Iceland, ‘the Land of Ice and Fire’, has exploded in popularity over the past 8 years. A country with a total population of just over 320,000, it welcomed over 2million visitors in 2017. I was one of those tourists last year and it’s definitely worth the visit. The volcanic landscape and lava fields, the potential of the Northern Lights and its welcoming feel make it a fantastic destination for a weekend break that should be on everyone’s list.
There are so many things to do and see, but here are our top picks…
Chase the Northern Lights
This is probably top of everyone’s Iceland to-do list. Our bus was literally racing against a cloud in the hope we would get to see the Northern Lights before the cloud covered them.
The best time to see them is between November and March. There are plenty of tours that will whisk you away from any source of light pollution so you can witness this spectacle in the sky. You can even get a Northern Lights app on your phone so you can take clearer photos of them.
The Blue Lagoon
While it may be crowded, once you get into the Blue Lagoon, it’s pure relaxation. The water is rich in minerals and is generally 37-40°C. You can swim up to the Silica bar and get a handful of Silica Mud Mask to apply to your face. After 5minutes your face will feel silky smooth. There are two additional types of facemasks available at the bar that come at a small price. My skin felt fantastic for days after our visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Thingvellir National Park
Not only does Thingvellir National Park have breath-taking scenery, it also is home to the world’s oldest parliament and two tectonic plates. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930AD and continued to be held at Law Rock up to the 1730s. As pictured above, Iceland is divided by the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which you can clearly see in Thingvellir. This dramatic scenery is fantastic for hiking, diving, angling or horseback riding fans.
Black Sand Beaches
Straight out of Star Wars or Game of Thrones, there’s a reason Iceland is a top location for striking and unusual scenery. The black sand beach, Reynisfjara, is located on Iceland’s south coast and is made from lava flowing into the ocean and cooling once it hit the water.
Geysir Hot Springs
Located in the Golden Circle, the Geysir Hot Spring Area is an essential stop. With multiple hot springs bubbling and blowing at different frequencies, it’s a fascinating place to see nature at work. The largest and most well-known geyser is Strokkur, which erupts around every 6-8 minutes shooting water 30ft up in the air.
Natural beauty and wonders aside, you can also spend time exploring the capital, Reykjavik. Visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, learn about the country’s history in the Víking Maritime Museum or grab some lunch and watch the light dance on the glass walls in Harpa, Reykjavik’s concert hall.
Tempted to visit?
