ICELAND TOP 10
Iceland has exploded in popularity over the last few years. We first went at the beginning of this boom, for a 24 hour layover and then a couple of years later, for a week long road trip.
Check out our top 10 things to do and see while visiting Iceland. We’ve mixed in the typical tourist hotspots with some of our own lesser know favourites.
1. REYKJADALUR HOT SPRING THERMAL RIVER
We wanted to experience a more traditional way of enjoying a hot spring and we found a little bit of information about a river that could be hiked which was fed by a hot spring. It sounded perfect. The hike through the mountains took about an hour and we found a little shallow river we could sit in and enjoy the mountain views. We also walked further to see the bubbling hot springs that fe the river. The location has grown in popularity now and even has trails marked to it on Google maps.
2. SELJALANDSFOSS
Walk behind this 200 foot glacier fed waterfall that falls right off the edge of a cliff. In the winter it can be impossible to walk behind the falls as the steps can be blocked by ice and the walkway restricted.
3. GULLFOSS
Part of the Golden Circle which you can read more about here. Europes most powerful waterfall by far and an incredible sight in summertime or winter. Prepare to get wet as there is a lot of spray that comes off of these falls and soaks the viewing platforms. Even in summer you can get cold pretty quickly when watching these falls from the spray and wind.
4. SKÓGAFOSS
The last falls to make it into our top 10 and possibly our favourite. You can hike right up towards the base of the falls and brave the power of the spray that is pushed out, or hike to the top to get an amazing view of the top of the falls. At 60 meters high it is a very impressive waterfall that is very commanding and can clearly be seen from the road. There is also a campsite by the falls and it can make a great overnight base, meaning you can get up early before the crowds arrive.
5. SOLHEIMASANDUR PLANE WRECK
You used to be able to drive right up to the plane but it is now fenced off and a car park by the road is where your journey will start. The hike from the car park is 1.5-2 hours depending on your speed along the black sand towards the shore. You will see the silver plane standing out clearly from the black sand. It has become a bit of an iconic location in Iceland and we suggest visiting early before the crowds arrive. We have heard there is also now a shuttle available to bypass the long walk. The wreck can be very hit and miss depending on how many people are at the site. We got lucky that there wasn’t too many people at sunset and then the next morning we were the only ones there.
6. REYNISFJARA BEACH
Or better know as Black Sand Beach is a beautiful rugged, volcanic wind swept beach on the south Coast of Iceland. The beach has basalt columns and towering cliffs that make this a dramatic location that demonstrates how wild Iceland can be. The waves can get pretty rough here and crash into the beach catching people off guard who are talking photos. Hike up to the view point to view the length of the beach from a different perspective.
7. SVÍNAFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER
We turned off the main road and headed down a very bumpy dirt track which took about 40 minutes to drive due to the size of the pot holes. It was worth it though as we found a small parking area with no other cars. We walked around the corner and found the most beautiful glacier with deep crevasses. We loved this spot and there was no one else around. We flew the drone over the glacier and got a sense for just how big it was as the drone got closer to the crevasses. This is a great spot if you want to see something incredibly beautiful with less people. Be aware though your car rental company might not let you drive along these F roads, please check before hand.
8. FJALLSÁRLÓN
Smaller than the main Glacial carving lake further up the road, and more likely to have less people. Enjoy views of the giant glacier entering the lake and if you are lucky you might see some carving in progress.
9. DIAMOND BEACH
The contrast between the blue ice and the black sand is something not to be missed. These chunks of ice have broken off from the glacier and drifted from the lagoon into the ocean and back onto the beach. The lagoon is just behind the beach and the view of Europes biggest glacier is also worth a visit.
10. THE BLUE LAGOON
Despite the big price increase in the last few years no trip to Iceland is really complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon. It is a must do at least once to experience it. Though the higher cost and having to now pay for the face mask will put a few people off it is a luxury experience. Iceland isn’t cheap and with the influx of tourists it was only a matter of time before the Blue Lagoons already expensive price increased even further to reflect this. There are different time slots available and prices can vary, but you will come away feeling very relaxed after soaking in the warm waters.
