Iceland is not just a travel destination, but a real adventure during which to admire the spectacular Icelandic nature, the beauty of the rugged landscape and the creativity of the Icelandic people.
This incredible land, made of puddles of boiling mud, of geyser, di glaciers and very high waterfalls, is a "playground" where everyone can have fun and find something interesting to do or see.
Any month of the year is a good time to visit this fascinating country. Winter is the time of cold, snow and spectacular Northern Lights, while Icelandic summers are surprisingly mild, lush and green.
What to see in Iceland
Among best destinations, places and things to see in Iceland, we have listed 10 that we believe are absolutely not to be missed.
Lago Myvatn
Located on the north coast of the island, about 60 kilometers from the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík, and 280 kilometers from the capital Reykjavík, Lake Myvatn is a beautiful geothermal area and fourth largest lake in Iceland.
It most likely formed from a catastrophic volcanic eruption some 2.300 years ago. The area is still volcanically very active: from 1975 to 1984 it experienced nine eruptions. The lake is rich in birdlife, including several species of ducks.
In the surroundings of the lake are present some of Iceland's most beautiful natural wonders, like the unique lava formations with unusual shapes that make up the mystical Dimmuborgir where, according to legend, Satan "landed" after being thrown from heaven.
Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell National Park, with an area of 4.800 square kilometers, is home to some of the strangest and most surreal landscapes on the planet. The area is characterized by a "constant duel" between fire and water.
In all this amazing landscape stands a green birch forest surrounded by black desert sands, glacial rivers and a spur of the ice cap of Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park.
Numerous hiking trails lead to incredible natural treasures like it Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). Within a short distance gigantic icebergs float beautifully on the Jökulsárlón, a majestic glacial lagoon of an intense blue color.
Do not miss Skaftafell Ice Cave, some beautiful ice caves that every year attract many tourists and adventurers. The best time to go is in winter, when the ice doesn't melt and it's safe to go inside.
Blue Lagoon Iceland (Laguna Blu)
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iceland. This geothermal area offers the possibility of a relaxing bath in this large natural thermal pool. A unique and very pleasant experience absolutely to do.
The Blue Lagoon is an extraordinary attraction located near Grindavík. a distance of 40 km (30 minutes by car) from Reykjavík, the Icelandic capital. The water flowing from the underground hot springs reaches 37-39 ° C and is very beneficial for health and for the skin.
northern Lights
The extreme darkness of the Icelandic winter has some advantages. Between September and April Iceland is the scene of a magnificent natural spectacle: the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. The best time to go there is from mid-September to mid-April.
During the Christmas period, but also in the months of January and February, when much of the Icelandic territory is covered with snow or ice, the show becomes unique and of a suggestive magic, to make the almost fairytale landscape.
Cascata Gullfoss Waterfall
The stunning Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Often nicknamed "the queen of all Icelandic waterfalls“For its beauty and the play of light it forms in its two jumps, it is one of the most photographed places in Iceland.
Located 120 km from the capital Reykjavík, it is part of the so-called Golden Circle, a very popular tourist route in southern Iceland, which also includes the Þingvellir National Park and the Haukadalur geothermal area.
Gullfoss Waterfall is formed from the waters of the tumultuous river Hvítá that diving into a canyon makes 2 jumps, 11 and 21 meters high. The water flow is stronger in summer, with a flow rate of around 140 m³ / s, while in winter it is around 80 m³ / s.
Montagna Kirkjufell
Near the small village of Grundarfjörður, in western Iceland, the Kirkjufell Mountain stands out beautifully on a flat landscape in the middle of unspoiled nature.
Is considered the most photographed mountain in the country. In the surroundings of this suggestive mountain there are small waterfalls and in the winter period at night you can admire the Northern Lights very well. It can be reached by bus from the larger cities.
Landmannalaugar
The multicolored mountains, the lava fields and the Hekla volcano make it Landmannalaugar one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The landscapes are so suggestive that they seem those of another planet.
Le hiking and horseback riding are among the favorite activities of tourists visiting this mountainous region. You can visit this area at any time, although summer is the best time to visit it.
Reynisfjara beach
Located about 180 km southeast of Reykjavik, Reynisfjara is a black beach unique in the world. The hexagonal basalt column blocks of Reynisfjall promontory rise to the seashore like the pipes of a gigantic organ.
This black sand beach, surrounded by the “roaring” waves of the sea, is an incredible spectacle of nature. Two huge stacks and some disturbing and strange dark caves make the landscape even more suggestive.
Hekla volcano
One of the most active volcanoes on earth, Hekla rises 1.500 meters into the sky of South Iceland. The first documented eruption of Hekla occurred in 1104 and since then there have been between twenty and thirty significant eruptions.
In modern times Hekla e its rough slopes have inspired many artists, like director Ridley Scott who partly shot his science fiction film Prometheus here. If you are looking for Hekla, be careful not to confuse it with the nearby town of Hella!
Vulcano Maelifell
The Maelifell Volcano, located in southern Iceland, with its perfectly conical shape represents the classic volcano. During the hot season, when the snow melts, the slopes of the volcano are covered with verdant moss.
The park is rich in natural attractions to see as volcanoes, hot springs and other beautiful and unique sites. The best time to go is summer (from July to early October), at other times the road is often wet and sometimes completely flooded.
Don't waste your time then, Iceland awaits you! Book your flight and accommodation, and go to the discovery of one of the most incredible and fascinating countries on the planet.
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