Íslenska
My personal Icelandic highlights
Iceland was on my travel bucket list for years and I spent a lot of time daydreaming, researching, and planning. Finally, I made it; and my trip of a lifetime became reality in summer 2019.
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic, that contains spectacular and unique natural landscapes. Founded on multiple scalding active volcanoes and gaudy blue glaciers, Iceland is filled with full of surprises. The moment I arrived at Keflavík international airport, I felt welcomed with open hearts, and introduced to delicious cuisine, exciting café culture, multiple outdoor adventures and wow-inspiring nature, scenery, and landscapes. Not only this, it seems that Iceland is the safest and most peaceful country on the planet. Here is a list of the top highlights of my 10-days journey around Iceland:
Blue Lagoon, Grindavík
It is designated as one of Iceland’s most visited traveler attractions. Despite its volcanic geography, the site is rather new; molded from the leftover outlets of a geothermal power plant late in the 1970s. The water in the Blue Lagoon is enriched with minerals making it enchanting and shimmering. The rejuvenating bath was amazing and I rewarded myself with a relaxing water massage. How I wish I wish I could do this every single day in my life!
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
Landmannalaugar nature reserve is another major visitor destination, located in the interior of Iceland, about 180 kilometres from the capital city Reykjavík. The sparkling features of this spiritual landscape are the multi-colored rhyolite mountains and extensive lava fields. I loved hiking in this surreal spot and warm up my tired body in the hot natural stream there. By the way, it took me a long time until I managed to pronounce the name LANDMANNALAUGAR.
Gullfoss Waterfall
OMG, I do love Icelandic waterfalls. Gullfoss is known to be one of the most dramatic and beautiful cascades in Iceland that cataract over a series of terraces before pouring down a 32-meter high cleft thus giving a tremendous sight. When I was there, the falls were arched by a rainbow and cloaked in the clouds of mist. Unforgettable!
Kirkjufell Mountain, Grundarfjörður
Grundarfjörður is a charismatic fishing town centrally situated on the north shore of the Snæfellsnes peninsula which is a 2.5 hours’ drive away from Reykjavík. The town locates in an attractive fjord, encircled by a mountain range, with Mt. Kirkjufell forthcoming as an outstanding landmark. Multiple small streams and cascades are found in the surroundings. I fully accept and understand Mt. Kirkjufell is one of the most photogenic mountains in Iceland. Check on Instagram – one picture better than the other.
Lake Mývatn
The literal meaning of name Mývatn is “Midge-water,” a reference to high-volume midges present around the lake that is why this place is also known a bird-watchers’ heaven. While I was there, it was rather windy and therefore thankfully no midges. The drive from Akureyri to Lake Mývatn was only about one hour and this region was enriched with multiple species of flora and fauna. This place was thought to be formulated due to a gigantic volcanic eruption that occurred 2500 years ago and yet this place is surrounded by several active volcanoes. At Lake Mývatn, I explored many kinds of volcanic craters and lava formations. This is truly a bird watcher’s and geologist’s paradise.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Another spectacle of Iceland is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. I took an amphibious boat trip between large masses of ice that is separated from the glacier and are floating freely on the water. Though the size of the icebergs can vary from a small chunk to the size of a car, yet they are floating on the lagoon. At Jökulsárlón I understood where the name ICELAND comes from.
Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls
After the Gullfoss, Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss waterfalls are the most visited waterfalls by the tourists in Iceland. Skógafoss is such a photogenic waterfall. Oh yes, I at least took a lot of pictures! I also walked up the stairs to the top of the waterfall to get a vivid and spectacular view.
Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall in Iceland where you can walk behind the cascade. Oops, I got wet and I slipped on the muddy trail.
Húsavík
In my opinion, Húsavík was the most charming fishing town I visited in Iceland. Located in the northeast of the country, Húsavík is known as Europe’s whale watching capital. That’s why I added Húsavík on my itinerary and I was rewarded by seeing several humpback and minke whales which swam very close to our wooden boat. If you are taking a journey to the North of Iceland in summers, then whale watching in Húsavík is a must-do activity. I also visited the Húsavík whale museum – very interesting!
