Iceland has become the top travel destination in recent years. The small Nordic island nation is home to fewer than 340,000 people. But its landscape and natural beauty attracts millions of tourists each year. In 2017, over 2 million tourists visited Iceland and explored the country’s terrain.
It isn’t just Iceland’s natural beauty that travellers seek out. Reykjavik is a gorgeous European capital city with its own marvels including Hallgrímskirkja. The modernist cathedral towers over the city and its statue of the country’s most famous person, Leif Eiriksson, is iconic.
Yes, Iceland has everything a traveller looking for adventure could need. Regardless of the travel budget, the Nordic nation can deliver an unforgettable vacation.
Top destination – Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a must-visit Icelandic landmark. Nearly every tourist who visits Iceland experiences a Golden Circle tour and there is good reason for it. The Golden Circle consists Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. All three stunning locations are situated in the southwest of the country. Their close proximity gives travellers the chance to visit the Golden Circle on a daytrip and experience their unrivalled beauty.
All sites are beautiful natural landscapes that showcase the diverse terrain that makes up Iceland. Travellers can join excursion groups or complete a self-drive itinerary to visit them. The Golden Circle can be completed in just one day and all three destinations are within two hours of Reykjavik.
Day trips and Excursions
Thanks to Iceland’s size, day-trips and excursions are easy to complete. Whether joining a tour group or visiting them via a self-drive itinerary, travellers can see all of the country’s great landmarks relatively easily.
The Blue Lagoon is a must-see landmark and ranks just behind the Golden Circle. Located 40 minutes from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with inviting warm pale blue waters. The underground hot springs heat the waters to around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourists can bath in the Blue Lagoon and experience the therapeutic waters that locals swear by.
Whale watching is another day excursion visitors to Iceland can experience. Whale watching takes place all year-round, giving travellers the opportunity to see the enormous animals in the cold Icelandic waters. In the summertime, whale watching excursions take place throughout the day and night thanks to Iceland’s midnight sun. Watchers can often see whales surface near their boats giving them an up close and personal view.
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is another attraction waiting for travellers. Many tourists experience the Northern Lights from just outside Reykjavik as the city lights are unable to mask their glow. The Northern Lights occur from late September until April.
Why visit Iceland?
Iceland’s natural landscape makes it one of the most unique places on Earth. The country’s size provides travellers with short trips to reach all of its major destinations. Regardless of your budget, Iceland can meet all price points. From luxurious hotels to Airbnb’s, there is an adventure for every budget.
The Nordic nation has something for everyone in each season. The peak travel season is in the summertime from June until August when the temperatures rise. However, there is no bad time to visit the home of Leif Eiriksson and experience the island home of the Vikings.
