Iceland
Iceland is located between the north Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean, and between Europe and North America. Though not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered European.
Reykjavík, the capital, is a popular destination for tourists to use as a base for touring the region, a cruise start/end point or even just a layover between travel.
Highlight’s Reykjavik Include:
Hallgrimskirkja Tower
Lake Tjornin
National Museum of Iceland
FlyOver Iceland
Whales of Iceland Museum
Aurora Borealis Center
Reykjavík City Museum
Harpa Concert Hall
Einar Jónsson Museum
Austurvöllur Park
Klambratún Park
Nauthólsvík Beach
The Mount Esja Trail
Heiðmörk Nature Area
Reykjavík is actually one of the very best places to go whale watching in Iceland. A typical trip of around 3 hours can almost guarantee that you see at least a few minke whales, dolphins and possibly even a humpback.
Also popular, is the Puffin Boat Tour from Reykjavik (1 hour) which sails around the islands of Lundey and Akurey where the puffins frequent. I recommend this tour if you want to see the puffins, as there aren’t too many places to see them around Reykjavik/Golden Circle area apart from these islands. However, this tour generally only runs May 1st-August 20th.
The Blue Lagoon is without a doubt the most well-known geothermal spa in Iceland. To understand why Iceland's Blue Lagoon is so popular, just imagine bathing in steaming milky-blue waters, sipping a cocktail at a swim-up bar, and looking out over jagged peaks and black lava fields. This geothermal pool is around 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
Most visitors make the spa their first or last stop, since it's conveniently located only 20-30 minutes from the Keflavík International Airport. A visit here usually last 2-3 hours and tickets are required ( they do sell out).
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavík.
It is a loop that normally covers three of Iceland’s most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. There are far more areas to see on this loop but if limited on time, these are the main attractions.
You can rent a car and drive between the landmarks at your own speed, normally the three main areas will take around 5-7 hours to do on your own. Or you can take a guided tour with a driver. I recommend a private tour. If you do a shared group tour, Its a very long day on a big bus with lots of stops. The group sizes can be rather large and you spend quite a bit of time at each stop. You wont be able to see and do what you want in a group tour as the itinerary is set and typically is a 12 hour day.
Of course with multiple days on land, you can cover a lot of these areas. Most people choose to do a 6-7 night tour, or a cruise around to spread out the touring.
Gullfoss is one of Icelands most majestic waterfalls, and on many occasions you can see a rainbow. The waterfall can be viewed from a few different locations including on the upper deck next to the visitor center and on the lower deck. From the lower deck you can walk a path that leads towards the first plunge of the waterfall.
The Geysir area include’s steam vents, bubbling pits, hot ponds, and the Strokkur Geyser.
There are walking paths surrounding the area and a visitor center.
Thingvellir is Icelands most important site when it comes to history and geology. This is where the worlds first parliament was established by the vikings in 930 AD, making it the oldest parliament, still active, in the world.
In Hafnarfjordur, explore local folklore. Walk through Hellisgerdi Park and up to the fabled Hamarinn cliff, where the legendary Hidden Folk are said to have lived.
On the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic regions, are the town’s of Vík and Selfoss. Between these two areas, you can see the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
What makes Seljalandsfoss Waterfall so famous and interesting is that you can walk behind it. You need to bring either a raincoat or a waterproof coat along with you. There is also the hidden waterfall Gljúfrabúi that is worth exploring.
Skógafoss, another famous Icelandic waterfall, is often a great location to stop for lunch. A short drive from Skógafoss is the Sólheimjokull glacier.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, is one of the most spectacular beaches in Iceland, but please be aware of the large waves that can form at the beach. These waves are known as "sneaker waves", and have unfortunately swept unlucky travelers into the ocean.
The Secret Lagoon, is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It has rich natural resources of warm water coming from hot springs and views of Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir’s in the background.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, include’s massive icebergs that float along the serene blue waters, surrounded by large glaciers.
Nearby is Diamond Beach, where glittering ice jewels wash ashore on the black volcanic sands, creating a beautiful contrast.
Isafjordur is a beautiful town in Iceland’s faraway Westfjords, just south of the Arctic Circle.
Highlight’s Include:
Ísafjarðardjúp Bay
Vigur Island (Puffin Island)
Museum of Everyday Life
The Culture House
Bunarfoss Waterfall
Westfords Tunnel
The Troll Seat
You can reach Vigur Island via a 30-minute boat ride ( tour arranged) from Isafjordur harbor, with a regular service between May to September.
Dynjandi Waterfall is a short 45-minute drive south of Isafjordur.
The village of Thingeyri is a 40-minute drive south of Isafjordur, and is the location of a former Viking settlement and ancient parliament ruins.
Iceland's "Capital of the North", is Akureyri.
Highlight’s Include:
Akureyrarkirkja
Nonnahús (Nonni House)
Lystigarðurinn
Christmas Garden
Aviation Museum
Myvatn Region
Dettifoss Waterfall
Godafoss Waterfall
Asbyrgi Canyon
Myvatn Nature Baths
Hrisey Island & Beer Tasting
Namaskard
Brúnir Farm
Driving off-road is illegal.
June, July and August is the best time for warmer weather, hiking and outdoor adventure. February, March, September and October are typically the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights. The earliest you might see them is late September, though usually not until November.
During summer the nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the month of June the sun never fully sets. November to February are the darkest months in Iceland with about 7 hours of daylight in November and February and only 3-4 hours in December and January.
In summer, temperatures average 53-59° F, but can also rise to 68° F. You should always expect small rain showers, but they are usually short-lived.
Winter temperatures average +/- 41° F.
The currency is the Icelandic Krone (pronounced “krona”), ISK. Euro/Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards are widely used.
The national language is Icelandic which originates from the Norwegian Vikings. Danish, German, and English is widely spoken.
Puffins can be seen in Iceland during the summer months from mid/late April until late August. The best time of day to see puffins is early morning and late afternoon. In the south, the birds can be seen at the cliffs near Cape Dyrhólaey and the Westman Islands, among other places. In the east, they can be seen at the harbor Borgarfjardarhofn near Bakkagerdi and in the north around the town Husavik. In the Westjords you also have various opportunities to see the cute animals: for example at the largest bird cliff on the island, Latrabjarg or Breidafjordur.
Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs which can be used with the adapter types “C” and “F”.
