Iceland has some of the most spectacular natural landscapes that you can see anywhere in the world. There are glaciers, ice caves, geysers, geothermal springs, huge waterfalls, black sand beaches and ancient volcanoes.
Frozen Land
Ice Land
The geography of the island seems to be detached as if from the Moon, with its huge, deserted stretches, made essentially of lava, proof of its intense volcanic activity. On this island there are more than a hundred active volcanoes. Often located around volcanoes, geysers are one of the mandatory attractions during a holiday in Iceland. The most famous of these, Geysir, projects its boiling water at over 60 meters in the air.
Iceland "sits" on a 6.4 km thick basaltic layer, and its surface is mostly made up of volcanic rocks. The volcanic area of Iceland was covered by 1.6 km thick glaciers, born in the 2 million years of the glacial period, which ended 10,000 years ago. Because of the volcanic eruptions, 10% of the island's surface is covered with lava.
The fauna is quite limited, especially since Iceland is an isolated island. Unlike other regions of the world, Iceland has no national animals. On the other hand, on its territory there are a lot of birds, a special species being the puffin with a multicolored beak. As for marine mammals, they are numerous: you can count no less than seventeen species of cetaceans, including whales. A holiday in Iceland is the ideal opportunity to see these fabulous mammals.
Iceland is a hikers' paradise, with a wide network of trails in the plains and mountains. Whether you are looking for comfortable trails in nature or challenging adventures for several days, in wild areas untouched and far away, you will find various options. You can choose trails that cross mountains, along rough valleys or coasts, over mossy lava fields; you can explore waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, and glaciers. The unique nature of the island is what most travelers seek to experience when preparing for a vacation in Iceland.
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Reykjavik
Reykjavik is by far the largest city in Iceland. The capital area has a total of 60% of Iceland's population, that is about 320,000 people. Ingolfur Arnarson, Iceland's first settler, according to Landnama (The Book of Settlements), built his farm on the peninsula where the city is today. The city was given the name "Smoky Bay" or Reykjavík, after the steam columns that rose from the hot springs in the area.
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. The coastline of the city area is characterized by peninsulas, coves, straits, and many small islands. Fishing has always been an important part of the city. Opposite the bay rises Mount Esja (914 m), the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavik. Even though it is a small capital, it has a very interesting artistic scene, as the many famous Icelandic bands and artists can testify. The city is colorful, and the people welcoming. In the central area of the city, there are plenty of boutiques that sell unique objects, such as wool clothing from Iceland and ceramics made of volcanic rock.
The award-winning architecture of the Harpa building is unique: the honeycomb exterior is attractive in daylight and fascinates at night as the windows change in the colors of the rainbow. The Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders is an amazing building with new, state-of-the-art exhibitions, focusing on the many natural wonders of the country. One of the most impressive exhibits is the replica of an ice cave that you can explore at a temperature of about minus 10 degrees Celsius. The glacier exhibition examines the history of Iceland's glaciers, as well as the prospects of these natural wonders. Everything, for a holiday in Iceland rich in history and culture!
Valea Geotermala Haukadalur
Even though Geysir, the most famous of the Icelandic geysers, is the namesake of all the geysers in the world and of the group of hot springs that periodically subside as such, icelanders consider "Geysir" to be a proper name and use the term "Goshver" (the thermal spring that subsides) for the class of hot springs that erupt.
100 km away from Reykjavik is the Haukadalur Geothermal Field. This area of very active hot springs is in the south-west of Iceland, near the river Hvítá. Potholes of boiling mud and about 100 smaller or larger explosive geysers are waiting to be explored here. An unmissable attraction, in your vacation in Iceland!
Blue Lagoon
Just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík and less than 20 km from Keflavik International Airport, this iconic geothermal resort is a tourist attraction that must be experienced, during your vacation in Iceland.
An entire industry of the Blue Lagoon has developed around this attraction. The water in the underground hot springs reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius and is rich in silicon dioxide, a beneficial mineral for the skin. Iceland's volcanic activity manages to maintain electricity, heat and ensures the growth of plants in the darkness of the Arctic winters.
This wonder of the world was built in 1976, following the leaks from the Svartsengi power plant. People began to use this unique water and the mud with silicon dioxide and noticed improvements in skin conditions. Icelanders immediately saw a tourist opportunity and developed a real outdoor geothermal spa, which offers various spa services.
Vik
With a population of 300 inhabitants and without cities or settlements within a radius of at least 50 km in each direction, the small town of Vik is implicitly the largest settlement in the area. Vík í Mýrdal is much more than the reputation of a city of residence, of rest, of a city of services that it has among tourists and tourist buses!
Vik i Myrdal is the only seaside town in Iceland that does not have a port. As a result, the area was not inhabited until the 1890s, when it became a meeting point for southern merchants and farmers.
Due to its mild climate, Vik is home to many different species of birds and wild marine animals. The Dyrholaey Peninsula is a nesting place for the adorable puffins. To the east, not far from mount Reynisfjall, is the site of the Arctic swallows. Sometimes you can even see seals sunbathing on the black sand or dolphins and whales visiting the shore.
Vik is truly a paradise for all nature lovers.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the second largest city in Iceland, after the large area of Reykjavik. 'City' can be too generous a term, because only 20,000 people live there.
Akureyri is often called the 'Capital of the North', while Reykjavik is labelled as the 'Capital of the South'. A journey of about 5 hours separates them. It is also the gateway to the spectacular beauty of the north, especially to the Myvatn region, the Dettifoss Waterfall, the Godafoss Waterfall and the Asbyrgi Canyon.
Regardless of the time of year you visit Akureyri, there is always something interesting to do in the area.
Experiences
We have selected a list of experiences that will bring you closer to the nature and beauties of Iceland. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, adrenaline, you like to enjoy the local gastronomy or you are passionate about science and geography, choose one or more experiences that suit your style.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano
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Whale Watching
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
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Blue Lagoon
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The Geysers
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Hiking in Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
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Snaefellsjokull Peninsula
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Northern Lights
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Reykjavik Food Walk
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Myvatn Lake and the Attractions Around
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Dettifoss Waterfall
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Dyrholaey Peninsula
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Vatnajokull Glacier and National Park
DetaliiHotels
For a complete, authentic experience, we have selected several types of hotels, each with its own specificity and charm. Our selection is only a small part of what each destination has to offer. If you cannot find your dream hotel on our list and would like some more options for your travel to Iceland, please contact us.
