In recent years, rumors have begun to spread about the existence of a small Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean; an island defined by dramatic landscapes, with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and elves. Yes, elves.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wildfire, and travelers have started arriving from all over the land. Though there is a delicate balance in maintaining the untouched and wild feeling of Iceland’s unique landscapes while making them accessible to tourists. Lava fields, volcanoes and thundering waterfalls might look super tough, but in fact they are very vulnerable.
Before tourists started arriving in mass, most Icelandic attractions had no need for infrastructure like car parks or ranger stations. So it’s extremely important that we are aware of our impact as travelers. As such, we have composed a letter to all those who are Iceland bound.
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Iceland is a breathtaking country, famous for volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers and absolutely stunning nature. And as such, there are a lot of places that are considered a must when you’re visiting.
The Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, the Golden Circle; if you’ve researched Iceland in the slightest you’ll know the list. But just as there are many incredible ‘musts’, there are also many beautiful spots that are overlooked – undeservedly sacrificed off internet lists!
Granted, you’ll have to step far off the beaten path to find some of the gorgeous places mentioned here, but their beauty will make it definitely worth your time.
From amazing examples of modern architecture to a little known underground cave – here are the best things to see in Iceland, which most other people miss!
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Iceland is one of the Earth’s hottest countries – literally. Brimming with volcanic activity, the country is blessed with a huge range of hot springs and geothermal spas, and a hot soak under the Northern Lights has become central to Iceland’s cultural identity.
Iceland is famous for it’s hot tub culture, and swimming pools have always been a hub of social activity, even in winter on a dark, frosty night. But with a huge range of swimming pools, hot springs, and spas, where do you even start?
While the country has an incredible range of natural hot springs, today we’re going to focus on Iceland’s thermal spas. The difference? Thermal spas are a cross between a man-made pool and a natural spring.
While natural springs are usually in rural locations, where the journey there is an adventure in itself, thermal spas offer the same natural water, but you’re surrounded by man made facilities.
At thermal spas you’ll have access to showers, restaurants, toilets, and storage to keep your things dry; much more than your typical hole in the ground filled with water!
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Iceland has become somewhat of a trend in recent years, and as with any destination which has seen a recent surge in tourism, it’s quite difficult to find great value accommodation. Difficult, though not impossible. Especially if you’re looking at Iceland’s hostels.
With some of the highest standards of hostel accommodation in the world (in terms of cleanliness, character, rooms and facilities), if you’re heading to Iceland, it’s a no brainer to book a hostel. And if you’re looking for Reykjavík’s cream of the crop, we recommend a stay at the Loft Hostel.
Offering a range of dorms, twins and private rooms, it has a modern, clean interior, a buzzing vibe, and a great location right in the middle of the city’s bar, restaurant and cafe district. It was also voted the world’s best HI (Hostelling International) hostel in 2014. Awards aside, this is what else it’s got.
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In recent years, rumors have begun to spread about the existence of a small Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean; an island defined by dramatic landscapes, with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and elves. Yes, elves.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wild fire, and travelers have started arriving from all over the land. Though how do you know if Iceland is a country for you? Even though it’s a pretty safe bet in terms of an incredible vacation, what kind of travelers does it suit?
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This is our destination page which lists all posts we have ever published about Iceland. Click for access to country specific travel tips, personal stories, photos, videos, and guest posts, as well as anything we have written which makes mention to the destination.
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The age of the socially conscious traveler is officially here – a recent movement towards responsible travel has seen travelers become more conscious of their environmental and social footprint when heading abroad. People are now realizing the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
With the idea of being conscious of our impact on both nature and culture, here are 10 easy steps for being a socially conscious traveler in Iceland.
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When it comes to things to do in Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park should be at the very top of everyone’s list. Covering 13% of Iceland’s surface, this is the largest national park in Western Europe, and has a range of outstanding natural wonders which truly capture the interplay between fire and ice.
In this region white glaciers descend to black sands, hot streams erupt from frozen banks of ice, and the park is home to Iceland’s highest mountain, (Hvannadalshnúkur), largest glacier (Vatnajökull), and Europe’s most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss).
The following are the highlights of Vatnajökull National Park. Most sections of the park are completely inaccessible in winter, closed due to bad weather or lack of transportation. Plan for a trip between July and August to have more options and access to locations throughout the park.
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Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, where turbulent volcanic forces meet the icy touch of the Arctic to shape an island that is as desolate as it is beautiful. Blasted tundra, glistening glaciers and pounding waterfalls are among the many wonders vying for space in the Icelandic wilderness, and the best way to explore the extremes of this spellbinding country is to take a long walk into its heart, on the famous Laugavegur trail.
Stretching 55km from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, the Laugavegur trail is the country’s most well-known hiking route. The four-day trek takes you past colourful mountains, warming hot-springs and steep ravines as you wind your way through the landscape of South-East Iceland.
If you are looking to test yourself physically, as well as rewarding yourself with moments of wonder, then Iceland’s Laugavegur is the trek for you.
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Iceland is a country full of natural wonders, and it is difficult to remain unmoved by the amazing diversity of it’s landscape. Though contrary to popular belief, Iceland is not an island which is covered completely in ice.
Iceland is a stunning playground with everything from majestic glaciers, cracked lava fields, gushing geysers, vibrant green fjords and geothermal lagoons. Also, due to its location between two tectonic plates that are spreading apart in the mid-Atlantic range, the country has a high concentration of active volcanoes; one of the highest in the world.
In fact, Iceland has 30 active volcano systems, 13 of which have erupted since Vikings settled here in the 9th century AD. While the country tends to see an eruption on average every 5 years, most recently have proved to be harmless, seeing thousands of tourists hiking, biking or driving closer to the craters to witness nature put on a spectacular show.
The following is an Iceland guide to the country’s top 10 volcanoes for your European Bucketlist.
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Iceland is a country defined by it’s outdoors. Inspiring scenery at every turn, extraordinary landscapes, and astounding natural wonders; when visiting a country with nature so inspiring, it would be a waste to spend your time solely holed up in the cities without making time for exploration of the outdoors.
The following are the top 10 outdoor activities in Iceland – adrenaline activities amid scenery so spectacular that the experience will leave you raving about your travel to this country as the trip of your lifetime for years to come.
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Iceland is literally a country which takes your breath away. Inspiring scenery at every turn, extraordinary landscapes, and astounding natural wonders; you will leave the country with a determined mindset to return.
Though perhaps even more exotic than majestic glaciers grinding their way through cracked lava fields, and more captivating than witnessing glittering ice caps pierce the sky, is the opportunity to witness and interact with the country’s exotic variety of seabirds and wildlife.
Seabirds arrive by the million for the breeding season between April and August, and nest on coastal cliffs all around the country in massive colonies. And to say that they arrive in the million is no understatement – we literally spent days shooting seabirds (photography) and have more photography than we could possibly hope to edit in a lifetime.
The following are Iceland’s top locations to see birds and wildlife – because Iceland holidays can be about so much more than the Golden Circle and that famous geothermal lagoon!
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The puffin is one of Iceland’s biggest wildlife draws. They arrive by the million for the breeding season between April and August, and nest on coastal cliffs all around the country in massive colonies.
To say that they arrive in the million is no understatement – we literally spent days shooting puffin photography, though we did occasionally allow them to break for lunch!
Head to Tjörnes for the best site to spot puffins in Iceland.
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Tips For an Epic Icelandic Road Trip Iceland is literally a country which takes your breath away. Inspiring scenery at every turn, extraordinary landscapes, and astounding natural wonders; you will leave the country with a determined mindset to return. Majestic glaciers grind their way through cracked lava fields, gushing geysers explode with a powerful force,...
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“My name is Thor”, he said. “Are you ready for some action?!” We nodded enthusiastically, and grabbed jumpsuits and helmets before jumping onto monster ATV’s. We were about to experience the Icelandic Outback. Quad biking with Safari Quads is the ultimate Icelandic adventure. Riding well off the beaten path, often through lakes, rivers...
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If you were dared to jump from a cliff in the middle of a magnificent canyon in Iceland, and plunge into arctic waters for some glacial river swimming, would you do it? What if you were dared to jump into a raft and navigate your way through some of the most pumping waves and rapids South Iceland has to offer? Well, I’m daring you now! White Water Rafting is a...
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You’ll be hard pressed to find a hostel better than the Bus while traveling through Iceland. With incredibly friendly staff, cheap rooms, a spacious common area and fully decked out kitchen (self catering) to boot, the Bus Hostel is the best value for money Reykjavik currently has on offer. And the cleanliness is astounding! Ticking all of the boxes by...
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Once upon a time, on her first few trips abroad, there was a girl who would always return home with foreign gifts and goodies from exotic destinations and far off lands. For mum, a Guess handbag straight from the streets of Milan. For the grandparents, a handwoven recreation of the last supper. Weaponry from the tower of London, Pacific Island artifacts, plush toys,...
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Sitting at the foothills of a spectacular volcano, Námafjall is a high-temperature geothermal area with fumaroles and mud pots which boil with relentless energy.
Colorful, vivid minerals and gigantic mud craters make this natural attraction a truly awe inspiring sight to behold. Stand back and watch as the mud bubbles to temperatures above 200 degrees celsius, marvel at the sulfur crystals of many different colors, and walk through the steam springs, noting the sulfur in the atmosphere.
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We crouched low in a vibrant field of dandelions on the edge of a spectacular coastal cliff in the North of Iceland. It was bitterly cold, and the air was crisp, however we remained still, hands frozen but index fingers poised motionless above the shutter button ,waiting for the perfect moment to snap the money shot. Above our heads hundreds of puffins flitted...
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Speaking from experience, I know how challenging long-distance relationships can be, but planning trips where my partner and I could meet up with each other was one of the best ways we could really reconnect with one another and create memorable moments that would help sustain our relationship through the times of separation.
Taking the time to choose the right getaways for you and your long-distance partner is crucial for making sure you really capitalize on those times where you are physically together which can be rather infrequent for many long-distance couples.
And what exactly makes a perfect getaway will of course vary depending on each couple, their personalities, and the interests they share. That being said, there are a few trip ideas that usually make for perfect long-distance couple getaways such as a winter ski holiday.
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Europe is a great place to visit during the winter if you don’t mind a bit of chill and appreciate the many unique experiences the holiday season offers. Whether it’s enjoying some Christmas spirit, partaking in winter sports, or exploring historic cities with fewer tourists, there are plenty of reasons to consider a winter trip to Europe. Here is a sampling of top European cities to visit during the winter months to embrace the snow, holiday festivities, or simply enjoy famous attractions without the normally large summer tourist crowds.
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Do you travel a lot and like to let your loved ones know they were on your mind while you were away?
If your love language is gift giving, here are a few classic gift ideas your family will love.
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If you’re headed out on a hiking or camping adventure, you always want to ensure you have all the gear you need to be comfortable and remain safe even in an emergency.
People take adventure holidays all the time, but if this is your first, here is a list of the most important items you will need.
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Gambling has come a long way since the days of Vegas casinos and illegal bookies. Thanks to technological innovations, it’s now more accessible and convenient than ever, especially for travelers looking to kill time on long transits or airport delays, or not miss a live tournament because you’ve scheduled a vacay.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling through Italy, Iceland, or you’re in the wilderness, features such as live dealer games and virtual reality gambling experiences are providing a more immersive and realistic gambling experience from your phone. And with the introduction of blockchain technology, there is potential for even further innovation in the gambling industry.
From improved security and transparency to faster payouts, there is no doubt that technological innovations have had a positive impact for the gambling tourist.
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