From geysers and volcanoes to hot springs and glaciers, Iceland, a Nordic Island nation, boasts its snow-blanketed landscapes not only as iconic but also unique to the rest of the world. There is so much to do in Iceland, enough to fuel a lifetime of experiences. A place of surreal beauty, there’s no place on earth like Iceland… The land of ice!
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Iceland has been ranked as the safest country in the world for 13 years in a row by the Global Peace Index 2022. The country ranks the highest in social safety and security, democracy, equality, and so on. They have no army, no air force or navy, and have been maintaining the peace for years on end.
The country is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers and active volcanoes, a large number of waterfalls, black sand beaches, steaming lava fields, and much more! Iceland has been always been diverse and beautiful, one of the most stunning places in the world, with natural wonders on every corner.
The Nordic island is relatively untouched by humans. Iceland has an average of around 3 persons per kilometer and like most sparsely populated countries in the world, most of Iceland’s population lives in the main cities. Iceland’s population is about 366,000 people, which is 1/10th of the population of India’s capital city, New Delhi. Reykjavik, the largest city and the country’s capital, is home to roughly 1/3rd of the total population. The capital city runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums which trace back to Iceland’s Viking history.
Iceland has quickly become one of the leading travel destinations in the world, as a country of not only natural wonders but also a thriving local culture. Currently, tourism is in full swing and it’s easy to see why. Iceland is the perfect destination for any and all segments of travelers, be it families, honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts, solo travelers, women travelers, and the list goes on! This year-round destination has something out-of-the-ordinary for everyone!
Simply driving in any direction for 30 minutes from the capital city Reykjavik can give access to dramatic landscapes, lava fields, mountain valleys, mysterious black sand beaches, and black porous rocks.
What can you do in Iceland?
From relaxing in a natural hot spring river, snorkeling between tectonic plates, and exploring lava tube caves. The mysterious experiences that Iceland has to offer are simply out of the world!
Watch the Northern Lights, a.k.a Aurora Borealis –
Like lasers in the sky, or a display of neon-colored silk scarves waving across the sky. The Aurora Borealis is Mother Nature’s most spectacular light show with a truly unique display of vibrant reds, oranges, whites, purples, and green hues in the night sky. The peak viewing season for the northern lights is September through March, but the country also gets quite cold during this time and daylight lasts only about five hours.
Visit the glaciers and volcanoes around the Ring Road –
Iceland is famously referred to as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ owing to the extreme contrast in Iceland’s natural phenomena. Iceland is home to Europe’s largest and distinctly beautiful glaciers, as well as most of the world’s active volcanoes. The period between June and August sees ideal weather for visiting natural wonders and experiencing the entire Ring Road which is the one main highway of Iceland. As the name suggests, it goes all the way around the country. Many of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful natural wonders can be found near the Ring Road. There are several smaller roads off the route, but the Ring Road is by far the most traveled and central.
Soak in the goodness of natural spas –
No visit to Iceland is complete without a revitalizing plunge into one of the geothermal pools. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular choice among tourists and is famous for its incredible skin treatments and skin products.
Take a guided hike –
There are plenty of hiking trails all around Iceland that suit different fitness levels. It is however very important to organize your hike along with a reputed organization as Iceland has very unpredictable weather.
Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture –
Iceland has a very vibrant and active culture where they celebrate festivals all year round. Be it a walking festival, art festival, fashion, lights, sports, food, design, and of course, Viking festivals!
Shopping to support local talent –
Icelanders are a group of very creative people and here you will find innovative product designs and jewelry made out of lava stones and locally sourced minerals. Iceland not only has a number of unique fashion stores but also has shopping malls! The country is a tax-free shopping haven, which means that regular high-ticket items can be found at a heavily discounted price!
A fresh culinary experience –
Iceland has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s top ‘foodie’ destinations. The country’s pristine environment makes it a hospitable environment for fishing, while also harnessing the raw power of geothermal energy which cultivates year-round vegetable crops. Iceland has over 15 Indian restaurants and Indian food is easily available here.
The Best Hotels in Iceland –
- Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
- Hotel Laxá, Hotel Kea
- 101 Hotel
- Ion Adventure Hotel
- Hotel Rangá
- Hotel Katla
- Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Egilsen
There are new hotels constantly coming up in the country. In downtown Reykjavik, 1000 new rooms were added last year. Iceland has a larger number of 4-star hotels than 5-stars simply because a 5-star hotel requires a lot of staff and at such an expensive destination high-quality 4-star hotels with lesser staff are preferred.
