To Witness the Beauty of the Natural World
Between its volcanoes, glaciers, valleys, fjords, highlands, waterfalls, and even its basalt column cliffs, it's safe to say the Land of Fire and Ice is a spectacle of nature. Its landscapes are so unique, unusual, and unlikely that this remote North Atlantic island frequents the ?top destinations for nature-lovers' lists. In other words, it's the perfect place to witness the extraordinary beauty and talent of nature.
Also check out our Guide to Traveling to Iceland on a Budget
To See the Magical Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the few special places in the world where you can catch sightings of the elusive Northern Lights. Unbeknown to most, it's also one of the most affordable.
The lights can be seen in northern Scandinavia, but these countries are notoriously expensive to visit due to their currencies being much stronger than the euro, pound, or dollar. From the flights to the tour guides to the Iceland car rental, its prices are relatively lower.
To Immerse in Icelandic Culture
Iceland is a country very proud of and deeply ingrained in its history and culture. It was first inhabited by Viking settlers from Northern Europe in the 10th century, influences of which can still be seen to this day from its grass-covered buildings to its Old Norse language.
To Go on Hiking and Other Outdoor Adventures
As the least populated country in Europe with 80% of its land completely uninhabited, Iceland is the ideal destination for hiking adventures and other outdoor sports. From the 3-hour Reykjadalur hike to natural hot springs to an intense yet epic 12-day trek along the Laugavegur Trail that encompasses mountains, lakes, lava fields, and valleys, there's so much to explore on foot.
To Go Chasing Waterfalls
I am fully aware of TLC's advice of not going chasing waterfalls but I think in this case we can make an exception.
Since Iceland is the Land of Fire and Ice and where there is ice there are waterfalls. 10,000 of them to be exact. While some are more like small downhill streams just a few feet tall, many are tall, slim, and elegant, and others are intimidatingly large and loud. All of them possess a captivating beauty that has to be seen to be believed.
To Seek Some Solitude
As modern society becomes more demanding, it becomes harder yet more necessary than ever to get away from it all every once in a while. To take time to reflect, reground, and remember the beauty and simplicity of life at its most pure. As a largely untouched landmass in the middle of the Atlantic, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to do so.
Whether you travel across the Arctic Coast, through the Highlands, or around Westfjord, it's possible to travel for hundreds of miles without spotting another soul. In fact, you need only drive a few hours away from the capital of Reykjavik to find that solitude you crave.
To Learn About Our Earth's Geography
As a country blemished by both volcanoes and glaciers and carved by the Eurasian and North American plates, it's safe to say Iceland is defined by its geography. Therefore, going on a vacation to this majestic country is like going on the world's most exciting and inspiring geography field trip.
Whether you ask the questions or not, you're bound to return with invaluable knowledge about Iceland and our Earth that will enrich your appreciation for nature and the ways in which it was formed.
Check out our Guide to Keflavik Airport
To Dig into Icelandic Cuisine
As an arctic country with little wildlife or vegetation surrounded by a vast sea, traditional Icelandic cuisine is truly one-of-a-kind. Seafood is a large part of the Icelandic diet, but not in the way you'd think. While bountiful Atlantic fish like herring, halibut, and haddock are common, shark and whale are often the most popular dish at the dinner party. Since vegetables were historically hard to grow, ingredients like berries, wild mushrooms, moss, and seaweed are also an old-school staple.
While many of the country's best restaurants honour the island's endemic flavours, there's much more to Iceland's modern cuisine. In Reykjavik, the country's foodie capital, you can indulge in the multifaceted flavours of Iceland at its diverse array of restaurants. However, many argue that nothing beats an Icelandic hotdog from the city's street food stalls.
Check out this Top 10 Things to do in Reykjavik
To Explore the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans
The Atlantic and Arctic Oceans are untameable beasts that few have attempted to navigate and even fewer have conquered. As a country surrounded by these wild oceans and located almost 1,200 km from the next nearest land, however, Iceland has become their master.
And even when you are on dry land, you get a glimpse into Iceland's love for the sea whether you're at a fishing village, museum, or at a restaurant eating a freshly caught Hákarl.
To Say You've Been to One of the World's Most Unique Destinations
For all of the reasons above, Iceland is one of the most magnificent, magnetic, and mesmerising destinations for outdoor adventure in the world.
- Nowhere else can you find waterfalls cascading onto a black sand beach, swim between two tectonic plates, or cross vast icy glaciers and end up at boiling natural springs.
- Nowhere else can you get so comfortably lost in nature only to find yourself.
- Nowhere else can you find such peace and solitude.
- Nowhere else can you develop such an appreciation for the power and intelligence of our natural world.
- And nowhere else can you find whale on a stick served on the same city waterfront as a hotdog.
Rent a Car For Your Iceland Adventure
To make the most of the Land of Fire and Ice from the tectonic ridge to the Northern Lights, consider an Iceland car rental. It will give you the ultimate freedom to explore this extraordinary country fully by yourself for just a fraction of the price of Icelandic tours. Put in your traveling details below and find the Iceland car rental that's right for you.
