Word about the pleasures Iceland holds has spread thanks to clever marketing and a facelift given to many of the country's hotspots. Past inhibitions about the intense cold weather, and the lack of fun activities has dissipated. Consequently, a large influx of visitors now teem towards northern Europe during Iceland's prime summer months.
preparing to go
A fact one must deal with is that the weather in Iceland is fairly brisk. The average temperature in July is 51°F, and it plunges down to 32°F in January. The winters here are comparable to the winters in the American northeast, and the same sort of apparel you would wear there, such as winter coats, scarves and boots, applies at this time. During the busy summer tourist season, you'll be most comfortable in light sweaters, windbreakers and long pants.Securing transport to Iceland is simple, with major carriers, including Icelandair, providing routine flights. For a unique alternative, there are ferries that head to the country via Norway, Denmark and even Northern Scotland. Luxury cruises often make stops in Reykjavik harbor as well.
To give you a good idea of the unique experiences available in Iceland, here's a three-day itinerary of the country's best spots to eat, sightsee, party, and just plain relax.
Day 1: Wacky Reykjavik
Though not a bustling metropolis (population: 171,500), Reykjavik is still booming with activity. This includes the hotel industry: tourists have the option of staying in centrally located and posh places, such as the Hotel Odinsve, or, for the traveler on a budget, The Reykjavik City Hostel provides the perfect accommodations.
Begin your Icelandic experience by taking a walk. Most tourists initially gravitate to the Hallgrmskirkja, a towering post-modern church that sits atop a hill in the center of town. After observing the unique architecture, take an elevator to the top floor; you'll be rewarded with a terrific view of the whole city.
If you want to get immersed in Icelandic culture right away, visit the strange sculptures at the Einar Jnsson Museum only a few blocks away. Here, you'll get a sense of the off-the-wall tastes and tendencies of Icelanders -- there is a great love for everything unique, avant-garde and strange here. Admission is 400 ISK (currency is called Iceland Krona), or about $5 US.
feel your way through old town
Continue on your walk and you'll encounter Tjrn ("the pond"). This little body of water constitutes the southern boundary of Reykjavik's nicest area, Old Town. Stop by to watch locals simply hanging out or feeding the ducks, and then stroll northward to see the coolest looking city hall in the world, the Ráðhús, and experience an Icelandic flea market, all in the Old Town region.If your stomach is growling, take a breather at one of the many trendy coffee shops, such as Café Paris. By now, you'd think the sun would begin to set, but because of the country's geographic location, it stays bright all day and night during the summer months. Though this may take some time to get used to, take advantage by finishing up your tour of Old Town and the nearby happening shopping district along the Laugavegur thoroughfare.
take to the sand in iceland
All this walking, and oohing and aahing at the strange architecture and beautiful scenery may be making you tired. If this is the case, head down to the Nauthlsvk beach. Iceland may be the last place you'd expect to find a beach, but the city developed the area to complement the natural thermal baths that run through the island. Though the temperature falls as nighttime approaches, you can still experience the warmth and therapeutic qualities of these waters wearing a regular bathing suit. Nothing beats sitting in a steamy bath while looking out into the frozen sea and distant snow-capped mountains.eat to your heart's content
There is still a lot to do before this great day ends. Iceland is known for its great fish and lamb dishes -- try out either (or both) at Einar Ben, in the harbor area, or Naustid, located in the city center, for a true Icelandic experience. Just remember that these restaurants are quite expensive: the only perks are that the gratuity is already included in the price, and if you're still hungry, second helpings are free.then sweat it off at the club
To finish off a long day, you must summon the strength to party. Reykjavik is known for its nightlife, but with so many nightclubs to choose from, it's difficult to figure out where all the people congregate. To be safe, join the Rangur, a tour that brings you to the city's hottest spots. Try out the country's famous beers before hitting the dance floor at Nasa or Svarta Kavid. If you have the energy, you can continue dancing after the clubs close between 3 and 5 a.m., since people tend to spill into the streets and revel in Iceland's perpetual sunlight.Day 2: Akureyri
A three to four-hour drive, or quick plane ride from Reykjavik, the town of Akureyri boasts the country's warmest climate.
In and around the fjord that surrounds Akureyri there are a multitude of impressive sporting activities, and the comfortable weather allows locals and tourists alike to take in hours of outdoor fun and relaxation. The Hotel Norduland and Hotel Harpa are both located in the heart of this secluded attraction, and will help maximize your enjoyment.
ride like an icelander
With many daylong excursions available, your day here may seem less jam-packed than it was in Reykjavik, but don't be fooled; a trip here is well worth your while. Start out with an Icelandic tradition: horseback riding. Several companies offer hour-long and even weeklong rides around the countryside on one of these powerful, native beasts. On average, it costs $25 per hour, and it is well worth it, both for the eye-catching scenery and the physical workout.When back in Akureyri, try bathing in an authentic Icelandic pool, which is similar in style to the beach in Reykjavik, but without the loads of people. There are 12 such naturally heated pools in the area, but skip out on the regular swimming and hit the "hot pots," a Jacuzzi-like tub which will loosen those tight muscles in no time.
catch some whales in the deep
For about another $45, you can continue these unique arctic experiences by going whale watching, another renowned Icelandic activity. Catch a glimpse of Humpbacks, Orcas, dolphins, and porpoises -- spotting one or more of these species aboard a comfortable and accommodating ferry is almost guaranteed. If watching large mammals is not your cup of tea, but you would still enjoy the deep sea, try out some fishing or a sailing tour in an old-fashioned cutter boat.the not-so-barren north
Many have the misconception that a place at the edge of the Arctic Circle such as Akureyri would be devoid of anything remotely exciting. However, with the above activities, your days here can easily be exhausting. After taking advantage of the natural wonders, you can relax at one of many gourmet restaurants, do some tax-free shopping or watch a "fake" sunset; that is, when the sun hits the horizon at night and then rises back into the sky instead of setting.Though you skipped a night of drinking and partying with uninhibited Scandinavian babes, the experience in this northerly location should satisfy you on a different level. A day in one of nature's most beautiful and unique spots will be easily remembered forever.
Day 3: Geysers & springs
Wrapping up a stay in Iceland should be a delight. Using Reykjavik as a home base, you can visit the country's most popular spots in about an hour's drive.
The first of these places is Geysir, a perfect example of the diversity and beauty of Iceland's landscape. East of Reykjavik, it is an area of highly active hot springs that attract tourists all year long. The biggest geyser in the area is well, Geysir, a vent that sends steam 200 feet into the air. In fact, it is the original vent that all others are named after: as proof, the only Icelandic word in the English language is geyser .
Unfortunately, Geysir is not always active, so many turn to its smaller neighbor Strokkur, which emits 85-foot jets every three to five minutes. For other natural entertainment in the region, take a stroll along one of several walking paths. You'll pass chasms overflowing with steam, algae colorful enough to make you think you're hallucinating, and other Discovery Channel-worthy phenomena.
waterfall unequaled in beauty
After you've had your fill of watching the earth spew out water, take a short drive to Gullfoss, to see more aquatic action. Gullfoss, which translates into "Golden Falls," is Europe's most powerful waterfall. This two-tiered, 105-foot water drop is overrun with visitors on sunny days, when the mist creates a dozen rainbows across the sky. If you weren't convinced before, this incredible sight should set it in your mind once and for all that Iceland is not just a land of snow and glaciers.return to the blue lagoon - again
All this untouchable scenery should by now be making you yearn to be a part of it. If this is the case, Blue Lagoon should be your only destination. The area gets 65% of the Icelandic tourism market thanks to the incredible geothermal spa, which relaxes and revitalizes. Located halfway between the Leif Eriksson International Airport and Reykjavik, it is a must see and should fit into the day's schedule easily.The lagoon, which is surrounded by a moss-covered lava field, holds gallons of mineral-rich water filled with blue-green algae and silica mud. Take a dip in it and you'll feel like a new man. Who new mud could be so great?
There is one downfall to this heavenly experience however; the smell. Because of the abundance and richness of the minerals in the water, first-time visitors get hit with a nice dose of brimstone stink. It takes a while to get used to, but once you're relaxed, all will be well. Expect to pay an entrance fee of roughly $15, and the same amount for a 10-minute massage.
After being treated like a king, you'll be all set to continue on the road to the airport. If you want to grab some food before departure, the Blue Lagoon has a restaurant as well.
a no-brainer
With a natural make-up rivaling that of New Zealand's and the party atmosphere of an arctic Ibiza, Iceland is no longer an overlooked European destination. In fact, it is undergoing a tourist boom thanks to the development of its spas and especially of Reykjavik in general. Keeping this, and the great beer in mind, visiting Iceland should be a no-brainer, especially for an experienced and curious traveler.tips for the trip
Resources:
http://www.iceland.org/country_nature.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/iceland/index.htm
http://www.bluelagoon.is/english/
http://www.goiceland.org/iceland.html
Iceland Travel Guide
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