There’s a reason why the lovely folks at National Geographic Russia voted Iceland as the Most Popular Ecotourism destination. The lovingly nurtured landscapes in Iceland with active volcanoes, glacier-cut fjords, and black sand beaches will leave you with selfies and memories that will last a lifetime.
Check out our list of Icelandic thrills you must try before you die:
Get married in a Glacier Cave
Iceland’s most magnificent new attraction — Into The Glacier (http://intotheglacier.is/) is a man-made ice cave. Located on Europe’s second largest glacier, Langjökull (Long Glacier), this $2.5 m attraction offers a variety of tours. What’s more, this gem could be a stunning backdrop for the most memorable day of your life.
Photo: intotheglacier.is
The underground playground: Lava tube caving
If lava pillars, mineral stalactites, ice candles and snaking passageways sound like your thing, head for lava-tube caving. This unearthly landscape was created when the surface lava solidified, but magma continued to flow in the tunnels. For this surreal experience, Raufarhólshellir in southwest Iceland, Surtshellir and Víðgelmir in west Iceland, and Lofthellir near Lake Mývatn are your best bet.
Lava tube cave in Raufarhólshellir. Photo: https://guidetoiceland.is/
Walk with the Game of Thrones’s dreaded White Walkers
Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland, one of the largest in Europe, covering nearly 8% of the country, was used as the filming location for the North of the Wall scenes in GOT. Hverfjall Volcano in the Lake Myvatin region of Northern Iceland was also a location used for the icy scenes where White Walkers trudged beyond the wall.
Vatnajökull. Photo: Glen D’souza CC-BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr
Go Dog-Sledding on a Glacier
These awfully cute huskies will show you the greenest way to explore a glacier. Try dog-sledding at Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull for truly breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable ride. Don’t forget to give them a good belly rub.
Photo: http://www.iceland.eskimos.is/
Spot a Whale
If you’re thirsting for a Moby Dick kinda adventure, Iceland is the place for you. Take a cruise from Reykjavik or Husavik in the whale watching capital of Europe. There are more than 20 species to spot in their natural habitat — the obliging minke, fin, blue, humpback, sperm and killer whales do their best to put up a grand show.
Whale mother and calf. Photo: Christin Khan NOAA/NEFSC- http://cbkhan.blogspot.com via Wikimedia Commons
Conquer a glacier-fed river
Iceland’s fjords, inlets, and sheltered coastlines are ideal for sea kayaking and rafting. A surefire way to get up close with the seal colonies, bird cliffs and sea caves. The glacier-fed rivers — Hvita, Eystri-Jökulsá and Vestari-Jökulsá and Hólmsá — are ideal for white-water rafting. Jump in, bitches.
White water rafting. Photo: Rob Chandler via Wikimedia Commons
Hike Up a Volcano
Attention hikers and climbers — want to scale a volcano? Esjan, a collection of volcanoes just outside of Reykjavik, has trails of varying difficulty leading you to the highest points on the range. Or find yourself at the Gateway to Hell otherwise known as Mt Hekla, undeniably Iceland’s most famous mountain. Located in southern Iceland, it is the second most active volcano in Iceland, and has erupted many times, its earliest recorded eruption in 1104 and its latest in February 2000.
The Laugavegur trail, which runs between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, remains one of the most extraordinary walking trails in the world, offering views of mountains, hot springs, glaciers, rivers and lakes.
Þjórsá and Mt Hekla. Photo: Hansueli Krapf CC-BY-SA-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, is a natural geothermal spa outside Reykjavik. The stunning blue geothermal water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures, and has three active components — silica, algae and minerals. With in-water treatments, massages, and saunas on offer, you can relax and enjoy one of the most organic experiences in the world. Glowing skin guaranteed!
Blue Lagoon. Photo: McKay Savage CC BY 2.0 via Flickr
Chase the Northern Lights
Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city on the shores of Eyjafjordur. One of the most stunning fjords in the country, it is also well positioned for spotting the Aurora Borealis. Chase the surreal Northern Lights in a super jeep, specially modified to go off the beaten track.
Northern Lights over glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon. Photo: iceland.is
Yoga under the Midnight Sun in Reykjavik
Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, with buzzing bars and a live music scene, the pedestrian-friendly capital of Iceland is perfect place to unwind after the adrenaline has hit the roof. Try yoga under the midnight sun in Reykjavik. With hot springs and cool yoga, attain instant nirvana in Iceland.
Here are some handy tips for your travel plans.