Iceland is known for its beautiful scenery in the form of glaciers, beaches, and hot springs, which makes it the ideal destination for the adventurous traveler to visit. This island country is the kind of place that will have you gazing about in wonder. Literally, everywhere you look there is beauty, whether it is the winding northern lights in the night sky, or the wisps of steam off of geothermal pools.. Here are the top four reasons to make Iceland your next destination.
The Northern Lights
If you come from a country that is not within the Arctic Circle, then it is unlikely you have ever experienced the majesty that is the aurora borealis. This natural electric light show is something that a lot of people dream of seeing. It tends to span out across the night sky in moving strips of greens, purples, pinks, and reds. It is unlike anything else on this Earth, and Iceland is one of the best places to see it. There are special night tours that take you to some of the best spots to see this phenomenon, and you will want to make sure that you have a great camera to capture this moment. Don’t forget to bundle up, as the lights are best seen during the winter months, which are freezing.
The Blue Lagoon
As the name might tell you, this blue-colored geothermal bath is one of the most popular attractions in the country. It is fed by geothermal waters from some of the active volcanoes in the area. The incredible landscape that surrounds the lagoon, has actually been formed by lava that has hardened over the years. This place can get rather busy, so to avoid a lot of tourists, try to go during the week, or as soon as it opens. That way you will have the place to yourself for a few quiet moments, and you will feel like you have stepped onto another planet.
Vatnajökull
This is perhaps one of the most famous glaciers in Iceland. If you want to walk into an ice cave that appears to have been carved from crystal, then this will be the experience you don’t want to miss. For the Game of Thrones lovers out there, you will definitely feel as if you have walked into an episode featuring the Night’s Watch, and Jon Snow’s foray into Wildling territory. Iceland was the primary shooting destination for those wintery episodes. As you tour around the island, you will be able to walk in the steps of some of your favorite characters, all while experiencing the natural beauty of this island nation.
Laugavegur Trail
Iceland is not the place you go to for a wild nightlife. Instead, you come with all of your trekking gear, and hit this vast hiking trail, or go climbing on some of the glaciers. If you want to experience a large part of the island, with all of its various landscapes, then this 55 km trail will give you the opportunity to see almost all of the ecosystems on the island, from farmland to desert. Be prepared to challenge your body, as this hike is not for the faint of heart.
The pictures from your trip, and the memories you make while in Iceland, will stay with you for a lifetime, and nature enthusiasts will find themselves returning, we’re sure.