This is especially convenient for hikers who plan to do the famous multi-day Laugavegur hike. Because of this variety and accessibility, Snaefellsnes tours are popular both as day trips from Reykjavik and as detours on longer Ring Road journeys. Visiting Iceland in summer means experiencing one of the country’s most magical natural phenomena, the midnight sun.

Birds in Iceland: The Complete Guide

• For a closer experience of these striking natural features, you can join glacier tours to hike on the ice or visit natural ice caves, both unforgettable things to do in Iceland.
• Vatnajokull National Park covers nearly 15% of Iceland and includes Europe’s largest glacier, volcanoes, canyons, and countless natural wonders.
• Iceland was founded more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled by a mixed Norse and Celtic population.
• Many visitors also add tours on the Langjokull Glacier to their Silver Circle itinerary, with options to explore Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
• About two hours east of Vik lies Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland.
• Historically, due to cultural, economic, and linguistic similarities, Iceland is a Nordic country, and it participates in intergovernmental cooperation through the Nordic Council.

The early settlement, made up primarily of Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, fostered further excursions to Greenland and the coast of North America (which the Norse called Vinland). Despite its physical isolation some 500 miles (800 km) from Scotland—its nearest European neighbour—Iceland has remained throughout its history very much a part of European civilization. Much of Iceland’s cuisine is based on fish, lamb, and dairy products, with little to no use of herbs or spices.

Admire Iceland’s Most Famous Mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Make sure to familiarize yourself with driving F-roads in Iceland and plan the route carefully in advance, as rough terrain is common. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a compact activtrades forex broker review yet unforgettable snapshot of Iceland. Travelers who want more time can base themselves at one of the many great places to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and explore at a slower pace. The region is also home to small, scenic towns that provide basic services and easy access to top attractions.

Other schools offering university-level instruction include Reykjavík University, University of Akureyri, Agricultural University of Iceland, and Bifröst University. Iceland was hit especially hard by the Great Recession that began in December 2007 because of the failure of its banking system and a subsequent economic crisis. Instead, new banks were established to take on the domestic operations of the banks, and the old banks were to be run into bankruptcy.

• The animals of Iceland include the Icelandic sheep, cattle, chickens, goats, the sturdy Icelandic horse, and the Icelandic Sheepdog, all descendants of animals imported by Europeans.
• The area was shaped by volcanoes and glacial floods, creating wide open plains and dramatic coastlines.
• Stykkisholmur is the main town of the peninsula, with a harbor, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• The Lake Myvatn region in North Iceland is an incredible place to visit that offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and rich birdlife.
• The new island grew to about 1 square mile (2.5 square km) in area and rose more than 560 feet (170 metres) above sea level, a total of 950 feet (290 metres) from the ocean floor.

Whales – Meet the Giants of the Ocean

The best time to visit is during the warmer months, when most roads are clear, and summer self-drive tours are the best way to experience the region. Midnight sun tours invite travelers to enjoy long days for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor adventures. The extended daylight is why summer is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Diamond Beach by Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is another stunning beach, known for its glistening ice. One of the most popular photography locations is Solheimasandur, a large black sand plain home to the DC3 Plane Wreck.

You can explore more of the cultural side of the city with visits to the top museums in Reykjavik, or enjoy a self-guided walk past Reykjavik’s colorful murals and street art. Downtown Reykjavik is compact and walkable, filled with colorful houses, boutique shops, and lively cafés. Stroll down Laugavegur Street, the city’s main shopping area, where you’ll find local design stores, cozy bookshops, and the perfect Icelandic souvenirs. While two days are enough to see the highlights, spending three or four days in North Iceland allows for a more relaxed trip with time to enjoy hidden gems. If you’re short on time, take a domestic flight from Reykjavik and rent a car in Akureyri.

Experience the Midnight Sun of Icelandic Summer

Below is a short overview of the top 10 natural wonders to help you decide on what to see in Iceland. The Eastfjords are usually explored when traveling the whole Ring Road around Iceland, since the area is too far from Reykjavik for a day visit. Alternatively, you can fly from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir, the main town in the east, and continue exploring with a rental car from there. The best place in Iceland to begin a trip is Reykjavik, the country’s capital. Below, you’ll find a short introduction to the best places to visit in Iceland and what each region has to offer, before we dive deeper into the best attractions and activities.

Glaciers in Iceland

Though not compulsory, everyone who has had a compulsory education has the right to upper secondary education. This stage of education is governed by the Upper Secondary School Act of 1996. The largest seat of higher education is the University of Iceland, which has its main campus in central Reykjavík.

Embark on a Road Trip and See the Whole of Iceland

The Volcano Express is a virtual experience inside Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall. This immersive ride uses motion simulation and visual effects to showcase Iceland’s volcanic history in an exciting, accessible way. No trip to Iceland is complete without experiencing one of its world-famous geothermal spas. At the top of the list is the Blue Lagoon, a globally recognized bucket-list travel experience that draws visitors from all over the world. The tour is one of the best things to do in Vik, and it’s suitable for all skill levels, making it an accessible adventure for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

The biopharmaceutical company deCODE genetics has funded the creation of a genealogy database that is intended to cover all of Iceland’s known inhabitants. It views the database, called Íslendingabók, as a valuable tool for conducting research on genetic diseases, given the relative isolation of Iceland’s population. The head of government is the prime minister, who, together with the cabinet, is responsible for executive government.

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is often considered the number one attraction in Iceland, making it a highlight of any trip to Southeast Iceland. Here, massive icebergs break off from Breidamerkurjokull Glacier and drift across the lagoon before reaching the sea. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, located between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. Its warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing before or after a flight. Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognized waterfalls, located on the South Coast.

In addition to its landscapes, North Iceland is also a place to slow down and enjoy its geothermal baths and hot springs. In winter, it becomes a prime destination for seeing the northern lights and dog sledding tours. Iceland has excellent conditions for skiing, fishing, snowboarding, ice climbing and rock climbing, although mountain climbing and hiking are preferred by the general public. Iceland is also a world-class destination for alpine ski touring and Telemark skiing, with the Troll Peninsula in Northern Iceland being the main centre of activity. In the colder months, Iceland’s ice caves offer some of the most magical experiences.