Lights in the sky that dance!
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If a once in a lifetime trip is something you’re looking for, Iceland just might be the next destination for you to visit! With stunning natural landscapes at every corner, a capital city that instantly feels like home and experiences you will never forget - Iceland should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you want to wander the streets of Reykjavik, marvel at waterfall after waterfall or hike through Þingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, you will easily find your perfect adventure here.
Landscapes straight out of a fantasy: If you love to see the wonders that nature can create, Iceland will certainly not disappoint. The Golden Circle is one of the most popular routes to discover the iconic sights, and can be accessed by car or on either a private or group guided tour. It covers Gullfoss, which literally translates to “Golden Falls”, the magnificent Geysir and Þingvellir National Park. But don’t stop there, because you’d miss so many of Iceland’s lesser visited sights, and they’re just as incredible. From active volcanoes surrounded by lava fields to a waterfall you can walk behind, hot springs to rugged mountains and glaciers! Whether it’s complete peace and serenity that you’re looking for, or a brand new adventure, you won’t struggle to find a perfect spot.
Reykjavik - Iceland’s chilled capital: As far as capital cities go, you won’t find one with a more comfortable, laid-back atmosphere than Reykjavik. Filled with cosy, independent shops, bakeries, restaurants and cafes, you can easily spend a whole day wandering up and down the cobblestone streets.. Check out the largest Lutheran church in Iceland - Hallgrímskirkja (244ft), where for a small fee you can take a lift up to the bell tower and look down on this enchanting city from above. Try not to panic too much about learning the notoriously difficult Icelandic language, over 98% of the Icelandic population speak English!
There are so many great places to stay in Iceland, but Reykjavik makes a great base as you can take lots of different tours, there are loads of accommodation options in the city and some beautiful restaurants and bars to relax in each evening.
There are countless museums throughout the city, some more unique than others (such as the Iceland Phallological Museum), and a stunning concert hall placed perfectly on the coastline, with views of the mountains in the distance. The capital is also a great place to try the local cuisine.
Exceptional experiences: The Northern Lights attract over 40% of Iceland’s tourists in the Winter season - and we’re not surprised. Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky in beautiful hues of green, purple, white and pink is an event we believe everybody should get the privilege to experience at least once in their lives. The best time of year to see this incredible phenomenon is between October and March, either by driving yourself to an area with less light pollution or joining a tour via bus or boat! But if you don’t manage to get a glimpse of the lights, Iceland certainly has a lot more experiences to offer. If you’re visiting in Summer, try and be around in late June to experience the Midnight Sun, when the sun never completely sets! Or for year-round experiences, you can try relaxing spa days in geothermal baths, hiking, ice climbing or snowmobiling.
If landscapes that look like a real-life screensaver are what you want to see, and you love to soak in culture surrounded by friendly locals, Iceland might just be the place for you. One thing is for sure - whether you’re in Iceland for a matter of days, weeks or even months, you won’t forget a moment of your time there.
If you're looking for an entertaining way to learn more about Reykjavik, check out our amazing friend Daniel's YouTube video about our stay in Iceland here
Additional information:
Getting there: Iceland is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK.
Visas: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Iceland for a stay of up to 90 days.
Currency: The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. You'll feel rich when you convert your currency, as it costs under £6 for 1000 Icelandic Krona. Don't be fooled though, it certainly doesn't mean it's cheap in this country...
Language: The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, but English is very widely spoken.
Time zone: Iceland uses Greenwich Mean Time all year round, so in Winter it's the same time as the UK, but in Summer they're an hour behind.
Ready to go?
- Search for somewhere to stay in Iceland on Expedia here
- Look for things to do in Iceland on GetYourGuide here
- Search for somewhere to stay in Reykjavik on Expedia here
- Look for things to do in Reykjavik with GetYourGuide here
- Check out our post about The Golden Circle route in Iceland here
- Check out our post about Reykjavik here