Iceland is a mesmerizing wilderness unlike any other. Sculpted by volcanoes and detailed by glaciers, nature is the dominating force of Iceland’s beauty and it’s an otherworldly playground that attracts adventurous types.
A holiday in Iceland is all about discovering the strange and extreme landscapes that make this country, balancing on the edge of the Arctic Circle, so special.
White water rafting down glacial rivers and through spectacular canyons is a thrill not to be missed off your Iceland holiday agenda. There are numerous rivers you can raft, with varying adrenaline levels. The Hvita River - an hour from Reykjavik - guarantees to get the blood pumping, but is tame enough for novices. The Jokulsa Austari (East Glacier River) in northern Iceland is considered one of the best rafting rivers in Europe, a thrill for adrenaline junkies. Depending on where your rafting tour takes you, you may even get to take part in cliff jumping and go glacier river swimming, a treat you will never forget.
Trekking through Iceland’s magnificent highlands is also a popular tourist activity, and is the best way to discover natural wonders such as volcanic craters, waterfalls, hot bubbling springs and powerful geysers. Hike the famous Laugavegur trail - 54 kilometers of the most diverse and picturesque landscape you will ever see. A climb to the top of the active Hekla Volcano or the summit of Hyannadalshukur, Iceland’s highest peak are also fascinating journeys.
Many of the hiking trails have cozy mountain huts along the way, so you can take a few days. If you are visiting in summer, you can marvel at the strange midnight sun, away from the city lights. Winter guests should keep an eye out for the glorious green, blue, pink and yellow aurora borealis lashing across the skies.
Ice glaciers cover more then 10 per cent of the country, so it’s no wonder glacier and ice hiking is so popular and if your fit enough, it’s definitely an adventure to pursue. You could also discover the glaciers on snowmobiles or super jeeps. Not quite as taxing on the body but just as much fun!
Other popular activities that will have you trailing through Iceland’s magnificent outdoors include mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, caving and some of the world’s best whale watching and salmon fishing opportunities.
Reykjavik - Iceland’s hip capital - makes for a good base for single or multi-day trips. There are plenty of hotels in Reykjavik to suit all budgets and also many tour operators located in the city who can help you plan your adventures. The modern luxuries of the city, including a fantastic dining and nightlife scene, offer a good homecoming after your daytime Icelandic expeditions.
The capital city is also home to many mineral-rich thermal spas, perfect to soothe the weary traveler. Amongst them is Iceland’s most visited attraction, the famous Blue Lagoon. Just 40 minutes from Reykjavik’s centre, this geothermal spring is the perfect antidote to sore muscles and other adventurer’s ailments. Relax, and soak in the warm, steamy waters and let yourself drift away, reflecting on the past weeks wonders and dreaming about when you will next visit the unearthly paradise that is Iceland.
Dave MacKinder writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
