Must do things in Iceland
Flying into Iceland, you feel like you’re landing on Mars. The landscape is rocky and barren but it is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. Iceland is so different to anything else. The landscape is so extreme - one minute you’ll be driving along a flat plain, turn the corner and there’s a glacier next to a black sand beach. Around the next corner there’s a 10 metre roaring waterfall that seemingly came from nothing.
Iceland is a place everyone should visit if the opportunity presents itself. I spent 5 days in Reykjavík (capital of Iceland) in May of 2019. This was an incredible time to go as the sunrises at 4am and sets at 10pm, giving you more time to explore.
See below for my must do activities to add to your Iceland trip!
Golden Falls. We visited these amazing falls as part of the ‘Golden Circle with Silfra Fissure’ tour.
Blue Lagoon
You would have seen it all over Instagram and for good reason. The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful, relaxing and mind blowing experience. It’s a geothermal spa with electric blue water, located in a lava field. The Blue Lagoon is located about 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik and as we didn’t have a car, we booked a transfer with Reykjavik Excursions. They picked us up from the nearest bus stop and dropped us straight to the Blue Lagoon. They have buses every hour that take you directly to your hotel so you can stay there as long as you like! We spent our time enjoying the free silica mask and drink with entry and soaking in the incredible experience (pardon the pun!).
Unsurprisingly, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland and books out quickly. We booked months in advance directly through the website and it was already 70% sold out. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Silfra Fissure
Silfra Fissure is the only place on Earth where you can snorkel between two continents. In 2 degree water you’ll swim between the the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates The crystal clear glacial water is some of the purest in the world and is so clear you can see 100m ahead of you. The water is 2 degrees but don’t let that deter you as you’ll wear dry suits. Once you’ve finished the 30 minute dance of getting into dry suits, you waddle over to the entry point and then immerse yourself in the incredible water. You’ll float along the tectonic plates for 45 minutes. Any time you come up for a break you’ll see snow capped mountains and glacials all around - it also lightly snowed while we were swimming- an unreal experience. Once you get out of the water you’ll enjoy a hot chocolate to warm you up.
We did the ‘Golden Circle with Silfra Snorkel Tour’ through Get your Guide which included some Golden Circle highlights including the Gullfoss Waterfalls and Gysers.
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. This is nothing short of magic and the only way to do it any Justice is to do it yourself!
Ring Road
The Ring Road is the road that goes around the entire island of Iceland. If you want to do the entire Ring Road, It’s recommend you do it in no less than 6 days. As we only had a day, we explored the Ring Road around Reykjavik which had some incredible sites - I can only imagine what the whole drive is like. This was our day itinerary of the Ring Road from Reykjavik
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfall, known for being able to walk behind it. There are actually four waterfalls at this stop. Make sure you check out Gljufrabui waterfall, which is inside a rock. If you want the famous picture you will have to walk through water and you’ll get drenched so come prepared.
Stop 2: Skogafoss Waterfall is another famous waterfall and they will all amaze you. Make sure you walk up the stairs to get to the top of the waterfall. Here you can continue the walk up stream and see amazing views all the way out to see.
Stop 3: Solheimajokull Glacier. You can do guided tours and walks on the glacier but we just wanted to see it. From the parking lot the glacier is a 15 minute walk but after 5 minutes you are at the glacier lagoon. You’ll start hearing the glacier move and crack and seeing the size of it is an incredible experience. You can also walk onto the glacier for a bit without needing equipment but proceed at your own risk.
Stop 4: Dyrholarey Lighthouse. A 20 minute drive from the glacier, you’re on the coast - an example of how extraordinary and unique the Iceland landscape is. Here you will see amazing, bright blue water, contrasted against black sand, extreme cliffs and mountains and the glacier in the distance - AMAZING.
Stop 5: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is another famous spot, known for the basalt columns, black sand and sea caves. This was as far as we went on the road trip, and if you are short for time I would give the spot a miss.
Stop 6: Solheimajokull Plane Wreck is the well known plane wreck from the good old JB’s video clip. From the carpark its a 14km return flat walk, that takes 3-4 hours. We really pushed our time and did it in an hour and a half with a snow storm incoming. Alternatively, you can get a shuttle that drops you to the site for about 2990kr ($35). Keep in mind, if you take the shuttle, you’ll be arriving with a group of people who will be in your photos. Walking was great as it meant we were there by ourselves. If you’re walking, you won’t be able to see the plane until the very end. Just keep following the path and the yellow markers.
