Iceland’s pure panorama gives quite a few alternatives to expertise some much-needed thrill. From exploring the whale inhabitants to scaling the volcano peaks, the listing of out of doors adventures in Iceland you are able to do simply goes on and on.
Apart from doing an Iceland ring road trip and the favored Golden Circle tour, listed here are the very best 6 outside actions that you could put in your to-do listing whenever you go to the Land of Fireplace and Ice.
1. Whale watching
You didn’t assume we might discuss adventures in Iceland with out mentioning whale watching? Effectively no, we’re in no temper to commit this crime!
The chilly waters of the nation enchantment to totally different marine lives, and undoubtedly, whales are the most well-liked amongst them. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a shock that Iceland has grow to be one of many prime locations on the earth for whale watching. A big chunk of the nation’s tourism income originates from this exercise.
The perfect time for whale watching in Iceland is through the summer time months of April to September, when you’ll be able to spot totally different species like humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas, and fin whales, amongst others.
Not solely that, however you even have the uncommon alternative to identify blue whales, which migrate to this a part of the world seeking a greater habitat throughout summers. Plus, coping with the chilly water breeze turns into simpler when the temperatures are increased than traditional.
As such, whale-watching excursions function from nearly throughout Iceland, however Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik emerge as the most well-liked spots. You’ll be able to select guided whale-friendly tours from these areas, which provide the greatest likelihood to identify the totally different whale species from a detailed (but secure) distance.
Nonetheless, for those who’re feeling slightly extra adventurous, think about braving the chilly and taking a tour within the winters amidst the snow-capped mountains and probably, the majestic Northern lights!
2. Mountaineering on volcanoes
For a lot of of our readers, the time period “journey” is synonymous with mountaineering, and we don’t wish to disappoint them. So, for those who’re a hiker by coronary heart, don’t neglect to take a look at the Krafla Fires caldera within the Myvatn area of Northern Iceland.
A collection of earthquakes from 1975 to 1984 cracked open a volcanic fissure close to this caldera to spit out lava and hearth over the encircling stretch. Though the lava isn’t seen anymore, you’ll be able to effectively see and really feel its “imprint” within the neighboring panorama and is usually a part of the lava cave Iceland tour.
For example, you would be standing in feet-deep snow and touching the black patch of floor that’s nonetheless heat from the lava. That is absolutely one of many many adventures in Iceland you wouldn’t wish to miss out on! Furthermore, the trail is adorned with pure thermal swimming pools, steamy openings, and solidified lava rocks, which makes you are feeling near nature like nothing else.
However the very best a part of this hike is a go to to the “Pit of Hell,” which is yet one more creation of mom nature. It’s an enormous crater shaped by a large-scale volcanic eruption someday through the early 1700s. With a diameter measuring greater than 980 ft vast, this crater is nicknamed “Viti” by the Icelandic population- a phrase that actually interprets to “hell.”
Curiously, it’s additionally some of the stunning spots in Iceland, because the crater is stuffed with crystal clear turquoise water, making it a sight to behold. The most effective hikes and adventures in Iceland, we are saying, however watch your steps to keep away from stepping onto one thing harmful.
3. Snaefellsjokull—touring to the middle of the Earth
Now, it’s possible you’ll be questioning how we are able to probably check with the well-known fictional novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne whereas speaking about Icelandic adventures. However Snaefellsjokull will make this a actuality.
For the unversed, Snaefellsjokull is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano located on the western a part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It’s possible you’ll even spot it from over the Fax Bay within the capital metropolis of Reykjavik.
Arguably the most well-liked of all of the volcanoes within the nation, Snaefellsjokull rose to fame solely after being featured within the film made on the above-mentioned novel. However individuals have been nonetheless scared to go to this iconic panorama. In any case, the considered getting into the Earth’s core will be nightmarish for most individuals.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t the volcano’s scary notion that stored individuals away from it. It was all due to a neighborhood delusion prevalent until the nineteenth century suggesting that this volcano was, actually, a doorway to hell.
All this modified when one man determined to trek up the volcano, solely to find the mesmerizing view of the nation from atop. And as we speak, it’s some of the well-liked mountaineering locations within the nation.
4. Scuba diving in Silfra—among the best outside adventures in Iceland!
For a rustic that’s well-known for its marine inhabitants and pure landscapes, together with scuba diving on the listing of adventures right here was a no brainer.
Most individuals don’t know that the towering volcanoes and majestic mountain peaks within the nation will be credited to its strategic place on the rift between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. The underwater panorama isn’t an exception both, which means you will get the distinctive alternative of swimming between these tectonic plates. How’s that to get the adrenaline dashing?
The perfect location to expertise that is the Silfra Fissure, positioned in the midst of the Thingvellir Nationwide Park, which is among the many prime locations for diving in Iceland and the remainder of the world.
Though the crystal-clear water stays chilly all year long, it has a visibility of greater than 300 meters. This provides you the right alternative to take a more in-depth take a look at the awe-striking underwater panorama filled with land slopes, caves, caverns, and lava constructions shaped over tens of millions of years within the area.
5. Rafting in Hvita River
Rafting actions are simply among the many most most popular outside actions for journey lovers, and you’ll typically see vacationers with little to no expertise getting on rafts in Iceland. Certain, the waters are chilly year-round, however all that adrenaline pumping by way of your physique will negate the low temperatures very quickly.
The Hvita River (positioned about an hour from the Reykjavik Arctic adventures) is a go-to for white water rafting actions. It flows by the breathtaking Bruarhlod canyon and the neighboring Geysir, supplying you with the very best location to catch a glimpse of those scenic pure landscapes.
Some rafting corporations additionally permit vacationers to cliff bounce into the (almost) ice-cold Hvita river and heat themselves up with sauna classes and beer as soon as the exercise concludes.
6. Jeep driving in Porsmork
In the event you aren’t notably inquisitive about water-based actions, then a jeep experience in Porsmork will certainly present the best dose of journey for you. And no, it isn’t a normal open-jeep experience.
The heavy-duty jeeps that take you thru Porsmork, a valley lined in forest and tucked between three glaciers, are specifically constructed for the rugged terrains of this area. They’re designed to run on the tough grounds of the glaciers, steep inclines, in addition to the quickly flowing Krossa river whereas making certain the security of the riders.
In accordance with a well-liked legend, Porsmork is the house to the Nordic God of energy, Thor, and the tough terrains of the area totally justify this.
On the similar time, it’s lined by over 150 species of flora, which “softens” the panorama to make for a scenic view. Some individuals think about this to be a illustration of the softer facet of Thor, who’s often known as the God of “therapeutic and fertility.”
We’d counsel going for a two-day journey right here as a way to additionally go to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and lava caves of the Blue Mountains.
Able to plan your trip to Iceland now? We wager you might be! However earlier than we go away you to it, listed here are just a few phrases of recommendation.
We’d strongly suggest reserving reputed guided mountaineering and whale watching excursions to maximise your security. This fashion, you’ll be able to relaxation assured about not getting misplaced and following the required tips. Therefore, it’s your decision to do a little analysis upfront to go along with the very best journey tour corporations.
Would you have an interest to do any of those adventures in Iceland?
