The places to visit and things to see in Iceland this year
Iceland has become one of the most sought after destinations for both winter and summer season, as it offers many wonderful sightseeing spots, as well as great hiking trails and the opportunity to camp out under the northern lights.
Ice cave inside the Vatnajökull glacier
While many of the sightseeing spots in Iceland are either better suited for the summer season or they are simply inaccessible during the winter, that’s not the case with the marvelous ice cave, located inside the Vatnajökull glacier. In order to fulfill safety measures, because the glacier melts during the summer, this cave is only accessible during the winter season. This natural wonder can serve as a great centerpiece for a few days trip, as you’ll need 2 or 3 days to go up there and back. That being said, there are numerous sightseeing spots along the way, which makes it perfect for a short trip outside of Reykjavík.
Whale Watching
Iceland offers a rare opportunity to see the largest mammals on the earth, which can be done from May to September every year. This can be done from several locations across Iceland, including its capital city of Reykjavík. Most of the whale watching tours last for 2-3 hours, and since Icelanders hunt whales, you can even order that meal in most restaurants.
Geysers
Due to an abundance of volcanic activities on Iceland, the country has many geysers, thermal pools, and underground springs. While you can just stand and watch this wonder of nature, there are some that you can take a dip in, even during the extreme winter colds. One of the most sought after place with geysers is Strokkur, located in the southwest of Iceland, as well as a number of geysers found in Haukadalur area, in the south of the country.
Landmannalaugar
If you’re looking to see the nature scenery that looks out of this world, you shouldn't look any further than Landmannalaugar. It’s the place of Hekla volcano and the lava fields, as well as multi-colored Rhyolite Mountains. It’s a fairly popular tourist destination, meaning that you’re bound to run into other people, but also have the opportunity to go on organized hiking trips and horseback rides.
Maelifell Volcano, Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park
The Maelifell volcano has the classic cone shape, making it look like what most people picture volcanoes to look like. During the summer season, snow gives way to the lava surface, which is green due to the moss that has accumulated there, making the mere sight of the volcano a breathtaking experience. There are plenty things to do in the Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park that is rich in volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs.
Kirkjufell Mountain
The Kirkjufell Mountain is well known for its unspoiled nature that is dominant in the whole country, but what makes this mountain stand out is the simplistic beauty of your surroundings that can be combined with northern lights to get a true “once in a lifetime” experience. It’s located just outside the small town of Grundarfjörður.