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175 Hotels in Iceland
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Main Sights in Iceland
Reykjavík
Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. As a cosmopolitan city surrounded by the pure energy of nature, Reykjavik is a city of striking contrast. Visitors will be impressed by the contrasting outline of small corrugated iron houses lying beside futuristic glass buildings, state of art facilities within the view of rugged volcanic terrain and an unique culture that embraces international and traditional Icelandic influences. Reykjavik which means “Smoky Bay” was named by Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, when he saw misty geo-thermal steam rising from the ground. The steam now heats homes and outdoor pools throughout the city, providing pollution free energy that leaves the air fresh and clean in Reykjavik. Other favourite sight seeing opportunities are to visit the many thermal swimming pools and spas in the city and relax in a healing soak.
There is plenty to do in Reykjavik, visitors can view the city from the 73-metre high tower of Hallgrimskirkja Church, feed the swans and observe the variety in bird life at the water surrounding the City Hall or hike up Mt Esja, a 914 metre high mountain that looms over Reykjavik like a guardian angel. The city is also packed with art galleries and museums for visitors who want to know more about the history and culture of Iceland. Reykjavik is also known for its fresh seafood, vibrant night life and as a shopping haven.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle in Iceland is a circular route of which many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks are found. The total distance of the Golden Circle is 190 mile (300km) and can be visited in one day. The major landmarks at the Golden Circles are Geysir,Gullfoss and Thingvellir. The Golden Circle can be explored either by renting a car or following a guided tour. There are also hotels and campsites for people who wish to take longer trips in the Golden Circle. The other attractions in the Golden Circle includes the 55m deep explosion crater Kerid which is 3000 years old and the church at Skalholt which was the centre of Christianity in Iceland from the mid-11th until the 18th centuries.
The Geysir - Geysir is a hot sprouting spring that is believed to have formed in the thirteenth century. The Geysir in Iceland is a colourful geothermal field with an abundance of hot springs and geysers. It gushes a spectacular jet of steaming water that goes 200 feet skyward once or twice a year. For more geyser wonders, there are also smaller sprouting spring which spout steaming water 60 to 100 feet every 5 minutes in nearby Strokkur, an area with a variety of small sprouting springs and bubbling pools.
The Gullfoss - The Gullfoss or Golden Falls is a 105 foot double cascade waterfall in Iceland. It is also the largest and most powerful waterfall in Europe. There is a mystical aura in the area as clouds of mist that surround the majestic falls produce spectacular displays of rainbows on the horizon. During winter, the waterfall freezes and forms magical shapes of shimmering ice and snow. Thingvellir - Thingvellir is a place that is symbolic to Iceland’s independence and unity. The Icelandic Parliament, the Althing was formed here in 930 A.D. This was the place where chieftains use to gather in a natural amphitheatre to argue cases and settle disputes. The area has since witnessed many historical events which have changed the political landscape of Iceland. Thingvellir is also a place to admire the wonder of earth movements. The drifting of the tectonic plates and the constant movement of the land creates an ever changing landscape.
Vatnajökull National Park
The Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Iceland and Europe. It covers a land area of 12000 sq km which is almost 12% of Iceland. Vatnajökull glacier blankets 6 active volcanoes under its 8000 sq km of ice making it the biggest glacier in Europe. The national park was created as a nature conservation project and an aid to researchers in their study on the rapid melting of Iceland’s glaciers. Within the Vatnajökull National Parks are smaller parks such as Skaftafell National Park, Jokulsargljufur National Park and the Vatnajökull glaciers and lava fields. Be mesmerised by a 3 ½ km long canyon in Asbyrgi. Be amazed by the surrounding geological formation in the Lake Myvatn and be impressed by the architecture of the ancient manor, Skrida, which has been standing since 1493.
There are several visitor centres in the park and are open till 4pm daily. The campsite opens from the middle of May and has full amenities for those who want to stay in the park for a few days. The campsite also has disabled access. You can choose to explore the stunning park by following a guided coach tour or self drive. The main highway runs along the Park’s southern boundary and some tracks do require a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and is one of the main attractions in Iceland. The steamy waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur. Bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to have healing benefits for people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The lagoon water comes from a nearby geothermal power plant with the water temperature in the swimming area averaging 40 °C (104 °F). Within the Blue Lagoon, there is a clinic for those seeking medical treatment for different skin conditions and an in-water treatment for those who want a relaxing therapy. However, if you are looking for healthy rejuvenation, why not enjoy an energizing massage under the waterfall in the lagoon. Blue Lagoon silica mud mask packets are also placed around the lagoon for an instant facial treatment. The geothermal spa is open daily throughout the year and an entrance fee for adults and children from the age of 14 applies. Spa visitors are required to follow a strict code of hygiene and must shower in the communal shower area before and after bathing. The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, south west of Iceland. It is situated approximately 13 km from the Keflavík International Airport and 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavík.
Snaefellnes Peninsula
The villages and towns in Snæfellsnes peninsula are steep with culture, history and wildlife. The peninsula is situated to the west of Borgarfjörður in the west of Iceland and is marked by the majestic Snæfellsnes glacier which can be seen from Reykjavik on a clear day. The glacier stands at the height of 1446m and is the highest volcanic mountain in the peninsula. This same mountain inspired French author Jules Verne in his novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Stykkisholmur is a small fishing town on the peninsula. The town looks out across the Breiðafjörður fjord, a mecca for birdwatchers. In the summer months, the island is overwhelmed by puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and fulmars. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot the monarch of Icelandic birds, the white tailed eagle. From Stykkishólmur, visitors can take a boat tour into Breiðafjörður fjord for bird-watching or visit the historical 19th century building on nearby Flatey Island. The other towns in the peninsula include Ólafsvík, a fishing town on the western end of the peninsula. Ólafsvík is also a great place for whale watching. Grundarfjörður is a town with an impressive mountain range and the historical village of Búðardalur has a long history dating back to the first settlements in Iceland. The Snæfellsnes peninsula is only a two-hour drive from Reykjavik and can be visited in a day however the enchanting landscape of lava caves, waterfalls and mineral hot springs might make it worthwhile to spend a day to two on the peninsula.
Akureyri
Akureyri is a centre of culture and is Iceland’s second largest city. The city sits on the south western shores of the Eyjafjordur Fjord, one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland. Lying behind the city are lush green farmlands and sloping basalt mountains. The mountains are snow capped all year round making it an ideal skiing site. Though Akureyri sits only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, it has one of the warmest climates in Iceland with summer temperature topping 60°F (20°C) frequently. The city lives up to its name as a city of culture and education with numerous museums such as the Natural History Museum, Folk Museum, museums in homes of native poet Matthias Jochumsson and children’s book author Jon Sveinson. Walking is probably one of the best ways to explore the surrounding of the city and its breathtaking scenery. There are several walking paths in the Óshólmur area of the Eyjafjarðará River which is on the south of Akureyri. Other walking paths can be found at Krossanesborgir, on the north of the Glerárthorp area and Kjarna Wood, a forested recreational area that surround Akureyri. The Akureyri Botanical Garden is another popular landmark in Iceland known for its beautiful flora display. Founded in 1911, the garden contains nearly every plant found in Iceland as well as about 4,000 foreign plants. Akureyri is also a good base for exploring many of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders and is a great place to engage in exciting activities such as river rafting, fishing, whale watching and horse riding.
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Though the interior of Iceland is inhabitable and inhospitable at times, a visit to the stunning rugged landscape of rocky deserts, snow cap mountain peaks, volcanoes, hidden valleys and hot spring should not be missed. One of the main sights to visit in the Central Highland is Landmannalaugar, meaning hot spring in Icelandic. The area consists of multi coloured Rhyolite Mountains and vast lava fields. The most notable mountains are the Bláhnúkur (Blue peak) and Brennisteinsalda (Sulphur dune). Relax in the natural geothermal hot spring, stay a night at the mountain lodge and wake up to the fresh mountainous air. Weary bodies will definitely be rejuvenated. Askja is also a popular tourist destination in the Central Highlands of Iceland. Askja is a volcano situated in the North East of the Vatnajökull Icecap. Two significant lakes are formed out of the caldera in the volcanic mountain. Öskjuvatn is the deepest lake in Iceland and Viti a smaller opaque blue water lake in a crater and is geothermal and mineral rich. It is advisable to visit the beautiful and unspoilt highlands on an organised tour with a guide or in a specially equipped 4 wheel drive vehicle as it can be quite a challenge to tackle the mountainous roads and crossing rivers. The Central Highlands can only be crossed during summer. Off-road driving is forbidden in the Highlands when roads are free of snow in an effort to protect the vegetation.
Northern Lights - The Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights, also known as The Aurora Borealis, is one of the most spectacular and beautiful phenomena of nature. As gas particles from solar flares penetrate earth magnetic field, it creates giant curtains of light weaving and swaying, gliding and flowing gracefully across the northerly skies. The colours of the Northern Lights correspond to the different types of gases in the ionosphere. Oxygen atoms give off red and green light, depending on how high they are in the ionosphere whereas nitrogen molecules give violet light. The most common colour of the aurora is green. Iceland is geographically well placed to view the northern lights as it is located at the most active part of the Aurora Oval, the belts around the geomagnetic poles where auroras are formed. The best time of the year to view the Aurora Borealis is from September through to March. Due to longer daylight hours, aurora cannot be seen in summer. The Aurora display could happen a few times per night and it can last for a few minutes to a maximum of 3 hours. The highest aurora activity points usually happened during the hours near midnight. There are organised tours to view the Northern Lights. Experienced guides will bring visitors to several viewing areas for the best aurora display. The success of the tour will depend on the weather conditions as a heavily clouded evening sky is not favourable for viewing the Aurora Borealis. If these conditions prevail tours will usually be cancelled.
Midnight Sun
Summer in Iceland is fantastic for visitors who want to enjoy longer outdoor days as the sun remains visible even at midnight. The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon occurring in latitudes north of the Arctic Circle. During the summer months in Iceland, the nights are always bright. The cities, towns and villages are filled with activities and events that never seem to end. One of the best places to experience the midnight sun fully is at the island of Grimsey. This remote and beautiful island is 40km off Iceland’s northern coast and the steep cliffs are home to huge colonies of sea birds. The island has a small population of about 100 people and the community is close knit but hospitable. As Grimsey is crossed by the Arctic Circle, the island provides the perfect location for experiencing the magic of the midnight sun. Actually in the month of June the sun never fully sets on Grimsey Island. Grimsey Island can be reached by ferries from the north coast of Iceland or by scheduled flights from the domestic airport in Akureyri. Visitors can also join guided tours to see the midnight sun in Grimsey Island.
