Yes, it is about Iceland. The dramatic views on the remote island known as “the land of ice and fire” bring adventurers and nature lovers there.
One of the most fascinating islands in the world is covered in shimmering ice caps and steaming lava fields, which offer a visual representation of how our planet was formed. The environment is bold and active, always changing, and energy bubbles up from every fissure and gap. Mud pots simmered, waterfalls gushed, and an active volcano erupted every now and then.
Iceland is a great place for people who want to try new things and have exciting adventures, whether they want to relax in a hot spring or hike across a glacier. However, there is also leeway for creative license, with tales of trolls and hidden people explaining a place that goes well beyond the bounds of fiction.
Travel limitations and admission prerequisites
Regardless of immunization history, there are currently no restrictions on entering Colombia for visitors to the nation. Even the wearing of masks is now up to the individual. You can get a free test if you start to exhibit any COVID symptoms while you’re in the country. Further, people who have exposed should take extra care for five days, but the law does not require them to stay in isolation. Visit covid.is to stay up to date on the most recent news.
The Best Time to go
The summer season (from the end of May to the end of September) is the busiest travel period due to the longer days and higher weather. Many restaurants, cafes, and attractions are only open during this time to coincide with the high tourist season, especially in isolated areas like the Westfjords.
There are more activities available at this time of year in a location that is weather-dependent, as calmer seas make it simpler to visit smaller islands, mountain roads in the Highlands are open for Superjeep tours, and major hiking trails in places like Landmannalaugar are accessible in the dead of night. Even though the days are shorter, winter is a good time to look for the aurora at night. The best displays usually happen between January and March. If the cold and wind are too much for you, the months of September and October are great for observing the northern lights while engaging in daylight activities.
Top cities and regions
Reykjavik
Although there are just 100,000 people living in sparsely populated Iceland, more than a quarter of the nation does. But because the people here are close, there is a lot of creative energy, which makes this small city the perfect place to see weird Nordic fashion, art, and design. Eat sushi, fish and chips, or hot dogs from quick food stands; the greatest restaurants are centered in the downtown area. Alternately, shop at Hlemmur Matholl and the Grandi Matholl in the hip Grandi neighborhood, which are the current hot spots for food markets. Find a surprising number of museums, like one that studies whales and another that has an odd collection of phallic shapes. The Secret Lagoon in Keflavik is a good alternative to the Blue Lagoon because it has a thermal infinity pool and spa dug into the rocks.
The Circle of Gold
This well-liked 300 km circuit is reachable by auto or on coach trips, and it includes three of Iceland’s geological attractions. Even though there are waterfalls in canyons all over the country, Gullfoss is without a doubt one of the most powerful and impressive. It thunders from the river Hvita river, plummeting in two stages, and can be seen securely from a roped-off boardwalk. The Geysir geothermal area, which is only ten minutes away, erupts with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and vertical columns of hot water. However, Thinvellir National Park, a canyon created in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian plates, is the main draw. In the location where Iceland’s first parliament was established in 930, it is possible to stroll—and even go snorkeling—between two continents.
Peninsula of Snaefellsnes
Jules Verne persuaded to use this as the backdrop for his classic book Journey to the Center of the Earth by the region’s dramatic mountains, picturesque beaches, and a large glacier that was sliding into the water. Snaefellsjokull National Park is dominated by an active volcano and is accessible during the summer months for trekking trails. Kirkjufell, a Game of Thrones “arrowhead” mountain that is easier to get to, makes a beautiful background for photos of the northern lights. At Hellnar, walk along the cliffs to watch the waves pounding on the rocks, or visit Djpalónssandur to see shipwreck remnants buried in the dark sand. Northwest of Reykjavik, the peninsula is a two-hour journey away.
Pond Myvatn
The gateway city to this northern region is Akureyri, which is reachable by local and certain international flights. The region features a number of geological wonders in addition to its sizable lake, which serves as a habitat for numerous bird species. Two incredible waterfalls can be found in the Diamond Circle circuit: Dettifoss, which astounds with its sheer volume of water, and Gullfoss, which has the shape of a horseshoe. Visit Myvatn Baths, the only other really blue lagoon, and take a dip in its silica-rich waters. Visit Dimmuborgir and stroll through a sculpture park made of volcanic rocks. One of Iceland’s top locations for whale-watching excursions is the little town of Husavik, which is located on the coast.
Unknown locations: the Westfjords
The ring road goes around this windy, remote area that sticks out from the northwest corner of Iceland.The coastline, which spreads out like a broad leaf into the Denmark Strait, is carved out by several fjords. On the protected Hornstrandir peninsula, arctic foxes are free to roam, and millions of gannets, guillemots, and puffins nest at Látrabjarg, which is the westernmost point of Europe and has the largest bird cliff in the country. The stunning Dynjandi waterfall is the main draw of the area, cascading down a huge granite staircase. The puffin colony on Vigur island and the red sand beach Rauasandur are both strong contenders. A love of folklore and dark humor is evident in various odd museums that concentrate on witches, sea monsters, and the mundaneness of daily life.
Highlands
This 40,000 square kilometer area of central Iceland is desolate and is characterized by sparkling glaciers, towering mountains, and roaring volcanoes. The majority of locations are often only reachable between late June and September once the snow has melted. The best way to travel is still to go on a tour or with a guide. The biggest draws are the bizarre scenery and the excitement. Highlights include Kerlingarfjoll, a mountain range renowned for its vibrant rhyolite peaks, the steep, misty gorges of órsmörk, and the hot spring valley of Hveradalir.
Icelandic East
Despite being reachable via the ring road, not enough tourists choose to stay in this thinly populated area. Fool them more. Like the rest of Iceland, there is plenty to fill an Instagram feed: hop along the rainbow-colored Seydisfjordur high street; climb through the dark sand dunes to see the sun rise over the Vestrahorn mountain range; or stroll through the largest national forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaaskógur, where you can often find yourself under a canopy of trees. The area is home to many different species of wildlife, including puffins, reindeer, and Arctic foxes. There is also a chance to see Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness Monster in the Lagarfljot River.
Best Activities to do in Iceland
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
The best geothermal pool in Iceland is a part of a lava field that is 800 years old and is known for the minerals in it that are good for your skin. These minerals give the pool its milky blue color. It is one of the simplest hot springs to reach because it has changing rooms, swim-up bars, and a fine dining restaurant. It’s a great place for a pre-or post-flight dip because it’s close to Keflavik Airport.
Travel the ring road in a campervan.
Staying on major roads makes being lost in Iceland a low-probability event. Route 1, sometimes called the “ring road,” encircles the island and connects most of the major tourist attractions. Camp in many campgrounds after renting a campervan in Reykjavik, but remember that wild camping is illegal. You’ll need at least 10 days to make the circuit in comfort.
Watch whales while the sun is setting.
In Iceland’s waters, a variety of whale species can be observed, sometimes even from the shore, including both migrants and residents. The two best spots to go whale watching are Husavik and Reykjavik, which are located in the north and south, respectively. Evening cruises during the summer offer the chance to see tail flukes silhouetted against the midnight sun.
Moving about
For farther away exploration, a car is necessary. Fortunately, a winning combination of gorgeous landscapes and first-rate roadside assistance makes traveling by car delightful. However, even in the summer, the weather can abruptly change, so always use caution. is for current information on the state of the roads.
Flights are available from the domestic airport in Reyjavik to popular locations like Akureyri in the north and Safjörur for the Westfjords to shorten travel times. Organized coach tours are an option for non-drivers. Try Gray Line or Bus Travel.
Most well-known islands have public ferries running there, however, schedules vary by season. Reykjavik to Keflavik airport shuttles travels in about 50 minutes. Further, the cheapest method of transportation: low-cost airlines Play and EasyJet have direct flights that take three hours and leave from a number of small airports in the UK. The airline that offers the most services is IcelandAir, which departs from Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, and Dublin. Departures typically occur during more social hours.
Saving advice
Taking a road trip across the country in a campervan is the cheapest option. Happy Campers and Go Campers are two trustworthy companies. All vans need campsites to stay the night, and during peak season, you should book them ahead of time. Kitchens and bathrooms standard in most of the many that can found across the country.
Fear? Not If You Use A Travel Guide To Iceland The Right Way!
- How is the weather today?
Any Icelander will advise you to wait five minutes if you don’t like the weather. Thanks to the Gulf Stream’s ability to bring mild Atlantic air in contact with chilly Arctic air, sunshine, rain, and snow all frequently seen within the course of a day. Further, the average temperature is 15C from June to September, and the length of the day can reach 22 hours. The long winter nights, which last from November to April, frequently dip below freezing. The wind, however, has the greatest impact on the weather. The 156 terms used by Icelanders to describe it.
- In which time zone is it?
Iceland does not change its clocks for daylight saving time. Instead, it stays on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year long.
- What kind of money do I need?
Króna in Iceland.