Travel Discover Iceland delights
Iceland, the original land of fire and ice, has never been more popular with Irish visitors and it’s never been easier to enjoy a short or longer break with our northern cousins. It’s one of the youngest places on Earth, which means Iceland is filled with natural wonders and stunning sights. Here are just some of the must-see-and-do items to tick off your list
Relax in the Blue Lagoon
Although this unearthly spot just outside the capital of Reykjavik started off rather prosaically as the wastewater pond for one of the country’s power plants, the Blue Lagoon is now a popular geothermal spa. The warm water is kept at a perfect temperature at 37 to 39°C and is filled with the sort of minerals normally found in mud face masks, which turn the lagoon its characteristic blue-white colour.
Take the Golden Circle Route
This is a popular route which takes in a number of Iceland’s famous sites, all within a short drive of Reyjavik (weather permitting of course). These include Þingvellir, the country’s most important historical location, as it is where the Vikings established the world’s first parliament (‘ Thing’) in 930 AD. It also happens to be just where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that created the island are pulling apart, so you can stand with one foot in either continent, while enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Gullfoss, which means ‘Golden Waterfall’, is one of the country’s most stunning sights, a wall of water that looks even more powerful in winter, with snow and iced all around. And of course, you can’t come to Iceland without experiencing a geyser – the Strokkur is one of the most impressive within the geothermal Haukadalur valley, erupting every 10 minutes or so.
Go Whale Watching
Sadly, Iceland is one of the very few countries that still permit some limited whaling, but this is also one of the best places to see the ocean giants up close. On a trip out to sea, you could spot minke whales, porpoises, puffins, gannets, humpback whales and orcas.
Experience the Northern Lights
The greatest natural light show of them all, the Aurora Borealis, is often visible from October to April in Iceland. Although sightings are never guaranteed, the icy volcanic landscapes of Iceland are surely the most magical background for the show.
Climb to the top of Hallgrímskirkja
It may be a difficult name to say, but this distinctive Reykjavik church is easy to spot on the city skyline. Completed in 1974, it very quickly became the city’s symbol around the world. You can go to the top of Hallgrímskirkja and get a fantastic view of Reykjavik’s very picturesue architecture and setting within the Reykjanes peninsula.