Here are my top 5 places to make sure you include in any vacation to Iceland. If you like to research and understand the culture and stories in advance, I also listed some of the insider books to help you kickstart the planning at the end of the article.
Myvatn
Forget what you know about the ice-covered country of Iceland. I’m talking about their namesake, Lake Myvatn! This lake is so much more than just a body of water in an icy tundra. The temperature here can reach up to 23 degrees Celsius thanks to geothermal activity and its proximity with some volcanoes like Krafla or Dimmuborgir (which translates into ‘dark castles’). Many people come from all over Europe for this amazing outdoor experience that’s sure not be forgotten anytime soon–and it won’t even cost you anything but your time!
Geysers
The Great Geyser used to be one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. It would erupt a jet of boiling water and steam 80m high into the air on average once every three hours but now that it’s been inactive for over two centuries, you can find its nearer relative Strokkur which does so every 5-10 minutes only 20 meters away from where The Great Geisrter is located. This spout reaches up to 20 metres’ height – not as tall as before because there are no more underground fissures feeding this area with intense pressure anymore but still worth seeing! The smells around you are so strong that it’s hard to think of anything else. Everywhere you look there is boiling, sulfurous landscape with many steaming vents and hot springs all over the place. You might not be a gardener or plant lover but even if you’re not, this rare primitive plant life will fascinate any visitor here
The Blue Lagoon
One can not help but be drawn to this natural wonder! The Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural feature in Iceland. Research tells me that the white Silica mud and blue-green algae form a light natural sediment on the bottom of the lagoon giving it its ghostly, opaque, aquamarine color. One should visit when there is snow all around you because bathing here has curative powers!
Snaefellsjokull Glacier
Driving across the black sand beach, you get a sense of what it would be like to be on another planet. The landscape is stunning with its moorland and meadows along with rivers and ponds filled by small streams that are waterfalls in disguise.
It’s not just about beautiful scenery though; there is also an allure as people believe the Snaefellsjokull glacier has mystic powers after Jules Verne wrote “The Journey To The Center Of Earth“.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. I couldn’t make a statement as to who may be right, but for Icelandic people this place has great importance because it was where Parliament first met back in 930AD.
??? Here are my favourite children book, magic guide, cooking recipes, knitting pattern, journal, short stories, adventurous map, absolute-best places to visit, tourist attractions guide for all the secret & unique things to do and learn about the beautiful Iceland. –> Click the images below to learn more!
