Melo Villareal
10 Reasons Why a Visit to Iceland should be on your Bucket List!
In the 800s, Vikings arrived in Iceland from Norway and established the land now home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If that isn’t a good enough reason to visit the eco-friendly “Land of Fire,” travel to Iceland to discover a preserved language and forest-free zones.
A Striking Country with a Viking History
Iceland is a forest-free zone, you ask? That’s right. The Nordic island nation sits on the surface of tectonic plates. These tectonic plates collided to form the treeless landscape, where volcanic eruptions prevent vegetation from flourishing. This doesn’t mean that the landscape is not visually appealing, however. Quite the opposite, actually.
Home to Europe’s first parliament grounds, Iceland is an enchanting place where the locals have been known to halt building projects should they believe elves reside in the construction area. The glacial-filled region is a utopia for nature lovers, showing off swathes of agriculture, a pristine coastline, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Active Volcanoes and Volcanic Rivers
A volcanic eruption that occurred some 4,000 years ago created Selvallavatn – one of approximately 60 lakes around the country. Notable lakes include Mývatn, Hálslón, and Kvíslavatn, and the Volcanic Fishing Lakes, better known as Veidivötn. Since there are 130 active volcanoes scattered around Iceland, is there any wonder why it is a tree-less utopia?
Looking for a perfect place to stay in Iceland? Visit Agoda for more hotel options and extraordinary deals!
The Solitude and Empty Roads
If you like to wander, you’ve probably pictured yourself strolling along an empty road at night, gazing up at the stars. This is something that you can do when you visit Iceland. With cheap flights to Iceland, easily found on sites like Expedia, tranquility and peace are guaranteed. One such place that entices peace-seekers in the Westfjords region. With its flat terrain, Iceland’s secluded roads are ideal for road-tripping!
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights in Iceland are a prime motive for curious explorers keen to witness the dancing of green and white lights. The “Aurora Borealis” occurs when atoms collide with Planet Earth’s atmosphere. The natural spectacle is best viewed on clear nights. Unfortunately, many of those are in winter, so you’ll need to ensure you stay warm! Use these expert packing tips from the square ship blog to ensure you can fit everything in your suitcase because you will need an extra jacket.
Natural Spas
Water sprouts from over 2,000 meters beneath the surface of Planet Earth to produce healing hot springs that are even being used to create skincare products! Consider the hot springs around Iceland a natural spa because the warm water contains minerals that can treat skin conditions like psoriasis. The Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, Mývatn Nature Baths, and Seljavallalaug are examples of Iceland’s best hot springs.
Waterfalls and Beaches
Lovers of the coast will fall deeply in love with Iceland, where over 10,000 waterfalls dot the fairytale-like landscape. Let’s not forget about the sublime shorelines, such as Nauthólsvík, Djúpalónssandur, and Borgarfjörður. Perhaps the prettiest stretches of beach can be found on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Make your way to the East Fjords during your trip and seek out the beach at the bottom of Mount Vestrahorn, where the ever-changing landscape is home to a shipwreck, lighthouse, and an abandoned Viking village film set.
Rock Formations and Hiking Trips
Over an extended period, basaltic lava lowers in temperature. When this happens, jaw-dropping geometric formations creep to astounding heights around Iceland, some of which reach above 2,000 meters, including Hvannadalshnjukur in Oraefajokull glacier (2,111 meters) and Bardarbunga in Vatnajokull glacier (2,009 meters). A hiking haven, the Nordic island nation of Iceland boasts some of the best hiking trails, not to mention some of the most challenging mountain hiking routes.
Glaciers and Ice Caves
You can easily book an ice cave tour in Iceland, where glaciers like Vatnajökull, Hofsjökull, and Langjökull give the country its nickname – ‘The Land of Fire and Ice. A natural phenomenon, new ice caves develop all the time, adding to the wintery beauty of Iceland.
Traditional Food
Feast on the foods of Iceland to treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering combination of flavors, most of which are plucked from the ocean in the form of seared minke whales, fermented sharks, fresh tuna, and perfectly pink salmon. Not everything is about seafood in Iceland, however. Famous dishes include Slátur (Liver Sausage and Blood Pudding), Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb), and “Ein með öllu” – a lamb-based traditional Icelandic hot dog smothered in onions, herbs, carrots… the list goes on.
Historic Sights
Iceland is an enchanting place steeped in history. Known in English as the “Church of Iceland”, Hallgrímskirkja stands tall at 74.5 meters. Blending expressionist architecture with a Gothic Revival design, Iceland’s tallest building is one of the numerous historic sights that pepper the landscape. Others include Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar), Hofdi House (Reykjavik), and the age-old cabins by Þingvallavatn Lake.
Wildlife
Ever seen a puffin bird up close? You stand a good chance at crossing this one off your bucket list if you book cheap flights to Iceland, where a whopping 8-10 million Atlantic Puffin birds paint the landscape. The fertile environment is a haven for many wild mammals, such as reindeer, rabbits, and the Arctic Fox. Marine life is equally as diverse. Spend an afternoon cruising along Icelandic waters to catch sight of dolphins, whales, and slippery seals!
Camping in a campervan is an immersive and cost-effective way of exploring Iceland. It’s about having a comfortable sofa bed, a sunroof (perfect for northern lights viewing), and a range of equipment to make great meals while enjoying the Icelandic outdoors. Choose your camper rental today.
To learn more about Iceland, watch this Iceland Travel Video.
Have you been to Iceland? What were your favorite spots? Share your story in the comments.
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Iceland? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also Read:
- Travel Guide: 10 Amazing things to do in Iceland
- 11 Amazing Things to Do in the Arctic
- 10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Places in Asia To Visit Before You Die
- Live the Dream: Why and how you should start working on your bucket list!
