5 Stunning Destinations You Need to Visit in Iceland
Iceland is a country that tourists often fall in love with at first sight. This small but beautiful Nordic island has become a popular tourist destination due to its diverse landscapes, unique culture, and accessible locations for travellers. Many people come to Iceland for the blue-green glaciers and hot springs, as well as the many volcanoes, waterfalls, and gorges that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Here are 5 truly stunning destinations you cannot miss while in Iceland.
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The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a fantastic natural attraction about 40 minutes from the capital Reykjavik. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. The lagoon has amazing natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere. The lagoon is made up of pure geothermal water that is heated by volcanic activity underneath it. The water temperature at its surface varies between about 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 30 degrees Celsius). When visiting, don’t forget to indulge in spa treatments and massages and amazing cuisine. Also, make sure to pop into their shop where you will find the best products of Blue Lagoon Skincare, their proprietary line of amazing products.
The Mid Atlantic Ridge
The Mid Atlantic Ridge is a geologic fissure that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and Africa. This ridge results from a tectonic process called subduction, where one plate slides beneath another. Iceland sits on top of this ridge, which makes it interesting to see how new volcanic activity can be seen on the surface of a volcano. The recent eruption on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier created a huge ash cloud that spread over much of Europe.
Strokkur the Geyser
Strokkur is one of the most famous geysers in Iceland, known for its powerful eruptions. The Strokkur Geyser erupts every four to ten minutes, so the eruptions are frequent. This beautiful geothermal wonderland is located about 15 minutes from the city of Akureyri in the north of Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is located in the south of Iceland. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The waterfall cascades down a cliff face and drops about 197 feet (60 meters). The waterfall is beautiful, with many different colours and textures, including moss, volcanic rock, and ice, and hearing the roar of such beautiful Icelandic Waterfalls is one of the Top Bucket List Experiences in Iceland.
Vigur Island
This island is located in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, in the West Fjords of Iceland. It is the most westerly point of Iceland and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The island has a beautiful view of Reynisdrangar Lighthouse and its sea cliffs. The cliffs are made of basalt rock uplifted during an ancient volcanic eruption. These cliffs are quite dangerous for climbers, but some paths can be walked along them safely.
Besides the above destinations, you should also try to see the Northern Lights, which again is one of the Top Bucket List Experiences in Iceland. They are a natural phenomenon that is only visible in the Northern Hemisphere. They typically occur when the sun lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field, and a type of plasma called a solar wind interacts with our planet’s magnetic field. They are a beautiful sight to uphold. When visiting all these sights, ensure you carry your camera to take amazing shots.
