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Why Iceland should be first on your bucket list.

Never did we think that Iceland could take our breath away so many times. We said the word ‘WOW’ so many times while being there and it still did not give this place true justice to its natural beauty.

Iceland is such an inspiring country that evokes a great admiration for mother nature. Iceland is one of the most scenic countries we have visited, often referred to as the land of Fire and Ice. Where else in the world can you see some of the most prettiest landscapes including magnificent waterfalls, geothermal pools and dazzling northern lights all in one place? Because of this, Iceland has always been on our bucket list and we finally mannaged to tick it off. We had the most amazing experiences in the 4 days we were there.

Iceland should be on top of your bucket list and with this blog we want to share with you the best locations and attractions for any first timers visit this beautiful country. Below you can find some visiting tips and best things to do in Iceland.

GETTING THERE

We flew direct to Reykjavik from London Gatwick airport. We flew over with WOW Airlines and they were fantastic. The check In process was easy and quick and the flight attendants were more than happy to attend our needs. We would recommend flying with WOW again and also the airfares are at an affordable price. To book your flight to Iceland click HERE.

TIPS

Book accommodation with cooking facilities – Iceland is known to be more on the expensive side including food, drinks and accommodation. We booked a small studio apartment with our own kitchen so we could cook our own food. Many attractions are several hours away and most days once you leave you will not return until night time. We pre cooked meals to take with us on our drives and ate them throughout the day. Iceland does not get very hot so the meals were kept nice and cool. This was our biggest money saver and saved us time if we were to try and find a place to eat on the road. We stayed in the main city of Reykjavik and booked our studio apartment with Downtown Reykjavik Apartments. It was very central and close to shops and restaurants. To see accomodation prices and availibility click HERE.
Shop at Bonus Grocery Store – Due to minimal customer service and a raw industrial interior, Bónus can underbid all of their competitors and is one of Iceland’s cheapest grocery store. Bónus stores are open on weekdays and weekends and operate under a yellow banner showing an obese cheeky piggy bank.
Hire a car – Most tours can be booked online with various tour companies who will supply transport to see various sites. If your like us and enjoy leaving early, beating the crowds and going at your own pace then we definitely recommend hiring a car from the airport. Most of the sites are easily accessible and there is no need to hire a 4WD if you are visiting in the hotter season. We hired a small KIA and it was perfect to get everywhere however If your visiting in winter and its snowing you will need a 4WD. We hired a car online before we left London which was cheaper upon arrival. To look at car hire prices click HERE
Get a Navman – We hired a Navman with Herts car rental. We were unsure if google maps from our phones would work in Iceland and didn’t want to take the risk. The roads are straight forward to drive on around Iceland as there are only a few main highways.
Check weather conditions – Iceland is definitely the country of fire and ice. In one day we experienced rain, hail, snow and sunshine. Be sure to check the weather conditions before you travel to Iceland so that you can pack the correct clothes and be prepared for which ever season it is over there. Also bring a good warm rain jacket and hiking boots.
Wake up early – Most of the attractions are at least 2 hours drive away or more. Get up early to beat the crowd and to catch a beautiful sunrise for your drive or your destination.
Charge your cameras and phones every night – Trust me when I say this but you will run out of battery every night from using your phones and cameras from taking so many photos. Even driving to a destination, the urge to continuously stop along the way to take photos will occur. You will always find snow capped mountains, stunning waterfalls, lush moss covered rocks and Icelandic ponies along the journey. You would hate to miss out on taking a photo of these from having a flat battery.
Try to visit Iceland during non peak season – Iceland has a concentrated peak season, peaking mid June through to August. Iceland has plenty to do in Spring, Fall and Winter. Prices are always dramatically lower for airlines, car rentals and accommodation before and after peak season. Iceland is expecting two million visitors for the year of 2018!
Research best times of day to go– If your going to a specific location for a photo we suggest do your research and see when is the best time to be there. Either sunrise or sunsets are always the nicest time. Also research other photos of the same location and see what angle looks good so you already know where to take the best shot.
Don’t be in a hurry – The drive to these spots is the most scenic and picturesque drive we have ever done in the world! Don’t be in a rush to get there, take your time, enjoy the journey and stop at the designated stop off points to take those amazing photos. Pull in to a road stop because its illegal to pull over on the side of the highway. Walk around to take in the views because there is so much to see including the most beautiful snow capped mountains and waterfalls. We stopped and pulled over near a paddock just to see the famous Icelandic ponies with there gorgeous long hair.

SELJALANDFOSS – Vik, South Iceland

Our first day in Iceland we set our alarms to 4am so we could arrive at the waterfall nice and early, beating the crowds. Seljalandfoss is located 90 minutes south of Reyjavik and can be seen from the highway. Experience the extremely beautiful Seljalandfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Iceland. Reaching heights of 65 meters, its a wonderful sight up close and far away. Easily accessible by car, many tours also take day trippers to picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall as well. Yet, there is a sense of serenity here due to the few commercial establishments located in the area, ensuring that visitors enjoy some peace here at Seljalandsfoss.

A path leads you behind the waterfall, but be warned you will get soaking wet from the drizzle. It is fantastic walking behind Seljalandsfoss especially on a sunny day when one can catch a rainbow. As well as an impressive waterfall, the surrounding areas are attractive too. Much colourful flora and fauna can be found here along with an abundance of lush greenery, making the location a pure haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also see Seljalandsfoss at night as both the waterfall and background are floodlit when darkness falls.

SKÓGAFOSS – Vik, South Iceland

Located only 25 kilometres south of Seljalandfoss, Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. Skógafoss reaches 60 meters in height and 25 meters wide. A 370 step walking path leads you up to the top of Skógafoss waterfall where you will be rewarded with inspiring views of the southern Iceland’s coastline.

Located on the cliffs of the former Icelandic coastline, there is plenty of unusual scenery around the area. The path leading to the top of the waterfalls continues following the river upstream – where numerous more dramatic waterfalls of sheer beauty are to be found. A great hike – to say the least! A black pebbled path leads all the way to the front to of the waterfall and make for an epic photo. Skógar is a place to explore the natural diversity of the south or, if the weather is good, to spend a holiday amid beautiful and rugged landscapes. It is also very close to the ocean and the unique black sea.

SOLHEIMASANDUR PLANE WRECK – Vik, South Iceland

One of the most photographed site to see when in Iceland. The abandoned plane wreck still remains to this day 45 years on. In 1973 a United States Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crashed on the black beach at Sólheimasandur, in the South Coast of Iceland. Fortunately, everyone in that plane survived. Later it turned out that the pilot had simply switched over to the wrong fuel tank. The remains are still on the sand very close to the sea. The walk to the plane wreck is a 3 hour round trip along the black sand beach but worth the adventure. Visitors previously were able to drive to the crash site but on March 2016 local land owners banned all vehicles driving on the beach.

The scenery of the white abandoned plane against the black sand backdrop makes for a surreal landscape and is a photographers paradise. Photographers from all over the world try there luck and stay overnight in hope of catching the strong aurora activity and the wreck against the brightly coloured Northern lights.

Iceland is also notorious for crazy weather changes, so you have to factor in rain or snow when walking to the site. Make sure you’re prepared. We got stuck in a heavy rain shower when we were there, lucky for us the only shelter was inside the plane. The wreckage was both amazing and eerie. You can walk inside the plane and still see remains of the cockpit and the cabin. The wings & tail are missing, the shell is full of holes, and the crumbling fuselage is covered with wind-blown black sand.

FJADARGLJUFI CANYON – Vik, South Iceland

This canyon is one of those places in Iceland that you don’t find in any of the brochures, and don’t see many photos of. That’s one of the reasons it’s all that much more magical when you get there. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and about two kilometres long. The Fjaðrá river runs through it. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon was created by progressive erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks over a long period of time, some say 9000 years ago. The canyon has steep walls and winding water.

To get to the Canyon take a left at the turn off then drive up a gravel road for 2 kms. The road to the Canyon was blocked off at the time due to bad conditions so we had to park and walk there. Usually you can hike along the canyon all the way to the top but it was also closed to help with restoration of the cliffs. The view of the Canyon was still breathtaking from the small bridge below. We flew the drone over the top to get more of a view and some great shots.

BLACK SAND BEACH – Vik, South Iceland

This is not like your typical beach you would find in Australia. What if i told you that this is a famous Lava beach. With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. Iceland has several volcanic beaches. Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet.

Reynisfjara is found around 180 km from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, and is a popular stop-off for those taking a sightseeing tour along South Coast. Driving to the beach is particularly easy, taking an approximate two and a half hours from the capital.

rocky rugged terrain coated in vibrant green spongy moss.

KIRKJUFELLFOSS- Kirkjufell, North West Iceland

Only 2.5 hours North West of Reykjavík. Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is located on the Snæfellsness peninsular and Kirkjufells has become the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall channels the glacier melt water of the Snæfellness mountains. It is not a very large waterfall as it only stands about 5 meters high, but it has a couple of levels and the water is channeled into three separate spouts.

Personally we liked to capture the falls with the pyramid shaped Kirkjufell mountain in the background. This is the most popular angle of Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. This angle shows the steeple shape of the 463 meter high mountain and is why the combination has been so successful and is the most photogenic.

To reach the falls from the parking area follow the trail for less than 1000 ft (300m) to the top of the second falls. Spots for photographing the waterfalls and mountain can found along the cliffs and base of the falls.

On the way to Kirkjufellfoss stop off at the Hotel Rjukandi Cafe to have the tastiest smoked salmon and avocado bagel. On the way back to if your not in a hurry cruise along the coast back to Reykjavik. Along the route you will admire views of snow capped mountains and steep cliffs into the ocean. This drive by far was the most scenic of the whole trip and undoubtly the most scenic we have experienced anywhere in the world.

GULLFOSS – Hella, South West Iceland

Gullfoss is s a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland and is one of the most popular of all the waterfalls. The waterfall is about 90 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Translated in English the name Gullfs means ” Golden Falls” because on a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown colour. This is due to the fact that it’s glacial water and therefore carries lots of sediments that glacial ice has carved off the earth throughout the years. Gullfoss is part of the popular day tour ‘the golden circle’, which covers three natural beauties. Gullfoss waterfall is an inspiring and uplifting experience which leaves you feeling energetic and spirited.

Gullfoss consists of two waterfalls. The water cascades down in two stages. The height of the upper waterfall is 11 meters and that of the lower one is 20 meters and then falls into the 2.5 km long crevasse below. This crevasse was created at the end of the Ice Age by catastrophic flood waves and is lengthened by 25 cm a year by the constant erosion from the water. The total height of Gullfoss is 31 meters. Gullfoss and the surrounding area were made a natural reserve in 1979 to give people the best possible opportunity to enjoy this unique natural scene. The areas ecosystem is also protected and its vegetation remains untouched. On sunny days visitors are treated to thousands of rainbows, a natural reaction with the clouds of spray from the tumbling falls.

GEYSIR – Haukadalur Valley, South West Iceland

Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland. A favorite stop along the Golden Circle and also on the way back to Reykjavik. With boiling mud pits, exploding geysers and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The newly opened Geysir Center offers exhibits and informative presentations year round. Geysir Hot Spring Area is another popular tourist stop in Iceland. The geothermal field is believed to have a surface area of approximately 3 km². Most of the springs are aligned along a 100m wide strip of land running in the same direction as the tectonic lines in the area, from south to southwest.

Visitors are encouraged to stay within marked areas and keep away when the geyeser erupt, for the water is extremely hot and reaches temperatures from 80 to 100 degrees. Also be prepared for the strong sulphur stench.

THE BLUE LAGOON – Grindavick, South West Iceland

One of the 25 wonders of the world and one of Icelands most popular tourist attraction. The beautiful milky-blue opaque water makes a stark contrast to the surrounding black lava field covered with dark green moss. The Blue Lagoon is a large lake that has the perfect temperature to bathe in, on average it’s 39°C/102°F. It is situated on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is only a 15-minute drive from the international airport of Keflavík and 30-minute drive from the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík. That makes it the perfect first stop when arriving in Iceland or the last stop before you leave the country.

The Blue Lagoon has now become so popular that in order to get there you will need to book your entry days or even weeks in advance. We went to book in on our last day and unfortunately it was already booked out. Book your tickets in advance HERE. Standard entry is from 6100 ISK for adults (14+). The Blue Lagoon opens from 7:00am until 12:00 pm in peak season.

Best time to visit is late at night to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.

*Photo from The Blue Lagoon official website

ICELANDIC PONIES

Every chance we got, we’d pull off on the side of the road to see Icelandic horses. They were friendly too and seemed to love having their pictures taken. The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of smallish horses that came to Iceland with the first settlers from Norway 1100 years ago. Icelandic horses are not allowed to be cross bred or exported/imported therefor these ponies are 100% pure Icelandic.

The Icelandic ponies are known for being sure-footed and able to cross rough terrain. It displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The first additional gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait called tölt. The breed also performs a pace called skeið, or “flying pace”. Skeið is used in pacing races, and is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach up to 50 km/h. Horse riding is a great way to explore unspoiled nature, offering stunning, views of panoramic landscapes and grazing sheep. Riding tours are offered all throughout Iceland by various and numerous farms, many of which are only a few minutes outside of Reykjavik. The tours suit all levels of experience and can last anywhere between half a day to ten days.