If you were not aware of it yet, Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, as it contains and has so many volcanoes and glaciers in store. Tourists primarily visit this country for their natural tourist spots and enjoy the luxury of Mother Nature surrounding them.
The moment you see yourself prepared and excited for an adventure filled with the beauty of nature, folklore, and Norse mythology, then read more about the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Iceland!
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Although the Hornstrandir may be deserted as of now, some people resided in the place centuries way back but left around the mid-20th-century due to extreme famine and hardship. Hornstrandir may remain unoccupied up to this date, but despite that, it has rather become a famous attraction to both the locals and tourists.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is well-known for the sports activities that it has in store, especially hiking. With cliffs overlooking the ocean and rich green landscapes majestically surrounding you, there is no way that you would not want to try hiking.
If you plan to go to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, keep in mind that no roads are available to get to this destination, so you would have to take the boat. Pack four-season equipment and carry a bag that would not weigh that much to make your hiking experience lighter. It is highly suggested that you bring a wardrobe that can stand against harsh rain and good boots that can support your ankles well.
Hiking around Hornstrandir would usually take place in 1 to 6 days, and you would stay in your designated camping sites. This can be made all the more comfortable when choosing to rent a campervan through a site like Rent.is. Camping can let you experience the wildlife that remained and grew in the nature reserve, so it is requested that during your stay, you would preserve it, as well.
Whale Watching Tours
Iceland’s water and atmosphere make whales swim around its fjords a lot, especially since it has an abundant amount of feeding for the species. Whale watching tours are held to let locals and tourists view the majestic whales present in Iceland’s seas, such as minke whales, harbor porpoises, orcas, and a whole lot more.
Booking one of these tours comes with guided boat tours and educational discussions regarding the whales that swim around the ocean. To ensure your safety, floatable overalls are provided for you and your children, as well. Wi-Fi is also available on the boat, along with souvenirs.
If you fail to sight a whale during your stay, then you will get a free ticket so that you could try another time to see one. Rest assured, this activity will not only be relaxing, but you will sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of the whales present in the sea.
The Viking World
Suppose you would like to visit a rather educational attraction in Iceland. In that case, it is a must that you visit the Viking World-especially when you are interested in Norse mythology. The Viking World is a museum located on Njarðvík, Reykjanesbær, near the airport, with a noticeable replica of a Viking ship as its main attraction. This Viking ship is called Íslendingur, built by Gunnar Marel Eggertsson, who has said to sail on it to New York back in the year 2000. Of course, you will know more once you visit the museum yourself.
The whole place is packed with lessons and trivia regarding Norse mythology, as well, making it the perfect spot for educational tours of the local children. The museum offers discussions on the journeys of the Nordic people and how they have contributed to the discovery of North America. It can also give you insights into Norse Mythology, such as stories about the Norse gods and the legends that Vikings have used to believe in.
The Blue Lagoon
A trip to Iceland won’t be complete if you haven’t visited the Blue Lagoon. It offers a geothermal spa experience, where the water that you swim in is steamy since it is part of a lava formation. Not only would you find yourself enjoying the steamy waters of the Blue Lagoon, but you would find marvel in the nature surrounding you, as well.
Aside from the geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon also offers a stay at The Retreat Hotel or The Silica Hotel. There are also restaurants nearby that serve only the finest cuisines. There is even a Lava Restaurant situated at the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, and it earned its name simply because it was built into a lava wall.