There’s a ton to do and see in this tiny country with a big backyard. It’s home to the talented singer Bjork, and a sanctuary for Damon Albarn of Blur. Plus, Iceland is one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights, and has one of the most famous geothermal spas in the world. Need I say more?
HOW TO GET THERE
From May to September, Icelandair offers direct flights from Toronto to Europe – with a free stopover in Reykjavik for up to 7 days. Icelandair is competitively priced and proved itself to be a first-rate airline. I appreciated the little things – blankets, face masks, personal TVs, free wine, and a hot meal.
WHERE TO STAY
I stayed at the Hostelling International’s Reykjavik Downtown Hostel, which just opened in 2009 and felt more like a hotel! It’s located on a quiet, cobblestone street in walking distance to the harbour, cafes, and the heart of the old village.
The hostel has dorm and private rooms, and rates include an organic breakfast buffet. I slept like a log under my fluffy duvet comforter! Overall, this is a comfortable place with great staff, an ideal location, and eco-friendly facilities.
WHAT TO DO
Volcanoes: The country may have “ice” in its name, but the island has 30 active volcanic systems – notorious for disrupting air traffic. Want to know what a volcano looks like on the inside? Take a tour with 3H Travel and descend 120 metres into the belly of the volcano (above).
The Blue Lagoon (above): One of Iceland’s top attractions is the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa formed out of a lava field. I loved relaxing in the warm waters. And it’s good for the body – the waters are rich in minerals and renowned for treating skin diseases– patients flock to the clinic from all over the globe.
I also bathed between two continents – the Euro-Asian and American tectonic plates meet at the Blue Lagoon.
Scuba diving: Don a wetsuit and explore some of the most amazing and unique underwater sites in the world! A popular one is the Silfra Rift – where you can a dive in the clearest water of the world and in a crack between the American and the Eurasian continents.
Shopping: Don’t miss Reykjavik’s fashion boutiques along the main street, filled with hip local designs and Icelandic wool products. I’m also a fan of 66 North, an Icelandic clothing company with some great outwear.
WHAT TO SEE
Þingvellir National Park (above): Get ready to shoot stunning scenery in this UNESCO World Heritage site. It also has some serious tectonic activity – you can stand between the fault lines that divide the European and Asian continents.
Geysers: Seeing a geyser erupt (below) was one of the coolest parts of my trip. Strokkur is one of Iceland’s most famous and active geysers, erupting about every 4-8 minutes.
Northern Lights: In the colder months, you can get awesome views of the Aurora Borealis outside of Reykjavik. Go to the Visitor’s Centre to ask about tour operators.
WHAT TO EAT
Seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, get ready to feast. Icelandic restaurants serve tons of seafood delicacies. Feeling adventurous? Order a side of shark, puffin, or whale meat.
Tapas: I loved the Icelandic tapas at Tapas Barrin, a popular restaurant in downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant´s extensive menu contains over 70 dishes to suit all tasters, which can be ordered individually or as part of a main course. My favourite dish was the lobster tails baked in garlic.
Sandholt’s Bakery: Who knew you could get a little of Paris in Iceland? I’d go back to Iceland just for the butter croissants from this boutique bakery, located along the main street.
[…] Why go? Seven days is plenty to explore Iceland’s rugged scenery, shops, fresh seafood, and volcanoes. In the winter, you can get awesome views of the Aurora Borealis outside of Reykjavik. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa formed out of a lava field. I loved relaxing in the warm waters and it’s good for the body. Read about my past trip here. […]