3 Reasons to Go to Iceland: Glaciers, Geysers and Northern Lights
Iceland is known for its unearthly beauty and many natural wonders: glaciers, geysers, active volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, volcanic sand beaches, beautiful lakes and mountains and of course, Iceland is one of a few countries in the world to see the northern lights.
You will not run short of reasons to visit Iceland at any time of the year. Iceland is one of the top destinations due to its unique natural beauty and culture, and there are many reasons to start planning right now on your trip to this amazing country.
However, there are three attractions in Iceland that will make you want to travel to this ice and fire country right now.
See the giant glacier and visit the ice cave.
Glaciers are among the most mysterious natural wonders on Earth. Some of them are so large that is even visible from space. Glaciers actually are huge rivers of ice formed in places where fresh snow never fully melts, building up dense ice under its own weight. This process can take centuries, and the thickness of the glacier sometimes reaches hundreds or thousands of meters, and it keeps growing.
Iceland is a glacier paradise, having five most amazing glaciers, and you must see at least one of them when visiting Iceland!
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland. With an area of 8,100 km2, Vatnajökull is Europe's largest icecap and covers 8% of Iceland’s total land. The average thickness of Vatnajökull’s ice is 400 m, in some places reaching a thickness of 1,000 m.
It has numerous outlet glaciers that end in a glacier lake. Many of these glacier lagoons are found along Iceland's South Coast and are relatively easy to access. On top of the main glacier, the conditions are extremely challenging and can even be dangerous. Therefore, it is forbidden to hike on a glacier without a guide. A certified glacier guide supplying you with the right equipment will make your hiking on this incredibly picturesque glacier safe and surely bring you an unforgettable experience and a lot of joy.
When exploring the amazing Vatnajokull glacier region, do not skip the Skaftafell Ice Cave, which is one of the most incredible places in the world. Skaftafell cave is located 4 hours away from Reykjavik, and it is entirely of crystal Ice! Its beauty is stunning; however, don’t go into ice caves without a licensed tour guide. The best time to go inside the ice caves is during the winter when the rivers have become rock solid, and glaciers have stopped melting.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The Northern Lights is one of the main reasons travelers from all around the world visit Iceland during the dark and cold winter season. The reward of facing the strong winds and low temperatures is the possibility to watch the magical dance show of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.
You can watch this incredible spectacle on the outskirts of Reykjavík, but going further from the city increases your chances. Further to the north, the lights get more intense and extravagant. For the best performance, consider visiting Westfjords and Borgarnes as these are perfect places to see the northern lights at their best.
Do not hesitate to spend your next holiday in Iceland. Take a deep breath and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
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