Iceland has become a popular getaway destination in recent years, purely because of its stunning natural beauty and diversity of landscape. The Nordic experts over at Baltic Travel Company have put together a list of 10 reasons why you have to visit Iceland.
The Northern Lights
Iceland’s placement on top of the world ensures that it’s the best place to catch a glance of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Most commonly seen from September until mid-April, it is one of the world’s most famous natural occurrences to view and only the lucky few get to have a full show of them.
The blue lagoon
Set in the heart of the Icelandic landscape, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and rightly so as it is quite magnificent with its aqua blue water and naturally high temperatures, guaranteed to relax you.
The Icelandic whales
Whale watching in Iceland is famous for the sheer fact that you are almost always guaranteed to spot one of these magnificent creatures off the coast of Reykjavik. There are many different tours which offer various different types of sightings dependent on how keen you are to see them.
The roads
Famous for the vast open spaces and winding roads which go on for miles, curving around stunning natural landscape and rock formations. Iceland is a great place to hire a car and take a long road trip stopping off at different places as you go.
The unusual architecture
Iceland is special because of its unique, if slightly derelict feel. Heading into the famous town of Reykjavik, you will be immersed in brightly colored buildings and quaint little pubs filled with bustling locals. If you really want to delve into local life, head down to the local pub to try one of Iceland’s fine craft beers.
The wildlife
Not only are the whales a sight for sore eyes, but Iceland boasts some other amazing wildlife, such as Puffins, very pretty and colourful sea birds which can be found nesting on the edges of cliffs. If you are lucky enough to get close enough to them you will notice the different patterns on their beaks which give them their unique look.
The Icelandic glaciers
Just when you didn’t think Iceland could offer anything more, you find yourself immersed in its stunning glaciers. Known as the ‘land of Ice & Fire’ because of the number of glaciers and volcanos within the country, Iceland really does offer it all. With over 10 different glaciers to visit, you may find it hard to narrow it down to the ones you want to see.
The food
The cuisine of Iceland dates back for centuries, with important elements being lamb, dairy and fish, this is because of the vast amount of Ocean surrounding the country. Modern Icelandic food includes local ingredients such as salmon, trout, crowberry, Icelandic moss, wild mushrooms and an array of dairy products.
The mountains
Much of the Icelandic landscape is consumed by mountains that even the most confident of mountaineers would find it a little daunting. With various breathtakingly beautiful types, some much larger and covering a lot more ground than others, you are spoilt for choice on hiking trails.
The volcanos
One of the main reasons people visit this dramatic landscape is to witness one of more than 15 volcanos across the Icelandic landscape, with all of them offering varying looks and scales. Many are open to hikes whilst others are noted as too hazardous to get close to.
