Iceland is one of those destinations that inspires pure awe. Every year, travelers visit the country’s wealth of wonders and leave with a profound new perspective on the powers of nature. Interested in uncovering the most stunning sights? We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.
National Parks
Some of Iceland’s best natural wonders are located in its vast national park system, and you could easily spend weeks exploring each one. First, head west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for Snæfellsjökull National Park; Jules Verne based his classic “Journey to the Center of the Earth” on its icy crater. Then, travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park to discover the volcanic fissure between the North American and European tectonic plates. If that’s not enough, spend some time wandering through the enormous Vatnajökull National Park; covering more than 10 percent of Iceland’s surface, this area is home to the majestic Dettifoss waterfall, towering Hvannadalshnúkur mountain and gigantic Vatnajökull glacier.
Blue Lagoon
Prefer something a little more relaxing? Trek to the southwestern Blue Lagoon for its famous natural spa. Thanks to the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon’s milky, turquoise waters are filled with minerals such as sulfur and silica, and tourists often visit the site in hopes of soothing troubled skin. What’s more, the swimming area’s water temperature hovers at a balmy 40 °C year-round, so you can reap the benefits even in freezing weather.
photo credit: WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com) via photopin cc
Landmannalaugar
Travelers have been flocking to this Southern Highlands destination for decades, and one peek at the landscape clearly explains why; with its mountainous terrain, vibrant colors and lava fields, Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most idyllic areas. The large hot spring tends to steal the show, but don’t miss out on hiking the Bláhnúkur peak or taking a horseback ride through Glacier Valley.
Mývatn
There’s no better place to witness the haunting beauty of volcanic terrains than in the villages near Mývatn. Situated in northern Iceland, this lake region is the result of a 2,000-year-old eruption, and its landscape is littered with the evidence; volcanic arches and lava caves cover the eastern shore, craters bubble with steaming mud and geothermal waters, and one of the most magnificent natural ice sculptures sits just a few miles away. Book a trip with your American Express Travel Service, and put this area at the top of your itinerary. Trust us: You don’t want to miss Mývatn.
Vík
Beautiful but tumultuous, the tiny village of Vik is home to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and fiercely active Katla volcano. Come to this area to catch a glimpse of the famous basalt stack formations and black-lava beaches, but be careful; the Atlantic waters are rough here, so you’ll be safer watching the epic waves than trying to swim them.
I spent a year in Iceland back in the early 1960s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have many fond memories, especially of the fishing trips I went on with two Icelandic friends I worked with. After a fishing trip we always stopped by “Bæjarins beztu” in Reykjavik for a pylsur (hot dog) which I am convinced is the world’s best wiener. So crisp that they sort of snap when you take a bite.