Introduction
What comes to your mind first when you think of Iceland? I’ll go first. For me Iceland is the country of Ice and Fire, Northern Lights, waterfalls and geysers, Sigur Ros and Bjork, Mountains and lakes. This is the country that has it all and that can become one of the best traveling experiences for you. Especially if you are traveling there for the first time. In this ultimate traveling guide of Iceland, we will provide you with some essential tips what to consider before going to Iceland and what to see and do once you are there.
Iceland offers many natural wonders. The country has many volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. One of the most popular natural wonders is the Blue Lagoon which has a spa with mineral-rich waters that are heated by geothermal energy. What is more important Iceland is one of the safest countries in Europe and in the world. The crime rate here is so low that the country has no army and police officers aren’t armed. What this means for you is that you don’t have to worry about becoming the victim of the crime and you can enjoy your holidays 24/7.
What to Consider Before Traveling to Iceland?
Iceland might be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it is rather unpredictable too. Especially when it comes to weather. The weather here changes so fast that sometimes it is hard to keep track of it. One minute it is sunny and the other minute it is raining with thunderstorms above your head. The temperature also varies greatly depending on where you are in Iceland. In order to get the most out of your Iceland trip it is important to know some of the tips:
Always bring jacket and long-sleeved trousers with you (Yes, even in summer).
While commuting in the cities might be enjoyable with shorts and t-shirts, it might get very cold at night, especially if you are hiking in the Northern part of the country, near the glaciers. In order to avoid bad experience with the weather and clothes, it is better to have different types of clothes. Good raincoat is also a must.
Make sure you have all your documents ready.
Flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation, travel insurance, passport and visa (or ETIAS Visa) are the essentials. While there is a low chance of police pulling you out, airport border control officers will definitely ask for these documents. Remember, when it comes to documents, there is no order in priorities. All of them are equally important. So, don’t let some papers ruin your trip.
Iceland is EXPENSIVE. Try to save as much money as possible.
Traveling to Iceland can really hurt your purse big time. This is why it is essential to check out all the best deals on hostels, food and tours on different web-sites and book the one that suits your budget the most. If you are traveling with friends, we would recommend renting a car in advance from the airport. This way you can save up to 35euros per person on an airport bus. Besides, once you have your car, you don’t need to book guided bus tours, you can simply drive anywhere.
Don’t stay only in Reykjavik. Go, Explore!
Iceland has so much to offer it would be shame to see only Reykjavik and nothing more. You can take a trip on the famous Golden Circle and see Northern Lights (Autumn), geysers and Thingvellir National Park. Alternatively, you can drive all the way to the South and visit dark sands and glaciers. It’s entirely up to you.
What to Do and See in Iceland?
Blue Lagoon
If you are looking to explore the wonders of Iceland’s nature, then Blue Lagoon Iceland is a must-visit. This natural geothermal spa is located in the southwest region of Iceland. The water comes from a nearby geothermal power plant and it is rich in minerals, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Blue Lagoon Iceland offers different packages for their guests to enjoy. You can either choose from the “Standard Package” or the “VIP Package” which includes access to private areas, exclusive wellness treatments and much more.
It is a popular tourist attraction in Iceland with over 1 million visitors annually. Due to its popularity, it has been featured on many travel-shows and attracts many international tourists.
Geysers
Geysers are natural hot springs that emit steam and hot water. The word geyser comes from the Icelandic language, meaning “to gush”. Geysers are common in Iceland, where there are about 100 geothermal hot spots with 500-1,000 active geysers. The term “geysir” is often used to refer to a single hot spring, while the term “geothermal” is used to describe any volcanic activity that occurs near a hot spring.
Geysers are a vital part of Iceland’s tourism industry and provide a huge source of revenue for the country.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a national park in Iceland. It was established on June 7th, 1930. The park is about 90 kilometers away from Reykjavik.
The Thingvellir National Park is an important site in Icelandic history and culture. It has been the site of many important events and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Thingvellir National Park has many interesting attractions that are worth visiting such as the Almannagja gorge, the Silfra fissure, and the Laugardalslaug geothermal pool. The National Park consists of three parts: the lowlands, the slopes and the highlands. The lowlands are on the east side of Iceland and they are mostly made up of lava fields, mosses, lakes and streams. The slopes are on the west side of Iceland and they are made up mostly of mountains with forests, glaciers, rivers and waterfalls. The highlands are between these two areas and they consist mostly of lava fields with some mosses, lakes and streams as well.
Thingvellir National Park is the birthplace of Icelandic Parliamentarism. For centuries this was the place where people were gathering to decide on ruling the country. Another interesting fact about the park is that it is situated on two continents: North America and Europe.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss (meaning “Golden Falls”) is a waterfall in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. The waterfalls are part of the Golden Circle tour, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.
Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall with a drop of 32 metres (105 feet). The upper tier is 20 metres (66 feet) wide, while the lower tier is 10 metres (33 feet) wide. The height of Gullfoss varies depending on how much water flows over it. In summertime, more water flows over Gullfoss than in wintertime and as a result Gullfoss can be up to six times higher than it usually is during wintertime.
Conclusion
In this ultimate traveling guide of Iceland, we have provided some details about Iceland and what to consider before taking your flight to the island. It is important to keep track of your money to avoid over-spending (and believe us, if it is easy somewhere, Iceland is definitely in that list). The list of sightseeing contains the most essential and must-see destinations, but you can improvise and adapt it to your liking. In any ways, we are sure that this guide will be a helpful piece of content that can give you heads up in your planning.