Welcome to The Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland is known for its extreme landscapes from volcanoes to glaciers. Don’t know where to start? Here are five best places to visit in Iceland if it’s your first trip:
1. The golden circle
Start the day by heading to Þingvellir National Park where the Earth’s tectonic plates meet. Continue on to Geysir and Strokkur where there are geothermal eruptions every few minutes. End the day by witnessing the impressive Gullfoss, add in Kerid Crater Lake if you still have some daylight left. There are plenty of shops and restaurants around.
2. Waterfalls and black beach
Head to Seljalandsfoss where you can take the trail that leads to the back of the waterfall. There is a nearby waterfall named Gljúfrafoss, which is about 400 metres away. It is much less touristy and definitely worth the walk from Seljalandfoss. There is an opening in the rocks where you can walk into the waterfall itself. It’s perfect for an Insta-worthy shot, but be prepared to get wet. Complete the waterfall hat-trick by visiting Skogafoss. End the day with the gorgeous sunset at Reynisdrangar, which is famous for the basalt sea stacks and black sand beach.
3. Skaftafell National Park
Both amateur and expert hikers will love Skaftafell National Park. It is located at the southern part of the magnificent Vatnajökull Glacier. There are plenty of hiking routes available, ranging from 2 hours to over 10 hours. Carry on to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can witness one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.
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4. Eastern Fjords
The dramatic coastline of the Eastern Fjords with its black sandy beaches is not to be missed. There are chances of reindeer passing on the roads so look out for them. Be sure to visit Seydisfjordur for its beautiful town, it is just located 30 minutes away by car from the capital of East Iceland, Egilsstaðir. I caught my first aurora in Egilsstaðir, and the experience was phenomenal.
5. Myvatn Area
Head to Myvatn geothermal area for Hveraröndor Hverir (mud pots) and nature baths. The mud pots have very strong sulphur smell and the surrounding gives you the feeling of being on Mars. Lake Myvatn is a perfect place to see the aurora borealis because the lake shows the reflection if there are aurora activities. This is absolutely beautiful on camera.
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