Iceland: An Outdoor Adventurer’s Dream

Over the past five years Iceland has become a highly accessible and desirable vacation destination, particularly for people in the United States. It’s closer to the US than the rest of Europe, and IcelandAir offers easy layovers, making it a more realistic long-weekend or week-long vacation. Everyone speaks English, quite well, which makes communicating, planning, and logistics certainly easier. It’s unpopulated, which means much of its natural environment remains untamed and untouched. But perhaps what sets Iceland apart from other countries is the sheer variety of experiences available on an island smaller than the state of Kentucky. It’s geological formation, geographic placement and location between two tectonic plates has created a landscape, and subsequently activities, that are not only unique but a dream for those who love both adventure and the outdoors.

The Blue Lagoon

Probably the most visited and well-known activity in Iceland, in large part due to its proximity to the airport. En route, it is hard to imagine a tranquil hot spring existing in such a barren landscape. But the black lava flow only serves to emphasize the milky blue of the lagoon. After changing (and showering) in the locker room, head out into the pools, enjoying the sandy bottom and the possibility of a mud mask. Soaking in the warm water, averaging 102 degrees fahrenheit, immediately relieves any stress you may be feeling and, over 7,000 square meters in size, there’s plenty of lagoon to wander through. You can organize transportation from Reykjavik (about an hour) or the airport (about 30 minutes). So, even with a shorter layover, the trip is doable. But buy your ticket ahead of time and expect lines, especially if you have luggage to check. Open all year round, there really isn’t a wrong time to soak although many recommend visiting later at night, especially in the summer.

Biking Thingvellir National Park

While you can certainly see this portion of the Golden Circle via bus there’s something to be said about experiencing the the Park from a bike, as it allows you to more fully immerse yourself in the environment you are there to explore. Exceptionally lush and green, the landscape is completely void of trees (as is the case throughout all of Iceland) and snow covered volcanoes sit in the background. At certain points you can visibly see where the tectonic plates separate as large cracks traverse the ground. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park, specifically the site known a Parliament  offers visitors a history of the island’s formation and civil society’s creation. 

Stop for lunch along the way and spend some time exploring small caves. Expect to encounter lots of sheep seeking shelter from the elements. Once through cycling, hop in a car or bus to see the remaining two sights: the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Reykjavik Bike Tours is just one of many companies offering these tours.

Silfra Fissure

If walking along the tectonic plates in Thingvellir isn’t spectacular enough, you also have the opportunity to snorkel/dive between them! Chilly water temperatures, as a result of being glacially fed, require full gear, including a dry suit.  But, the cold is well worth it as the water is absolutely crystal clear. It takes decades to seep through the lava, creating a natural filtration system that allows divers to see 350-500 feet. Just imagine swimming in the middle of tectonic walls, literally floating between two continents. Numerous companies offer trips to Silfra and its proximity to Reykjavik make it a popular day trip.

Waterfalls

Regardless of TLC’s advice, in Iceland you really do want to go chasing waterfalls. And there are a lot! Gullfoss, a part of the Golden Circle, is one of the most accessible from Reykjavik. But if you opt to drive along the southern end of the island, you can easily visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. While both are stunning, what makes Seljalandsfoss unique is that visitors can walk behind the falls. Expect to get a bit wet from the spray but the rock cuts so deeply into the mountainside it creates a relatively sheltered passage around the back of the rushing water. It’s not often you get a behind-the-scenes view so take advantage of the opportunity. With time, you can venture further afield to find more waterfalls, each even more stunning than the last.  

Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands

There’s no better way to see the interior of Iceland than on foot. Covering more than 40,000 square kilometers, the Highlands is one of the largest unpopulated areas in all of Europe, giving you ample opportunity to appreciate Iceland’s unique landscape. While you certainly can’t hike the entirely, unless you’ve got months to spare, there are many spectacular places to partake in multi-day treks. My route started in Pórsmörk, a reserve that sits between multiple glaciers. Meandering through Thorsmork Valley, you pass green hillsides and mountains. Volcanoes appeared dusted in white, as outlet glaciers poured down their sides into the valley. Hiking over both sand and rock, you’ll make your way to higher elevation and into Almenningar where the scenery changes from lush to barren, as black sand covers the ground and you encounter only sporadic clumps of green grass. Winding through river valleys and across bridges you camped at Emstrur.

Day two takes you to Hat Mountain (Hattfell) and through Maelifellsssandur (Sands of the Measuring Mountain). It feels as though you’ve landed on the moon, walking through a desolate landscape of black sand, leading toward a solitary and vibrantly green mountain. Pitch your tents at Alftavatn (Swan) Lake which, on a clear day, offers the most perfect reflection. If this route doesn’t strike your fancy. Fear not as there are many more treks to tackle, some of which can be done by bus if preferred. Roads are only open from late June – early September due to snow and you certainly need a legit 4-wheel drive car because you’ll  drive through rivers/streams. Also consider organizing a drop-off and pick-up. Otherwise you’ll have to hike in and out, doubling the amount of time you’ll need.

Rafting the East Glacier River

Head up north to Akureyri to raft the East Glacier,  one of the top whitewater rivers in all of Europe. You can stay in town or camp at sites closer to the launch point but expect a relatively early morning either way. In preparation for the cold water (another glacially fed river), you’ll pull on a dry suit that looks more like a space suit, neoprene boots and mittens, and strap on a helmet. Consisting of Class III and IV rapids, the Green Room proves the most technical on the river. Here, your guides will tie up the boats and scout the route. If navigable, the rafts proceed one at a time, with other guides serving as rescuers in case a boat flips (mine did and it only added to the overall experience).  After making it through, if venturing with Viking Rafting, you’ll get a snack of hot cocoa and waffles with chocolate and whipped cream brought in on a wire trolley. It certainly hits the spot following the adrenaline packed Green Room. And from there, its pure enjoyment- splashing fellow paddlers, pulling each other out, floating down the river sans boat, surfing, and even some cliff jumping. A perfect trip, for those with or without white water experience.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If you’re a fan of ice, which would be fitting considering the country’s name, then Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a must. Traveling in your own vehicle allows you to slowly work your way toward the lagoon, stopping at waterfalls, visiting the black sand beaches of Vik, and spending nights along the way. A day trip from Reykjavik leaves around 7am and drops you off a solid twelve hours later. You still stop at some of the sights en route but you spend a good deal of time on board the bus. However, it is well worth it. Upon arrival at the lagoon, spend some time wandering on shore and walk to the top of a nearby hill to get a panoramic view of the iceberg filled water. Be sure to also hop on a boat and float amongst the ice chunks. Between the water, the glacier and the bergs, your eyes will struggle to process all the shades of blue, some of which are more rich than you could ever imagine.

Whale/Puffin Watching

Maybe you’re looking to be outside and to experience nature but don’t have the energy for a hike (there is jet lag after all) or don’t want a long bus ride. Well then, some whale and/or puffin watching fits the bill perfectly. From April – September, visitors have a great opportunity to spot the orange beaked birds nesting on Akurey Island, off the northern edge of Iceland or Lundey Island, another puffin colony just outside Reykjavik harbor. If time permits, pair your birding with whale watching. With so many species swimming in their local waters, from blue to minke to fin, Iceland has become one of the best European countries for spotting these mammals.

Whether you rent a car or organize busses/drivers along the way, Iceland’s small size makes every excursion amazingly accessible. And while there are infinitely more activities to do and sights to see (and an entirely different list if you venture in the winter), hopefully the above gives you a helpful snapshot. There’s really no question that Iceland is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers and lovers of nature.