Arriving in Iceland is like arriving to the moon. Many think so – including NASA. In fact, nine of the 12 men who were first to set foot on the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s trained for their mission in Iceland. More recently, scientists visited the country to test rover technology for the mission to Mars.
Of course, you don’t need to book a seat with NASA or SpaceX to travel there. You just need to book an airline ticket from your hometown to Reykjavik, the capital of the country. There are many options of touring the country too. Individual driving tours, private tours, group tours – you name it, and you can find your match. And once you are there, prepare for an amazing time. Interested in some ideas to make memorable Icelandic memories?
Drive around Iceland in 14 days.
Can you do Iceland in 14 days? Believe it or not, you can. The country is actually not all that big. Two weeks gives you the opportunity to circle the island once without having to rush. By far the most popular mode of exploring Iceland is to drive along the Ring Road and wake up with a different view every morning. There are many itineraries that are found online for you to follow. But note – gas stations are not as plentiful in Iceland as they are in the US. Make sure to keep the tank topped up when you can.
Spend a Day at the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located 30 minutes outside of Reykjavik and is the most popular attraction in Iceland, drawing people from across the world. And there is good reason why it is so popular. The lagoon is considered to have notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulfur. A research and development facility on site finds cures and remedies for skin ailments, and silica mud is available for free on the sides of the pool for guests to enjoy a face mask. The temperature in the bathing and swimming area is comfortable, averaging 37–39° C (98–102° F).
The lagoon also boasts the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café and the Lagoon Spa which means that you can enjoy cocktails, delicious meals, and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms, and a small waterfall are also on site. There is also a private room that can be rented for small parties, in which you can lounge in bathrobes and at leisure venture in and out of the lagoon’s waters. If you want an out-of-this-world sensation, travel there in the wintertime. You will experience snow falling on your head while you remain warm and toasty in its waters.
Take in the Sights of Reykjavik.
Although the capital of Iceland is provincial in nature, it’s incredibly hip and cool. It’s also easily walked. The smallish town is full of great shops, art galleries, cafes, museums, and cultural centers. It is a quick walk down to the harbor to watch bemused puffins. Or another quick walk to the Hallgrímskirkja, known as Iceland’s “official” church. It is well worth spending at least a day in the town wandering around.
Visit the Golden Circle.
Another of Iceland’s main attractions is the Gullfoss Waterfall, located in the Golden Circle. It is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls. Its name translates to ‘Golden Falls’ and is so cherished for its uniqueness and beauty. The falls are created when water from the Hvítá river flows southward and then turns sharply to the right and down a wide curved three-step “staircase.” It then abruptly plunges in two stages (36 feet, 69 feet) into a crevice that is 105 feet deep. It is a spectacular sight.
Also in the Golden Circle are the Geysir Geothermal Area, full of boiling mud pits and exploding geysers, and Þingvellir National Park. The park is an historic site, known for the Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. On the site are the Þingvellir Church and the ruins of old stone shelters. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá faul.
The Golden Circle is located about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, and you can tour the area any time of the year. Spring, summer, and fall offer milder temperatures, and the landscape is free of snow. If you decide to spend a night near the Golden Circle during the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to see these places under the midnight sun. In winter, snow blankets the region, offering a unique experience. The water at Gullfoss waterfall continues to run, though there’s snow and ice wherever it’s not moving. This is also a great time to look for the northern lights.
Ride an Icelandic horse.
Icelandic horses are small in stature but tough in build. They are also incredibly gentle and sweet. There are many spots in Iceland that you can arrange for a horseback riding tour, and it’s a fantastic way to see the countryside (especially if you don’t have access to a car).
Icelandic horses are often said to be very easy to ride. The truth is that due to their smooth gaits, it’s very easy to “get a lift” on an Icelandic horse. Because they have extra gaits, tölt and flying pace, there are some fundamental differences in riding. All that you need to remember if you decide to spend a morning or afternoon riding is to keep a straight and balanced seat and use light hands often with very light rein contact.
