Top Ten Iceland – Viking Land of Fire & Ice

Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland is one of the most exotic countries on the planet. If you love wide open spaces, untouched earth and stunning landscapes, Iceland may be the perfect destination for you. And after traveling 500+ miles throughout Iceland along with all the questions I’ve gotten, I’ve decided to compile a top ten Iceland list for this amazing country. And instead of just another ‘top ten list’, these are truly the things I’d recommend a friend to check out if they were thinking of traveling to Iceland. And I must say, in the process it was extremely hard to narrow this list to only 10! So here we go….

1. The Golden Circle – If you have just made it to Reykjavik, Iceland’s only city, and only have but a limited number of days to travel, the Golden Circle is a must do and likely to be included on anyone’s top ten Iceland list. You can see it all in a day and its only a short drive from Reykjavik. The Golden Circle is made up of three major sights; the Gullfoss Waterfall, the geothermal area of Haukadalur which includes two geysers and Thingvellir National Park.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is simply breathtaking with views from above as well as a close up view after a short hike down to stand at the edge of the falls. On a sunny day, you’re sure to catch a rainbow stretching across the falls. Next up is the Haukadalur geothermal area which consists of hot springs, mud pots and two famous geysers, Stokkur and Geysir of which the latter is actually where the name ‘geyser’ originated from. Stokkur erupts about every 4-5 minutes at up to 40m in the air and if you’re lucky enough to catch the less frequent but more powerful Geysir erupt, expect to see boiling water shoot up to 70m in the air!

Those little black dots at the bottom are the people standing next to Stokkur Geysir!

And while on the Golden Circle route, you’ll also come across Thingvellir National Park. Here you’ll catch a glimpse into one of the most fascinating geologic spectacles in the world which offers a real live glimpse into the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian plates and which also marks the peak of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its definitely a must see along the Golden Circle route.

2. Iceland’s Geothermal Pools – One of the things Iceland is most known for are its geothermal pools throughout the country. There are more than 170 of them and if you have the chance, go take a quick dip… There can be nothing quite like swimming in a hot thermal pool when its below zero outside!  Average temperatures range from between 37-39°C (98-102°F). It is also believed that geothermal water can reduce stress, alleviate skin problems and even relieve symptoms of arthritis and asthma. If you only have a few days of travel in Iceland, the nearest (and most popular) is the ‘Blue Lagoon’ which is located about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik. However, due to its popularity, it is also the most crowded! If you have more time, you might get a more authentic and relaxing experience at other ones which you can find all across the country including one located at Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland called the Myvatn Nature Baths.

3. The Northern Lights – As one of astronomy’s most exciting phenomenons, the northern lights offer one of those special sights you can see when you’ve traveled this far north. And for some reason, traveling to the north of Norway seems to attract more attention as a destination to see the northern lights when in fact you have a chance of seeing the northern lights right in downtown Reykjavik on a clear night even from the privacy of your own balcony!

With Reykjavik situated only 330km from the Arctic circle, you could expect this from the worlds northern most city. True, you’ll get a better view of them the further you get away from the ‘light pollution’ of downtown but it is still possible to catch them. The best time to catch them is from Sept – Feb on a clear night around midnight so don’t forget to grab that hot cup of coffee or tea (or liquor)!

4. The Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Considered one of the most popular natural wonders of Iceland and featured in the films Batman Begins, Tomb Raider, and Die Another Day, the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon might be one of the best and most unique landscapes you visit while in Iceland. Located near the town of Hofn in Southeast Iceland, the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon was formed about 60 years ago after icebergs began breaking off the nearby Breioamerkurjokull glacier (yes, it’s a mouthful). Today, there are floating icebergs throughout the lagoon which

The Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

consist of amazing shades of blue and white ice. And if you want to do more than just view it from ashore, there is an option to have a guided raft tour into the lagoon which traverses through the many icebergs floating within. And if this weren’t enough, just across from the Jokulsarlon lagoon is access to Iceland’s black sand beaches. Another one of Iceland’s wondrous sights.

5. Whale Watching in Husavik – Located in Northern Iceland, the town of Husavik has been named the whale watching capital of Europe and is even listed in the top ten destinations in the world for whale watching.

Whale Watching in Husavik

This is mainly due to the favorable feeding environments for whales as two currents mix between the cold Arctic Sea in the north and the warmer North Atlantic in the south create a thriving supply of plankton and krill. As a result, Husavik has become a popular destination point for travelers as one of the best places to go whale watching with over 20 different species of whale. The most common are the humpback and minke whales however blue whales, white beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises also frequent the Icelandic waters. Tours are available year round.

6. Lake Myvatn – Located in northern Iceland and not far from Husavik, Lake Myvatn is home to some very extraordinary sights and geologic formations and is one of my favorites. The lake itself is Iceland’s 4th largest but the real draw is that the area surrounding it is extremely volcanic. You will find small craters surrounding the lake, but also bubbling mud pools, lava fields and hot springs nearby. However, there is even more to offer in the Myvatn area. Hverfell crater is one of the bigger draws. It stands as the remains of a volcanic eruption from 2500 years ago. It’s only a short (but tough) hike to the top which allow some spectacular views over the Lake Myvatn area. You can also go by the Dimmuborgir area which is a bizarre lava park with rock formations reaching over 20m in height. There is even an area of Myvatn where NASA trained Apollo astronauts to prepare using its lunar-like surface. If you have the time, try to spend at least 2-3 days in and around Lake Myvatn. You won’t be disappointed!

7. Reykjavik’s Nightlife – Want to party like a rock star? Look no further than Reykjavik, Iceland’s only official city. Even with a small population, the city has a very vibrant and buzzing nightlife. There are dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs located in the city center and people don’t generally even go out until midnight. However, once you’re out, expect to stay out as most locals don’t head home until after 6AM or after! Most of the bars and clubs are located along Austurstraeti, Laugavegur and Bankastr streets though there are others you can find along the pub crawl route. You may even catch Bjork stopping in for a drink in her hometown…

8. Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfalls – Aside from the mighty Gullfoss waterfall described in the Golden Circle, there are many many others throughout Iceland that are just as marvelous and impressive. Some of the more notable ones (OK, maybe just my favorites) are Skogafoss, Godafoss and Dettifoss. And if you haven’t picked up on it yet, ‘foss’ means ‘falls’. The first, Skogafoss falls, is fairly close to Reykjavik and is one of the largest falls in Iceland. It has a vertical drop of about 60m and is well worth the drive. You can also hike up above the falls on the east side for another breathtaking landscape view over the waterfall and out towards the sea. The Godafoss falls, also known as the ‘waterfall of the gods’ is located in the northeast section of Iceland near Myvatn and Akureyri. This horseshoe shaped waterfall gets its name from a former pagan named Thorgeir who threw in statues of his former gods once Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland back in the year 1000. And lastly, another spectacular falls not to miss is the Dettifoss waterfall.

Panorama view of Dettifoss Falls in Northern Iceland

It is also located near Myvatn and Akureyri and claimed to be the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. At 100m wide and a vertical drop of 45m, it’s a sight not to miss (or hear)!  What’s more is the fact you can drive or hike a bit further down to get a closer look at the entire Jokulsargljufur canyon that it dumps into along with a view of its neighboring falls, Hafragilsfoss. Views from here are quite literally breathtaking!

9. Traditional Icelandic Cuisine – Iceland is home to some of the most bizarre traditional dishes in all of Europe. Lets see… rotten shark meat, blood pudding, dung-smoked salmon and goat testicles just to name a few. And can you blame them? With Iceland being such an isolated country with long and grueling winters, original settlers had to find ways to get by for months on end so a lot of foods were preserved by drying, smoking and pickling them to make it through the season.

Hakari – Rotten shark meat in Iceland

And with Iceland home to only two native animals, the Arctic fox and mice, the original settlers of Iceland had to be very creative in how to meet their needs for survival when it came to food. Some other traditional (yet still unique) viking dishes include sheep’s head, puffin & guillemot (both seabirds) and minke whale… yes, they still eat whale in Iceland. But for the less adventurous, seafood is of course just as popular and includes haddock, cod, herring, lobster, clams and shrimp among others. You can also try some other popular Icelandic foods such as lamb and mutton (the most commonly served meat),

Minke Whale – Not too popular but definitely controversial

Plokkfiskur – a traditional fish dish, Flautbrauo – a flatbread made with rye flour and Skyr which is a yogurt-like cheese that has been around for centuries and found in nearly every store. And one last one to add to the list… The Icelandic Hotdog! It is in no way ‘traditional’ but one worth trying. It is made from lamb meat, topped with both fried and raw onions, mustard, ketchup and remolaoi, which is a mayo-based sauce with sweet relish. You are sure to find them in every gas station in the country! So if you make it to Viking land and brave the Hakari, (rotten shark meat), don’t pass up the chance to try the famous Brennivin, Iceland’s national drink, to wash it down. Brennivin, also called ‘Black Death,’  is made from fermented potato mash. It’s similar to brandy, is taken straight and served ice cold. It’s another Icelandic traditional ‘must try’…

10. Hiking Iceland’s Skaftafell Glacier – There are more than 10 glaciers throughout Iceland and taking up an opportunity to do a proper glacial hike up close and personal is a lot more exciting than simply seeing one from afar.

Skaftafell Glacier in Iceland

The Skaftafell glacier in Iceland is one of the most popular and for good reason. It is home to Vatnajokull, the biggest glacier in Iceland as well as being the largest national park in Europe. It’s an amazing place with soaring mountains and huge glaciers forming an awe-inspiring landscape in every direction. There are also various tours available from a few short hours to full day hikes. Another plus is the fact that Skaftafell is very close to the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon so you could see both in a day if you wanted. Once you get fitted with a pair of crampons and glacier gear, you’ll be set to go…

And so there you have it, my top ten Iceland list! I’d say it’s clear to see that Iceland stands as one of the world’s most amazing places. So far, its been one of my favorite travel destinations and it will surely leave you with some fantastic memories. It is truly like no other country on earth. And if you make it there, don’t forget to pack that camera and some extra batteries, you’ll need them!

And if I’ve left anything out (and I know I have), please share your comments!