1. See an active volcano
Iceland is known for its many active volcanoes. Because the island is of volcanic origin and located on a so-called hot spot on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, there are about 130 volcanic mountains. Since Iceland’s settlement in 874 A.D., 18 of these mountains have erupted. The most active and unstable of them all is Grimsvötn. The most recent volcanic eruption was caused by Eyjafjallajökull on April 14, 2010. Over the last 500 years, volcanic eruptions in Iceland have accounted for one third of the world’s lava output. That’s why Iceland is one of the best locations in the world to see active lava flows. Join a guided volcano sightseeing tour to one of Iceland’s eruption sites to see an exciting natural spectacle.
2. Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular geothermal spa and an exciting place to swim at. It is like one huge natural outdoor swimming pool with a water temperature of 37-39 degrees C. The volcanically heated seawater is rich in minerals, including sulfur and silica and has helped many people with all kinds of skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon is possible year-round and is always a fascinating experience – whether surrounded by snow in the winter or during Iceland’s long days in summer.
3. Walk behind a waterfall
Visit Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and a great spot to take photos. The waterfall is a 60-metre cascade, dropping over the cliffs and into a pool at its base. An exciting feature of this waterfall is that one can walk behind it for an even more unique waterfall perspective.
4. Stand on a glacier
Glaciers and ice caps make up about 11 percent of Iceland’s land area. Driving through the snowy wilderness across the white plains of a glacier is an Icelandic experience not to be missed. If you’re not familiar with off-road driving, take a guided Super Jeep tour with a professional driver, which lets you sit back and enjoy the views without having to concentrate on driving or looking at a map. Alternatively, if you have never snowmobiled before, here is your chance. Snowmobiling tours are also being offered in Iceland.
5. See the original geyser – Geysir
A geyser is a spring that spouts water high into the air and is accompanied by steam and a vapour phase. The word “geyser” originated in Iceland and comes from Geysir, which is the name of such a spring. In fact, all of the world’s hot springs are named after Geysir, which is located at Haukadalur and is also known as The Great Geysir. As you enter the Geysir park area, you will notice the steam rising from hot springs and vents all across the area. In the past, Geysir has pushed steaming water up to 70 metres in the air.
A neighbor of Geysir is Strokkur, which is smaller but still interesting to visit. Its water spout is about 20 to 30 metres high. Besides watching the hot springs, the park offers great hiking opportunities. There are several marked trails that lead past steaming vents, colorful mud pools, and many smaller geysers.
