What tourists often find most valuable, however, is the Northern Lights photo simulator: here, visitors are taught how to adjust their camera settings to best capture the magic, as to not waste valuable seconds when out in the open. If pubs are more your thing, check out KEX Hostel and Rntgen, where there's often live music to boot. Suppose you want some amazing Iceland cuisine, head to Reykjavik for a great date night out. 15 Best Things To Do In Northern Iceland & Places to Visit Looking for the best things to do in Iceland on your next trip? Considering its proximity to the more famous and larger Seljalandsfoss falls, its easily worked into a waterfall-themed day of exploring. While there are a plethora of exciting ways to explore Icelands stunning and diverse natural environments (bus, horseback, snowmobiling, helicopter trips, or hiking, to name a few), very few options are as versatile and enjoyable as the good ol quad bike. Home to more than just flora, the areas total hunting ban has made the adorable arctic foxes quite inquisitive around camping sites, creating opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Some pools even have saunas, ice tubs, water slides, and steam rooms! Right across the street fromJkulsrln Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach, so be sure not to miss it. If time is of the essence (on a short layover, perhaps? Perlan. 9. . Located in Hamragarar in South Iceland, Gljfrabi is a true hidden gem of a waterfall, obstructed from the main tourist trail and only viewable with a dedicated hike. Private Day Tour from Reykjavik, South Coast. Head to the unassuming Bjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand in downtown Reykjavik for what literally translates to best hot dogs in town. Here are Europes best hot springs. Download the Reykjavk Art Walk app to learn more about this interesting side of Iceland's capital. Seeing the northern lights in on many travelers bucket list. Just remember, only camp within designated campsites for your own safety. Paying homage to Viking ships, the work has been embraced by locals and tourists alike as one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. What separates this big beautiful waterfall from all the others is you can climb to the top of it. Operators in Dalvk and Akureyri also take hopeful whale spotters out on daily excursions. For a motorized, action-packed adventure, Skidoo tours are particularly popular on the glaciers in the west and south. Head out on a Jeep tour from Vik, and explore an amazing formation: a volcano encased in a glacier that also has its own ice cave! Theres also a staircase to the side of Skogafoss leading to the top, where you can overlook the area. Theres no better way to experience the cultural side of the island than by visiting the Iceland National Museum, home to more than 400 years worth of fascinating history. Snorkeling tours also depart from Selfoss. Whether its at the beginning or end of your trip, Iceland is a great part of an international vacation. These are the 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023. The most authentic and budget-friendly way to enjoy Iceland's geothermal energy is the public swimming pools. Bursting into action and spewing fresh lava, this fiery fountain attracts hundreds of snap-happy travelers daily despite warnings about possible danger due to toxic emissions. With all of the elements in play in such dramatic fashion that you will be dazzled at every turn. Tour operators offer anything from one-hour tours for beginners to multi-day tours for experienced riders in different regions of the country in varied landscapes. This must be at the top of your Iceland bucket list if you love wildlife. Top 12 Best Things To Do and See in Iceland Its an awe-inspiring sight as the water rolls off the 122-meter sheer cliff to the Fossa River below. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet. 1. Here's the best. With a pre-arranged tour, youll travel in comfort toward Icelands rugged southern coast as your guide describes each countrys unique geology along the way, discovering top natural attractions including the Skgafoss waterfall, Slheimajkull Glacier and Mrdalsjkul. Many people dont know that you can go scuba diving between two continents. In Akureyri (located in the northern part of the country), you can enjoy convenience and contemporary vibes at Centrum Hotel, which features a lounge and ski storage (perfect for winter travelers! Since its a bit cold in the winter, this is actually one of the best things to do in Iceland in July. Still, wondering what to see in Iceland? Hallgrimskirkja 22,817 Churches & Cathedrals Miborg By Africancrab The church soars over the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, its scale is also heightened by the vertical rows of descending 2022 2. Buckle up for a quick history lesson: since Icelandic horses were left outside for centuries, they were forced to adapt to the harsh weather and rugged landscapes. Seljalandsfoss. If you have a car, you can get to these places yourself or hop on a tour and sail just outside the capital to see them in Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. Snowmobile in Glacier Lagoon 9. We personally love snowboarding, but we werent there at the right time of year. There are waterfalls all over Iceland, so thats why we made a list of some of the more popular ones. Its definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland if youre short on time. Northern Lights 5. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Whether you want to get within arms reach of the puffins at Ltrabjarg birdwatching cliffs or walk the picturesque pink sands of Rauasandur, this slice of nature really does have it all. By Africancrab. Or enjoy the rustic trappings of Hotel North, where you can relax in the garden after a long day of biking, hiking, or exploring the scenic wilderness. Massive waterfalls are not uncommon around the country, but few can compete with this ones power; its said that theres no stronger cascade in all of Europe! She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. but also offers guests the opportunity to explore all the dazzling Icelandic landscapes with a 360-degree observation deck. By TsviShlomo. A true hidden gem home to a wildlife-filled lake and the 360-meter-long lava tube known as the Gjbakkahellir cave, Thingvellir National Park is often considered the underwater wonderland of the Golden Circle, where tourists can snorkel or dive between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. While youre at Jkulsrln, you may as well conquer the biggest glacier in Europe (Vatnajkull glacier) nearby! Hassle-free tours typically last around 8 hours, with pickup and dropoff convenient arranged for anyone staying in Reykjavik. However, when you are in one of the hippest capital cities in the world, you should have at least one or two nights out in Reykjavik. Spot puffins, if you're lucky, and get a look at Eyjafjallajkull volcano, which erupted in 2010. As the nations most population settlement outside of Reykjavk, this place makes for a great pit stop on any Iceland adventure. For an Icelandic cooking experience to recreate over and over again, immerse yourself into the nations traditional culinary culture by cooking up one of three courses. Puffin watching is one of the best things you can do in Iceland in July! Arguably the most Instagrammed natural spa on the planet (although Budapest might have something to say about that), the geothermal hot spring that is the Blue Lagoon welcomes close to 1.3 million visitors per annum. You can drive the ring road all year round, but we found it to be one of the best things to do in Iceland in September and October. All over Iceland are natural hot springs, and geysers can be found, and they are idealistic spots to take a warm (or incredibly hot) dip in (and Im not referring to the Blue Lagoon). Theres a reason why this incredible nation is dubbed The Land of Fire and Ice thats because the contrasting elements really do co-exist all over the island. The Fimmvruhls hike is Iceland's best day hike. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Reykjavik - Tripadvisor Guided tours are offered in Vgelmir near Hsafell, Iceland's largest lava cave, Vatnshellir on Snfellsnes and Lofthellir near Lake Mvatn. On top of that, theres plenty of pictures, sculptures and interactive exhibits that dive into Icelands culture and explore the nations dramatic relationship with the all-powerful sea. On Diamond Beach, you can watch the giant ice pieces crash into the ocean waves. Whether you follow the folklore or not, when the sky over Reynisfjara turns from dark and cloudy to sunny within minutes, youll be blown away by the startling imagery! Slheimajkull Ice Climbing and Glacier Walk 99 from C$249.13 per adult Small-Group Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing on Slheimajokull Glacier 85 from C$238.18 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Ice Cave at Katla Volcano 5 from C$300.87 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Glacier Adventure - Eco-Friendly Tour on Slheimajkull Glacier 27 from C$164.58 Golden Circle Tour by Minibus Including Icelandic #31 of 304 Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik. Watch a blacksmith hammer a blade or smell scorched birch as it's transformed into charcoal. I think Lake Myvatn was mine as there was so much to see and do in such a small area. Seljalandsfoss. Those staying in Reykjavik offer boat tours from the harborthat take you out to sea and away from city lights. It is possible to hike down if you know the way. Seljalandsfoss, one of the main attractions on the South Coast, stands at a height of around 60 meters and is absolutely breathtaking. Whether youre looking to get to know Icelands capital a little better or want to get out of the city and float along the Forgotten Fjord, any summer day spent stand-up paddleboarding is a day well spent. Practically every town and village has at least one. Gullfoss Waterfall 12,232 Waterfalls By Jet777337 Reykavik to Akureyri - 2 days /1 night enroute - help please yesterday. The frosty Icelandic waters are home to a diverse range of krill and fish due to a unique mix of cold and warm currents that intertwine through its narrow fjords. This challenging experience is one of Icelands most memorable. Cant choose where to eat? As we all know by now, Iceland is a land of intrigue and awe, with a history of Viking settlers, vicious feuds, volcanic eruptions, and melting glacial floods. Whale Watching 6. Thelatter draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine. 9. from 12,396.70. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Theres no shortage of epic things to do in mystical, magical Iceland. Landaviti Lighthouse #5 of 7 things to do in Stodvarfjordur. Reykjavk holds the title of the nations largest city (and the northernmost capital city in the world), home to most of the countrys population. Admire the Church of Santa Trofimena. Makes the Golden Circle tour a stunning experience - we saw a lot of waterfalls and this one is exceptional. The gateway to hell has erupted up to thirty times in recent history, but is still, fortunately, considered safe to visit. The classic shape of this Icelandic waterfall, along withits convenient location and accessibility, makes this waterfall a hit for everyone.