Discover 5 reasons to visit Iceland, from the mesmerizing Northern Lights and Midnight Sun to geothermal pools, glaciers and powerful waterfalls. Read on to discover the wonders of Iceland and why it’s a top destination for travelers!
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, attracts travelers from all over the world with its stunning natural wonders, rich history and unique cultural traditions.
From hiking rugged trails and exploring black sand beaches to sampling local delicacies like volcanic-baked rye bread and fermented shark, every moment in Iceland connects you to its otherworldly beauty and culture.
Why go on holiday to Iceland?
1. See the Northern Lights
Iceland's location at the top of the world makes it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. These spectacular celestial wonders can often be seen in Iceland from September to mid-April and are one of the top reasons to visit Iceland outside of the bright summer months. A great way to increase your chances of seeing this magical phenomenon is to take part in some of the most popular Northern Light Tours in IJsland.
On a calm winter night you're likely to see the mystical green lights dancing across the clear sky above Reykjavík, but your chances of seeing them increase if you head out of the city, away from electric lights and the hustle and bustle of the city.
Many experienced guides specialize in Northern Lights tours. Searching for the best nighttime sightings and hunting for the Northern Lights can be just as exciting as seeing the spectacular celestial show itself. Rent an affordable car or book a tour with guide with sight guarantee! If you don't see it the first time, you can join the next tour for free.
2. Relax in Iceland's geothermal baths and spas
One of the main reasons to visit Iceland is for its geothermal and natural hot springs. Iceland’s abundant water supply is by far its most valuable natural resource. The quality of the drinking water is exceptional due to the many pristine mountain and glacier streams. Iceland also has a long history of using geothermal energy as an energy source.
Notable benefits of Iceland's geothermal nature are the natural pools that can be found all over the country, each set in a unique environment. The geothermal spa Blue Lagoon is de bekendste badbestemming van IJsland. Het staat vaak bovenaan de bucketlist voor reizigers die voor het eerst naar IJsland reizen.
3. Go whale watching in Iceland's Arctic waters
The ocean around Iceland provides ideal living conditions for more than twenty species of whales and in recent years Iceland has steadily become the European capital for whale watching.
Whale watching in Iceland is one of the main reasons to visit Iceland and you have a good chance of seeing the magnificent giants of the sea. On a whale watching tour from Reykjavik you can be 99% sure of seeing minke whales, beaked whales or harbour porpoises. On a traditional whale watching tour from Husavik in North Iceland you are very likely to spot the giant humpback whale.
A face-to-face encounter with Icelandic whales in their natural habitat is an experience that is incomparable. Many tours also include the bustling coastal cliffs where the puffin, Iceland’s colorful ambassador, nests in rock crevices or burrows into the ground. So get ready to book your flight to Iceland to see the whales for yourself.
4. Explore Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the main reasons to visit Iceland is for the chance to walk between the tectonic plates, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and slowly drift apart.
The Thingvellir National Park in southwest Iceland, located 29 miles (47 kilometers) from Reykjavík, is a must-see destination for its historical and geological significance. Iceland's parliament, Althingi, was founded in 930 at Thingvellir and held its first sessions at the Almannagja rift, the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Thingvellir has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the area's many extraordinary natural phenomena, including Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake, and the Silfra fissure, where you can dive or snorkel between the American and European tectonic plates.
Thingvellir National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of Iceland's most iconic natural and historical sites. With a Snorkeling Tour and a visit to the Thingvellir National Park you can dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal clear glacial waters, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Add this experience to one of the best Iceland vacation packages to enjoy a seamless and pre-planned trip.
5. Marvel at Iceland's breathtaking glaciers and ice caves
Iceland is known as the “Land of Ice and Fire.” It gets its nickname from the many glaciers and volcanoes that surround the island. Glaciers cover eleven percent of Iceland’s land area. Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest, covers much of the southern and central highlands. One of the main reasons people go to Iceland is to see these beautiful glaciers with you own eyes.
Glaciers are directly responsible for many of Iceland's most amazing attractions, such as the Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlon in southeastern Iceland. The lake contains gigantic icebergs that have broken off from the tip of the tongue of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, creating a wonderland of ice and wildlife.
Jokulsarlon-tours have been attracting visitors for decades and are still one of Iceland's most popular activities during the summer months. Locals have been venturing onto Iceland's glaciers for centuries. Today, popular guided Icelandic Glacier Tours options ranging from hiking to snowmobile tours and even helicopter flights.
Besides the above 5 sights, there is much more to discover in Iceland. The country has so much nature and beauty to offer that Iceland is guaranteed to be on your bucket list.
