The Beauty of Blue Lagoon of Iceland & 21 Best Attractions
The Beauty of Blue Lagoon of Iceland & 21 Best Attractions
The capital of Iceland and largest city is Reykjavík. Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to over two-thirds of the population. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The interior consists of a plateau characterized by sand and lava fields, mountains, and glaciers, and many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands.
Table of Contents
Iceland Map
Temperature: The month of May witnesses a gradual increase in warmth followed by the months of June to September which is perhaps the most comfortable for tourists.
Language: The official language is Icelandic.
Currency: Euro
Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=17 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=88 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Diamond Beach
The real name of Diamond Beach is Breiðamerkursandur, which translates to “Broad Plain Sand”. But its jewel-like nickname comes from the chunks of ice that decorate the beach all year long. Icebergs from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier break away and bob through the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before setting out to sea. Some blocks of ice get stranded on the beach, creating the illusion of large diamonds.The phenomenon is striking because of the ice’s bright color and the beach’s dark sand.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake in southern part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers. It is now about 8 km (5.0 mi) away from the ocean’s edge and covers an area of about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). In 2009 it was reported to be the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 284 m (932 ft), as glacial retreat extended its boundaries.The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the 1970
Blue Lagune
The Bláa Lónið is an open-air thermal bath near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. It is located near the capital Reykjavík and the international airport in Keflavík and is a tourist attraction in southwest Iceland.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.The Hvítá river flows southward, and about a km above the falls it turns sharply to the west and flows down into a wide curved three-step “staircase” and then abruptly plunges in two stages . The average amount of water running down the waterfall is 141 cubic metres (5,000 cu ft) per second in the summer and 80 cubic metres (2,800 cu ft) per second in the winter. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic metres (71,000 cu ft) per second,
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a place and a national park in the southwest of Iceland, about 40 km east of the Icelandic capital Reykjavík on the north bank of the lake Þingvallavatn. The place Þingvellir has a special meaning for the history of Iceland. Located in a rift zone in the border area of two tectonic plates, the area is also of geological importance.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall in southern Iceland. It is located in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra on the ring road between Hvolsvöllur and Skógar right at the junction of the slope towards Þórsmörk. The Seljalandsá river plunges 66 m deep over the former coastline into the flood plain of the Markarfljót, into which it flows shortly afterwards.
Skógafoss
The Skógafoss is a waterfall of the Skógá River in southern Iceland. It is located near Skógar in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra below the Eyjafjallajökull on a former steep coast. After the coastline had shifted to the south, a steep drop was left over hundreds of kilometers from the Icelandic highlands towards the sea.
Great geyser
The Great Geyser is a geyser in southern Iceland in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð. The term geyser is derived from the Icelandic word geysa “splash out, pour out”, was coined in the 17th century and generally refers to geothermal springs of a similar type, as they were generally known in other parts of the world only in the 19th century.
Hallgrims Church
Hallgrímskirkja is an Evangelical Lutheran parish church of the Icelandic State Church in the capital Reykjavík, the largest church building in Iceland and the second tallest building in the country after the Smáratorg Tower. The church is the sixth largest structure in the country.
Dettifoss
The Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in northeast Iceland and due to the combination of volume flow and head, just before the Rhine Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Goðafoss
The Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.is a waterfall in northern Iceland. It is located along the country’s main ring road at the junction with the Sprengisandur highland road,about 45 minutes from Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city.The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres.8-mile hiking trail loops around the waterfall area.
Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell National Park was a protected area in Öræfi, in southeast Iceland. It was founded on September 15, 1967 and has expanded three times since then. On September 12, 2004, the national park was enlarged again and was one of the largest in Europe with over 4,800 km² by 2008. On June 7, 2008, Skaftafell National Park was incorporated into Vatnajökull National Park.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey, is a 115 m high peninsula in the south of Iceland, about 6 km west of Vík í Mýrdal.Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
This is the closest view and most direct angle from which to see the rock arch. It’s the best view of the arch, but keep going because the best views of the full coast are a bit further. The Dyrhólaey Viewpoint is located about halfway between the promontory and the Lighthouse.
Kerið
Kerið is a crater lake in Iceland. It is the easternmost of five craters in the Tjarnarhólar series of craters belonging to the postglacial Grímsnes volcanic field, which in turn belong to the eruption belt in the Reykjanes – Langjökull area. Kerið is located in the Suðurland region on the road from Selfoss to Haukadalur.
Vatnajökull-National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is one of three national parks in Iceland. It includes the entire Vatnajökull glacier and the extensive adjacent areas. They consist of the former Skaftafell National Park in the southwest and the former Jökulsárgljúfur National Park in the north.
Sun Voyage
The Sun Voyage is a sculpture in Reykjavík, Iceland created by the artist Jón Gunnar Árnason in 1986. To mark the 200th anniversary of the city of Reykjavík, there was a competition in 1986. Sólfar was selected and the original was given to the city of Reykjavík. The full-size sculpture was built in its current location and unveiled on August 18, 1990 to mark the anniversary of the city of Reykjavík.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
The canyon has steep walls and winding water. It is located near the Ring Road, not far from the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Its origins dates back to the cold periods of the Ice Age, about two million years ago. The canyon was created by progressive erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks and palagonite over millennia. A waterfall flows down the western side of the canyon, visible from an observation platform at the end of a one-mile hike up the eastern edge.
Snæfellsjökull-National Park
The Snæfellsjökull National Park is located in the west of Iceland at the westernmost end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and is one of three national parks in the country.
Grjótagjá
The Grjótagjá is a cave with a small lake in Iceland. It is located southeast of Reykjahlíð near Lake Mývatn on road no. 860, directly on the geological fault zone between the continental plates of America and Europe, which is visible here even on the surface. The geothermal activity causes the underground lake to warm up.
Deildartunguhver
The Deildartunguhver is a unit of hot springs located in Reykholtsdalur in Iceland. It consists of a number of spring springs that gush out of the same hill. The Deildartunguhver is located at the exit of the Reykholtsdalur to the northwest in the direction of Borgarnes at the end of the Deildartunguvegur, which branches off from the Borgarfjarðarbraut. These are the hot springs with the richest water in Europe and therefore also in the country.
Northern Lights
An aurora ,also known as polar lights or northern lights is a natural light display in Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras display dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky.
Faxi
Faxi is a waterfall in the south of Iceland. It is also called Faxafoss or Vatnsleysufoss. This waterfall in Tungufljót is close to the biscuit bride and can be reached with a short detour on the Golden Circle tour. It is 8 km from Skálholt and 12 km from Geysir and Gullfoss, with whose water mass it can by no means compete. The water falls here by 7 meters.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Iceland offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Iceland’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
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Top hotels we recommend in Reykjavík: Hotel Phoenix ,Blue Mountain Apartments, Freyja Guesthouse & Suites.
If you like good food and nice views then go to the restaurant Perlan(Reykjavik, Iceland).
Offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond, the Perlan gently completes a full rotation every two hours.
What to eat
- icelandic fish
- Kjötsúpa is the traditional dish of hot lamb meat soup
- plokkfiskur – fish stew
- Humar – Icelandic Lobster
- Hakarl is a fermented shark
- pylsa- hot dogs
- Flatkaka með hangikjöti-flatbread with sliced smoked lamb
- Harðfiskur, or dry fish, is a food from Iceland’s Viking era.
- kleinur doughnut
- bragðarefur – ice cream
- skyr- icelandic yoghurt
- Lakkrís Toppar (Licorice Meringue Cookie)
Restaurants
- One of the best restaurants in Iceland for brunch, Bergsson Mathus is perched right in the centre of Reykjavik
- Located in Reykjavik, Islenski Barinn is one of the best restaurants in Iceland – try some of their reindeer meatballs and roasted leg of lamb.
- Based in Akureyri, Noa has is one of the best restaurants in Iceland for seafood.
- The Bryggjan Cafe is only around 10 minutes from the Blue Lagoon.
- Bæjarins Beztu, that’s perched right down near the waterfront itself. They serve some of the best hot dogs in all of Iceland, right out of a cabin.
- With Sudur Vik being one of the best restaurants in Iceland to give it a go. Perched in Vik, they Pan fry their Arctic char to perfection.
Saving Tips
- Camping is significantly cheaper than staying in hostels if you have your own gear and sleeping bag.
- Bring a Water Bottle
- The best drink in Iceland runs free of charge from every faucet, which means that by buying bottled water you are falling victim to one of the worst tourist traps in Iceland.
- If you are going to eat out, eat at the sandwich and hot dog stalls you find throughout the cities. They offer the cheapest (but not healthiest) food in the country.
- Iceland is a land full of FREE natural beauty. There are countless waterfalls, hiking trails, hot pots (hot springs), and mountains for you to enjoy.
- The buses here are cheap and slow and they won’t stop at main landmarks
- If you don’t want to hitchhike, the best way to get around the country is by renting a car.
- The cities in Iceland are small so there’s absolutely no need to waste money on a taxi because you can walk pretty much everywhere.
- Get the Reykjavík City Card
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Shopping
Reykjavík is a shopping hub, with an enormous variety of stores and goods; the main street Laugavegur is lined with boutiques, and there are many shops hidden in other corners of the city.
One of Reykjavík’s originals is Kolaportið, the city’s biggest flea market. During weekends, you can buy Icelandic sweaters , home decor, music, books, ornaments, instruments and local food.
In Reykjavík is the Handknitting Association of Iceland, another go-to place for knit-wear and knitting equipment. The store is packed full of homemade Icelandic sweaters in a variety of styles, as well as hats, mittens, scarves and gloves.
Kringlan was Iceland’s first shopping mall and is today the second largest in the country. It hosts over 170 shops, restaurants, a cinema and a theater scattered around 3 floors. The shops range from gift shops to fashion, from outdoor clothing to makeup and everyone can find something of interest in the building.
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR-walking along the street, admiring the charming old houses, browsing through the windows of stores and galleries. Whether you’re looking for Icelandic design, souvenirs, woollen goods, photographs of Iceland or exotic arts and crafts, you’ll find it here.
Souvenirs to buy from Iceland: icelandic licorice candy, omnom chocolate, a puffin teddy bear , icelandic jewelry , something from icelandic wool.
Getting Around
Your options are taxi, bus, walk, or bike. Reykjavik has a decent and affordable bus system. We would suggest asking for some basic instructions from your hotel receptionist to help facilitate getting where you want to go. Also, some hotels offer free bus passes!
The Icelandic road system is extensive and easy to navigate. Highway no. 1, commonly known as the Ring Road, is the most travelled route around Iceland. Driving in Iceland is very different from anywhere else, because of gravel, snowy, and icy roads as well as many mountain passages.
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Getting here
There are two ways of getting to Iceland; by airplane or by ferry. Around 20 airlines offer regular flights from destinations in Europe and North America to Keflavik airport all year round. Those who prefer to bring their own car can take the Norröna ferry instead from Denmark.
Flying is the fastest way to get to Iceland. Virtually all international flights land at Keflavík International Airport, about 31 mi (50 km) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. As of today, over 25 airlines operate scheduled flights to Iceland. Typical flight times are 3-4 hours from Europe and 5-6 hours from the U.S.
You will be arriving at Keflavik International Airport. This airport is located outside of the capital city of Reykjavik near the town Keflavik – where it gets its namesake. The airport is located west- southwest of Reykjavik and is typically a 45 minute drive (50 km). There is regular bus service, located right outside the terminal, from the airport to Reykjavik – this is the cheapest option (1950 Icelandic crowns ISK is about $15). The bus will, by default, take you to the central bus station in Reykjavik, called BSI.
If you wish to take your own vehicle to Iceland, car ferry transport from Denmark is a great alternative. Norröna Ferry (operated by Smyril Line) sets sail once a week from Hirtshals, Denmark and travels to Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland. Along the way, the ferry stops in the Faroe Islands, giving you the opportunity to explore the archipelago either on your way to or from Iceland.
Iceland is fast becoming a popular cruise ship destination, especially for transatlantic journeys. Passengers who dock in Iceland have the option to take shore trips that usually last a day or two. Cruise lines like Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line stop in Iceland.
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