The travel and tourism industry has been on of the most affected sectors since the pandemic started. However, we have faith that when this situation ends, we will be able to keep on traveling and fulfill our bucket lists. So in today’s article, I’m going to talk about one of the countries that took my breath away and completely exceeded my expectations: Iceland. A country that you need to add to your bucket list ASAP.
This island is known for many reasons: northern lights, immense glaciers (where the country gets its name from), and breathtaking nature. Iceland is a place that lives up to the hype and offers activities for every season of the year. There is something for everyone, something for those who seek adventure, nature, or just want to relax in a luxurious natural spa. In this article, I will mention some of the places I visited and activities I thoroughly recommend.
Disclaimer: if you are planning on going during the COVID-19 pandemic, please check the country’s travel restrictions.
1.Northern Lights
The most popular leading destination is the search for the northern lights. However, these are not visible year-round; the chances of seeing them are more significant from September to late March. To see this beautiful spectacle, you can rent a car and drive to the outskirts of Reykjavik, or you can opt for a guided tour. If you do decide to go out and see them, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. The first is that you must check the weather forecast and make sure the skies are clear. There isn’t an ideal location to see them because it depends on the weather, so I highly recommend choosing the guided tour option and take advantage of the facilities and transportation. Most of the tours have a refund policy if you fail to make your tour on time.
Another thing to consider is that getting the perfect photograph on your phone will be a tricky endeavor (although it depends on the northern lights’ intensity). You might need to download an app to capture the display or get a professional camera. Either way, this attraction is something worth seeing. Lastly, but most importantly, remember to be patient. The northern lights tend to appear late at night, which means you might have to wait. In my case, they didn’t show up until 1 AM. So be patient, wear something warm, and just wait. I promise you; it will all be worth it.
2. Blue Lagoon
One of the principal, year-long activities you can experience is the geothermal pools, a natural wonder that is one of the most visited locations in this country. The geothermal pools have recently upgraded their attraction to include luxury spas. You can also enjoy various luxurious accommodations and dining options. The most famous geothermal pool spa is the Blue Lagoon, not far from Reykjavik’s capital city, located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. To get to the Blue lagoon, you can either drive yourself or go on a bus tour, which is the most common and easiest way to get there, in my opinion. While you swim in the silica waters, the blue lagoon also offers natural facial masks and an distinctive view, making the experience feel even more deluxe and relaxing. One thing to consider is that you need a previous reservation to access the lagoon. To get more information, check out the following link: https://www.bluelagoon.com/ .
3. Southern Region of Iceland
The southern region of Iceland is one of the most touristic areas in the country. This is thanks to the mesmerizing natural sites the area provides. From the Skógafoss waterfall, the glaciers you can hike in, and the black sand beach that will take your breath away. Different tours are available for you to visit these sceneries or you can go all by yourself. The southern region is quite extensive and full of rich history and culture. That’s why to finish off this article; I will mention three of the most legendary locations that accompany the area.
The first one is the Skógafoss waterfall. When I had the opportunity to visit this waterfall, I was mesmerized by its size and the water’s beauty due to the vast amount of spray created. You will likely be able to see a rainbow from the waterfall. It is overwhelming to stand next to it; it doesn’t even seem real, and it’s one of the most beautiful things nature has created.
The second stop I did (and personally, my favorite) was the Black sand beach or the Reynisfjara Beach, a main tourist attraction for many people due to its captivating uniqueness. The beach’s allure is its completely black sand that makes for a spectacular view for those that visit. To get there, I would recommend taking a day tour (which usually includes other destinations as well) because it's way easier than to go there by yourself; you avoid the possibility of getting lost on the roads. However, you must take into account that there are some potential dangers. For example, you must steer clear of the cold water and its dangerous roaring waves. So just remember to be careful and always follow the instructions of your tour guide. Lastly, have your camera or your phone ready because the landscapes are unbelievable and you will want to take many pictures of them.
The third location I’m going to mention is the glacier called Mýrdalsjök; this glacier lies atop the most powerful volcano in the country, Katla. This natural wonder is one of the most visited in Iceland due to its closeness to the capital and the diverse activities. You can go there just for the landscape, but you can also do some hiking. Be prepared with the right shoes, clothing, and special equipment like helmets, crampons, and ice axes. There are also tours specifically designed for those who desire to hike the glacier. On the other hand, if you’re like me and just want to appreciate the beauty, many day tours will gladly take you there to admire the view.
The activities and places to visit in this country are endless. As I said before, there is something for everyone regardless of the month of the year you visit the island. But if one thing is sure, Iceland will take your breath away with its landscapes, the enriching culture, and the hospitality offered by the people in this country. For more information about Iceland, visit their tourism website https://visiticeland.com/
Disclaimer: if you are planning on going during the COVID-19 pandemic, please check the country’s travel restrictions.
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