7 Top reasons why you should visit incredible Iceland

seljalandsfoss — Seljalandsfoss, one of the most photographed places in Iceland.

Taking a look at the famous land of ‘fire and ice’, here are 7 top reasons why you should consider visiting Iceland.

1. The capital

The capital, Reykjavik can be the perfect holiday base.

Conveniently close to the country’s celebrated collection of sweeping landscapes, the city is best known for its nightlife, a generous helping of restaurants to select from and striking landmarks.

Must-visits include the towering Hallsgrimkja church, guarded by a statue of the famous explorer Leif Erikson said to be the first European to set foot on North America, and the ‘Ode to the sun’ Sun Voyager sculpture.

Readers seeking some historical insight about their holiday host should look no further than the National Museum of Iceland.

Wandering around the exhibits, readers will be taken on a journey exploring Iceland’s rich heritage and history.

2. The Northern Lights

During winter, visitors from around the world are drawn to Iceland in search of the natural dancing lights show known as the Northern Lights.

Iceland is the perfect natural theatre to witness this wonderful light phenomenon.

Stepping out of the towns and cities and journeying for a matter of minutes into Icelandic wilderness often brings visitors to vast open stretches largely unaffected by light pollution, creating the ideal setting to stop and admire the show!

Also known as the Polar lights or Aurora Borealis, this wonderful light effect is created by magnetism and solar particles.

Guided by experts to some of the best spots, seeing this fantastic light show is one of the greatest experiences Iceland has to offer.

3. Geothermal Wonders

Whether admiring the geothermal wonders of Strokkur Geyser, the hot springs around Lake Myvatn or relaxing in the therapeutic Blue Lagoon, rewarding geothermal experiences are aplenty when holidaying in Iceland.

Close to Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geyser erupts on a regular basis, sending hot water up several metres into the sky.

To the north, Lake Myvatn is one of Iceland’s largest lakes, surrounded by geological wonders including other-worldly looking hot springs.

Taking a break from exploration, The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions.

Fed by geothermal seawater supplied by a nearby geothermal power station, The Blue Lagoon actually sits within a lava field.

Famous for its blue waters holding a high level of silica believed to have beneficial properties for visitors, the lagoon is a fantastic relaxation spot.

4. Beautiful Waterfalls

Each an amazing spectacle on their own and often surrounded by striking scenery, Iceland is home to some incredible waterfalls.

Feeling Inspired? Explore our collection of Iceland holidays here

Gullfoss, also known as ‘Golden Falls’, forms an integral part of the impressive Golden Circle touring route.

To the north, Godafoss is one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, falling close to 40 feet.

Best reached from the coastal city of Akureyri, the fall is a true natural wonder.

Elsewhere, readers can actually circle around famous Seljalandsfoss!

Dropping down into a canyon, water has eroded the canyonside away slightly, letting readers walk behind the cascading water as it crashes down from a drop 60 metres above.

A magical sight, the fall is one of the most photographed places in all of Iceland.

Surrounded by black lava columns, Svartifoss tucked away in Vatnajökull National Park and the southern gem Skogafoss both rival Gullfoss for the title of Iceland’s best-known waterfall.

5. Whale Watching

Humpaback Whales — Humpback Whales off the coast of Akureyri.

Readers spending time in Akureyri are perfectly placed to go out for a spot of whale watching.

The coastal waters here have long been one of the best places to catch sight of whales in the Northern Hemisphere.

Setting out across the water, boat tours available bring readers close (within safe distance) of huge Humpback Whales wandering around fjord waters surrounded by lovely scenery stretching along the coastline.

6. Thingvellir National Park

Resting on a rift valley where two tectonic plates meet and have risen out of the ground with amazing results, Thingvellir National Park is another quintessential Icelandic destination and key spot along the Golden Circle route.

Bit of Trivia – Thingvellir was Iceland’s first national park!

During a visit, readers can seize on the opportunity to walk through a valley between the two plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The park is also home to the mineral-rich Lake Thingvallavatn and the scenic Oxara River.