Iceland has gone through quite a boom period when it comes to tourism. The numbers don’t lie, and they show a steady increase in visitors year over year. It’s a trend that hasn’t gone unnoticed by residents, who have continued to roll out the red carpet and create a welcoming environment for the nation’s guests. The biggest draw for the vast majority of tourists visiting Iceland is a chance to see the Northern Lights in person. It’s a spectacular event, one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. But what happens after you’ve seen the lights?
We’re here to take a look at some of the top activities and sights that Iceland has to offer to tourists. The Northern Lights may have caught your attention initially, but don’t underestimate the country’s other attractions.
Book at Least a Few Days in Reykjavik
Not every tourist enjoys the big city experience. Some prefer to take things slower and get off the beaten path. It’s for these specific reasons that so many people choose Iceland as a holiday destination. With that said, you don’t want to write off Reykjavik as just another typical big city.
Reykjavik is located in southwestern Iceland, along the coast. It also happens to be the most northern capital city of a sovereign state in the world. With a population of almost 139,000, the city doesn’t feel busy or congested in the least. The first thing that strikes visitors is just how bright its houses and buildings are. They are especially impactful against the backdrop of snow-covered volcanoes, glaciers, and icy waters.
Once you’ve had a chance to take in the outward beauty of Reykjavik, we recommend exploring all the city has to offer. This lively destination is known for its shops, entertainment venues, museums, art galleries, and more. You can balance your daytime activities with fun evening activities, from sampling Icelandic cuisine to enjoying live music in local venues. If you’re looking to gamble, however, you’re out of luck. Gambling, except at the slot machines at Háspenna in Reykjavik, is illegal in the country. Don’t worry, though; you can still play online at one of the casinos.com top casinos, since local authorities do not actively police online gambling activities. And anyway, it’s impossible to run out of things to do in Reykjavik.
Full-Day Guided Excursions Give You an Up-Close Look at Iceland
Speaking of things to do, full-day guided tours are another great option for active travelers. Iceland is not the kind of destination where you’ll want to stay indoors. Exploring as much as possible is truly the best way to experience the country. While some of these tours leave from the city of Reykjavik, there are also plenty that depart from smaller towns and villages dotted around the country.
Ideally, you’d do some research and figure out which excursions appeal to you most. That allows you to properly plan your itinerary, making sure to book accommodations in the best location. Since not all sights and attractions are located near one another, renting a car is recommended. Just be advised that the weather can change quickly and impact the road conditions. One moment it’s sunny and mild; an hour later, it’s chilly and foggy, and the roads can be slippery.
Volcanic Landscapes Can Be Found in Northern Iceland
Iceland is home to several incredible-looking volcanoes that are still active today. Volcanoes have dotted the island’s landscape for millions of years and have shaped the country’s topography. Not only are the volcanoes still active, but they are also known as some of the most active in the world.
The good news is that you can safely explore many of Iceland’s volcanoes through guided hikes and even shuttle trips. This way, you’ll also get more in-depth information regarding the history of the landscape.
Some of the best volcanoes to visit in the country include:
- Mount Hekla
- Mount Eyjafjallajökull
- Bardabunga Icelandic Volcano
- Hagafell Volcano
- Eldfell
The Icelandic people have learned to live in harmony with their active volcanoes, making them all the more interesting for tourists to experience firsthand. If you’ve never seen an active volcano erupting before, be prepared to be amazed by the beauty and power.
There Is an Abundance of Wildlife to View
If you’re the type of traveler who plans holidays around wildlife viewing opportunities, you won’t be disappointed by what Iceland has to offer. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot a fair number of interesting animals, including:
- Birds (Puffin, Gyrfalcon, Oystercatcher, Arctic Tern, and more)
- Arctic Fox
- Whales
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Reindeer
- Orca
- Icelandic Horse
To increase your odds of seeing wildlife, you may want to sign up for a wildlife viewing tour. The guides will know the best spots to view and photograph the animals in their natural habitat.
Travel During the Season of the Midnight Sun
Perhaps you’ve heard of the saying “the land of the midnight sun” and wondered where exactly that is. It’s a saying that refers to a cluster of countries found around the Arctic Circle. This includes countries such as Sweden, Finland, Northern Norway, Greenland, and Iceland. It’s not just a saying, either; it’s a fact. From late May until late July, the sun in Iceland never fully sets. Instead, it looks like twilight for a few hours, and then the sun comes back in full force. Around summer solstice, Iceland experiences almost a full 24 hours of sun! Keep in mind that this time of year is peak tourist season. While it may not feel overcrowded, expect more tourists than during other parts of the year.
On the flip side, if you were to visit Iceland in the winter, expect very little daylight. There is an extended period of darkness, which may not be ideal for sightseeing.
Iceland Is a Country Worth Exploring
The above are just a few of the many reasons Iceland has become a popular tourist destination. The stunning landscape, abundance of nature, welcoming people, and Northern Lights are well worth experiencing in person.
