Best Places to Visit in Iceland

Iceland, with its unusual and mystical terrain, is in every measure a treasure cove. Iceland's surreal landscape and exotic places thrill just about anyone who seeks an escape from the regular humdrum of life.

Hmm! Picture this: an ebony frame, laced with snow, and interspaced with fiery flames of red. No, I am not describing Snow White but a land that is made up of ebony beaches; and of mountains covered with thick blankets of snow under which lie fields of molten lava. Picturesque and exotic - that's how I relate to Iceland and its many aesthetic places.

Velkomin to Iceland, home to some of the most splendid ice sculptures, resplendent waterfalls, and huge glaciers. A land that comes across as being a unique and exquisite destination, tells the tale of lava fields and mystical light displays. Brimming with a life of its own, Iceland puffs and spurts to make its presence felt. Thanks to its vibrant hues and colors, it is open to wanderers who like to charter an unknown course, be it in summer, spring or even somber winters. From pristine nature that will enthrall not just nature enthusiasts, to lazy days spent in some of the geothermal pools, everything about Iceland waits to be explored. Djammið, Þetta reddast. Here are just a handful of places you can take on.

Up North (Norðurlands)

North Iceland provides charming trails for the adventurous spirit to ride along. Its resplendent nature trails and rich bird life make it a hot destination for tourists to flock to. Here, you can enthrall yourself at Europe's biggest waterfall, or thrill yourself with river rafting. You can choose to explore the highlands or get up close and personal with the whales. You can otherwise be entertained with the mystical dance of The Northern Lights or Norðurljós.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss waterfalls located 90 km from the town Húsavík in the Vatnajökull National Park, is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river originating in the Vatnajökull glacier. You can access the waterfall either by hiking 34 km along the canyon from Asbyrgi to Dettifoss, or drive down along the gravel road leading to the falls. The access roads, however, remain closed during the winter months, that is from January to April.

Goðafoss

Godafoss, also known as the waterfall of the gods, is one of the most impressive attractions in Iceland. It is located 50 km from the town of Akureyri, in the Mývatn district of North-Central Iceland. Located on the Skjálfandafljót river flowing south of road 1 or the Ring road, it is easily accessible; thus attracting tourists and divers alike. As the story goes, it was at these falls that the Lawspeaker Thorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw the statues of his Norse (Viking) gods into, hence giving it the name Goðafoss.

Leirhnjúkur

Leirhnjúkur is a lava field or plain that overflowed during the 1984 eruption. Located close to Mývatn lake in the north, this expanse is a solfatare field (openings through which sulfur vapors rise). In order to access the Krafla mountain, you need to hike 5 km through the field on a wooden platform. The presence of different metals makes the lava colored which increases the visual appeal of the area. Be careful not to step off the boardwalk/wooden bridge or else you might risk getting your foot burned.

Akureyri

Called the capital of the North, Akureyri is a comparatively large town on the coast of the Eyjafjörður bay. An educational hub of Iceland, it is also one of the most popular stops among travelers inundating Iceland. For a unique experience and a culture taste of the 17th century, visit Laufás, an old rectory-turned-museum. Other attractions around the town include skiing at the Hlíðarfjall, and Jaðar, the northernmost golf course.

Hofsós

Hofsós is a small village and is one of the oldest trading post of the country. Located on the eastern shores of the Skagafjörður Bay, and a mere 345 km from the country's capital city, this city boasts of providing you with tranquility and peace. The city houses the Vesturfarasetrið á Hofsósi or the Icelandic Emigration Center, which is a regional folk museum. Hofsós also offers tourists a camping site. Besides, you can unwind at the shore observing the birds, by some basalt columns.