Kaldbakur mountain by Grenivk is popular among backcountry skiers. From Argentina to Vietnam, our worldwide network of local experts can plan your trip from arrival to departure, so you can spend less time poring over train timetables and more having the best experiences possible. Stare in awe at the 23 life-sized models that hang from the ceiling, take a short whale-watching cruise, and immerse yourself in Icelands aquatic paradise at this family-friendly attraction. Bring your camera with you its very picturesque. Peace, quiet and the freshest of air: these are some of the most unique and exciting destinations to get off-grid. Alternatively, you can visit the artificial ice tunnel in Langjkullor the ice cave at Perlan in Reykjavk. Join a half-day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to Reykjavik, or go full-throttle with a multi-day surfing adventure! If youre visiting the land of Fire and Ice, it only seems fitting that you should see a bit of both. Those staying in Reykjavik offer boat tours from the harborthat take you out to sea and away from city lights. A range of pre-organized Kerid Crater tours operate from the city depending on your time and budget, choose from trips that include stops at geysers, the Blue Lagoon, or a local farm! The frosty Icelandic waters are home to a diverse range of krill and fish due to a unique mix of cold and warm currents that intertwine through its narrow fjords. This natural swimming pool, in Fludir, with a bar and restaurant on-site, has a consistent flow of water from multiple hot springs, making it the perfect spot for rejuvenating the muscles after a few busy days of hiking or exploring. The 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023 - Lonely Planet If you'd prefer to visit Iceland in the summer, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Icelandic restaurant scene has come a long way in the past decades. 12 Best Things to Do in Belgrade. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. And, of course, youll be able to navigate the fissure itself, as the waters of two continents wash over you. Legend has it that these iconic rock formations are two petrified trolls, turned to stone after an unsuccessful attempt to pull a ship out of the sea. Massive waterfalls are not uncommon around the country, but few can compete with this ones power; its said that theres no stronger cascade in all of Europe! There are a few spots to see the dramatic black sand beaches. It's neither chlorinated nor fluorinated, simply because there's no need to do so. On Diamond Beach, you can watch the giant ice pieces crash into the ocean waves. Before heading out into the wilderness to see the Aurora Borealis first-hand, it would be wise to get a sneak peek and learn all about the phenomena youll soon see up close. Zoom along several high-adrenaline lines, each offering their own unique thrills. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Onder-den-Toren 12, Mechelen 2800 Belgium. Belgrade Tours & Activities. As for experiences below the surface, Strtan DiveCenter takes experienced divers on tours to a unique geothermal chimney on the ocean floor of Eyjafjrur. A major drag in downtown Reykjavik that consist of shops, eateries, groceries, tourist info, and souvenir shops so it. Reykavik to Akureyri - 2 days /1 night enroute - help please yesterday. 12 Best Things To Do In Iceland In 2023 - Experience Iceland Explore the fjords of West Iceland 7. Landaviti Lighthouse #5 of 7 things to do in Stodvarfjordur. See history brought back to life at Iceland's living museums Iceland revels in bringing history back to life with numerous living museums that invite visitors to step back in time. Another noteworthy waterfall, Dynjandi dishes up a nonstop echo of raging water that is as powerful as it is soothing. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Most people opt for a bus tour, but we suggest picking up a vehicle and driving the Golden Circle yourself! At 1500m (4920ft), Hekla provides an interesting and challenging hike with a panoramic view from the top. Go Horseback Riding 10. If you have ever been to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, we felt Hraunfossar was very similar, just on a smaller scale. Private Day Tour from Reykjavik, South Coast. 135 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Iceland - Atlas Obscura If youre already had your fix of hiking, why not take to the waters and kayak instead? While hiking adventures up Landmannalaugar typically take about 4 hours, guests can also opt to spice up their tour and make it a multi-day adventure with a trip to the Hekla Volcano. Its not just around the capital, though. This lagoon in Southeastern Iceland is a highlight of any trip to Iceland and definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland. With the cool, open-air delivering an unmatched sense of aliveness, guests can ride to the Mrdalsjkull glacier that sits atop Katla, the much-feared subglacial volcano; head to the top of Langjkull glacier, or explore a number of other snow-capped areas. We perform checks on reviews Clear all filters 2022 1. 5 Day Itinerary Iceland: Hidden Gems and Classics Horses are an integral facet of Icelandic culture and a great activity to explore Icelands landscape. Whale Watching 6. Read our Privacy Policy. The countrys weather is pretty notorious, so its only natural that the question of what to put in your Iceland packing list, You cannot travel to Iceland and not experience just a few of the best Iceland hot springs! Watch the Netflix documentary Under An Arctic Sky. THE TOP 20 Reykjavik Tours & Excursions in 2023 This lagoon in Southeastern Iceland is a highlight of any trip to Iceland and definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland. Iceland car rental insurance vs credit card insurance 11:47 am. The white stone landmark, thanks to a detailed projection of lights, dazzles tourists with regular evening light shows. Thankfully, theres no shortage of options that take visitors through its incredible lava tunnels. Seljalandsfoss. Two of the most famous trails are Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to rsmrk, past multicolored mountains (24 days), and across Fimmvruhls from Skgafoss to rsmrk, along a series of waterfalls (12 days). Reykjaviks Saga Museum is the only museum in Iceland that pulls no punches, presenting history and the tales of earliest Icelandic settlers through eerie silicon models made all the more intense by audible thuds from axes and hair-raising (pre-recorded) screams. All the transport and entry is arranged for you all you have to do is sit back, let the natural springs worth their medicinal magic, and enjoy the fact that youre on vacation! The multi-purpose function facility regularly houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra as well as the Icelandic Opera. It does make for a cool layover. Public pools are fed by geothermic water and have minimal treatment with few chemicals. Admire the Beauty of the architecture of Hotel Moskva. While youre in the area grabbing a meaty snack, why not catch a show at the Harpa Concert Halls or see whats on in the adjoining Conference Centre? After learning about the architecture, art, and unusual stories of the region, youll have plenty of fun facts to entertain you as you go exploring! Thats no typo, folks: surfing is one of the most adventurous and rewarding things to do in Iceland as the water breaks over the volcanic reef and basalt rocks, it dishes up waves that are unpredictable and powerful. Walkways venture behind the waterfall but visitor beware: youll get wet, so pack a raincoat! Whether you opt for a hassle-free day trip from Reykjavik or an overnight adventure, its a must for the bucket list. If you dont have time to do the full Ring Road, the Diamond Circle is a good alternative that shows you some of the best of Iceland. If you want to feel humbled, just stand near the waterfalls base. There is a viewing platform to take in the whole landscape, but its also possible to walk around and have fun around the vents. If aerial views are what youre after, helicopter trips in Iceland are a dime a dozen, ranging from one-hour turnarounds to full days of sky-high adventures. There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjrur in the far north andsafjrur in the West Fjords. Just remember, only camp within designated campsites for your own safety. While stunning by day; at night, under the shimmer Northern Lights, the area transforms into a painting of inspiring elegance. Its remote location in the North of Iceland makes for fewer visitors than waterfalls on the South Coast of Iceland, but its worth venturing to! Still, its a must for the bucket list despite its diminutive size, it remains staggeringly beautiful, with locals often labeling it as Icelands Bluest Waterfall. Youll have to battle other visitors for a sacred parking spot nearby to get this iconic photo. If youre in it for the R&R, simply spend all day wading in the hot springs; if youre a diehard GOT fan, make sure to save some time for another nearby site used as a location set, the Grjtagj hot spring cave. Vk Baths near Egilsstair features geothermal pools floating in Urriavatn Lake. Sitting in the lap of Europes largest glacier, Vatnajkull (spanning some 5200 square miles), this national park is teeming with opportunities for an unforgettable adventure. Theres also a staircase to the side of Skogafoss leading to the top, where you can overlook the area. Simply book a South Coast day (or multi-day tour) and take the hassle off your vacation. The distinctly shaped peak sits on the north coast of Icelands Snfellsnes peninsula, a stones throw from the nearby town of Grundarfjrur. Looking for a quick break from city life while staying in Reykjavik? You can easily access the falls from a large parking lot with a pathway and steps that allow visitors to walk along the edge of the mighty waterfall. In Iceland, there are approximately 130 volcanoes, and eruptions occur every three years on average. The waterfall is a stop on the Golden Circle route along with Geysir Hot Spring and ingvellir National Park. It doesnt take long to understand the beachs name, as large chunks of glacial ice are strung along the beach, glistening like diamonds. Found within the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National park, the Silfra Fissure is world-famous among diving enthusiasts. This must be at the top of your Iceland bucket list if you love wildlife. The cave sits in a lava field close to Blfjll, just a 25-minute drive from the main spots in Reykjavk, and is frequented by plenty of tour groups. The route covers the three main stops ofingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. One idea is the Arctic Henge in Raufarhfn, which was designed as a giant sundial to capture the midnight sun in perfectly aligned gateways. Widely renowned as the most captivating waterfall on the entire main island, the 44-meter drop of Dettifoss is an awe-inspiring sight in every sense of the word. One for the history buffs and fishing enthusiasts, the Reykjavk Maritime Museum is a tourist-favorite attraction where visitors can learn all about the local (modern and traditional) fishing processes from start to finish. Restaurants. Designed as both a monument to the Norse pagan beliefs and a scientific observatory (when completed), it aims to take visitors on a journey through time. Easily one of the most natural impressive features in Iceland (and thats not without stiff competition), at the postcard-worthy Vatnajkull, tourists can take to skies and experience this spell-bounding glacier in all its beauty from above. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. We personally love snowboarding, but we werent there at the right time of year. Kaffibarinn and Priki are good choices if you want to dance the night away. Seeing this beach is one of those fun things to do in Iceland you cant miss. Top Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor So why not kill two birds with one stone, saving a few bucks by sleeping in a campervan while experiencing the unobstructed, unforgettable night sky from one of the nations three National Parks. A true hidden gem home to a wildlife-filled lake and the 360-meter-long lava tube known as the Gjbakkahellir cave, Thingvellir National Park is often considered the underwater wonderland of the Golden Circle, where tourists can snorkel or dive between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. For creative cocktails, head forAptek and Slippbarinnand find a spot onPetersen svtan's rooftop bar, which is wonderful on sunny days. Located in Hamragarar in South Iceland, Gljfrabi is a true hidden gem of a waterfall, obstructed from the main tourist trail and only viewable with a dedicated hike. These are the 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. 2,000+ places sorted by traveller favourites. Whale watching tours start from Reykjavk, but they are also very popular in the northern city of Hsavk and Akureyri. Designed by Gujn Samelsson in 1937, this church is an iconic piece of architecture in Reykjavik that any visitor should take the time to see. Its part of Europe, though its not connected to the mainland. Skogafoss 4,002 Waterfalls 2022 5. You either love or hate The Blue Lagoon. Here are 12 incredible walks from around the world to inspire you. While itineraries differ depending on your tour of choice, many kick off the adventure with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park before heading to the social media-famous Blue Lagoon. Home to more than just flora, the areas total hunting ban has made the adorable arctic foxes quite inquisitive around camping sites, creating opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Explore Belgrade Fortress. Due to the few chemicals, its the public law to shower nude before entering the pool; showers are divided by sex. Among the most noteworthy breweries in the greater Reykjavk area are Malbygg, RVK Brewing and Lady Brewery. The oft-overlooked museum showcases incredible relics from Aalstrti that date back to before 871, including part of a tenth-century longhouse one of the hundreds of artifacts that showcase how Iceland looked 1000 years ago. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Isafjordur - 2023 (with Photos) Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland. Explore Reykjavik Reykjavik is home to 200,000 people, more than half of all Icelanders. Theres also a cafe, gift shop, and restroom nearby. Hot tip: A puffy jacket will keep you warm, but as the locals will attest, layering is the key. In doing so, he cast his old deities into the waterfall, giving it its new name Goafoss orWaterfall of the Gods.. Some pools even have saunas, ice tubs, water slides, and steam rooms! Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Ice and Fire on this south Iceland day trip! Golden Circle Day Tour in Mini Bus from Reykjavik Full-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland's South #45 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik, Golden Circle. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor Theres plenty to be learned too: the local guide will dish up plenty of tidbits about the volcanic and tectonic activities associated with this giant glacier. Transportation from Cruise port to city centre yesterday. Beauty attracts you, but diversity makes you never want to leave. Top Things to Do in Iceland (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Explore Reykjavik 4. In the West Fjords, hiking in the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (one to multiple days) provides a closer encounter with nature than most other places. Visitors have the option to sign up for a 5-hour hike or explore (parts of) the national park in the comfort of a vehicle. 1. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. If youre after intrigue and spirituality, not just a tourist selfie, definitely check this place out. Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. You can drive the ring road all year round, but we found it to be one of the best things to do in Iceland in September and October. Approaching the the glaciers Eyjafjallajkull and Mrdalsjkull at the midpoint of the hike. As a result, they eventually became one of the worlds most powerful horse breeds. Top Attractions in Iceland See all 2022 1. You may even get lucky and spot a seal! Located near Pyrill in Western Iceland by the Hvalfjrur fjord, the nations second-tallest waterfall is best accessed with a pre-arranged tour leaving from Reykjavik. What makes this spot so popular is its wider insight into many of Icelands natural wonders nested within this (comparatively) small piece of land are golden, pink, black, and white-sand beaches; the hikeable Mt. While it may be a bit chilly, the glacier water has been filtered through the lava field and is so clear that the visibility is about 100 meters! #1 Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos 600 Bus Tours from $128.80 per adult Snfellsnes: Hidden Gem of the West Small-Group Day Trip from Reykjavik 245 Full-day Tours from $151.20 per adult 2hr Twin Peaks ATV Adventure from Reykjavik 219 Shore Excursions from $179.00 per adult The Blue Lagoon is one of those Iceland tourist spots. With the claim to fame of being the second-largest glacier on the island, Langjkull has been a crowd favorite tourist attraction for years. 12 Fun & Best Things to Do in Minori, Italy - viatravelers.com Wear thick wool socks and avoid cotton or linen. Whether youre hiking or rafting, climbing or diving, gazing at the wilderness or driving through the middle of it, the landscapes and experiences here are unlike anything else on Earth. Theres no shortage of epic things to do in mystical, magical Iceland. Gullfoss Waterfall 12,220 Waterfalls 2022 3. If youre after a jealousy-evoking snap for your social media feed, look no further! In the East, the Strur trail which takes about 5 hours attracts hikers in growing numbers for its turquoise ponds trapped by huge boulders. The glacier volcano (thats right, fire and ice) of Eyjafjallajkull is notorious all over the world over, standing at a whopping 1651 meters (about 5427 feet) tall. Dont fret if you havent got your own car; plenty of transport options are available from Reykjavik. per adult. Whether you want to get within arms reach of the puffins at Ltrabjarg birdwatching cliffs or walk the picturesque pink sands of Rauasandur, this slice of nature really does have it all. Find inspiration from the Icelandic Saga and Heritage Association. Visit the Hverir geothermal area! Looking like something out of Avatar or a sci-fi flick, Kirkjufell is said to be the most photographed mountain in the country one look at its allure and its not hard to see why. Even if youre not a fan of the show, the untouched beauty of this place should be reason enough to visit. See the magnificent waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skgafoss, the black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the breathtaking Slheimajkull glacier on this day trip from Reykjavik. Once at the top, you arerewarded with a stunning view of Reykjavik. 5. If you have anything youd love to add to The Ultimate Bucket List, feel free to leave a comment below! Iceland is one of the most expensive countries globally, and the high costs are reflected in food and alcohol. By lovetotravel560. While you wont find any trolls under this bridge (a Viking, maybe? What tourists often find most valuable, however, is the Northern Lights photo simulator: here, visitors are taught how to adjust their camera settings to best capture the magic, as to not waste valuable seconds when out in the open. Maritime in East Iceland 11. After all, is there any better way to explore a new culture than through it's local cuisine? For a motorized, action-packed adventure, Skidoo tours are particularly popular on the glaciers in the west and south. You need to take a short drive down a bad gravel road to reach the pool and then hike for 20 minutes. Lighthouses. With regular eruptions from fifteen to twenty meters high every five or ten minutes, reaching heights over forty meters, its simply not to be missed. But the adventure doesnt end there; depending on your tour of choice, trips also include quad biking through the canyon to explore the waves of the East Glacial waters of Iceland. If theres any single dish in Iceland thats become iconic over the years, its the hot dog. If you love chasing waterfalls, one of the best things you can do in Iceland is grab acamera and stop at everyone you see to snap a photo. This challenging experience is one of Icelands most memorable. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Castlerock - Tripadvisor See Dettifoss Waterfall in North Iceland 6. Generally, the lights are active once a week, but youll need a clear night sky to see them. The capital of the North and second-largest city, Akureyri, makes for a great base to explore the Northern Coastline. Make sure to try some traditional Icelandic fare like skyr (a type of yogurt) and a hearty bowl of seafood soup with cod roe. Hallgrimskirkja 22,816 Churches & Cathedrals Miborg By Africancrab The church soars over the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, its scale is also heightened by the vertical rows of descending 2022 2. After the snow melts and the mud dries in summer, Iceland reveals its incredible hiking routes past stunning natural sites. They arent just for locals, though; foreigners are welcome too. One of these houses is the centerpiece of the museum Eldheimar. Plus, you can have some utterly unique adventures, like walking (or diving) between two continents! With pre-recorded audio in 7 languages to help tourists understand the history and significance of every stop, its the perfect introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice. By Jet777337. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Iceland - Tripadvisor Although Iceland is called Iceland, its surprisingly not that cold, and no its not all ice. In Akureyri (located in the northern part of the country), you can enjoy convenience and contemporary vibes at Centrum Hotel, which features a lounge and ski storage (perfect for winter travelers! Things to Do in Castlerock, Northern Ireland: See Tripadvisor's 1,822 traveller reviews and photos of Castlerock tourist attractions. Since the iceberg is ever-changing, no two trips will ever be the same. One of the most beautiful black sand beaches in the world, Reynisfjara Beach has been voted time and time again as a top-notch coastal landscape one sure to make all your friends at home jealous. Thanks to its undisputed serenity, the Dyrhlaey Peninsula is considered one of the most scenic places north of the equator. With some 23 whale species frequenting the area, from the massive sperm whale to the delicate harbor porpoise, a dedicated whale-watching tour is undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do in Iceland. The regular eruption kicks off with bubbling water and then progresses from small gushes to full blasts of steam every 4-8 minutes. The Fimmvruhls hike is Iceland's best day hike. See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Naples, Italy. What separates this big beautiful waterfall from all the others is you can climb to the top of it. There are great spots around the whole country to get out and hike! Its a 230km route that features some of Icelands most stunning natural landmarks, all on a days drive. Its fun to see the beautiful church from the outside, but once inside, youll hear chords from the gargantuan pipe organ. Here are the top experiences in Iceland Sam Spicer / Getty Images, The 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. Dettifoss Waterfall. Some areas have a very mild climate, but winters can be harsh. The water is warm and welcoming, lounging in the hot tubs is bliss, and some of the views are worth the trip alone. Not too far away youll find the strip of black sand known as Diamond Beach juxtaposed with the turquoise ice shards, its a photographers paradise. Since its a bit cold in the winter, this is actually one of the best things to do in Iceland in July. Top 12 Best Things To Do and See in Iceland Landmannalaugar, found over in the gorgeous Fjallabak Nature Reserve, is quickly causing a stir among tourist circles: Its caramel-colored peaks juxtaposed with pure blue sky deliver one of the most jaw-dropping views in the area.