This captivating island nation, nestled amid the North Atlantic Ocean, has emerged as a top destination for adventurous souls and curious explorers. Iceland paints a mesmerizing portrait of raw and pristine beauty with its unique blend of fiery volcanoes, stunning glaciers, sizzling geysers, and flowing waterfalls.
Discover this realm of fire and ice, with a custom itinerary generated by Ellipsis Travel.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located in southeastern Iceland, is a breathtaking natural wonder where the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier meets the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon is filled with icebergs that have broken off from the glacier, creating a stunning landscape of floating ice in various shades of blue and white. The lagoon is also home to various wildlife, including seals that often swim among the icebergs and a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife observation. Jökulsárlón is easily accessible by car from the Ring Road, making it a convenient destination for travelers exploring Iceland's scenic routes.
What to Do:
Adventures: During the winter, guided tours take visitors into the stunning blue ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Hiking: Join guided glacier hikes to explore the vast Vatnajökull Glacier, an adventurous way to experience the glacier’s impressive ice formations and crevasses.
Northern Lights: The clear skies and reflective icebergs make Jökulsárlón an excellent location to witness the Northern Lights during the winter months.
Boat and Kayak Tours: Explore the lagoon on amphibian boats or kayaks, offering unique perspectives of the lagoon’s beauty.
Beach: Visit the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs glisten like diamonds on the black sand, creating a striking contrast and offering another beautiful location to explore and photograph.
Iceland is well-known for its beautiful northern lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, it is widely regarded as one of the top destinations in the world to witness this spectacular natural occurrence. These stunning celestial wonders are a common sight in Iceland from September to mid - April, drawing in numerous visitors during the darker seasons rather than the bright summer months.
Since the occurrence of the northern lights is unpredicted, numerous hotels and accommodations offer guests nightly forecasts. They also include your name on a nightly call list, ensuring that you are alerted if the lights illuminate the sky while you are asleep.
If you're looking for the absolute best chance to experience the mesmerizing northern lights, opting for a tour such as the Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik is a great choice. This amazing excursion will transport you to the tranquil countryside, significantly optimizing your prospects of witnessing this incredible splendor. Another prime area to view the Northern lights is Jökulsárlón as noted previously. While waiting for the lights to appear your guides will share fascinating insights into the science and folklore surrounding this natural wonder. As soon as the Northern Lights grace the night sky with their presence, you’ll have plenty of time to admire and capture their beauty.
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland that cove rs approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) and includes some of the country's most famous landmarks. The route is typically traveled in a loop from Reykjavik, making it a convenient day trip. Check out a top rated Golden Circle Tour.
Along the route must sees:
Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir): Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical, cultural, and geological significance. It was the site of Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world. The park sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic rift. Don’t miss the Silfra Fissure ,a great spot for snorkeling and diving between the tectonic plates, Almannagjá Gorge, a scenic walk along the edge of the tectonic rift and Öxarárfoss Waterfall just a short hike away.
Geysir Geothermal Area: This geothermal area is home to the famous Great Geysir, which gave all geysers their name, and its more active neighbor, Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 20-30 meters (65-98 feet) into the air, providing an exciting and regular spectacle.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Known as the "Golden Falls," Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most iconic and powerful waterfalls. The Hvítá River plunges in two stages into a deep canyon, creating a breathtaking and thundering display. In sunny weather, rainbows often form in the mist from the falls. Gullfoss boasts an impressive flow rate. During the summer, when Langjokull’s meltwater is abundant, the Hvita River surges at an average rate of 140 cubic meters per second, with a record-breaking flood flow rate reaching an extraordinary 2,000 cubic meters per second.
Kerið Crater:Kerið is a striking volcanic crater lake with vivid red slopes and a deep blue-green lake at the bottom. It is approximately 3,000 years old and offers a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. The Crater Rim Walk provides stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area as well as an access to path leading down to the lake’s edge.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin):Located in the small village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is one of Iceland’s oldest natural geothermal pools. It offers a relaxing experience in warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by natural beauty.
Friðheimar Greenhouse: Friðheimar is a unique tomato farm where visitors can learn about geothermal greenhouse cultivation and enjoy delicious tomato-based dishes in the farm's restaurant.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths: Located on the edge of Lake Laugarvatn, these geothermal baths offer a relaxing experience with hot tubs, steam rooms, and a lakeside setting.
Hveragerði Town: Known as the “Hot Springs Town,” Hveragerði is built over a geothermal area and is known for its greenhouses that grow flowers and vegetables using geothermal energy.
Faxi Waterfall: A lesser-known but charming waterfall on the Tungufljót River. It features a wide cascade and a peaceful setting. Dont miss the salmon ladder built to help fish navigate the falls.
Reynisfjara Beach, commonly known as Black Sand Beach, is one of Iceland's most iconic and striking natural attractions. This unique beach is characterized by its jet-black volcanic sand, which contrasts beautifully with the white foam of the crashing Atlantic waves. The beach is surrounded by dramatic basalt sea stacks, known as Reynisdrangar, which legend says are the petrified remains of trolls caught by the sunlight. The beach also features towering basalt column formations and a large sea cave, making it a geologist’s paradise and a photographer’s dream.
Reynisfjara Beach is located on the southern coast of Iceland, near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. It is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Reykjavik, making it accessible by a roughly 2.5-hour drive along the scenic Ring Road.
While in the area you won’t want to miss the chance to witness the remnants of an old plane wreck on the shore of Solheimasandur, which has become a popular Instagram subject. The hike to the plane wreck from the designated parking area is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) each way.
Iceland is truly a volcanic wonderland, offering marvelous landscapes both above ground and beneath the surface. Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel is a 5200-year-old geological wonder created during a volcanic eruption (Leitahraun eruption). This 1,300-meter-long tunnel is one of Iceland’s longest and most accessible lava tubes. Guided tours deep into the tunnel will take you to stunning lava formations, icicles, stalagmites and stalactites. The interplay of light and shadow creates an unparalleled atmosphere. Guides provide insights into the formation of lava tubes and the volcanic activity that has shaped Iceland’s landscape. The Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel is a short drive from Reykjavik near the town of Hveragerði.
The blue lagoon is a must-see destination on anyone’s trip to Iceland. It's a massive open-air geothermal pool that offers a delightful experience of soaking in steaming hot water. What sets the Blue Lagoon apart is its striking blue, milky-white waters that are rich in minerals. Particularly silica and sulfur. These minerals not only give the lagoon its enchanting hue but are also thought to offer therapeutic benefits for the skin.
In addition to enjoying the unique bathing experience, there’s a shop where you can purchase skincare items and various spa treatments. To truly indulge in a relaxing getaway, you have the option to stay at one of the two hotels located at the Blue Lagoon and even extend your stay with a day at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa. The Blue Lagoon is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Keflavík International Airport and about 39 kilometers (24 miles) from Reykjavik, making it easily accessible for travelers.
From the impressive icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to the celestial spectacle of the Northern Lights, each moment showcases Iceland’s raw allure. The iconic Golden Circle tells a tale of history and geology, complemented by black sand beaches, lava tunnels, and the rejuvenating Blue lagoon. Gullfoss, Europe’s largest waterfall, not only captivates with its tiers but signifies Iceland’s dedication to environmental preservation. Ready to Explore this volcanic wonderland? Start planning today at Ellipsis Travel.