Things to Know Before Visiting Iceland
If you are planning a dream vacation, Iceland can be a good option to consider. Located between the two continents of North America and Europe, Iceland is a majestic island on the Atlantic Ocean. This island nation is full of mountains and has magnificent panoramic views which tourists adore. The breathtaking views and the gorgeous snow-capped mountains are worth a visit.
When to visit?
It is located in the upper latitudes where the temperature and climate are not always favorable. The weather in Iceland is very transient, where it may be sunny one moment and start raining cats and dogs the next. So tourists traveling to Iceland should prepare themselves to face the unpredictable weather that the country is famed for. The summer season is the ideal time to visit Iceland as one can enjoy more than 12 hours of sunlight and it makes traveling a lot easier. If you love snow and are accustomed to freezing sub-zero temperatures, then late winters might be a good time to visit Iceland as you can enjoy the snow-capped peaks of the humongous mountains and winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing.
What are the top attractions covered in popular Iceland tours?
Although a small island, Iceland has a lot to offer tourists. You can wander around in the different cities of Iceland for days and would still want to explore the nation a bit more. You can either visit all the famous tourist spots by taking separate Iceland tours for different places or opt for various Iceland tour packages day wise where the operator plans your entire day, or you could choose one of the entire Iceland tours where an operator plans your full tour. You can select any of the three options as per your budget and time. Some of the must-visit or must-see places that you should include in your Iceland tours are as follows:
Aurora Borealis
Iceland is the best place to witness the Northern Lights in the Northern Hemisphere. The Northern Lights are the most spectacular naturally occurring light display you will ever come across. It is a treat to watch the lights in person as there are only a handful of places from where you can view these lights.
Blue Lagoon
This is the most visited tourist spot in the country, which is covered under most Iceland tours. Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and is located in the lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The water in the Blue Lagoon comes from beneath the earth, it is always warm and is very rich in minerals. Bathing in this geothermal spa is fun as well as healthy for your body.
Vatnajokull National Park
This place is home to the largest glacier in Europe. The Vatnajokull National Park is so vast that it accounts for more than 10 percent of the whole country. The southern region of the national park is visited by tourists as it houses a trail which leads to blue-tinted frozen waterfalls.
Gullfoss
Also known as the Golden Waterfall, this particular destination has a splendid view and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls present in Iceland. The river Hvita falls in a mesmerizing way that will take your breath away.
Jokulsarlon
This is another magnificent lagoon present in Iceland. It is located in the midst of a glacier, and the ice that keeps breaking off keeps the inlet intact and prevents it from drying. It has some stunning landscapes, and it has played host to the shooting of many famous movies. It is a blissful place to visit if you want to appreciate nature and bask in its beauty.
What are the other things to do in Iceland?
Besides these famous places, you can also take different adventure tour packages to Iceland if you want to indulge in various adventure activities other than sightseeing. Some of the must-do adventure activities that you should include in your Iceland tour are as follows:
Hiking
Being surrounded by mountains and hills, Iceland is full of great hiking trails. You can find both easy and challenging trails here. The sudden weather changes make hiking in Iceland more fun as well as more dangerous. You need to prepare yourself in terms of fitness and gear well in advance before going on a trek or a hike.
Skiing
Akureyri in Iceland is famous for its all year round skiing activities. The mountains present in the Troll Peninsula have snow-capped peaks throughout the year. The steep slopes might be a bit dangerous for beginners, but for experienced individuals, skiing in Iceland can be a fantastic experience.
Whitewater river rafting
This activity can be enjoyed mainly in the summer season when the Hvita River has a significant current that is perfect for river rafting. Since the terrain present in Iceland is very rugged, river rafting can be a bit challenging, which makes it ideal for adventure enthusiasts who simply can’t do without their daily rush of adrenaline.
Iceland is one of the most idyllic vacation spots that you can visit. With regular flights flying in and out of the international airports in Iceland and various Iceland tours, accessibility is also not an issue. It is a paradise on the Earth, secluded, picturesque, and peaceful.