Iceland’s Natural Wonders and Viking Folklore Create a Magical Destination for Travelers
Iceland is a small island nation with a population of approximately three hundred thousand and lies just below the Artic Circle. It is slightly larger than Ireland and about the size of Ohio. Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is the northernmost capital of the world and is located exactly halfway between New York and Moscow. The official language is Icelandic; however, most Icelanders learn English in the fourth grade and can converse easily with visitors.
Icelanders take great care to preserve their Celtic and Norse beginnings. The culture contains a rich history of Viking relics and folklore. Some Icelanders still believe in elves, trolls, and other mythical creatures. Elves are embedded in Icelandic practices, from impacting historic government decisions to The Icelandic Elf School, an organization that teaches Icelandic folklore. Elves and “hidden people” aside, Iceland also boasts breathtaking waterfalls, snowy landscapes, unique beaches, and picturesque scenery.
There is no shortage of interesting things to do during a visit to Iceland, whether road-tripping around the perimeter of the country or just visiting its capital city. Here are some must-see places to visit or experiences not to miss while in Iceland:
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrímskirkja – This Lutheran parish church in the heart of Reykjavík has been considered an important symbol for Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986. The church is one of the city's best-known landmarks and is visible throughout the city, hence its annual tradition of being the best place to view New Year’s Eve fireworks. Iceland’s government only permits fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the Icelandic holiday Epiphany on January 6. Consequently, locals only have the span of a week to purchase fireworks, and collectively blow millions of Icelandic kronas (ISK) into the air on New Year’s Eve. On any other day of the year, the church is also used as a place of worship and an observation tower. Visitors can take a lift to the viewing deck which overlooks Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon – There are few better ways to recharge your body and mind than in a geothermal spa. Known throughout the world as a unique and tranquil destination, The Blue Lagoon Iceland offers day visits as well as a hotel, spa, restaurants and more. The azure waters possess remarkable healing qualities and became popular enough in the 1980s to inspire the first swimming facilities to open. The water is rich in silica and sulfur, and silica mud is available for free withing the pool for guests to enjoy a face mask. The temperature is a wonderful contrast to winter temperatures, averaging between 98-102 F. The Blue Lagoon is open throughout the year and is popular in every season. Because of this, reservations should be made months in advance. Smaller and less trafficked spas and pools can also be found in the area, as well as natural hot pools you may happen upon while hiking or horse-riding across the landscapes.
Wonderful Waterfalls – Iceland features an abundance of waterfalls. All a traveler will need to do is start driving, and there is bound to be one to happen upon. Featured alongside the main roads, these beautiful sights can be enjoyed either driving by or up close.
Reynisfjara Beach - With its enormous basalt columns, raging Atlantic waves, and deep black sand, Reynisfjara is the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. The rocky sea stacks sitting off the shoreline, named Reynisdrangar, may look familiar to some people. They were featured in Season 7 of the HBO Series “Game of Thrones,” and you can spot them in scenes shot ‘North of the Wall’. According to local folklore, these large columns were once trolls turned to solid stone by the dawn. Another close major landmark is the Dyrholaey rock arch and cliffs. While beautiful to gaze upon with typical seabirds, it is one of the best places to see puffins from land.
Reynisfjara Beach
Silfra Fissure - Silfra Fissure was created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland. The Silfra fissure fills with pure, clear glacial water that has been filtered underground for decades through lava rock. This filtering process makes Silfra one of the clearest bodies of water on earth with up to 120 meters of visibility and creates a perfect snorkeling destination. A true once-in-a-lifetime experience, visitors can pay to snorkel between continents at Silfra Fissure, where guided tours are hosted daily and offer warm hot coca and cookies after snorkeling in the 35 F water.
When to go – Iceland’s name is misleading because the winters are quite mild thanks to the Gulf Stream. Rain is just as likely as snow, and locals often tell the age-old joke, “If you do not like the weather, stick around. It will change.” The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 32 F. July is considered Iceland’s peak tourist season with average temperatures of 54 F and record high temperatures of around 78 F. Although the temperatures are quite pleasant, the amount of daylight often determines when travelers should visit.. From May to August, daylight is plentiful, and darkness is scarce. However, in mid-winter there are only about four to five hours of daylight.
How to get here - Around twenty airlines offer nonstop flights from destinations in North America to Keflavik International Airport all year round. The national carrier is Icelandair which has been named one of the safest low-cost carriers. The flight features roomy seating and meals to order. Once you arrive, it is recommended that you rent a car to increase your freedom to explore the endless experiences Iceland has to offer.
This Article was written by Jessica Crist, the Production Director of The Traveling American, who also provided the photographs of Iceland’s natural wonders.