There is no other place on the planet quite like Iceland! This small island hosts a dizzying variety of landscapes and geological wonders. From the meeting of tectonic plates to the puffin breeding grounds, from the newest landmass on the planet (a volcanic island “born” in the 60s) to lush green highlands that could be mistaken for Scotland, this tiny island has it all.
We are delighted to offer a fine collection of thoughtfully curated travel options in Iceland, with coastal cruises and land expeditions that help guests discover the natural beauty of Iceland with ease and explore in comfort.
Here are ten reasons why you should see Iceland. They are all outdoors, naturally.
Hot Springs
The Blue Lagoon is most people’s introduction to Icelandic geothermal swimming, but there are many other options. In inexpensive public pools you can bump elbows with the locals in naturally heated water and soak in hot pots. With some local guidance, you can find natural hot springs and enjoy a sulfuric soak in a rustic setting.
Geysers
There is water bubbling under the surface all over the island, so much so that travelers are warned to never wander off trail. There’s no telling what could be boiling under a thin crust of earth. A trip to Geyser in the Golden Circle is a good introduction, though there are other bigger but less reliable geysers elsewhere in Iceland.
Volcancos
Iceland was shaped by volcanoes and is home to both dormant and active ones. You can hike or even drive up onto many of them, like Eldfell on Heimaey Island, which last erupted in 1973. Peer into the crater of a dormant volcano or take an expensive hard-hat expedition inside the crater of Thrihnukagigur.
Glaciers
Massive ice formations continue to slide across Iceland’s interior, shaping its landscape. Vatnajökull is the largest of the country’s glaciers. You can explore it with a guide. Mýrdalsjökull covers one of Iceland’s largest active volcanoes. Or closer to Reykjavik, Langjökull is the second largest glacier and has a man-made tunnel you can explore on a guided expedition.
Waterfalls
In a glacial, mountainous, almost-arctic country like Iceland, you will find waterfalls all around. Godafoss in the northeast is among the largest and most spectacular. Gullfoss rivals it in grandeur and is easily accessible on the Golden Circle. You will see countless gorgeous waterfalls of varying shapes and sizes throughout your travels in Iceland.
Black Sand Beaches
The grinding tide of ocean on a volcanic land mass creates the black sand that distinguishes most of Iceland’s beaches. The south coast has some of the island’s most beautiful coastline, on the road to Vík í Mýrdal, a lovely beach town. Stroll the water’s edge, but know that the water is far too cold for anything other than a polar plunge!
Lava Fields
The Reykjanes Peninsula between the airport and Reykjavik has some of the most other-worldly terrain you will see on this planet. Rough-hewn lava fields spread on either side, their jagged surfaces coated in moss. Lava fields are something you will see in other parts of the island as well, a strangely barren moonscape unlike anywhere else on earth.
Puffins
Some of the biggest puffin breeding grounds are found on the outer edges of Iceland’s islands. Heimaey is part of the Westman Islands, fertile ground for puffins who mate for life and return to the same breeding grounds each year. The kids in Vestmannaeyjar help rescue wayward pufflings who are sometimes distracted by the lights of their town and fly off course.
Mountains
From rocky peaks to the steep green climb of the inland highlands, Iceland offers a wide variety of mountain views. Kirkjufell in the northwest has a distinct peak and the mountains in the Westfjords are dramatic, as is the volcanic Eyjafjallajökull. Look for hiking trails, scenic pull offs, and guided expeditions. You’ll find snowcaps even on the outskirts of Reykjavik.
The Sky
In summer it is the midnight sun that will mystify you and add to your sightseeing hours. In winter it is the endless night that, with any luck, will be illuminated with the mystical color show of the northern lights. There is no guarantee you will see nature’s colorful light show. Peak time is November to March, though you may glimpse them as early as September.
Forgive the cliche, but Iceland truly is a place you must see before you die, a must for any worldly person’s bucket list. We offer multiple Ventures to get you there and around safely and conveniently, letting you experience its rawest nature and most startling beauty with ease.
However you get there, enjoy Iceland! And please share your experiences with us in the comments.