Uncovering Iceland’s Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Iceland's Volcanic Landscape
Of all the natural wonders in Iceland, the volcanic landscape stands apart in its raw, elemental beauty. This geologically active island is situated directly over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The constant movement of these massive plates produces regular earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, shaping Iceland’s wild, rugged terrain.
Visitors can witness the ongoing process of land formation firsthand at places like Þingvellir National Park. As you walk through the rift valley, you can actually see the North American and Eurasian plates pulling apart. Giant fissures and cracks rupture the ground, evidence of the enormous forces at work beneath the surface. This is where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD, in the heart of the volatile frontier between two continents.
Iceland’s volcanic landscape features countless craters, lava fields, hot springs, and mountains of ash and pumice. Mývatn in North Iceland boasts an otherworldly landscape formed by lava and volcanic explosions over thousands of years. Pseudocraters, small volcanic cones created by escaping steam, dot the shores of the lake. Dimmuborgir, or the “Dark Fortress,” is an eerie labyrinth of lava pillars and caves shaped millennia ago by flowing lava.
In South Iceland, travelers can walk through the steaming remains of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption on the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Ash still cloaks the pass between two glaciers while steam hisses from vents in the blackened ground. The eruption spewed enough ash to halt European air traffic for a week.
Iceland’s most active volcano, Grímsvötn, lies beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap in Southeast Iceland. Eruptions blast through the thick ice, sending towering plumes into the sky. Massive glacial floods called jökulhlaups are unleashed, reshaping the landscape over hours or days.
What else is in this post?
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Iceland's Volcanic Landscape
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - The Most Breathtaking Cascades of Iceland
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - The Northern Lights in Iceland: Best Times and Places for Aurora Hunting
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Reykjavik's Cultural Beat: A Dive into Iceland's Capital City Attractions
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Geothermal Marvels: Relaxing in Iceland's Natural Hot Springs
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Glacial Adventures: Trekking and Ice Climbing on Iceland's Frozen Giants
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Puffins and Whales: A Guide to Wildlife Watching in Iceland
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Icelandic Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition and Modern Fusion
- Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Off the Beaten Path: Discovering Iceland's Hidden Gems and Secluded Spots
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - The Most Breathtaking Cascades of Iceland
Beyond its volcanoes and glaciers, Iceland is a land of cascading waterfalls formed by ancient lava fields, mountains, and ice caps. The sheer abundance of powerful waterfalls is staggering. You can't travel far without stumbling upon another postcard-worthy cascade plunging over cliffs or tumbling down rocky ravines. For waterfall chasers, Iceland is paradise.
The "big three" waterfalls in Iceland's Golden Circle region give you a taste of the country's natural splendor. Gullfoss ("Golden Falls") on the Hvítá river awes viewers with its double cascade that tumbles 105 feet into a narrow gorge. The mist rising from the churning waters casts miniature rainbows across the cliffs. One of Iceland's most iconic sights, Gullfoss exemplifies the country's raw natural power.
The mighty two-tiered cascade of Skógafoss surges off the cliffs with brute force, drenching onlookers at its base with spray. After heavy rains, its waters can project a rainbow onto the surrounding cliffs. According to legend, a settler named Þrasi Þórólfsson hid a chest of treasures behind Skógafoss in the 9th century. Locals have searched for centuries, but the chest remains undiscovered.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall allows you to experience the falls from a unique vantage point. A path leads behind the arching cascade, treating adventurous visitors to a soak in the mist. Capture a rare sight as the waters plunge over the precipice in front of you through the mist.
Venture into Iceland's rugged interior to behold some of the most remote, spellbinding falls. The towering cascade of Háifoss plunges nearly 400 feet into a steep gorge, making it one of Iceland's highest falls. Nearby Granni Falls tumbles into a perfectly round, emerald pool ringed by dark lava rock. The scenic drive along mountain road F208 off the beaten path rewards you with breathtaking scenes.
Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, is accessible only during summer months. The massive double falls dump 500 cubic meters of glacial meltwater per second into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The sheer volume and thunderous roar leaves no doubt of Dettifoss' might. Stare in awe at nature's raw power from several vantage points along walking trails.
Above the incredible canyon of Ásbyrgi, the lush oasis of Botnstjörn pond feeds the graceful Hengifoss. Brown and red volcanic layers form a scenic backdrop as Hengifoss cascades 128 feet over the cliffs. The scenic hike to the base of the falls passes through a field dotted with puffins during breeding season.
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - The Northern Lights in Iceland: Best Times and Places for Aurora Hunting
Of all Iceland’s marvels, the dancing lights of the aurora borealis inspire awe and wonder. This natural phenomenon is on many travelers' bucket lists, but the fickle northern lights don't reveal themselves on just any old night. With the right timing and optimal locations, your chances of glimpsing the auroras on your Icelandic adventure soar.
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles ejected from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, producing streaks of green, purple, pink, and blue light across the night sky. Solar activity fluctuates according to an 11-year cycle, so the years around each solar maximum, when activity peaks, offer ideal aurora hunting conditions. The next solar max is predicted for 2025.
Iceland's high latitude means long hours of winter darkness, providing prime aurora viewing opportunities. The lights appear mainly between September and April, with peak season from October to March. Displays generally start after dusk and may continue until dawn. But timing isn't everything. Equally important is finding dark skies away from light pollution. Some of the best spots include lakes, beaches, volcanoes, glaciers and the Icelandic highlands.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula west of Reykjavik, black sand beaches like Djúpalónssandur provide front row seats when solar winds deliver a performance. In North Iceland, escape the city lights of Akureyri by heading to Lake Mývatn. Patience and persistence pay off for those who scan the skies and chase auroral outbreaks from vantage points around the lake.
Near Vík on the South Coast, venture onto the black volcanic sand at Reynisfjara beach or the nearby cliffs of Dyrhólaey for dazzling offshore displays when conditions align. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Skaftafell National Park offer similarly stunning settings for potential sightings against a backdrop of icebergs and glaciers.
For optimal chances, book an evening northern lights cruise from Reykjavik. As an experienced guide tracks solar activity and clarifying weather, you'll sail to places like Faxaflói Bay when the conditions seem right for spotting auroras.
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Reykjavik's Cultural Beat: A Dive into Iceland's Capital City Attractions
Reykjavik may be small for a capital city, but this northernmost metropolis punches above its weight class when it comes to cool culture. While many travelers rush off to Iceland’s natural wonders, devoting a couple days in Reykjavik proves rewarding. The world’s most northerly capital blends its Viking past with an artsy, design-forward present into an utterly unique blend.
Wandering the streets of downtown Reykjavik gives you a feel for the city’s quirky character. Brightly colored buildings and street art add modern flair, while historic landmarks evoke its ancient roots. Hallgrímskirkja’s modernist church towers over the city, offering panoramic views from the observation deck. The Sun Voyager sculpture reaches toward the sky like a Viking ship setting sail. Locals love gathering in Austurvöllur square and along Laugavegur shopping street, the liveliest part of town. Stop for coffee at one of Reykjavik’s many cozy cafés to experience the laidback local vibe.
But Reykjavik offers much more than eye-catching architecture and people watching. The city punches far above its weight class on the arts and cultural scene with a constant stream of concerts, exhibitions, events and festivals. Music venues big and small host local indie bands and internationally renowned acts ranging from Of Monsters and Men to Björk. The offbeat Phallological Museum’s quirky collection delivers an only-in-Iceland experience.
The Reykjavik Arts Festival every May welcomes creative luminaries from around the world for performing arts events and cultural exhibitions. Come August, the vibrant Reykjavík Pride festival celebrates LGBTQ culture and advocates for equal rights. Year-round, galleries showcase Iceland’s thriving art scene. Don’t miss the window art series 15 Reykjavík, where a revolving cast of artists transforms downtown into an outdoor art exhibition.
Beyond downtown, Reykjavik offers rewarding day trips to enrich your Icelandic experience. Relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, is a quintessential Icelandic experience. The waters’ silica, algae and minerals nourish your skin as you soak with a silky blue geothermal spa as your backdrop. Many travelers opt to visit the Blue Lagoon upon arrival or before flying home.
A 20-minute drive north, whale watching boats depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for summer and fall excursions. Orcas, humpbacks, minkes and dolphins are commonly sighted in Iceland’s frigid waters. Puffins, northern gannets and other seabirds nest along the cliffs from May to September.
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Geothermal Marvels: Relaxing in Iceland's Natural Hot Springs
Iceland’s abundance of geothermal springs allows visitors to soak in the earth’s primordial warmth. With hot spring situations ranging from posh spas to natural pools tucked into the wilderness, you’ll find plenty of places to relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventures. Iceland’s geothermal treasures entice travelers seeking everything from a luxurious pampering experience to an off-the-beaten-path foray into untamed nature.
The famed Blue Lagoon tops many travelers’ Iceland bucket lists for good reason. This posh geothermal spa located in a lava field allows you to bathe in the steaming turquoise waters while enjoying saunas, massages, and silica masks. The silica mud does wonders for your skin while the mineral-rich waters relax tired muscles. While undeniably touristy, the Blue Lagoon’s convenience near Keflavik airport makes it an appealing first or last stop. Go at sunrise or sunset to beat the crowds.
For a more remote experience, make the scenic 90-minute drive east from Reykjavik to the Vök Baths. These geothermal pools built overlooking Lake Urriðavatn infuse Icelandic nature into a spa environment. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal waters while enjoying panoramic views from the lakeside pools and hot pots. The Vök Baths offer a more peaceful alternative to the busy Blue Lagoon.
In North Iceland, Mývatn Nature Baths allow you to soak in the region’s volcanic landscape. Relax in the steamy blue waters surrounded by craggy lava formations while enjoying views of Lake Mývatn. After a day of marveling at Mývatn’s volcanic wonders, these soothing springs hit the spot.
Seekers of wild hot springs delight in tapping into Iceland’s raw geothermal energy straight from remote natural sources. One favorite is Reykjadalur Hot Spring Valley in South Iceland, where you can bathe in a hot stream heated by geothermal waters. After a picturesque hike up the valley, enjoy views down to Hveragerði as you soak in the warm stream.
Near Flúðir in South Iceland, the Secret Lagoon provides a minimally developed hot spring experience. Unlike Iceland’s Instagram-famous spots, these misty pools feel quietly remote despite the crowds. Relax in the steamy natural springs surrounded by rocks and lush greenery for an authentic Icelandic experience.
In West Iceland, travelers rave about the remote Landbrotalaug hot pot. After scrambling down a steep valley to access this hidden gem, you can soak privately in the volcanic rock pool fed by a hot spring stream. Gaze up at the towering cliffs around you from your secluded natural spa tub.
Iceland’s rugged highlands host some of the most remote, unspoiled hot springs for hardcore hot pot devotees. Hike to the natural geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar, accessible only during summer months. This remote outpost sits amid rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits left by the hot springs. After trekking Iceland’s rugged Fjallabak Nature Reserve, few experiences compare to soaking dusty limbs in the tranquil waters of these springs close to the earth’s energy.
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Glacial Adventures: Trekking and Ice Climbing on Iceland's Frozen Giants
Iceland’s massive ice caps and glaciers—Europe’s largest—beckon adventurers to explore their frozen landscapes. The natural attractions of these slow-flowing rivers of ice include intricate ice caves, breathtaking icefalls, and luminous blue crevasses. But Iceland’s glaciers are also havens for exhilarating outdoor pursuits from guided glacier walks to technical ice climbing.
On a glacier walk, experienced guides outfit you with crampons, helmets, and ice axes to traverse Vatnajökull and other glaciers. As you trek across the stark blue icescape, deep crevasses slice through the glaciers, revealing its hidden inner world. Guides share fascinating facts about glacial geology and lead you through sculpted ice caves lit by an ethereal blue glow. It's an awe-inspiring opportunity to experience the raw natural wonder of the glaciers up close. Touching the ice reveals the glacier's smooth, glossy texture, polished by centuries of gradual movement.
For travelers yearning to challenge themselves on technical terrain, ice climbing provides an exciting way to engage with the glaciers. Qualified guides lead ice climbers on beginner-friendly introductions and multi-pitch advanced climbs on ice formations like frozen waterfalls. Crashing waterfalls freeze solid during Iceland’s harsh winters, transforming into towering walls of climbable ice.
Ice climber Jess Cuozzo raved about her introduction to ice climbing on Iceland's Sólheimajökull glacier: "The glacier was alive with the sound of rushing meltwater inside. Ice climbing is so much more dynamic than rock climbing because the medium is always moving and changing. It involves swinging sharp picks into streaming ice while crampons bite into the frozen waterfall."
Advanced ice climbers can join multi-day expeditions to ascend frozen giants like the icy slopes of Hvannadalshnúkur - the tallest peak in Iceland. Scaling its rime-covered walls with ice axes offers an unmatched mountaineering challenge.
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Puffins and Whales: A Guide to Wildlife Watching in Iceland
Of Iceland's abundant wildlife, puffins and whales capture the imagination of visitors. These charismatic creatures thrive in the island nation's frigid waters and cliffside habitats. Tracking them down promises rewarding wildlife encounters to enrich your Icelandic escapades.
If you think puffins are adorable before you see them up close, wait until you witness their clumsy landings and curious stares. From May to early August, thousands of Atlantic puffins flock to coastal cliffs to breed. Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg, and Heimaey islands offer prime puffin viewing, but you may catch sight of these colorful-beaked seabirds along any coastal trail or boat ride.
Welsh traveler Gethin Ellis recounted puffin watching at Látrabjarg Cliffs in the remote Westfjords: "We arrived at midnight, just as the sun was beginning to kiss the sky after a brief nap below the horizon. The cliffs were alive with thousands of pairs of puffins swooping around busily. Puffins are such characterful, clownish birds when viewed up close. Their bright orange feet and waddling walk added to the comedy as they struggled awkwardly across the grass."
Equally impressive as watching puffins shear through the air at 60 mph are sightings of whales breaking the surface. Over 20 whale species frequent Iceland's food-rich North Atlantic waters. While elusive blue whales and orcas occasionally make cameos, your best bets are minke, humpback, and dolphins.
Reykjavik's Old Harbor serves as a gateway for whale watching. Erica Dao relished her whale watching adventure from Reykjavik: "We cruised alongside a huge humpback whale swimming and diving mere feet from our boat for 20 minutes. Witnessing the whale roll and wave its fins was such a special moment. Our guide said this friendly behavior is a sign the whale approved of our presence."
From Akureyri, Husavik, and Seyðisfjörður in the north, tours head where whales feed. Tail slaps and dorsal fins punctuate two to three hour trips during peak season between June and August. Patience may reward you with prolonged looks at multiple curios whales.
Sea life flourishes on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula on the west coast. Rabbie’s Tour guide Orri Árnason says, “Seeing whales surprise you as they surface unexpectedly in the distance, then swim closer to investigate our little boat—it still gives me chills every time.”
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Icelandic Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition and Modern Fusion
Icelandic cuisine beautifully blends tradition with creative new influences. This isolated island nation developed a hearty cuisine relying on fish, lamb, dairy, and foraged foods to survive long winters. Modern Icelandic chefs honor this heritage while fusing global flavors and techniques into something uniquely Icelandic.
Travelers seeking authentic local cuisine can still find traditional dishes like þorramatur, a selection of cured, fermented, and dried meats, fish, and dairy eaten during the ancient midwinter festival Þorrablót. Those feeling adventurous may partake in infamous delicacies like rotten shark meat, singed sheep heads, or fermented skate. Modern restaurants often offer miniature þorramatur samplers to spare diners from full immersion!
At Reykjavik's Apotek restaurant, chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran fuses Icelandic ingredients into contemporary bites like cod with caviar cream and crowberries. She sources lamb and fish from the island’s pristine waters and makes creative use of native berries, herbs, mushrooms and seaweed. Other eateries like Dill Restaurant and Gallery Restaurant Matur og Drykkur take the New Nordic Cuisine movement’s farm-to-table ethos to heart. Chefs collaborate directly with farmers, foragers and fishermen to design seasonal menus from Iceland’s natural bounty.
For budget-friendly sampling of Icelandic staples, check out Reykjavik’s food halls. At Hlemmur Mathöll, La Poblana Tacos stuffs tacos with pulled lamb and fresh arrivals at the on-site fish market. Other stalls serve up schnitzel sandwiches and pylsur hot dogs with all the fixings. Mathús Garðabæjar food hall tempts with langoustine soup, Arctic char and rye bread ice cream.
Seafood rules Icelandic menus, from fish and chips stands to fine dining. Splurge on langoustine tails grilled in brown butter at Fiskmarkaðurinn or feast on sushi showcasing the day’s catch at Sushi Social. At all-seafood lunch spot Seabaron, devour lobster soup and a grilled fish platter. Reykjavík Fish Restaurant offers great value with prix fixe menus featuring seafood delicacies.
Lamb also dominates menus, from braised lamb shanks to grilled racks. At Fridrik V, you can dine on slow-cooked shoulder with swede mash and pickled red onion. Farm-to-table eatery Matarkjallarinn serves boneless pan-seared rack on risotto with demi-glace and pickled mushrooms. For the classic Icelandic hot dog topped with crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade, try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Anthony Bourdain called it the best hot dog in the world!
Uncovering Iceland's Natural Wonders: An Adventurous Travel Guide - Off the Beaten Path: Discovering Iceland's Hidden Gems and Secluded Spots
While Iceland’s famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle will exceed your expectations, some of the country’s most magical places remain largely undiscovered. Venturing off-the-beaten-path rewards intrepid travelers with deserted vistas far from the crowds. Follow locals’ tips to hidden hot springs, secluded valleys, and empty beaches ripe for exploration.
Avid hiker Sean Ra expressed, “Hiking to Arnardalur valley felt like entering a secret world. I didn’t see another soul during the 7-mile trek along a winding river surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The sense of remoteness so close to Reykjavik amazed me.” Scenic Arnardalur lies just an hour’s drive from the capital yet feels worlds away thanks to the lack of tour buses.
Another of Sean’s favorite secluded escapes is Reykjanes peninsula’s volcanic coastline. He described wandering its rugged cliffs and deserted beaches: “You can explore moss-covered lava fields, dip in geothermal pools, watch birds soaring above, and often have the dramatic landscape all to yourself. It embodies the raw beauty of Iceland’s untamed places.”
Travel blogger Alyssa Rimmer fell for West Iceland’s charms: “I drove the remote coast from Stykkishólmur to Flokalundur, stopping whenever a waterfall caught my eye. The endless views of birds wheeling over cliffs with waterfalls spilling toward the sea overwhelmed me with their wild beauty. With few tourists around, I felt like I had these sights all to myself.”
Finding an unspoiled pocket of nature devoid of crowds can prove life-changing. Photographer Jack Clay captured his alone time with nature: “A grueling trek into the rugged interior brought me to Landmannalaugar’s rainbow-hued mountains and hot springs. Soaking tired muscles under a starry sky with the Northern Lights dancing overhead became an experience I’ll never forget. The sense of communion with nature was profound.”
Iceland still holds plenty of untouched places if you stray from the tourist trail. Local photographer Árni Sveinsson remarks, “So many visitors never leave the Ring Road, but you’ll find total solitude on the remote Westfjords and Eastfjords. The dramatic cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and roaring ocean overwhelmed my senses.”