What To Visit In Iceland: 7 Essential Places
An island full of breathtaking landscapes, where ice and fire coexist during winters without days and summers without nights. Find out which are the 7 places you have to visit in Iceland. But keep in mind that they do not follow a specific order, since they are all wonderful in their own way.
1. Blue Lagoon
It is a salty water geothermal spa beneficial to health. The lagoon water, rich in silica and other minerals, has been proven effective and has helped treat eczema and other skin problems, such as psoriasis.
Its waters, milky blue and surrounded by lava, give the place an air of mystery and charm. For years, the Blue Lagoon has been one of the most famous tourist attractions in Iceland. It is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Keflavík Airport.
2. The Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir holds the honor of being the oldest national park in the country and the only one recognized by UNESCO. It is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and stands out for its history and folklore, as well as for the incredible geology of the place.
It is located directly between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia, which is why geology is so interesting. In Thingvellir you can discover how the island was formed. But you can also learn much of the history of Iceland, as it is the place where the Icelandic parliament met for centuries.
3. The Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir is part of the Haukadalur Valley and is about 50 minutes from Thingvellir. Along the way you can already see numerous geysers. But the most important is undoubtedly Geysir. It could be called the “father of geysers”, since this is where the name of this geological phenomenon comes from.
A huge tower of boiling water, 60 meters high, used to emanate from Geysir. However, today it is only a large pool of hot water because for years the visitors threw stones into it that ended up almost blinding it.
Even so, the area is full of more incredible geysers, such as Strokkur, which hatches every five minutes and whose jets of water reach 20 meters. In addition, there are thermal water pools and the landscape offers impressive colors thanks to the different minerals.
4. The Gullfoss waterfall
Another place to visit in Iceland without excuses, because it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country (if not the most). It is less than a ten minute drive from Geysir, in an ancient valley. The fall of its waters is divided in two and reaches 32 meters.
The waters come from the Hvíta River, one of the best places in the country for rafting. There is a tour that both beginners and experts can join and that will take you on a journey through the powerful currents to the ancient valley and its incredible formations.
5. The Skaftafell Nature Reserve
This nature reserve of more than 4800 km² hides some of the strangest and surreal landscapes on the planet. Formed by the constant duality of ice and fire and surrounded by black sand deserts and glaciers, it is one of the must-see places in Iceland.
There are several routes in the area that will take you to admire natural treasures such as Svartifoss (the Black Fall), a waterfall that falls down a ravine of black basalt columns, among others.
6. The Asbyrgi Canyon
In the northeast of Iceland you will find an impressive canyon in the shape of a horseshoe. It is the perfect place to get in touch with the splendor of nature and relax. From the top of the cliff you can admire fantastic views and, of course, take some incredible photos.
7. Reykjavik, the city you must visit in Iceland
After all these natural wonders, you probably want to spend some time in “civilization”. The capital of Iceland is a small city, but it is worth visiting, especially for its gastronomy.
Reykjavik also invites you to stroll through its streets. You will end up discovering its most important places, such as Laugaveugr, the Hallgrimskirkja church, Lake Tjörn or the port.
