Ten things to see and do in Iceland

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Ten things to see and do in Iceland - winter and summer!

A guide to getting the most of your Icelandic holiday. We have put together a list of TEN best things to see and do in Iceland by winter and summer.

In winter Iceland looks like a beautiful Christmas card and even though Iceland is close to the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures are often warmer than Copenhagen, London and New York!

In summer the sun never really sets and the weather is really mild and comfy. Which ever season you choose, you'll come away from your Iceland holiday knowing that you have seen some of most spectacular scenery on earth!

Winter in Iceland

1. See the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights have to be seen to be believed – and Iceland is one of the best places in the world to experience this spectacular natural light show. Iceland's high latitude makes it a fantastic Northern Lights destination and there is nothing like watching them dance on the dark sky in Icelandic wintertime.

2. Visit the Blue Lagoon. The world famous Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. The warm waters are rich in minerals and healing powers!

3. Explore Reykjavik City. The worlds northernmost capital and among the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Rich in culture and colour. Send us an email and ask for Secret Reykjavik - Uncover the capital's hidden spots and secret things to do!

4. Dip in a Geothermal Pool. Bathing outdoor in this wonder of nature is an ideal way to harmonies with Icelandic landscape and find your natural balance. Around the country you can find natural hot springs to give you the opportunity to be completely alone with the nature around you, take time to be mindful and watch the sky above you.

5. Enjoy a cosy dinner in a local restaurant. Reykjavik has the world on a plate... you can wine and dine in a design setting with wow factor or just land a traditional Icelandic fish soup.

6. Visit the National Park: Skaftafell. Don't miss the amazing ice caves in Svinafellsjokull and Svartifoss waterfall that are among Skaftafell's better known attractions.

7. Glacier Lagoon: Jokulsarlon. One of the islands most visited places - right of highway number one - a true natures wonder. Huge blocks of ice break off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and large icebergs float on the lagoon. It's adventure you'll never forget and if you're lucky you might see seals!

8. Go north and visit Akureyri. Capital of the north, a charming town with a big heart and a surprising amount of museums, shops, restaurants, cafés, clubs and concert venues. It only takes ten minutes to get to the ski lifts that bring you to the best skying area's in Iceland!

9. Whale Watching. One of the must to-do's in Iceland is to go on a exciting adventure at sea, you dock away from the old harbour and sail to see all kinds of whales, sea birds and beautiful scenery.

10. The Golden Circle. Even though its the most popular tour you can do in Iceland - you should take it. On this tour you will see the largest waterfall in Europe, Geysers and hot springs and the historical and geological wonder of Thingvellir, National Park.

Summer in Iceland

1. Explore all of Westfjords. In the winter time the narrow roads and high cliffs of the westfjords can look dangerous and cold. In the bright summertime these fjords are some of the most beautiful places Iceland has to offer. Drive through old fishermen towns with abandoned but traditional houses or take a bath in one of the swimming pools (where you leave admission money in the jar!) or just look at the magnificent nature that the mountains and rivers of Westfjord’s have to offer.

2. Take a dip in Myvatn Nature Baths. One of the treasures of Mývatn in the north of Iceland. The nature baths are a lot like the Blue lagoon except not as touristy. Relax in the healing waters or try to find one of the hidden hot springs around Mývatn where you can lay all night and watch the sun never set. Near Mývatn you can find Dimmuborgir where there is 2000 year old lava with breathtaking, dark appearance.

3. Explore Landmannalaugar and Sprengisandur in the highlands. With its contrast and diversity Landmannalaugar have been a popular place for locals and tourist to visit for over 20 years. Bathe in the hot springs and camp outside or just enjoy watching the wild nature with its animals and birds. Combine your trip with a visit to one of Europe’s largest desert Sprengisandur with its black sand and raw nature.

4. Visit Seydisfjordur. Spend the day in a traditional small town in Iceland. If you go in July you might also see a lot of free spirited, young people that spend a week there every year training in arts and drama.

5. See Askja. Askja had a great impact on Icelandic life in the 19th century when it erupted and forced many of the farmers nearby to move. Askja is located in the Dyngjufjöll near Vatnajökull and there you can see the deepest lake in Iceland, over 200m.

6. Icelandic Glaciers: all of them! Iceland is famous for its glaciers. They are like humans and come in different size and shapes. It is a unique experience to go and see this dense ice glaciers and the nature around them and you can both drive to all of them (and see the whole country in the way) or just pick one and drive there!

7. Explore Snæfellsnes peninsula and visit Stykkishólmur. Driving through Snæfellsnes is a great for people that don‘t have much time in Iceland, but still want to explore the wilderness and experience real Icelandic nature. Snæfellsnes is famous for its high mountains and beautiful wild nature and is still only an hour drive from Reykjavík. Stop in small but cosy town Stykkishólmur where you can have the best food or coffee at Narfeyrarstofa and look at the adorable old houses.

8. Camp in Þórsmörk. In Iceland you can both walk down the shopping street Laugarvegur and the most famous hiking way, Laugavegur. There is a reason Þórsmörk is one of the most popular attraction for tourists in Iceland. Located near the volcano Eyjafjallajökull you can camp in a nice camping area and listen to the nature whilst lying in a warm tent.

9. Grímsey. Go north! Grímsey is the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory with fewer than 100 people living there. They have a lovely guesthouse and restaurant and you can ether take a plane or the boat out there and spend the day by the sea.

10. Short trip to Hveragerði and the hot springs. Visiting the geothermal town Hveragerði and taking a hike up to the hot springs located nearby is a nice opportunity for a short daytrip from Reykjavík.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ICELAND