6 Reasons why a visit to Iceland should be on your bucket list
When thinking about where to go on your next vacation, Iceland probably isn’t one of the first places you consider. However, the country has a lot of unique experiences that can make it the vacation of a lifetime. Iceland is a Nordic nation and is famous for its dramatic and picturesque landscapes and has become an increasingly popular holiday destination in recent years.
The country has the smallest population in the whole of Europe with a total of only around 358,000 residents. Iceland has low taxation rates compared to other countries in Europe and provides a Nordic system of social welfare which provides education and health care for its citizens. It is a unique country that is unlike any other you will visit, so here are six reasons why a visit to the amazing country of Iceland should be on your bucket list.
Why visit Iceland?
1. Northern lights
Probably the most popular reason why people visit Iceland is to see the spectacular northern lights. People from all over the world come to Iceland to witness the entering of solar particles into the atmosphere which creates the dancing lights in the sky. Also referred to as Aurora Borealis, they are usually green in colour, depending on which elements are being ionized.
However, you can’t guarantee that you will see the northern lights even in the clearest of skies, but they are most commonly seen during the months of September to April. You can book northern light tours for your visit so that the experts can help you try and see this picturesque natural event.
captivating Iceland Aurora Borealis
2. Blue Lagoon
The Blue lagoon is also a great reason why you should visit Iceland. These hot pools that can be found in several places across the country use geothermal power for their heat, but the blue lagoon is a very popular favourite amongst tourists.
Not only is it a great place for your holiday pictures, it is an amazing experience to feel the heat created by lava rocks, and the silica and sulphur content can also be great for your skin. Snow surrounds the blue lagoon pool, which adds to the experience as well as making it even more shocking when the water is warm and relaxing.
3. Volcanoes
Iceland is a country that has many active volcanoes which is one of the reasons why it is commonly referred to as the land of ice and fire. However, you don’t need to panic, as the volcanoes haven’t erupted in many years and it is a safe country to visit. Yet, these inactivate volcanoes are one of the many reasons why Iceland features on many peoples travel bucket list.
Due to the volcanoes, you can enjoy the black beaches, volcanic rivers and crater lakes that are a natural beauty to witness. Many people head to Iceland’s volcanoes as a great place for an adventure and you can enjoy the 128-metre-deep journey into the heart of the Thrihnukagigur volcano.
4. Ice caves
Iceland is also home to the ice caves that you may have seen featured in many Hollywood movies. They are a unique experience and are a breathtaking site. You will usually find them near or inside the glaciers and while some of them are natural, others such as the ice cave at the Langjokull glacier are in fact manmade. Go to explore the Katla ice cave from Vik.
5. Getting around is easy
There is so much to discover in the country of Iceland. First, check how to get from the Keflavik airport to Reykjavik.
Then, to make the most of your time in Iceland and ensure that you fit as much as you can into your trip I recommend you to look into car rental as this will help you to get around much easier. Renting a car or a camper in Iceland is very common. It’s definitely one of the easiest ways to get to some of the best attractions. Camper rentals in Iceland are a great option for tourists; check Cozy Campers.
6. Food
Icelandic cuisine is unique and an experience all on its own. Most of their ingredients come from fishing and farming, so expect a lot of fish. However, there have been developments in technology which have seen advances in the types of food the Icelandic population can eat. For example, the use of geothermal energy has enabled the growth of year-round crops. There is something for everyone to eat in the country, from lamb and seafood dishes, but they also provide appropriate meals for those with special eating requirements, such as vegetarians and vegans.
If you are considering where to go for your next holiday or adding places to visit onto your bucket list, then you should be sure to add the amazing country of Iceland to your possibilities.
Iceland Aurora Borealis
TIP: Read here about my first visit to Iceland in summer 2009. We were lucky with the weather and it was surprisingly hot so we could even wear shorts and tank tops :)
Then my second visit was in November 2017 and it was the complete opposite. It was freezing and I had to wear many layers of clothes so it was not that easy to travel and take photos. But I did spot Aurora Borealis for the first time ever in my life, so it was worth it :)
Have you ever seen Aurora Borealis? If so, where? Were you as excited as I was?
For more photos from my trips, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram:
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