When considering the spectacular options for a European trip, until recently, I had never considered Iceland, passing it over for more well-known destinations like Italy or France. Then, I actually looked up information about Iceland. I found an island that has an ethereal, other-worldly beauty and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. I was immediately hooked and have been aching to make a trip to Iceland ever since. I discovered an incredibly cool travel opportunity when researching random airfare deals. Doesn't everybody do that in their spare time? Anyway, Iceland Air has a stopover option, meaning that, if you book a trip to another destination in Europe, you can choose a stopover for up to seven days in Iceland on your way to or from your destination. WHAT? And, get this - the price is comparable to a ticket from America to Europe without a stopover in Iceland. You're not paying any additional airfare for time in Iceland. Two destinations for the price of one? Sign. Me. Up. I think this is such a cool travel deal if you have some extra time to spend exploring Iceland during the course of other European travels. ReykjavikReykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, has a reputation for good food and drink, as well as being easy to navigate and pedestrian friendly. There is a scenic pathway for walkers and bikers who want to explore the city. A stop by the botanical gardens is free. The Hallgrímskirkja church, pictured below, is an obvious landmark, as it towers above the skyline. Reykjavik has many museums, possibly due to the fact that it is the only city in the country, including the National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavik City Museum, National Museum of Iceland, Culture House, Volcano House, and the Reykjavik Museum of Photography. The City Museum also runs The Settlement Exhibition in central Reykjavik, which was built around the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland. When in Europe, I am always amazed at the richness of history, since the ruins, buildings, and traditions are often centuries older than those in America. Reykjavik is also very near mountains that are reachable by public bus for hiking. In addition, there are whale watching tours, opportunities to ride Icelandic Horses, a variety of geothermal pools, concerts, theater performances - I could go on and on. The more I read about Reykjavik, the more activities I discover to do in a relatively small city. Finally, I think it would be incredible to see the Northern Lights, which are visible from various places in Iceland, including Reykjavik. However, they are only visible in winter, whereas summer offers the best weather for outdoor activities. Blue LagoonI had to give the Blue Lagoon its own section on this blog post because it's so famous. If you haven't been obsessively researching Iceland like me, I'll give you the details. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The minerals in the water are reportedly wonderful for skin, including people with skin conditions like psoriasis. You basically float around, soak up the warmth, and rub the mineral-rich mud on your skin. Who needs fancy spa treatments when you can enjoy nature's version for only 35 Euros? I know there are other geothermal pools in the Reykjavik area, so, if crowds aren't your thing - the Blue Lagoon draws a lot of visitors - then ask around for other good options. Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National Park is located at the junction between the European and North American tectonic plates, so it has a rift valley and the largest natural lake in Iceland. There is a parliament site dating back to 930 AD, where the oldest existing parliament in the world first met. The park also contains an old church, deserted farms in the lava field, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Many people go diving in two submerged rifts, since Þingvellir is known for stunningly clear visibility in the water. The park is located only an hour from Reykjavik, and buses run daily between the city and the park. There is no park entrance fee. I am not a diver, but I think this would make a great day trip from Reykjavik. Vatnajökull National ParkVatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, made by combining two former national parks into one. It offers places to camp and trails to hike, in addition to Iceland's highest mountain, Iceland's largest glacier, and Iceland's most powerful waterfall. There are tours that offer glacier walks and ice climbing. Like Þingvellir National Park, there is no park entrance fee. I would put this park at the top of my "must do" list in Iceland, since it encompasses the best of the landscape elements that Iceland is known for. Ideally, I would love to spend a couple of days in Vatnajökull National Park, going on a glacier tour, camping, and hiking, in order to get a feel for this starkly beautiful environment. Ring RoadRing Road is Route 1, the major highway around Iceland, meaning that it connects all the major towns and sights in the country, including Reykjavik. The Ring Road is 830 miles long, so, with stops at various towns and national parks, it can take a week or more. The road passes through mountains, fjords, plains, waterfalls, and small towns. Driving the Ring Road would enable me to see much of Iceland at my own pace. If I confined my trip to Reykjavik and the surrounding area, I would miss the wild, sparsely populated areas of the country. Almost everything that I've read about Iceland encourages visitors to explore outside of Reykjavik in order to experience all that Iceland has to offer.
I must admit that I love a good road trip. I love seeing new and exciting places as I drive through them. I love making impromptu stops at roadside attractions and beautiful vistas. I love singing along with my road trip playlist. I love rolling the windows down on a nice day and feeling the wind whipping through my hair. I love waking up early in the morning and setting off in my car at sunrise with coffee...and this is saying something because everyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a morning person. The Ring Road in Iceland is the ultimate road trip, and it's hard for me to imagine a better adventure.
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AuthorMy name is Alyssa Good and I have a passion for travel, adventure, culture, and new experiences! I focus on budget friendly travel, trip planning resources, and seeking out new experiences. Archives
December 2017
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