The Closest Thing To A Voyage To A Distant Planet – A Journey To The Land Of Fire And Ice 

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a unique destination where nature reigns supreme. The dramatic landscapes, created by the collision of tectonic plates and extensive volcanic activity, make this North Atlantic island one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Let’s review some of the most worthwhile places to visit during a trip to Iceland and what to consider when planning. 

Iceland’s fascinating contrasts make it a must-see destination for nature and adventure seekers. Let’s peel some of the layers of planning a trip to Iceland. 

Iceland 101

Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, and Scotland. The island formed “only” 70 million years ago, so it’s considered a young island by geological standards. Iceland boasts a unique natural landscape, including massive glaciers and active volcanos, steamy geysers, more waterfalls than you can count, and tranquil yet icy blue lagoons. Its picturesque fishing villages often add a bit of a spice to outwerise desolate lava fields, while natural hot springs invite visitors to relieve sore muscles after a day of hiking.  

Iceland’s population of around 400,000 comprises descendants of the Vikings who first settled the island in the ninth and tenth centuries. Its population density is less than four residents per square kilometer – one of the lowest in the world. This, in turn, leads to vast expanses of untouched and unspoiled nature where human beings have barely set foot. 

Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, Iceland’s climate is temperate despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle. However, its myriad of volcanic activity can lead to bizarre weather, such as the 2010 eruption that severely affected global aviation. As its name suggests, there’s plenty of ice in Iceland, thanks to snowy winters and cool weather that maintains glaciers frozen even during summer. Lastly, because fewer than 2,000 miles separate Iceland from the North Pole, visitors are treated to spectacular displays of the Northern Lights in the night sky during certain months of the year. 

An island of contrasts 

Iceland offers travelers an unmatched variety of natural landscapes that are difficult to find anywhere else, certainly in a relatively small area that can be explored on a trip lasting between ten days and three weeks. 

Thanks to Iceland’s relative “youth” and active volcanoes, visitors can experience fascinating geological phenomena during their visit. Even the famous French author Jules Verne was inspired by his visit to Iceland to write his science fiction hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. In the novel, the protagonist joins an expedition that bravely descends into the planet’s depths in Snaefellsnes, a peninsula on the island’s northwest.

A journey around and through Iceland awakens your senses thanks to its fascinating contrasts: giant glaciers resting close to active volcanoes, glacial lagoons lying next to steaming geysers, and endless daylight in the summer months contrasted by a dark winter only illuminated by the northern lights. Iceland has it all: tectonic fissures, hot springs, lava caves – you name it.

When to Visit?

The best time to travel to Iceland, weather-wise, is during the summer, between June and August, when most of the day is bright and the weather is more forgiving. You should still expect strong winds, icy mornings, rain, and gray skies. Aim for the first half of September if you want to see the Northern Lights during your visit to Iceland. Daytime temepartures are only slightly below summer averages, but the sun sets before 8 pm, making it possible to see the unique phenomena on a clear night. If you’re traveling out of season, expect road closures in the interior, short days, and extreme, unpredictable weather.

In my opinion, late June and early September are the best months to visit Iceland. The tiny country receives over two million visitors annually, a figure that has more than doubled in the last decade. High prices are the norm in Iceland, but during peak months, prices further increase. Unless you’re going off the grid, the crowds can diminish some of the island’s allure. Moreover, you must plan well ahead of time if you don’t want to compromise on your itinerary. 

How to explore Iceland? 

Despite the often challenging terrain, a great effort has been made to make Iceland accessible. The island is encircled by the Ring Road (Highway 1), an 820-mile giant snake that reaches every settlement on the island. 

The Ring Road is a lifeline for many settlements, so this highway is well-maintained and comfortable for all vehicle types. What takes place in the island’s interior is a different tale, a network of off-the-beaten-track unpaved roads that require a 4X4 vehicle or a strong pair of legs and a lot of stamina. 

Using the Ring Road, you can circle the island in day trip portions, sleeping in different spots each night or staying around for a little longer to further explore and perhaps venture inland. There are comfortable hotels along the entire route, though you should know that hotel rooms in Iceland are generally small and very expensive. Simpler options include caravan rentals, which are very popular in Iceland, and camping, which can be challenging in bad weather. For shorter visits, you could base yourself in the capital, Reykjavik, and set out on day trips to sites nearby, such as the Golden Circle. 

Hiking enthusiasts will want to focus on Iceland’s nature reserves, where you can immerse yourself in the unique Icelandic landscape. The nature reserves have cabins that offer bunk beds (usually for couples), a basic kitchen, and a hot shower (if you’re quick to arrive). You can also pitch a tent on the cabin grounds and use the complex’s facilities. Note that it’s highly advised to prebook your spot in advance due to high demand in peak summer months.

What to See?

Here are a few unique nature reserves to consider including on your Iceland itinerary, ranging from the super accessible to off-the-grid.

Fjallbacka and Landmannalaugar

In Iceland’s interior, the Highlands region boasts two of the island’s most spectacular nature reserves. In Fjallabak and Landmannalaugar, you’ll find vast lava fields, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, volcanoes, and plains partly covered by intensely green moss. These parks are a haven for hikers, and you’ll find trails suitable for all levels. Unless you’re hiking to them, both reserves are only accessible to 4X4 vehicles. In Landmannalaugar, expect to see the famous colorful ryholite peaks.

Vatnajökull Glacier and Jökulsárlón Lagoon

Vatnajokull can be seen from a great distance. It is the largest of Iceland’s three glaciers and the largest dome glacier in Europe. You can join a guided tour and scale the mighty glacier in a variety of ways and even venture inside one of the ice caves. The Jökulsárlón Lagoon lies at the glacier’s base. It’s easily accessed from the ring road, and the most popular activity here is sailing in the lagoon aboard amphibious vehicles. 

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve 

Hornstrandir is the most isolated reserve on this list and perhaps Iceland’s most isolated. Located in the island’s northwest, a trip there requires careful planning. There are no settlements around, except for a few emergency shelter huts. You must take a ferry and carry food for the duration of your stay. Accommodation is at basic campsites, so all the equipment must be carried on your back. It is an extraordinary experience but requires experience and confidence in staying alone in challenging terrain. Take maps and thoroughly plan your hike, including the pick-up times of the boats from the small bays.

Thingvellir National Park 

Thingvellir is the major highlight on the Golden Circle route. This national park’s claim to fame is that it’s the only place in the world where you can stand on two different tectonic plates simultaneously. That’s because Thingvellir is where the Eurasian and North African Plates meet. If you don’t find geology exciting, you might be more thrilled to know that Thingvellir is also a site of historical significance. It was home to one of the world’s first parliamentary institutions, the “Alþingi”, in 930 AD, and probably the oldest still in existence. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you should know that you definitely won’t have this place to yourself.

What else apart from Nature Reserves? 

We can’t fit all of Iceland’s top highlights in a single post, but here are a few more thought-starters.

Active volcanoes 

In recent years, several active volcanoes have erupted across the island. Be alert to the news and if there is an eruption somewhere – change your plans and travel there if it’s safe. I can’t imagine a more thrilling experience than witnessing the power of bubbling lava erupting from the earth’s bowels. The most active area in recent years has been the Reykjanes Peninsula just south of Reykjavik. If reaching the eruption area is too challenging or unsafe, consider taking to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight to view the spectacle. 

Waterfalls Galore

Iceland is blessed with countless impressive and unique waterfalls. The most amazing waterfalls, in my opinion, include Gullfoss on the Golden Circle route, Godafoss – the waterfall of the gods, Dettifoss – Europe’s second most powerful waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss with its hiking path that brings you directly behind the cascade. Almost everywhere you look in Iceland, you will see a waterfall.

Observing puffins 

Atlantic Puffins nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs or islands and are particularly cute. Iceland is home to about 60% of the Atlantic puffin population, which spends most of its days at sea but returns to lay its eggs and nest. There are several well-known lookouts around Iceland where you can watch them diving into the water to catch fish, perching on cliff surfaces, or flashing their colorful beaks during flight. During the puffin nesting season between April and September, head to the Latrabjarg Cliffs, Dyrholaey, Tjornes Peninsula, and Ingolfshofdi. When rounding the Eastern Fjords, head to the coastal hamlet of Bakkagerði. 

Hot springs and geysers 

The geothermal springs and geysers are other natural phenomena resulting from Iceland’s volcanic activity. You can find natural boiling springs throughout the island and soak in them. Some of them are free to access, such as Reykjadalur, which is perfect when it’s cold and raining, while others are branded as spas, such as the famous albeit pricey Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.  

Geysers and geothermal fields are also abundant in Iceland. Two noteworthy mentions include the Golden Circle’s “Geysir”, after which the phenomenon in which a spring of water erupts into a column of steam to varying heights is named, and Namafiel, a particularly impressive thermal field in the Lake Myvatn area, accessible from the Ring Road. 

Geological Wonders 

If you are a geology enthusiast, Iceland is the destination for you. There aren’t many places in the world where volcanic activity is still so extensive and fresh. From erupting volcanoes and bubbling magma to vast and awe-inspiring lava fields, you’ll also find unique rock formations, such as basalt columns formed due to the rapid cooling of lava. One of the most beautiful places to observe this geological phenomenon is the Studlagill Canyon. Another example is the Krafla Lava Fields, where you’ll also see bubbling mud pools and the volcano’s crater, which is now filled with water. 

Last tips for traveling to Iceland 

Traveling in Iceland is the closest thing to traveling to another planet, so prepare well for the trip. This includes packing the right clothes, downloading road and trail maps, and equipping yourself with navigation tools. Book your accommodations as far in advance as possible, and always be prepared for four seasons in a day. At the same time, I highly recommend being flexible, even traveling spontaneously and stopping along the way at points of interest that you suddenly discover. Everything is so different and unique on this island that it is impossible to go wrong, but always stay on the safe side of things. Finally, don’t forget to eat fish and chips in the harbor of Reykjavik.