If you’re looking for a truly unique travel destination, you can’t go wrong with Iceland. This island in the North Atlantic Ocean with an area comparable to 3 times that of the Netherlands is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From majestic snow-capped mountains to otherworldly volcanic landscapes, and from the steamy spewing geysers to clear bubbling water in Blue Lagoon. To top it all off, there is of course the added bonus of being able to admire the Northern Lights!
But what is the Northern Lights and when is the best time to admire this natural spectacle?
Electrically charged particles are shot in all directions by the sun, but a small fraction collides with our earth 150 million kilometers away. At this point, they enter our planet’s atmosphere, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. As a result of these collisions, light particles are created. Collisions are more common during a strong solar wind, when numerous particles enter the atmosphere. When that happens at night in the polar regions, we can notice these beautiful phenomena: the northern or southern lights
The best time to see the northern lights is from mid-September to late March, but you have a better chance of success from November to February. If you want to experience the northern lights along with the polar night, aim for December or January.
In addition to the Northern Lights, there are numerous ways to experience the natural wonders of Iceland, but one of the most popular is via a snowmobile excursion, or even more uniquely, a Husky dog sled. Both options allow you to go off the beaten path and explore some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes in an unparalleled way.
Husky sleigh tour
If you’re looking for excitement and a fun group activity, head out on a dogsled tour just outside Akureyri in northern Iceland. Blast through the desolate Icelandic winter landscape at high speed, pulled by a pack of Siberian Huskies. This tour is ideal for animal lovers who also crave adventure and striking views. You can drive the sled yourself, or relax and let the guide do all the work. All this while having a beautiful view of mountains surrounded by Iceland’s longest fjord. It probably doesn’t get any prettier than this!
Be sure to book well in advance, as these tours often sell out quickly!
Steaming geysers
Finally, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to one of the famous geysers.
The geothermal area of Haukadalur is home to several hot springs, the best known of which are Geysir and Strokkur. Many people flock to Geysir, the largest hot spring in the area, from which the word “geyser” is derived. However, Geysir has not been active for some time. In the same area there is another geyser, Strokkur, which still spouts hot water every few minutes to a height of 30 meters.
Strokkur
So all eyes are more on Strokkur these days. Several times an hour Strokkur shoots boiling hot water as high as 30 meters into the air. To experience the beauty of such a geyser eruption, you really have to stand there yourself. The water rises and falls alternately and occasionally a huge amount of steam is released. Other times the geyser seems to be completely still, but a few minutes of waiting suddenly the water rises dramatically again and a loud bang rings out as Strokkur squirts another huge amount of water straight up.
Outbursts can take anywhere from a few minutes to more than 20 minutes to occur, sometimes with as many as four outbursts occurring in succession. After the eruption, no water is seen in the hole for a short time and then some of the water returns to it, repeating the process. The whole thing is an amazing spectacle that you do want to keep watching and cannot easily leave behind.
Although Iceland’s Strokkur and Geysir are often in the spotlight, there are many other beautiful geysers to visit.
Blue Lagoon
If you’re looking for a breathtaking geothermal pool to relax in while in Iceland, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. Conveniently close to Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport, this natural wonder is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions – ideal for those with limited time.
The geothermal pool is a popular destination for wellness enthusiasts, as the water is rich in sulfur and is said to be beneficial for those with skin problems. The pool is fed with water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and the temperature ranges from warm to hot, with some places reaching 40 degrees or more. So if you’re a fan of blazing hot showers, this is the place to be!
Something for you do you think?
If you are looking for adventure and want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, then a trip to Iceland is very much for you. Just be prepared for long days of driving (or hiking), and unpredictable weather conditions. But believe us – it’s all worth it when you finally get a glimpse of those epic glaciers or thundering waterfalls.
We hope you enjoy your Iceland road trip!
