Iceland - More than Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the hottest destinations in the world to see the Northern Lights. With a population of just $300,000 people, Icelandics are known to be very friendly. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and has a small-town vibe, it's a crime-free city. 

The Northern lights season is from late September to Mid-April. Don't worry, winter in Iceland is not as cold as you think. A warm ocean current called the Golf Stream keeps the temperature around 35F degrees. 

 

Before I talk about the tours I spent one day on my own exploring downtown Rekjavik. It is a 15 minute walk from the Hilton Nordica where I stayed for the week. Great hotel! Be warned, Iceland is expensive so you may prefer to explore than shop! :)

 

Te and Kaffi - famous selection of coffee and pastries

 

Hallgrímskirkja - largest church in Iceland

 

 

Top 4 Tours to Consider

 

Tour 1: Secret Lagoon & Northern Lights Hunt

The Secret Lagoon natural hot spring is the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland. There are snacks and drinks available for purchase. This tour includes a dinner at a family owned Restaurant Grund. This restaurant offers a great spread for those interested in sampling some of Iceland's local food like herring, fish cod fillet, lamb leg, cured salmon, rye bread, etc. I sampled everything! After dinner, everyone gears up for a thrilling hunt for the Northern Lights which we saw! Northern Lights are only visible during the darkest months of the year which are September through March. Clear skies are needed for optimal viewing. There is nothing more breathtaking than seeing the northern lights dancing across the sky.

 

Secret Lagoon

The Northern Lights 

 

Tour 2: Akureyri City

Akureyri is in North Iceland and 35 minutes from Reykjavik via plane. Akureyri makes an ideal choice for winter breaks, with some of the finest ski slopes in Iceland. Akureyri maintained the charm and feel of a small town, with no pollution or traffic. I also had a chance to taste the national dish of Iceland, Hakarl (fermented shark).

 

 

Fermented Shark

 

Tour 3: Golden Circle Express

This tour is convenient for travelers who are staying in Iceland for only a few hours. The tour starts at the Pinglevir National Park. From there it continues to Gulfoss, one of the nations most beloved waterfalls where glacial meltwater cascades down into the deep and narrow canyon. The final stop is Geysir, a unique geothermal area rife with gushing steam vents and bubbling mud pots, where you can witness the eruption of a geysir up close.

Gulfoss Waterwall

 

Tour 4: Blue Lagoon

A must visit while in Iceland. Situated in the midst of a lava field on the Reykyanas Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is an extraordinary phenomenon. Bathe in the geothermal water that contains rejuvenating minerals, algae and silica. This lagoon is very scenic! The water temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit and there is a swim up bar where you can order beer, cider, wine and smoothies. There is a silica mudd mask at the swim up "silica bar" and an algae face mask which is supposed to nourish and moisturize your skin. This is the perfect way to rejuvenate your body after a long flight!

 

 

Blueberry Skyr Smoothie

 

 

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