the capital.
The magic of this place starts 2.000 meters underground, ocean water and freshwater merge in a tectonic mix of heat and extreme pressure, creating geothermal seawater. The water emerges enriched with silica, algae, and minerals, giving it it’s healing, rejuvenating, and nourishing abilities. Scientists confirmed the healing powers of the water in 1995 when a clinic for the treatment of chronic skin conditions was opened.
If skincare is not your top priority, you should still visit Blue Lagoon for its uniqueness. Its milky blue color vividly resonates as opposed to the black soil all around. The contrast is breathtaking, you won’t resist taking pictures to capture the moment.
3. Thórsmörk National Park
The Thórsmörk National Park is the best choice for people that like hiking and have unforgettable views. Steep mountains, wild rivers, and clear creeks. You name it, you will find it here. The park has even three glaciers.
⚠ During winter the road to the park is closed. In summer a special four-wheel-drive mountain bus runs three times per day from Reykjavík.
4. Whale Watching
In Iceland, you can easily see orcas, dolphins, and whales. If this is not one of the best things to do in Iceland, I don’t know what it is. The boat tours usually begin in Reykjavik and last around 3 hours. Guests normally come back very happy from this experience. Being on the sea, even if you should get prepared to get some rain and wind, is always electrifying and the boat crews are composed of Icelandic sea experts that love sharing their knowledge with tourists.
5. Vatnajökull National Park
This park, currently under review to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage, can be divided into two: uninhabited highland areas with limited services and lowland areas with higher service levels. It is characterized by diversity in landscape, biosphere, and cultural remains.
The paths are marked with different levels:
- Easy paths
- Challenging paths
- Difficult paths
- For those with limited mobility
- For those with a wheelchair with an assistant
If you are the sporty type, we highly recommend organizing a hike on one of the many routes of the park. You will have the opportunity to experience fire and ice together, with hot streams erupting from frozen banks of ice. It might sound like something normal after our description of The Great Geysir, but, I can assure you, seeing such a natural phenomenon during a challenging hike is a different experience.
I hope this list helped you start dreaming of your next trip and gave you a good overview of the top 5 things to see in Iceland. Remember that the Blue House is open for booking.
We can’t wait to host you. Reykjavik is just a flight away!
More Posts:
Hiking near Reykjavik a Stroll through its Beauty
TOP 4 BEST HOT SPRINGS NEAR REYKJAVIK
7 Wonders That Iceland Is Famous For
Aurora Season: When Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?
