A Weekend in Iceland: Top 5 Spots to Visit
Iceland is an island rich with history, natural beauty and adventure, mixed with unique eccentrics that is sure to entertain. Traveling to Iceland is reasonably inexpensive. Book cheap flights to Iceland for your weekend getaway on savings sites like Expedia. We recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik and spend your time between the city and surrounding area. Your stay may be short, but there is a lot to explore. To make the best of your weekend we recommend renting a car or booking transport. Here are our list of top 5 places to visit for a weekend in Iceland.
1. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
There’s nothing better than some R&R after you land to get you ready for your fun-filled weekend. Start with the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa located just 15 minutes away from the Keflavik International Airport in a lava field in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Soak in the naturally warm waters enriched with minerals like silica and sulfur offering numerous benefits to your skin.
The resort includes a hotel retreat, the Moss restaurant, the LAVA restaurant, and the Blue Café and Lagoon Spa where you can unwind even more with cocktails, a delicious meal and spa treatments such as in-water massages. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited sites in Iceland, and because of that we recommend booking your reservation in advance so that you are not turned away. If you’re not able to visit the Blue Lagoon when you arrive, visit it before you leave. Again, it’s only 15 minutes away from the airport and worth the visit.
2. Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and most populous city. Learn the historic Viking culture at the National Museum of Iceland, visit the Harpa Opera House, and explore the Hallgrímskirkja church which dominates the skyline. Reykjavik is an eccentric city where you can find some unique attractions such as bars dedicated to Chuck Norris and “The Big Lebowski,” the Icelandic Phallological Museum, and the Icelandic Elf School.
3. Vesturbugt harbor – whale watching
Join a whale watching tour at Vesturbugt Harbor in Reykjavik. Whale watching is a popular pastime in Iceland. Minke whales, dolphins, and humpback whales are often sited off the cost of the island and breaching the surface. Humpback whales are curious; you may see them swim up to the boat to take a look at you, too!
4. The Golden Circle: þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall
Take a tour of the Golden Circle and witness three natural wonders: þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall.
þingvellir National Park is the first national park to be established in Iceland. It is the site of where the North American and European tectonic plates separated. That’s right, it is the only above sea level location of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Be sure to hike the Almannagjá gorge against the North American tectonic plate. The gorge may be familiar to HBO’s Game of Thrones fans. It is the shooting location for the path up to the Eyrie and where Arya Stark and Sandor “The Hound” Clegane traveled through the Riverlands.
The Geysir Geothermal Area lies on the outskirts of the neovolcanic zone of the Haukadalur Valley. As you approach the area, the steam rising from the hot pools, clay pots, fumaroles, and geysers is noticeable. The Great Geysir that gives the area its name is the earliest documented geyser in Europe. This Great Geysir rarely erupts, if you’re lucky you may catch it; however, the Strokkur geyser erupts every 10 minutes or so. Be sure to visit these rare and natural phenomena.
The final stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss Waterfall. These mighty falls are 105 ft (32 meters) with two drops. On summer days, the falls are known for the rainbows that cast from the sprays of water and sunlight. The site gets even more majestic; it overlooks rolling fields that lead up to the Langjökull glacier, the source of water for the Gullfoss Waterfall, þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. The river that flows into the falls, Hvíta, is the best place for rafting in the southwest of Iceland.
5. Northern Lights
Experience the awe of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. Although weather conditions play a significant factor in being able to see the Aurora Borealis, we recommend booking your Northern Lights experience on the first night that you arrive so that you may be able to reschedule your tour if the company you booked with has the availability. Some Northern Lights hunters may allow for you to join additional tours free of charge to increase your chances of seeing them.
Be sure to do your research on Aurora Borealis touring companies. We recommend a company called Happyworld. They are known for taking smaller tour groups, and because of this, they are also known for effortlessly tracking the northern lights until you see them. They provide free photos and unlimited retries in case of non-sighting. Did I mention that they offer homemade real hot chocolate? Yum!
Conclusion
As with any vacation, make reservations for your activities. Iceland is a hot location for tourists looking to experience its wonder. Many activities can be reserved together such as a guided tour of the Golden Circle and whale watching, or the Golden Circle and whale watching. Plan ahead so you can have the best cheap flights to Iceland, rent a car or schedule transport, and “things to do” bundles to save money.
If you plan to stay a week or longer in Iceland, choose a camper van as your go-to transport. Pack for an adventure of a lifetime, armed with your quintessential Iceland bucket list. Or take it slow and bask in the experience of exploring one of the world’s dreamiest destinations
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