If there is a country in this world that can perfectly capture the imagination and heart of tourist, it is Iceland. A small Nordic country in the North Atlantic Ocean, an isolated island that is full of mesmerizing landscapes.
Visiting this country will allow you to see a lot of natural wonders including volcanoes, glaciers, green fjords, and lava field. In this article, you will be able to read about the top things you should be aware of before visiting this island. Let’s take a look at the list:
Page Contents
Places to see in Iceland
1. Volcanoes
source:news.com.au
Since this island is located between two tectonic plates, this means that it has one of the largest amounts of active volcanoes in the world. There are 30 active volcanoes and the country has around one eruption every 4 to 5 years. The most popular ones to visit is are Helka, Eyjafjallajökull, and Öræfajökull.
2. Waterfalls
source:goiceland.com
Iceland has a wide range of waterfalls, allowing you to see everything from glacial falls to waterfalls that rip through large canyons and fall on the sandy beaches. Some of the waterfalls that you should visit include Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Godafoss.
3. National Parks
source:wikipedia.org
This country has three national parks, however, the largest one features what was once five separate parks. Þingvellir has the longest history and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to the largest lake on this island. Snæfellsjökull is the only one that runs along Iceland’s coastline, and the Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe.
Things to do in Iceland
1. See the Northern Lights
source:matadornetwork.com
One of the biggest reasons to visit this island during winter is to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights. On a clear night, you will be able to see them around the country from September to April. However, keep in mind that it is a natural occurrence, hence, seeing them is never guaranteed.
2. Go Hiking
source:guidetoiceland.is
One of the best ways to get close to Iceland’s wonderful landscapes is to go hiking. You will be able to choose from a wide range of walking trailer through various ecosystems. If you want to see some hiking option, visit icelandadventuretours.is.
3. Try Outdoor Activities
source:guidetoiceland.is
Since Iceland is defined by its nature, it is perfect for exploring outdoor sports. There are various things that you can try including snowmobiling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and exploring in Jeeps.
Things you should be responsible about
1. Treat wildlife with respect
source:adventures.is
Most of the wildlife found on this island roam freely, hence, it is important that you treat all the animals you encounter with respect. These include horses that you can see almost anywhere. You should also not try to interact with the animals.
2. Do not make or touch Cairns
source:atlasobscura.com
Cairns are carefully arranged stones that appear along hiking trails. Historically, these cairns were made by the Vikings, and they remain important for hikers since they can use it for navigation. Hence, you should never create your own cairn since it might lead to someone getting lost. Also, you should not destroy or move any of the existing cairns since you will be destroying items that are historically important to the country.
Conclusion
As you were able to read, these are the things that you can see and do while visiting Iceland. Keep in mind that you should be respectful to the monuments you come across, as well as the wildlife you see.
