From Reykjavík to Westfjords isolation and indomitable forces of nature prevail, but for keen outdoor explorers the landscapes of Iceland can quench an insatiable thirst for adventure. A country of sharp contrasts; here ice and fire co-exist, the Land of the Midnight Sun will stake a convincing claim to the number one spot on your travel bucket list. I know it’s certainly vying for the top spot on mine right now.
Care to indulge in photographs from a few picture perfect places in Iceland with me? Down tools and let’s go.
VATMAJÖKULL GLACIER
The largest glacier mass in Europe, the Vatnajökull glacier covers 8% of Iceland and is almost 1000 meters thick in some places. Encompassing two national parks (Skaftafell in the south and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north), the newly appointed Vatnajökull National Park showcases a stunning variety of Icelandic landscapes shaped by nature’s mightiest forces.
Tip: Adventurous travelers should consider taking a tour of the Skaftafell ice cave: a network of ice caves that appear throughout the glacier during the frigid winter months.
LANDMANNALAUGAR – ICELAND’S HIGHLANDS
Hot springs and a vibrant mountainous landscape make Landmannalaugar a must-see when visiting Iceland. Bordering a rhyolite lava field a network of hiking trails wend their way around the surrounding Fjallabak Nature Reserve showcasing the very best of the country’s highlands.
Landmannalaugar is also the starting point for several longer hiking trails; the 3-4 day Hellismannaleið route at the base of the Hekla volcano and the Sprengisandur route are perfect for adventurous hikers keen to experience the extremes of Iceland’s volcanic desert.
GULLFOSS WATERFALL
An iconic waterfall situated on the famous Golden Circle Tour, Gullfoss exudes nature’s unyielding power.
Water rages down a three tiered staircase and then plunges abruptly into a rugged canyon where on a clear day sunlight casts a rainbow over the surrounding Hvítá River.
SELJALANDSFOSS WATERFALL
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Seljalandsfoss cascades 60 meters over a jagged cliff face and offers a truly picture perfect view of Iceland’s natural beauty.
Keen hikers can follow the well-trodden trails that extend behind the waterfall, and on a clear night you can see the glow of the aurora borealis reflected in the water.
KIRKJUFELL MOUNTAIN
A symmetric, free-standing mountain, Kirkjufell is an isolated outpost in West Iceland that has become synonymous with the country’s natural beauty. Surrounded by beaches, Kirkjufell has some great hiking trails as well as the challenging peak climb (a guide is recommended).
JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON
Translated as “glacial river lagoon” it is easy to see why so many visitors flock to Jökulsárlón which is located on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park.
Vast luminous–blue icebergs hang suspended in crystal clear waters and can spend over five years melting and re-freezing as they make their way along the Jökulsá River towards the Atlantic Ocean.
AURORA BOREALIS
The Northern Lights are one of the main reasons why so many choose to visit Iceland. Watching the vibrant shades of green, purple, and ochre dance across the sky is truly one of the country’s greatest sights.
Elusive and unpredictable, the lights are at their brightest during the winter months (September to mid-April) when dark nights are common.
Tip: Here’s a great guide to photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
ICELANDIC HORSES
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the indomitable landscapes of Iceland than atop an Icelandic Horse. Brought over from Norway by the first settlers some 1100 years ago, these hardy animals are sure-footed and have a spirited temperament that makes riding out a real thrill.
You can spend just a few hours in the saddle, or plan a 10-day trip encompassing some of the country’s most notable natural attractions as you ride from location to location.
INSPIRED? PIN THESE TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
Have I convinced you to add Iceland to your world travel bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
Featured image via CC Flickr by Lovepro.
