Iceland is home to some of the most incredible natural landscapes, from black sand beaches to volcanoes, glaciers, and geysers. And the best way to experience Iceland is by exploring its natural wonders.
This country has stark differences between long summer days with 24 hours of sunlight and brief winter days. Consider going in the fall or winter to experience the Northern Lights firsthand. Or, at any time of the year, relax in one of the many geothermal pools spread out around the nation.
Read the rest of this beautiful journey beyond the ordinary.
Iceland’s Golden Circle
Don’t miss the Golden Circle. It comprises three major attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
The first part of the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, where you can see how tectonic plates move.
Thingvellir National Park – Iceland
After visiting the canyon, you’ll travel to the geysers and hot springs of Geysir Geothermal Area. The geysers were named after the Norse god of thunder because they release water that can reach up to 100 feet high. You’ll also see Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every few minutes.
Strokkur Geyser – Iceland
Next is Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. At nearly 400 feet tall and 2 miles wide, it’s hard not to be impressed by this waterfall!
Gullfoss Waterfall – Golden Cirlce, Iceland
Inside the Glacier
Nothing compares to the experience of nature’s finest grandeur while inside a blue-ice cave.
Iceland is 11% covered in glaciers, and the country’s environment is ideal for forming ice caves. In spring and summer, meltwater typically creates them as flow tunnels.
The walls of ice caves and icebergs often reflect off the glacier ice, giving it this distinctive soft and clear blue hue. The reason is in the materials; rather than frozen water, like the ice on lakes, which has no crystal structure, it is constructed from compressed layers of ice crystals (snow). The snow turns transparent and reflects blue light once enough air has been forced out of it by the weight of more layers on top.
Wander through mad-made ice tunnels and caverns of Langjokull Glacier with a stop at Europe’s highest flow hot spring.
Ice Cave at the Langjokull Glacier , Iceland
South Coast & Waterfalls of Iceland
The South Coast of Iceland is a must-see for any traveler. The area is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and dramatic scenery.
Traversing Highway 1 through the Westfjords is a stunning drive. The road winds through tiny towns, over bridges, and past breathtaking mountain ranges—all while you’re on your way to some of Iceland’s most famous attractions.
Once you get to the South Coast, you’ll be able to explore several waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. These two waterfalls alone are worth making a trip out to see: Seljalandsfoss has a path that leads behind the waterfall so you can walk under it! Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls and the most picturesque. You’ll find yourself stopping here again and again as you explore this part of Iceland.
Experience Iceland’s black sand beaches, staggering cliffs, and sea stacks rising across Reynisfjara shore.
Reynisfjara shore – Iceland
Under the Northern Lights
A natural phenomenon is when the sun releases charged particles into Earth’s atmosphere. These particles interact with gasses in the atmosphere and cause them to light up. This is the Northern Lights for you!
This fantastic wonder can be seen in Iceland from October to April in the winter. They are most visible around January and February when it is dark outside, and there is little light pollution from cities.
Best spots to see the Northern Lights:
1. the Westfjords
2. Snæfellsnes peninsula
3. Snaefellsnes peninsula
Northern Lights in Iceland
A Luxurious Stay in Iceland
The city’s newest see-and-be-seen hotel, the eagerly anticipated Reykjavik EDITION, is only steps from the central shopping area. While the specialty restaurant serves up regional and worldwide favorites, the 253 chic rooms and suites (as well as the sophisticated rooftop bar) look out upon breathtaking, unique-to-Iceland views, including Mt. Esja and Snaefellsjökull Glacier. In addition, the hotel has a spa, cutting-edge fitness centers, and approximately 6,000 square feet of event space.
The Reykjavik EDITION Ocean Corner Suite – Virtuoso
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