7 reasons to visit magical Iceland

Iceland is rated as one of the top eco-conscious destinations in Europe. This incredible island also ranks high in charm with a dash of sparkle and scenic beauty thrown in to entice any traveller.

Northern Lights

“Welcome to Iceland. There is no sunlight”. This statement is not completely wrong, but not throughout the entire year. In summer, the sun rarely sets, with nearly 24 hours of daylight. In winter, on the other hand, the sun shines for only approximately 4 hours. It can be tiring for tourists. But the people of Iceland and other regions of the World that experience it are simply used to it.

But while these conditions may sound rough, they are ideal for experiencing one phenomenon. The aurora borealis only appears close to the poles and is only visible during dark nights. That means Iceland is perfect for observing it. And there are few things as beautiful in the World as the Northern Lights. These green and sometimes purple, red and orange lights are the outcomes of solar particles entering our magnetic field and ionising. And they almost make you believe in magic.

To admire them choose the period between September and April. Make sure to drive away from the larger cities since their lights may dim the aurora. Also, try avoiding the full moon. And when all of those conditions are made – make sure to be ready to have your breath taken away.

Food

You may not know it, but Iceland has some amazing dishes that are simply too good to pass on. We will give you just a little sample.

You might have already tried this first item. Skyr is a dairy product with a consistency of thick yoghurt. IT can be eaten on its own, but it is best with fruits and a little drizzle of honey.

Iceland is an island, so you can’t go there and not try all the seafood the locals eat. Which fish can you expect? Salmon, Cod, Halibut, Mackerel, Catfish, and many more.

We started pretty mildly, but Iceland has many dishes that will make you question whether you should try them. Like Hákarl – a fermented shark. Sounds delightful. Well, it may not be the tastiest dish, but it is surely an adventure of its own to eat. And while in Rome… you get the drill!

If you want to try the local food, but the shark plate doesn’t sound appealing, try Harðfiskur. It is also a fish, but it is dried, not fermented this time. It is crunchy and can be eaten as a little snack.

If all that is still a little bit too much, you can choose a classic – hot dog. Iceland has its own type of it – pylsur, a blend of beef, pork and lamb. If that won’t satisfy your food cravings, I don’t know what will.

Hiking Trails

Due to a small density of its population, Iceland is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a little bit of solitude. That means kilometres of vast, untouched space. The country is also known for its incredible nature. The green grass and black rocks create an unreal landscape. It truly looks like another planet. That also means that Iceland is perfect for hikers!

If you like to spend your time actively and love nature – you simply have to visit this incredible land. You will be able to truly breathe and exercise a little in the best scenery imaginable!

Reykjavik

We can’t talk about Iceland and not mention its capital. Reykjavik is surely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. What makes it so charming is its suburbian vibe. The city doesn’t look like most capitals do. But that is exactly what makes it so wonderful.

Similarly to the rest of Iceland, it gives you a sense of tranquillity. The colourful roofs make almost every part.

When strolling through the city, make sure to visit its few main attractions. One of them is the Hallgrímskirkja church. This nearly 75 metres tall building can be seen from the entire city. It also has a viewing platform that allows you to see the city in its full glory. All that, together with the beautiful architecture of the building, makes it a must-see spot on the map of Reykjavik.  

Next on your list should be the Old Harbour. It is one of the main parts of the city, where you can see the locals, taste some amazing food and even set on a whale-watching excursion!

Harpa Concert and Conference Hall is yet another impressive building inside the city. This glass concert and meeting hall is truly a striking piece of art.  

Inside the city, there are also museums, galleries and green areas that will surely make you fall in love with it!

Jökulsárlón

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Iceland is the glacial lake of Jökulsárlón. Its most popular feature is the lagoon. There are so many things that make it special. Firstly, it lies next to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Secondly, it is a part of the second largest national park on the old continent. The lagoon seems to be taken out of a fairytale. The surrounding glaciers, the chunks of ice scattered on its beaches, and the contrasting colours of the ice, sea and sand make it truly spectacular. The area is so beautiful that it found its way into Hollywood. You can see Jökulsárlón in blockbusters like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider or Batman Begins.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir or Thingvellir is another national park. It is also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. No wonder, since its importance is truly significant, not only due to its geology but also in history and culture.

Thingvellir lies at the border of the two tectonic plates – North American and Eurasian. There you can almost literally walk between the continents. This makes the area truly beautiful, with cracks all around it, some as big as canyons. Similarly to the rest of the island, Thingvellir is wonderfully green, with rocks peeking through the flora. There, you can also find waterfalls and experience the tectonic environment. Often the visitors can feel the earthquakes – the result of the movements of the plates.

It is also there where the national parliament of Iceland was established as early as 930 AD, not long after the settlement of Iceland itself!

The Activities

Apart from all that has been mentioned, there are plenty of other activities you can try during your time in Iceland. It is the perfect destination for those who enjoy actively enjoying their time. One thing every tourist should try is whale watching. Seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Observing the biggest animals ever to live.

If you want to be even more active, try snorkelling in Silfra, one of the best destinations for this activity. You can also opt for a glacier hike or ice climbing. Those two will surely leave you tired but so very satisfied. Iceland is also known for its hot springs and volcanoes, so visiting them is simply a must!

These are barely a few of hundreds of reasons to visit amazing Iceland. When you decide to go there, do not forget to go to www.bidroom.com to find the perfect accommodation for your ideal holiday!