In the Northern part of the Atlantic Ocean near the Arctic circle, there lies the next best destination for your next trip… Iceland! It’s known to be one of Europe’s hidden gems for its natural wonders and astonishing Viking history.
We know that most of you have Iceland in your bucket list already but just in case you need more reasons to convince yourself to go… Here are 10 reasons why you need to book the next flight out to Iceland:
1. Learn about Icelandic food
Iceland’s main industry is fishing. We are in for some scrumptious seafood! Head to Sjávarbarinn (The Sea Bar) and try the eat-all-you-can experience, it’s excellent! If you’re feeling adventurous and up for something more exotic, you can try the following dishes: Hákarl (fermented shark’s meat), ifrarpylsa (lamb liver sausage), Þorramatur (Thorramatur), Hangikjöt (smoked lamb meat), Hrútspungar (ram’s testicles, Blóðmör (lamb blood pudding, resembles Black pudding) and Svið (lamb’s head) served with Rye Bread and Flatbread.
Sounds appetizing?
2. Discover Iceland’s UNESCO’s Heritage Site
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site and it’s very important to the locals because of its historical and cultural background.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is also one of the highlights of the Park and it’s one of the film locations of the popular series “Game of Thrones”.
3. A panoramic view of a majestic landscape
Instagram pictures won’t do justice to Iceland’s beauty. You have to visit and experience it for yourself. Plus, you’ll have a lot of photo-worthy places because of its mountainous scenery, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, plains and waterfalls. And if you’re lucky… aurora borealis!
4. Indulge yourself with a surreal geothermal experience
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with water from the seawater from underneath the earth’s surface. It consists of minerals, silica and algae. It’s the ultimate spa experience!
5. Bike around Reykjavik
In the heart of Iceland, you’ll find a peaceful city where about 2/3 of Iceland’s population resides. You can explore the city by bike and visit interesting museums about Vikings, eccentric arts and crafts and cafés.
6. Be at two places at once
Considered as the purest freshwater in the world, the Silfra Fissure is one of the best places to go to if you want to be in 2 continents at at the same time. You can dive between the North American and Eurasian continental tectonic plates! So when you go swimming in Silfra don’t forget to do two things: Touch the two continents at the same time and number 2, taste some purified water at its finest!
7. Take the Glacier walk Challenge in Sólheimajökull
It’s now time to get your adventurous mood on for the ultimate challenge! Take the Sólheimajökull glacier walk and experience this unique chilling experience for one and a half hour.
Fun fact: The biggest glacier in Iceland is the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s also considered as the biggest glacier in Europe.
8. Look out for Hallgrímskirkja
Right smack in the middle of Reykjavík, is the tallest and most recognizable building in Iceland called Hallgrímskirkja. Its façade is inspired by the Black Falls, another Icelandic natural wonder. It is Reykjavík’s main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. So when you feel like you’re lost, just locate your whereabouts through this landmark!
9. Get courageous at Gullfoss Waterfall
This majestic waterfall is one of the must see’s in Iceland. Located in the canyon, river Hvítá plunges creating a stream and the Gullfoss waterfall. There are no rails to grab on to for this adventure. – just grab on to courage and its natural surroundings!
10. Watch the Northern Lights
This multi-coloured show in which the night sky is suddenly lit up like a heavenly lava lamp. Its called the Northern lights or Aurora Borealis a phenomenal site of nature caused by the magnetic particles of the earth and charged gaseous particles from the sun. Seeing the Northern lights is definitely the trip of a lifetime!
So have you decided yet if you’ll visit Iceland?
