Iceland is back on the world’s radar as they experience the country’s biggest continuous volcanic eruption in centuries. Bárðarbunga is part of Iceland’s largest volcanic system and is located under Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Coupled with the havoc brought about by the 2010 eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull upon European air travel, Iceland’s reputation of being the Land of Fire and Ice is invoked once again.
But as we all wait to see how things transpire with Bárðarbunga, let’s look at ten experiences that make Iceland such a fascinating place to visit. And yes, we probably should add Volcano watching as number 11.
1. Watching the Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis in Iceland (Photo by Jonas Freydal/GoEcco.com)
Ethereal and magical, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are a spectacle to behold in the long, cold winter nights in Iceland. The bright dancing lights are collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere (source). They can be seen from as far south as Mexico but the long, dark winter nights closer to the poles provide for more opportunities to view them in their full glory. Various tour companies offer night tours to see the lights from outside the city. If you want to capture the aurora with your DLSR, make sure you bring a tripod, remote shutter release, wide-angle lens and lots of patience. For serious enthusiasts, you may want to book a photo expedition with experienced guides or local photographers who know the best spots, with haunting glaciers in the foreground of your shots. The lights can be finicky and you’re subject to the elements like a cloudy night. Allot two to three nights of hunting for a good chance of a sighting.
2. Taking in the beauty of the Snaesfellsness Peninsula
Gatklettur
The Snaesfellsness peninsula is a 100-kilometer long stretch of lush land and rugged terrain in the Southwest corner of Iceland. There the mighty Snæfellsjökull volcano holds court, towering at 1446 meters and capped with a glacier at its peak (jökull means “glacier” in Icelandic). For Jules Vernes fans, it is known to be the portal to the center of the earth. In reality, it keeps with Iceland’s otherworldly feel of Near the small fishing village of Arnastapi, you’ll find the fascinating rock formation Gatklettur with each side locked in a perpetual kiss as the wave rush back and forth underneath it. If you can, stay a night or two to take in the area to discover its many natural attractions. If you’re pressed for time, the absolute best way to take in the sights of Snaefellsness in a day trip is with Icelandic guide Jonas Freydal of Goecco tours. He knows the place like the back of his hand and will take you to exquisite spots that will make you feel like you’re the last person on earth.
3. Lava caving
Lava caving
With centuries of volcanic activity in this island-nation, lava caves are aplenty. One of the popular activities offered by tour companies is the opportunity to trek into these dark, cold chambers formed as the surface lava solidified and hardened while flowing magma continued to pass through the tunnels. It poses a triple threat for those with fears of the dark, enclosed spaces and being lost but the experience of a speleologist (cave explorer) for a day is an unforgettable one for those who dare. Good, sturdy shoes or boots are a must, and so is a healthy dose of adventure. Tour groups such as Dive.Is offer lava caving as part of their combo tours.
4. Diving or snorkeling the Silfra fissure
Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure
While icy cold glacier waters may not be the first place that comes to mind for a swim, it is one of the most unique places to go for diving or snorkeling. The Silfra fissure is found in the narrow rift between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates within the Þingvellir National Park, a short drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. The canyon holds some of the clearest water on the planet which provides fantastic visibility exceeding 70-80 meters. At certain points, one could be touching both sides of the continents at the same time. As it is protected by park’s laws, it can only be accessed by accredited guides like the fantastic ones from Dive.is who provide drysuit rentals as part of their services.
5. Eating Icelandic delicacies and street food
Icelandic Plate with Fermented Shark and Sheep-head jelly
In between Icelandic adventures, stop and partake in some of the local delicacies and street food. Your cheapest meal in the country will probably be at Bæjarins beztu pylsur (“the best hot dogs in town”), a local chain of hot dog stands that churns out lamb sausages topped with ketchup, sweet mustard, raw and fried onions, and a special mayonnaise-based sauce. While inexpensive, it has been ranked as one of the best hot dogs in the world and has had its fair share of celebrity customers include hotdog-loving Anthony Bourdain.
In sharp contrast to the comfort food taste is the sharp shock to your palate flavor of the fermented shark. Hákarl is typically served in a plate of various traditional Icelandic fingerfood that includes sheep’s head jelly and is downed with Brennevin, the national spirit colloquially known as the “Black Death.” Tasting strongly like Windex because of its high ammonia content, the decomposed state of the Greenland shark is preferable to the fresh meat which is poisonous due to high content of urea and trimethylamine oxide. A good place to go for a bite is just across the Hallgrímskirkja Church at Cafe Loki, whose divine rye bread will sort of make up for the rotten shark.
6. Checking out fantastic local architecture
Hallgrimskirkja
The natural wonders of Iceland share some of the attention with fascinating manmade structures. Among the most recognizable buildings in town is the Hallgrímskirkja Church that looks like a superhero headquarters than the Lutheran church that it is. A climb up to the bell tower will reward you with a spectacular vista of the city of Reykjavik, with views of homes with colorful rooftops, the Reykjavik harbor and Mount Esja in the distance, weather-permitting.
Inside Harpa
Harpa (photo from Harpa.is)
Another city landmark that look like it came out of a sci-fi movie is the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Built in 2011, its steel futuristic framework with glass panels that light up in different colors make it look like a megalithic crystal by the waters of the harbour. Guided tours are available.
7. Chasing waterfalls
Gulfoss
Go ahead and disregard R and B group TLC’s lyrical advice and revel in the powerful gushing water that abound in this country, owing to the frequent rains and melting glaciers in the summertime. Gulfoss or the Golden Waterfalls is one of the most popular stops in the Golden Circle daytrip tours from Reykjavik. As you drive around the island-nation, you’re bound to spot smaller ones spouting off the snow-topped mountains. One of the more easily accessible ones is Seljalandfoss which is right off the Ring Road that many visitors traverse from the city. This one is lit up at night for an even more ethereal look and feel.
8. Exploring a variety of terrain that makes you feel you left planet Earth
Red earth
Basalt columns in Reynisfjara beach
Moss covered lava field
Forces of nature have come together in a spectacular way to form Iceland’s unique topography. Centuries of volcanic eruptions along its location near the Artic Circle have brought about fascinating features in this country. Taking a look at these photos, it’s not surprising at all why Iceland is a popular choice for a location stand-in for alien planets in sci-fi movies such as Star Trek, Thor and Prometheus. Tour guides like Jonas Freydal of GoEcco will happily take you to their favorite spots (some of them closely guarded secrets) where you sometimes feel you’ve stepped out into Mars.
9. Watching the glaciers
Vatnajokull
Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon
Beached icebergs in Jokusarlon
What’s a trip to Iceland without seeing ice? One of the most spectacular sights to behold, especially for those from more tropical climates like the Philippines, is a serene lagoon filled with glaciers and icebergs. Glaciers are formed by continuous snow deposits through a period of years while icebergs are tips of glaciers that break off and float in water. There is an abundance of both in the Vatnajokull National Park, where you can find Europe’s largest glacier and filming location for hit HBO show Game of Thrones. Jokusarlon literally means glacial river lagoon and is found at the edge of the park. You can spend hours (if the cold doesn’t get to you ) starting at the slow moving chunks of ice floating along with some bashful seals. With a good guide and some luck, viewing the Northern Lights here with the the glaciers in the foreground is one of the most spell-binding sights you can see in your lifetime.
10. Soaking in the Blue Lagoon or a community pool
Blue Lagoon Spa
Swimming and soaking in a hot spring is a national pastime. While most locals would not be caught dead in the the popular tourist spot Blue Lagoon, it is a convenient to stop for a dip either as a welcome or farewell treat to Iceland due to its proximity to the airport. The Blue Lagoon is a manmade lagoon with silica and sulphur rich water heated by a nearby geothermal plant. Alternately, you can check out Swimming In Iceland for a list of local thermal pools and natural hot springs which are cheaper and plentiful around the country.
Hey Tessa! Love what you offer here! It’s been too long since my last visit and I absolutely love your Iceland feature! I hope I get the chance to go there. This helps with future planning. 🙂
Thanks, Jet! Iceland is such a great place to visit. Let me know if you need any help with trip planning 🙂