10 Unique Activities You Can Only Experience in Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places to have on your bucket list for your next holiday destination. And whether you choose to travel by plane to get there, or indulge in an unforgettable Iceland cruise that explores several destinations in one, you’re bound to have a wonderful time.
From snorkeling between two continents to exploring the ice caves and bathing in the blue lagoon, Iceland has too many fun activities to do. The beauty of this country is just irresistible for adventure seekers and nature lovers. In a nutshell, Iceland is the perfect destination for travelers who want to have unique experiences in nature.
Pro Tip: It’s recommended to stay in Iceland at least a week to see its best sights! Here’s a 5-7 day itinerary in Iceland you might want to check out.
Check out the following unique activities to do when in Iceland.
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1. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon
The question most people ask when they think of visiting Iceland is, is Blue Lagoon worth it? Of course, the answer is yes! A trip to Iceland cannot be complete without soaking in the milky waters of the blue lagoon. It has become globally famous and among Iceland’s top attractions due to its beautiful surroundings and unique relaxing atmosphere. It is also a convenient location as it is near the airport, making it easy to get to the destination.
2. See the Dettifoss Waterfall
When you think of places to visit in Iceland, do not forget about the most powerful waterfall in the country. The waterfall falls 144 feet from river Jokulsa a Fjollum and crescendos with a powerful crash into the Jokulsargljufur Canyon below, forming a spectacular and considerable natural site of the country. This is something you don’t want to miss watching.
3. Visit Lake Mývatn
Lake Myvatn is located in the north of Iceland and is one of the reasons why travelers visit. The lake itself is beautiful and is definitely worth visiting. Around it there are also other great must-see places. Such places include Krafla, Dimmuborgir and Hverir. Additionally, there are nice hiking routes around the lake and amazing places for bird-watching.
4. Explore Ice Caves
Iceland is a land known for its frozen landscapes. The winter season best defines this country as the environment is trapped between glittering white snow and darkness; hence, there are many cool activities such as snowmobile tours, especially during winter. One of the best things to do to have an icy experience is to enter the country’s gorgeous blue ice caves. But note that they’re only accessible during winter months.
If you’re interested in ice caves, another place that you should visit is Solheimajokull in the south coast of Iceland. This icy landscape is filled with various crevasses and ice formations, and it’s one of the destinations in the country that’s predicted to shrink in a few decades so it’s a great time to visit now.
5. Sunset on the Westfjords
Westfjords is the ideal place for those who want to be far away from large crowds. It is not only the perfect place to watch the beautiful Iceland sunset, but it is also attractive for it is culturally fascinating. From visiting the Dynjandi waterfalls to towering the Hornstrandir bird cliffs, the Westfjords have many activities you can do.
6. Whale Watching
Whale watching is also among the best activities to do while in Iceland. You can watch more than twenty species of dolphins, whales and porpoises, which range from the largest animals on the planet, the blue whales, to the tiny harbor porpoises. The easiest way to access whale-watching is by going to Reykjavik’s downtown area.
7. Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is among the best world’s snorkeling spots. It is full of fresh spring water inside Thingvellir National Park and this also marks one of Iceland’s most loved wonders. Diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra Fissure allow you to have a relaxing and breathtaking experience. It is now deemed to be among the top five world diving sites.
8. Hike a Glacier
Iceland’s glacier is the largest in Europe. Hiking the glacier is another mesmerizing activity to do in Iceland. The hike will lead you through spectacular scenes as you cross large ice fields and a number of active volcanoes.
Your visit to Iceland is only complete if you have witnessed the northern lights. You can book a trip during the northern lights season to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
9. Geothermal Bakery Tour
Iceland is filled with little surprises and one of them is a Geothermal Bakery Tour. Here you can learn how Icelanders use geothermal bakeries to make rye bread. The bread is placed in a pot and then buried in the hot black sand for 24 hours. You’ll witness a short demonstration of bread making and have a taste of fresh bread with butter.
This activity can easily be included in a Golden Circle Tour.
10. Tour inside a volcano
Taking a tour inside a volcano is one of the unique things that you can only do in Iceland. This activity involves taking a 45 minute hike to reach the crater of Þríhnúkagígur Volcano, a dormant volcano which last erupted 4000 years ago. Once at the crater, you’ll ride a cable lift to descend 120 meters below to the magma chamber, where you’ll see its walls and unique rock formations.
What other unique activities in Iceland do you recommend? Let us know in the comments section below!
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This article is contributed by an expert guest author.
