Unlock the Wonders of Iceland
Check out the following Must-Do sights and activities connected to volcanic actions and glaciers for Unforgettable Experiences around Iceland.
Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is situated on the tectonic plates of North America and Europe, earning it the nickname “the land of ice and fire.” When travelling to Iceland you should seize the opportunity to witness some of the extraordinary phenomena this Nordic country has to offer.
Fire – Explore Geothermal Wonders
Geothermal areas are mostly found in volcanic provinces, often over an active magma chamber. The mud pools and geysers are quite characteristic with colors of brown, green, yellow, black, with green moss dotting the areas, the rising steam smelling of rotten eggs and hot water flowing around. In Iceland you will find many geothermal areas around the country, here below you will find information about few that are easily accessible by car and should not be missed.
The most famous and visited area is Geysir in in Haukadalur south Iceland. Geyser is “Geysir” in Iceland, from which the term “geyser” originated.
Strokkur, geyser is a natural hot spring that intermittently erupts with a column of water and steam into the air, roughly every 8 minutes. This occurs when water, heated by geothermal energy beneath the Earth’s surface, builds up pressure and eventually erupts through a vent.
Geysers are natural and are found in various locations around the world, including Yellowstone National Park in the United States and the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand.
In southwest Iceland on Reykjanes Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, you will find a hot spring geothermal area called Seltún in Krisuvik and another one Gunnuhver a powerful hot spring a short drive away.
Deildartunguhver hot spring is one of the most powerful hot springs in Europe and is found in west Iceland, it is not as visually pleasing as other geothermal areas but fun to visit if you are in the area.
In north Iceland you will find a beautiful colorful geothermal area with bubbling mud pools close to Myvatn, Námafjall or Námaskarð.
The heat and energy are harnessed and used to provide leisure activities such as swimming pools and more luxury geothermal baths, spas, and pools to bathe in.
The most famous ones are Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvik hot springs, Secret Lagoon, Krauma geothermal spa, Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, Sky Lagoon, Geosea and Vok baths.
Photo by F D on Unsplash
Ice – Glacier, Glacier Lagoons and Icebergs
Vatnajokull Glacier towers over south and southeast Iceland, with many glacier outlets offering magnificent scenery along the main ring road. Therefore you will find glacier lagoons in the south and southeast of Iceland, making these the most visited area in the country for a good reason.
Over the past century, numerous glacier tongues in Iceland have receded, creating stunning lagoons such as Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Heinabergslón lagoon. Marvel at floating icebergs as they break off from glaciers, creating a magical scenery.
While similar sights can be seen at Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier and Alaska’s Bear Glacier Lagoon, you should seize the rare opportunity to sail on an Icelandic glacial lagoon during summer. At Fjallsarlon sail amidst icebergs in a small boat, approach the edges of the glacier, with the possibility of witnessing ice calving into the lagoon, this is a truly unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photo by Globe City Guide on Unsplash
Explore Enchanting Ice Caves
During winter the glacier lagoons freeze over but then Natural ice caves become accessible, you will find them mostly in south and southeast Iceland. Venture into the unique world of Icelandic ice caves, adding another layer of wonder to your journey.
While ice caves can be found in Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier, Matanuska Glacier, Svalbard, and the Aletsch Glacier in the Alps, Iceland boasts numerous ice caves, particularly in the Vatnajökull area. Choose your ice cave tour wisely from the diverse options available, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash
By immersing yourself in these unique Icelandic adventures, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Choose the perfect tours for hot springs, glacial lagoons, and ice caves, and embrace the unparalleled beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders.
All images in this article are from Unsplash
Feature image by Job Savelsberg
