Iceland is a country with many natural wonders. It has an amazing variety of landscapes, from black sand beaches to volcanoes and glaciers. Iceland also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking or snowmobiling. In addition to its beautiful landscape, Iceland is rich in culture and history. The Icelandic language traces back over 1 000 years; the Sagas are mediaeval texts that tell about ancient Norse heroes and their families.
Iceland’s natural environment is extraordinary. From gazing on the northern lights to soaking in a geothermal pool surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Iceland has seen a surge in popularity. With glaciers, geysers, and wildlife-watching opportunities, it’s no surprise this astonishing place is popular with travellers. Here are 15 must-visit places to add to your Iceland itinerary:
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ICELAND
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful and untouched places in Iceland. The landscape is so diverse that it fascinates both locals and visitors. It has a great variety of landscapes, from beaches to mountains, lava fields to glaciers. The reserve offers many different ways for travelers to experience nature: hiking on the trails or enjoying the view from a boat. In wintertime there are also opportunities for skiing or snowshoeing.
Myvatn
Myvatn is an amazing place to visit. It is a great destination for a holiday if you love nature and want to explore the countryside. There are many activities that can be done in Myvatn. One of them is horse riding through the lava fields, which can be very exciting for people who have never done it before. Another activity would be exploring the lava tubes, these are formed when hot rock cools quickly after a volcanic eruption so they usually only exist for about 10 years before they collapse. The best way to see all this natural beauty is by renting
Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajokull National Park is a great holiday destination because it offers many different activities for all types of travelers. For those who want to explore the natural beauty, there are hiking trails and glacier walks that allow you to experience Iceland’s breathtaking scenery up close. The park also has opportunities for scenic drives, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing and kayaking. The park is especially popular during the winter months when visitors can enjoy snowmobiling on its frozen rivers and lakes. In addition to these outdoor activities there are a variety of cultural attractions in the area.
Breidavik Beach
Breidavik Beach is said by many to be the finest beach in Iceland and it’s not difficult to see why. Breiðavík set on a meadow encompassed by the huge crescent of glacier carved cliffs of Bjarnamupur and the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic ocean. The beach here seems to go on for ever though it is occasionally interrupted by a mountain stream making its way down to the sea. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horse riding or just relaxing with your family at this beautiful destination.
Travel is one of the most dangerous things in the world. You are literally going into new territory and you don’t know what’s out there.”
–Michael Crichton
Askja
The Askja caldera is a popular day tour that takes approximately 11 to 14 hours in total. To reach it, visitors must first travel through Odadahraun, which is Iceland’s biggest desert. The landscape in this area is so otherworldly that two American astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, actually trained here before rocketing to the moon in 1969. A popular spot in Askja for visitors is a geothermal lake that can be found inside of it.
