Why I Want to Visit Iceland and You Should Too

Visit Iceland.

It is one thing that is on my wish list and bucket list. Many of you may know, I was bitten by the travel bug long ago and have a really bad case of wanderlust. That makes me want to visit Iceland very badly. When I think of Iceland, pictures of incredible landscapes, unforgettable experiences and adventure quickly come to mind. 

It’s a common misconception that since Iceland is located way up at the top of the map that it is just covered in ice. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While there is ice, there are also lush landscapes, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes too. It’s actually why it makes it such a fantastic travel destination.

When visiting a destination, I try to find the best bang for my buck. The goal is to see as much as possible and make the most of our time. Looking for the best Icelandic tours is my first step and then I can start to map out our adventure from there. I like to look for the most popular tourist attractions since they are often the best to experience.

Go Inside a Volcano.

Yes, you read that right! If this wasn’t on your bucket list, well–it should be! You’ll be surprised to know that Iceland has A LOT of them! You can even find a tour that lets you go inside a dormant volcano. If you’re weary, just know it has been dormant for over 4000 years and shows no signs of activity. The tours are available during the summertime so, you can imagine they book up quickly. So, you have to act fast! If volcanoes are your thing, there are many tours available too, so no need to worry.

The Golden Circle.

It is a destination that is accessible all year round. You can see the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss, the Geysir hot spring area – where you can witness the geysir Strokkur erupting every few minutes. In just a half-day, you can see all three locations. In fact, the best thing to do would be to combine the Golden Circle with another half-day trip and you’ll have quite an adventurous day. You can choose snowmobiling or even horseback riding or snorkeling! If you prefer to skip the adrenaline rush, you can always go whale watching!

The Northern Lights.

There really isn’t any reason beyond that it is something that everyone needs to see in their lifetime. I have only seen it in magazines and pictures and in Iceland, you can see them. The best time to view the natural occurrence is in September and October or March and April. It is said that the lights pass right over onlookers. How cool is that?

There are many tour options available, from 7-day self drive tour or a quick trip that can last a few hours. You can also book a Northern lights, caving and lobster tour. You explore the great underground formations of Leidarendi cave then afterwards, you enjoy a lobster feast in a nearby restaurant. After you are stuffed to your content, you’ll set out in a jeep to go hunting for the Northern lights.

Snorkeling Between Continents.

Count me in! While I am not one to hike on glaciers (bad ankles here), I am more for snorkeling. What better way to do this than to do it between continents? Be warned though, it is COLD and if you can handle the cold–you are good to go! Visiting the Silfra fissure in the heart of Thingvellir National Park is one of the best diving sites in the world. The water is so crystal clear that the visibility can exceed 100m. I can only imagine the sites to behold at this heritage site. Remember, you can book a snorkeling tour along with the Golden Circle too.

Visit an Ice Cave.

Whether I am traveling with my spouse or if we are on one of our family travel adventures, when I think about Iceland, I think about moments and experiences that can never be duplicated, much less–forgotten. 

Seeing an ice cave is one thing that I want to see in my lifetime. I think it would be ethereal and otherworldly and I would love to share it with my kids. They are temporary structures and can only be seen during the winter. During the spring and summer, they either collapse or melt away. They are a gorgeous blue and each cave is unique and vary in size and shape. The ice caves form in Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. 

Check This Off Your List.

These are only a few things to do in Iceland, there are so many other things to do. Like Jarbodin Mývatn nature baths that look heavenly. One thing is for sure, you’ll need a lot of time to explore the beauty of this country. I know that we would love to spend at minimum one week but, optimally at least two to see everything we want to see! 

Now you know why you should visit Iceland and why I am going to head out and start booking my trip. It has been on my bucket list for far too long!

Have you ever been or want to go to Iceland?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!