Theres also a staircase to the side of Skogafoss leading to the top, where you can overlook the area. Tours depart from Jkulsrln, Skaftafell and Reykjavk. If youre after a jealousy-evoking snap for your social media feed, look no further! As the only major whale exhibit in Iceland, Hsavk Whale Museum dives into a history that spans centuries. 4. The Tlt is one of an Icelandic horses five gaits, making this breed so different from any other on earth. See Dettifoss Waterfall in North Iceland 6. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Theres also a cafe, gift shop, and restroom nearby. Gullfoss Waterfall 12,220 Waterfalls 2022 3. Theseare the 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. We have reviews of the best places to see in Castlerock. Airport Taxis Apr 28, 2023. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Loomes & Co, Watchmakers - Tripadvisor After learning about the architecture, art, and unusual stories of the region, youll have plenty of fun facts to entertain you as you go exploring! Explore the fjords of West Iceland 7. Situated on the southernmost point of Icelands mainland, Vk is a tiny village renowned for its picturesque black sand beach. Iceland Bucket List: Best Things to do in Iceland - Earth Trekkers In the Silfra fissure, its possible to dive into freshwater between the North American and Eurasian titanic plates. It also provides access to several public pools around town, including the thermal hot springs where so many locals go to take a soak. Reykjavik is the main transportation hub of the country, and Keflavik Airport is the perfect place to start your trip. It's possible to hitch a ride with a snowmobile up the mountain. Trek in through awe-inspiring winter landscapes, then start your daring trek up the icebergs and through the wintry terrain. Excursions typically depart from Reykjavik are often combined with whale-spotting. more. Looking for the best things to do in Iceland on your next trip? Wed be here till the cows came home if we listed every noteworthy attraction on Icelands South Coast for a sneak peek, the rugged landscape boasts cascading waterfalls, hikeable volcanoes, glacial hiking, whale-infested waters, black sand beaches, and lava fields. They have live music or a pianist playing every night, and on weekends the cocktail bar here is packed with patrons. It does make for a cool layover. Hot tip: for the best bang for your buck, choose a combination tour that also includes a buffet lunch and Northern Lights viewing! They arent just for locals, though; foreigners are welcome too. Both of these powerful falls can be seen on pre-arranged tours. Top Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor Its a fascinating way to explore nature the way residents have done so for millennia, suitable for all experience levels. This lagoon in Southeastern Iceland is a highlight of any trip to Iceland and definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland. This is a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind along the Ring Road in Southern . THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor Renting a Campervan in Iceland? At this crowd favorite, the plants are bright in color, the atmosphere is calm, and there are plenty of old buildings worth exploring too. Goafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, but in my opinion, it certainly is not its most impressive. Today, the horses remain Icelanders' most loyal companions as more people practice horsemanship in Iceland than in other European countries. The multi-purpose function facility regularly houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra as well as the Icelandic Opera. Solheimajkull glacier is a majestic work of Mother Nature that has attracted the attention of thousands of tourists for years, with non-stop views of stunning coastline and powerful waterfalls from sunrise to sunset. In the year 1100, the law speaker chose to convert from the Old Norse religion to Christianity. Visit Lake Myvatn in North Iceland 8. Its an awe-inspiring sight as the water rolls off the 122-meter sheer cliff to the Fossa River below. Discover 135 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Iceland from Blue Lagoon to Bridge Between Continents. With incredible views on display throughout the 4.3-mile trek en route to the powerful Glymur waterfall, guests are regularly amazed by one of natures most beautiful creations. Another noteworthy waterfall, Dynjandi dishes up a nonstop echo of raging water that is as powerful as it is soothing. Buckle up for a quick history lesson: since Icelandic horses were left outside for centuries, they were forced to adapt to the harsh weather and rugged landscapes. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. 12 Fun & Best Things to Do in Minori, Italy - viatravelers.com Watching these curious creatures sunbathe in their natural habitat is delightful. After the snow melts and the mud dries in summer, Iceland reveals its incredible hiking routes past stunning natural sites. Iceland revels in bringing history back to life with numerous living museums that invite visitors to step back in time. As the nations most population settlement outside of Reykjavk, this place makes for a great pit stop on any Iceland adventure. Cant choose where to eat? It should be no surprise that accommodation is expensive in Iceland. Golden Circle Tour by Minibus Including Icelandic #31 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. All rights reserved. You need to visit Kirkjufellsfoss. Relax in the Blue Lagoon Spa 7. Fjadrargljufur is a mystical and magical canyon close to the charming southeast village of Kirkjubjarklaustur, home to some of Icelands most celebrated views of tumbling waterfalls guaranteed to leave you breathless. There are great spots around the whole country to get out and hike! 5. A glacier-capped volcano found on the tip of Icelands Snfellsnes Peninsula, Snfellsjkull is found within one of three national parks and delivers landscapes nothing short of magical (but lets be honest, so does the rest of Iceland!). What better activity to check off your Iceland bucket list than volcano spelunking? Two of the most famous trails are Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to rsmrk, past multicolored mountains (24 days), and across Fimmvruhls from Skgafoss to rsmrk, along a series of waterfalls (12 days). Happy hours in Reykjavk usually begin at 4pm cozy Port 9 and Veur are good places to start. Located in Oxarfjordur as part of the larger Jkulsrgljfur canyon, this place truly needs to be seen to be believed only then will you understand its moniker of Shelter of the Gods. The Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland, towering over Reykjavik and dishing up a wonderful 360 view that is unachievable anywhere else. And, of course, youll be able to navigate the fissure itself, as the waters of two continents wash over you. Whats better than telling your friends back home you went ice climbing in Iceland? In Iceland, tourists outnumber locals by around five to one. Kirkjufellsfoss is a great point of interest in Iceland. If you arent up for hiking in Iceland along the glacier, this is an exciting experience that gets you closer and personal to the incredible glaciers. Rent a car or join an organized tour either way, be sure to check this place off the list of things to do in Iceland. For centuries, the Icelandic Turf House has been a symbol of what it means to be an Icelander. There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjrur in the far north andsafjrur in the West Fjords. Check here for tour options. Considering its proximity to the more famous and larger Seljalandsfoss falls, its easily worked into a waterfall-themed day of exploring. The view from the top of Eyjafjrur fjord and Hrsey island is breathtaking. Not to be forgotten, just a 25-minute drive away, lies Skogafoss, a 25-meter-wide must-see. booking glacier hike/boat 3:54 pm. From glaciers to volcanoes to hot springs, theres no shortage of breathtaking beauty, We loved the freedom we had with the campervan, Diving here is only available with a tour, The dormant volcano is accessible only accessible with a guided tour, The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks To Protect Your Valuables. A crowd favorite thats becoming more popular with tourists by the minute, this 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake sits on the southern side of the island on the coveted Golden Circle route (heads up, youll be hearing a lot about the Golden Circle in this piece). From lafsfjrur jetski tours allow people to experience the vertical cliffs of lafsfjararmli from below. When you're out on the open ocean and feel the salty air and wind in your hair, you sense a special kind of freedom, and if you're paying attention, you might see seabirds catch fish or even a blowing whale. Yes, another rental car question (credit card coverage) Apr 28, 2023. This article was first published October 2021 and updated March 2023. Seeing the northern lights in on many travelers bucket list. Whale watching is a popular thing to do in Iceland. Sitting in the lap of Europes largest glacier, Vatnajkull (spanning some 5200 square miles), this national park is teeming with opportunities for an unforgettable adventure. On guided tours led by friendly locals, travelers seeking thrills and adventure are taken down paths of flowing molten rock with stalactites hanging from ceilings and ice formations jutting out from the walls! But if you want to have a truly memorable adventure, try going deeper literally with some scuba diving. Learn more about the elusive aurora borealis at Perlan or the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavk. Onder-den-Toren 12, Mechelen 2800 Belgium. For a good rental company, try Happy Campers. Let Elsewhere plan a perfect itinerary by connecting you with their local expert. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to spot puffins. Its remote location in the North of Iceland makes for fewer visitors than waterfalls on the South Coast of Iceland, but its worth venturing to! The pool isnt much for swimming, with abandoned changing facilities, chilly water, and poor water circulation. From taking a soak in its geothermal baths and spas to delving into the history and legends of the Icelandic sagas, Iceland keeps visitors entranced for entire trips and for years after. Once you start getting a taste of all of the amazing things to do in Iceland, you wont want to leave! If you're looking for solitude, the Canyon Baths by Hsafell include a guided hike through stunning Icelandic wilderness followed by a dip in the secluded geothermal pools. 5 Day Itinerary Iceland: Hidden Gems and Classics She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Chances are youll be joined here by a few tour bus groups, so try to avoid midday if you want to avoid the crowds. Taxi to airport for early morning flight Apr 28, 2023. The Northeast waterfall is still spectacular as its 30m wide and 12m high. One idea is the Arctic Henge in Raufarhfn, which was designed as a giant sundial to capture the midnight sun in perfectly aligned gateways. So why not kill two birds with one stone, saving a few bucks by sleeping in a campervan while experiencing the unobstructed, unforgettable night sky from one of the nations three National Parks. With all of the elements in play in such dramatic fashion that you will be dazzled at every turn. Depending on how warm you want your bath to be, there is an endless array of options as you go up or downstream! Dont fret if you havent got your own car; plenty of transport options are available from Reykjavik. Landaviti Lighthouse (Stodvarfjordur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go If theres any single dish in Iceland thats become iconic over the years, its the hot dog. The local beer always says something special about the place you're visiting, and you can add a new frothy dimension to your Iceland trip by touring the country's surprisingly many microbreweries. If youd prefer to stick to Iceland, you can always arrange some multi-day trips. This performance, meeting and exhibition space is dramatically situated at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbor. Those staying in Reykjavik offer boat tours from the harborthat take you out to sea and away from city lights. Its a welcomed change from the array of black sand beaches around the country, and paints a clear picture of the vibrant variety of color offered on the main island. Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. Visiting here is one of the best free things to do in Iceland. You can drive the ring road all year round, but we found it to be one of the best things to do in Iceland in September and October. Do yourself a favor: save yourself the time of planning and prioritizing. There is hardly a country in the world that packs as many jaw-dropping landscapes in such a short amount of time. Places to See in Iceland: The Westfjords 5. One of our top Iceland travel tips would be to drive the Golden Circle. Hifoss is the fourth highest waterfall in Iceland. So don't be a d*ck; plus 13 other things to know before visiting. Table of Contents. Many visitors will venture right out from Reykjavik, but one of the best places to spot whales is off the coast of Northern Iceland. It covers all aspects of Iceland's Geology and flora using the latest virtual technology to give the visitor a real. Arrival in Iceland - Private airport transfer Departure from Reykjavik - Private airport #21 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. While the dancing aurora can be viewed year-round, chances are higher during the winter, as the most vivid displays occur in both dark and cold surroundings. Or enjoy the rustic trappings of Hotel North, where you can relax in the garden after a long day of biking, hiking, or exploring the scenic wilderness. Find operators in Stykkishlmur and gur in safjarardjp, among other places. Skogafoss. We perform checks on reviews Clear all filters 2022 1. Make sure to try some traditional Icelandic fare like skyr (a type of yogurt) and a hearty bowl of seafood soup with cod roe. The regular eruption kicks off with bubbling water and then progresses from small gushes to full blasts of steam every 4-8 minutes. Its also important to note that the path behind the waterfall may close in the winter times due to slippery and uneven surfaces. Check out our selection of things to do in Reykjavik. If you are camping, a pool will also allow you to shower and relax the back. The rugged area feels like another planet and requires a tough 44 vehicle to access. Explore Icelands bustling food scene and taste some of Icelands most delicious dishes in this three-hour walking tour. Back In 1973, a United States Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crashed on the black beach at Slheimasandur in Iceland fast forward to today and its become one of the citys most unique landmarks, exploding in social media popularity thanks to the beautiful landscape in the background. Massive waterfalls are not uncommon around the country, but few can compete with this ones power; its said that theres no stronger cascade in all of Europe! Just remember, only camp within designated campsites for your own safety. Once viewed primarily as a stopover destination en route from Europe to the US or vice versa, the Land of Fire and Ice has since established itself as one of, if not the most naturally ravishing nation in the Northern Hemisphere scratch that, on the planet. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. If you could picture a waterfall in your head, it would be Skogafoss. Snfellsjkull National Park boasts no shortage of impressive natural attractions and the 8,000-year-old lava-formed Vatnshellir Cave is no exception. Although Iceland is called Iceland, its surprisingly not that cold, and no its not all ice. Hsavk is the best place to go whale watching in Iceland, with many tours on offer and a high sighting ratio even blue whales are occasionally seen here. 6. See history brought back to life at Iceland's living museums Iceland revels in bringing history back to life with numerous living museums that invite visitors to step back in time. Reynisfjara, near Vik, is probably the most well-known and visitedblack sand beach in Iceland, and it is easily accessible from Reykjavik. Lighthouses. Hot tip: if you consider yourself a birdwatcher, make a beeline for the high cliffs, home to millions of flocking seabirds. Dozens of species of whale frequent the unique Icelandic waters (but well dive into that a little later), and theres no better place to learn about them, their behaviors, and their ecosystem than the top-rated Whales of Iceland Museum. But how do you plan a trip to see a natural phenomenon? If you're looking for a slower-paced type of winter activity, snowshoeing might be your thing, walking up mountains in the north or exploring the black-and-white wonderworld of Dimmuborgir lava field. With the claim to fame of being the second-largest glacier on the island, Langjkull has been a crowd favorite tourist attraction for years. At Grmsey island, people can dive and snorkel with puffins right on the Arctic Circle. Transportation from Cruise port to city centre yesterday. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. The horses are known for being well-natured and strong horses, not to mention beautiful. Public pools are fed by geothermic water and have minimal treatment with few chemicals. There are other things to observe in the winter sky above Iceland, too. THE 10 BEST Iceland Tours & Excursions for 2023 (with Prices) Caf Saxa. On Diamond Beach, you can watch the giant ice pieces crash into the ocean waves. From hunting practices used by our ancestors all the way up until todays eco-friendly fishing methods, the museum does a wonderful job at showcasing the history and evolutions of whales, their relationships with locals, and wider Icelandic traditions. Find inspiration from the Icelandic Saga and Heritage Association. Led by a knowledgeable and friendly local, a guided small-group walking tour is a great way to learn all about the people, attractions, and way of life not to mention Reykjavks strong Viking influence in the worlds most northernmost capital city. Hundreds of hot springs line the hills, birthing the nickname Steam Walley with so many natural spas to choose from, visitors are sure to find their optimal temperature. Considered one of the worlds most beautiful non-tropical beaches, Reynisfjara has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years thanks to Instagram. See women dye wool by boiling herbs or have a witch tell your fortune with ancient runes. Golden Circle Afternoon and Northern Lights Tour Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep from Reykjavik, #6 of 47 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Reykjavik, #23 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavk Sightseeing - PRIVATE TOUR, Icelandic food tasting & city walk - PRIVATE TOUR, #49 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. While itineraries differ depending on your tour of choice, many kick off the adventure with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park before heading to the social media-famous Blue Lagoon. 853 reviews. While neverending, jaw-dropping views are all but guaranteed no matter which tour you pick, for something truly special, join an adventure that chases the midnight sun. Its not hard to see how this place got the nickname Iceland in a nutshell. Europes most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, is the source of Kraumas invigorating geothermal baths and year after year, tourists are catching on to its unique healing properties. Pack your sense of adventure and see it for yourself! Easily one of the most natural impressive features in Iceland (and thats not without stiff competition), at the postcard-worthy Vatnajkull, tourists can take to skies and experience this spell-bounding glacier in all its beauty from above. Makes the Golden Circle tour a stunning experience - we saw a lot of waterfalls and this one is exceptional. The breed possesses two rare gaits in addition to the "regular" ones, the smooth tlt and fast-flying pace. Besides the visual extravaganza, the site also acts as a continuous message of unity and world peace, dedicated to John Lennon himself. Small-Group Golden Circle Tour by Superjeep from #25 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik, #2 of 47 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Reykjavik. Designed by Gujn Samelsson in 1937, this church is an iconic piece of architecture in Reykjavik that any visitor should take the time to see. 15 Things to Avoid as a Tourist in Iceland - WanderWisdom It's neither chlorinated nor fluorinated, simply because there's no need to do so. Watch a blacksmith hammer a blade or smell scorched birch as it's transformed into charcoal. The distinctly shaped peak sits on the north coast of Icelands Snfellsnes peninsula, a stones throw from the nearby town of Grundarfjrur. Thelatter draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine. THE TOP 20 Reykjavik Tours & Excursions in 2023 If youre the kind of tourist who thrives on the adrenaline of outdoor sports, then hurry up and add rafting to your Iceland bucket list! Driving the Iceland Ring Road is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. per adult. If youre after intrigue and spirituality, not just a tourist selfie, definitely check this place out. Hallgrimskirkja 22,817 Churches & Cathedrals Miborg By Africancrab The church soars over the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, its scale is also heightened by the vertical rows of descending 2022 2. By the way: In Icelandic, birting means dawn and myrkur means dark. Hot tip (literally): Admire the geyser from afar getting too close to the heated spring can be trouble! One for the history buffs and fishing enthusiasts, the Reykjavk Maritime Museum is a tourist-favorite attraction where visitors can learn all about the local (modern and traditional) fishing processes from start to finish.