Iceland has become a popular getaway destination in recent years, purely because of its stunning natural beauty and diversity of landscape. The Nordic experts over at Baltic Travel have put together a list of ten reasons why you have to visit this once-in-a-lifetime destination.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Iceland’s placement on top of the world ensures that it’s the best place to catch a glance of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Most commonly seen from September until mid-April, it is one of the world’s most famous natural occurrences to view. Only the lucky few get to have a full show of them.
THE BLUE LAGOON
Set deep in Icelandic landscape, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. This is unsurprising; its aqua blue water and naturally high temperatures are guaranteed to relax you.
THE ICELANDIC WHALES
Whale watching in Iceland is incredibly popular. This is because you are almost always guaranteed to spot one of these magnificent creatures off the coast of Reykjavik. There are many different tours which offer various types of sightings dependent on how keen you are to see them.
THE ROADS
Iceland is famous for the vast open spaces and winding roads. They go on for miles, curving around stunning natural landscape and rock formations. It’s a great place to hire a car and take a long road trip stopping off at different places as you go.
THE UNUSAL ARCHITECTURE
Iceland is special because of its unique, if slightly derelict feel. Heading into the famous town of Reykjavik, immerses you into brightly coloured buildings and quaint pubs filled with locals. Delve into local life by trying an Icelandic craft beer at the pub.
THE WILDLIFE
Not only are the whales a sight for sore eyes, but Iceland boasts some other amazing wildlife, such as Puffins, very pretty and colourful sea birds which can be found nesting on the edges of cliffs. If you are lucky enough to get close enough, you’ll notice the patterns on their beaks which give them their unique look.
THE ICELANDIC GLACIERS
Just when you didn’t think Iceland could offer anything more, you find yourself immersed in its stunning glaciers. Known as the ‘land of Ice & Fire’ because of the number of glaciers and volcanos within the country, Iceland really does offer it all. With over 10 different glaciers to visit, you’ll find it hard to narrow it down to the one or two.
THE FOOD
The cuisine of Iceland dates back for centuries. Important elements are lamb, dairy and fish, due to the vast amount of ocean surrounding the country. Modern Icelandic food includes local ingredients such as salmon, trout, crowberry, Icelandic moss, wild mushrooms and an array of dairy products.
THE MOUNTAINS
Much of the Icelandic landscape is consumed by mountains that even the most confident of mountaineers would find it a little daunting. With various breathtakingly beautiful types, some much larger and covering a lot more ground than others, you are spoilt for choice on hiking trails.
THE VOLCANOS
One of the main reasons people visit this dramatic landscape is to witness one of more than 15 volcanos across the Icelandic landscape, with all of them offering varying looks and scales. Many are open to hikes whilst others are noted as too hazardous to get close to.baltictravelcompany.com
