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11 Reasons Iceland is # 1 on My Travel Wish List
Last week I wrote about the 10 places on my bucket list for travel and adventure.
Iceland was and still is #1.
I hear over and over again about what a delight Iceland is to visit – with its’ unusual but interesting landscapes, fantastic culture, friendly people and wonderful cuisine especially if you’re into seafood. Throw in an infinite set of photographic opportunities and a country that’s relatively easy to get around and it’s no wonder its becoming more popular.
Here are 11 reasons I want to go.
- It’s unpopulated. Only about 320,000 people live in Iceland – and of that about 200,000 live in and around Reykjavik. That’s a lot of country to explore that’s uninhabited and unspoiled.
Iceland countryside
- Iceland is geologically active – as every traveler knows who’s plans were interrupted with the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull. It’s not just volcanoes though. There are outdoor hot springs galore – in fact 800 of them. The most famous one is the Blue Lagoon – with mineral rich waters reputed to be excellent for relieving jet lag. I’d sure like a long soak after a flight.
The Blue Lagoon
- Iceland sits just south of the Arctic Circle. I’d like to visit in the summer when the sun barely sets. I know it can play havoc with your internal clock but long days of daylight are very energizing too.
Sunset at midnight in June
- I’d like to check out Godafoss, the Falls of the Gods. It’s considered to be Iceland’s most stunning waterfall – and there are ample to choose from – in fact about 10,000 waterfalls in total. It’s not the height that’s so spectacular – its only 12 meters high. But the location is stunning in northern Iceland.
Godafoss Waterfall
- The muddy geothermal springs of the Hverir Geothermal Area, east of Lake Myvatn, look otherworldly. Mud instead of water gurgles and bubbles. I understand the sulphur smell can be a touch overpowering – so I’d probably feel like I was on another planet.
Hverir Geothermal Area
- Iceland sits on the Mid Atlantic Rift – which is essentially the Eurasian plate and the North American plate pulling Iceland apart at a rate of 2.5 cms per year. It’s mostly an underwater feature but portions extend above sea level in Iceland. There’s a place near Geysir where you can see the rift at surface. Perhaps not on the list of many tourists but to me it looks like an interesting feature to see.
The Mid Atlantic rift at surface
- The Westmann Islands are home to the world’s largest puffin colony. I love the wild flying of these birds and would happily watch them for hours. Another great bird watching place is Latrabjarg in the Westfjords.
A flying puffin
- Since I love to hike, I’d head to Thorsmork. It offers up a combo of mountains and glaciers but also vegetation other than heather.
Thorsmork - a hiker's paradise
- There’s nothing like a smoking volcano to make you feel in awe of the earth’s power; Iceland has 15 active volcanoes and some can be seen by riding a modified super jeep. I’d certainly be up for that.
Volcano Hekla II
- Who wouldn’t want to photograph the wild colours of the Landmannalaugar landscape?
Landmannalaugar landscape
- Reykjavik deserves some attention too. It offers up a smorgasbord of art, theater, literature, music and design. Throw in excellent dining and there’s reason to spend at least a few days here. And there’s a minimum of a festival a month to choose from too.
Photo credits: Iceland countryside, Blue Lagoon, Sunset, Godafoss, Hverir, Mid Atlantic rift, puffin, Thorsmork, Volcano, Landmannalaugar, Reykjavik
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9 Responses to 11 Reasons Iceland is # 1 on My Travel Wish List
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
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Iceland was wonderful, diverse scenery has to be seen to be believed, weather ‘changes like the wind’ for good and for bad. fish soup – yum!! Alcohol forget it – expensive! Fresh clear water – it’s the new alcohol!
Would I do it again – you bet I would
I’ve heard the weather can be all over the map so I guess if you go to Iceland with that attitude you’re fine. Good to know about the alcohol!
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I have always loved to travel to different places on earth. Iceland is one beautiful place that I would definitely love to visit. My friends and relatives have all visited this lovely place and even the images that you have put here have fuelled my desire to visit this place. Vatnsholt is perhaps the best location place here.
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Iceland is my favorite place on the planet. However, the weather was amazing the week I was there in June. I heard we were extremely lucky to miss out on the rain and the cold. The Blue Lagoon is cool but expensive. The most spectacular sites are things we saw by car. Godafoss Waterfall was great, but a little scary. There aren’t many restricted areas and you can jump right in!
Jeanette K. recently posted..Giveaway: Win Timberland Hiking Boots for Fall
More good vibes from Iceland. I think we’ll bike for a week and rent a car for a week so we can meander at our own pace. Thanks for commenting Jeanette.
I’ll have to look up Vatnsholt Rosalia – never heard of that one. Thank you very much for stopping by.
@Hike Bike Travel – You’re welcome! A bike for a week then a car is a good call. We spent a week in Reykjavik with a rented car and had enough time to see everything in the surrounding area. Have fun!
Jeanette K. recently posted..Giveaway: Win Timberland Hiking Boots for Fall
Great list Leigh and the photos are amazing! I haven’t been to Iceland but I do want to visit when I do a tour of the Nordic countries in the nearby future. It’s amazing how this country sits on top of a molten hot spot of geothermal activity.