Table of contents
Iceland, the wonderful land of ice and fire, a playground of wild beauty and endless space. The Icelandic countryside is made of contrasts, from rivers, to waterfalls, and from mountains to valleys. There are volcanos and glaciers as well as hot and cold springs. Wherever you go to in Iceland, no matter the direction, you will always find something to be breathless about.
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
This is the most popular tourist route in Iceland departing from Reykjavík and covering a vast area of geological and historical attractions.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful area with its lake, natural vegetation and visible tectonic fissures, which are popular amongst divers and snorkelers.
The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault. It is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The plates are being pulled apart at a rate of 2 centimetres (nearly an inch) per year, creating the Thingvellir Rift Valley.
GEYSIR GEOTHERMAL AREA
Iceland’s very own pressure valve with Strokkur letting off steam every few minutes in a 30m high aquatic burst. This hot geothermal area is fascinating with its colours, smells and energy.
GULLFOSS WATERFALL
Seen from a dizzy height, this waterfall is two-tiered and plunges 32m down into the Hvíta River. It looks magnificent in its winter coat of icicles and frozen spray.
Even though Gullfoss is very crowded, you can find pockets of emptiness among the crowd to capture the waterfall.
SECRET LAGOON Flúðir
Extensive geothermal activity is one of Iceland’s most distinctive features, with geothermal areas covering more of this country than any other. For geothermal warmth to reach the surface, water needs to bring it from underneath.
Ever since the settlement, Icelanders have used geothermal water for washing and bathing. Early settlers very often referred to geothermal phenomena in their place names. Thus, a great number of the original names include terms such as varm (warm), reyk (smoke/steam) or laug (bathing pool).
The Secret Lagoon is the last stop on the Golden Circle route and was created in 1891. This natural hot spring is located in the small village called Flúðir. It has been kept natural and unique so guests can get the true Icelandic feeling. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water stays at 38-40 Celsius all year. In the whole area there are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring. During winter, the northern lights often give a great lightshow above Secret Lagoon. What better way to view the spectacular light show overhead than relaxing in the pool’s warm water?
BLUE LAGOON
A comforting warm hug amidst very cold air, this place is the perfect start (or end) to an Iceland trip.
The Blue Lagoon with its azure blue healing water sits in an ancient lava field. Its water is pumped up out of drill holes and its surroundings are entirely designed by people.
The geothermal water at the Blue Lagoon has silica and minerals, which has many benefits (helps clear up body acne for one) but also a few things to consider… It’s very drying on the hair. I highly recommend using a lot of conditioner before and after entering the water.
The sun peaked through just as we got there and it wasn’t too crowded (perhaps due to the size of the lagoon). You can stay there for as long as your heart desires. We ended up staying there for 3 hours relaxing and sipping champagne before our flight back home.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Seeing the Aurora Borealis (otherwise known as the Northern Lights) is an unforgettable experience. Due to Iceland’s unique geographical location, it is an excellent place for seeing the lights. The Northern Lights can be seen in a variety of shapes and colours. The best time for seeing the lights is between September and April due to the longer daylight hours.
The lights are best appreciated in the countryside, away from the city lights. Many tour operators offer a variety of tours so make sure you sign up to one of these to experience one of the finest displays in nature! We were very fortunate to experience a really great display of lights on our very last night in Iceland as this is not a phenomena you can see every night. Our tour got cancelled twice due to weather conditions.
Just remember, since the auroas are a natural phenomenon there is never any guarantee that you will see them.
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching in Iceland has grown into the most popular tourist activity! The high season is during the warmer months when the migrating whales return to the Icelandic waters and blend in with the resident whales. The WWF has rated Iceland as one of the top whale watching destinations in the world with many species of whales so close to shore including Blue, Sei, Fin, Minke and Orcas. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do it due to the weather conditions but if you get an opportunity this is a must!
I hope you have found this guide helpful. Have you been to Iceland? Let me know in comments below?
Iceland is my dream location. I can’t wait to visit wvwn more after reading your blog post xx
https://yukovablog.co.uk/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-even-when-you-feel-low/
Iceland have amazing nature. Your photos are so beautiful! Blue Lagoon is on my wish list. I’m happy to see that you enjoy in your trip.
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What a great pictures! Nice post.
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/
Wow, it looks you had a great time, it seems a wonderful experience!
https://julesonthemoon.com/
Your photos are beautiful! I would love to visit Iceland one day and also see the northern lights! The blue lagoon looks amazing!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Have a fantastic Easter weekend ahead!
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
I can’t wait to go to Iceland! It looks absolutely beautiful. Especially that lagoon – and champagne 😉
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
These photos are just amazing! I would love to see the Northern Lights. Your beanie is so cute! The waters look so relaxing and beautiful.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I honesty lack words when it comes to Iceland! It´s the most beautiful country ever – waterfalls, volcanos, rivers, glaciers, lakes … Iceland has it all! It looks so beautiful in winter – I´ve visited in August! Would love to go back one day!
Have a nice week!
Anna
http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
So glad I stopped by your blog! I’ve seen your pictures on Instagram, but learning more about Iceland here was awesome. Great job documenting your trip!!
xx,
Tania
https://inspiremyfancy.com/
This is very nice
Iceland is beautiful
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
What amazing photos! I have never been.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Have a happy Easter week!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Such amazing photos! Looks like you had a great trip.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
OMG the photos definitely speak for themselves – this is sooo gorgeous and what a great country to visit!!! Looks so stunning and I think you enjoyed your time, you look so happy with the cute little snowflakes 🙂
Perfect shots!! ♥
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
Iceland is a dream destination and I like how you showcase the lagoons especially Blue Lagoon, must be so fun to be there. I’d like to see Aurora Borealis one day too.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Such a scenic place! Love your photos dear. And yes, you can’t go wrong with the Northern Lights.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
So fun! Would love to visit Iceland too!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
OMG this looks like the neatest adventure ever! soooo fun!!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Wow, babe! Thank you so much for sharing your Iceland experience with us! It looks amazing and something we should all do at least once in our lifetime.
Have a great week!
Xoxo,
Marieta
https://ootdinstyle.wordpress.com/2019/04/14/boys-pocket-squares-girls-pocket-bow/
I always wanted to visit Iceland. Absolutely amazing place and stunningly beautiful pictures!
Have a wonderful week!
jointyicroissanty
It almost looks like a game of thrones set! I love it! I used the Blue Lagoon products before and they are so good!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Wow, it looks so magical there! I’m dying to go there and see the sights!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I´m in love with this place!You look gorgeous:-)
https://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Looks amazing! Love all your photos!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Beautiful pictures and Gosh! How amazing is that snow.
http://sophieatieno.com
Wow your photos are extraordinary, amazing place to visit at least once in our lifetime!! x
Yiota
pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com
Wow, such a magical experience! I love these pics!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
These photos don’t even look real! So magical! What n amazing place to visit!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Your photos are so so beautiful !
I would love to go in Iceland one day it looks so breathtaking !
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Oh my Iceland looks incredible! It is definitely on my bucketlist!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
How stunning! I think seeing the northern lights must be the most magical experience.
http://www.fashionradi.com
I haven’t been in Iceland before however I saw that there are too many places to visit there. Thanks…
Oh wow it looks so beautiful with all of the snow !I’m loving your beanie too, it’s adorable with the ears! 🙂
Hope you are having a lovely weekend! I had brunch with some other local style Instagrammers yesterday and it was so fun 🙂
Away From The Blue
This looks like a wonderful visit! Love the pictures!!
Lovely place ♡
Thank you Xxx,
https://www.beladeoli.com/
You look great! Awesome pics <3 Nice Post! Have a great day!
Allurerage
Rampdiary
This must have been such a great experience. I’d love to visit Iceland some day. It is a beautiful country from what I’ve heard…and from what I’ve seen on your blog, it does seem like a fantastic destination. The gold circle is certainly worth checking out. The photography you shared is phenomenal….love the photos of you in the snow and in the mineral pool. Great tip about using the conditioner for the hair so it doesn’t get too dry. You always look so pretty. Thanks for sharing this amazing travel guide to Iceland.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Looks gorgeous!
nataliesdailylife.wordpress.com
my friend went to Island last month and she was really blown away by everything! this country is definitely on my list!
https://www.clairetalksbeauty.com/
Oh wow this looks like the absolute trip of a lifetime – a winter wonderland, truly! The snowfall looks so heavy and you’re making me excited at the prospect of a snowy Christmas already (I know! All these months in advance, haha!). You look gorgeous by the way 🙂
aglassofice.com x
Incredible babe I have read and heard so much about Iceland Your images are magical So glad you had a great time xoxo Cris
https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2019/04/breakfast-in-bed.html
Iceland is on my bucket list! These pics are incredible. Thanks for sharing your trip and I will reference back to this post when we finally go.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
How wonderful you visited Iceland! I’m just reading a book about Iceland and therefore your post comes absolutely at the right time. And you are very beautiful even in the snow. Thank you for this wonderful post.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I am dying to go to Iceland!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Yes, this is a very lovely place to visit, I accidentally got delayed by a plane on my way home to France a long while back, and had to stay over night in Iceland, I discovered the city and really loving it too. Lovely post and nice moments captured.
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