Iceland is a country of stunning natural beauty, with many unique landscapes and outdoor adventures to offer. From towering waterfalls to breathtaking hikes, and cozy nights under northern lights, there is something for everyone. In this blog, we will highlight the top 3 reasons to go to Iceland.
Reason Number 1: The Land of 10,000 Waterfalls
There are about 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, and about 200 of them have been recognized with an official name. Two of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland are only 1-2.5 hours from the Reykjavik such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Falls,” is a two-tiered waterfall fed by the Hvítá or, white river. It is a stop on the on the Golden Circle route and can be seen in the same day with Thingvellier National Park & Strokkur Geysir.
Seljalandsfoss is located on the south coast of Iceland and is known for the path that allows you to walk behind the falls for an interesting perspective and photos. A short walk from Seljalandsfoss will lead you to Gljúfrabúifoss. To access these 120 feet tall waterfall in a cave, you have to tip-toe up stream into a crack in the mountainside. Once you get to the falls, it is breath-takingly beautiful.
One of our favorite waterfalls on the south coast of Iceland is Skogafoss waterfall. At Skogafoss you can walk right up to the towering cascade, and if the light is right, can get your picture under a rainbow.
We chase waterfalls, glaciers, and more on our Women’s Iceland 9-Day Multi-Sport eco tour. Adventures include seeing the wild side of Iceland by kayak, horseback riding, and day hikes.
Women’s adventures Iceland by Green Edventures Tours at seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Reason Number 2: The Hiking Is Out Of This World
For those who love to hike and want a challenging, but not impossible adventure the Laugavegur Trek is a must do. The Laugavegur Trek is a 35-mile thu hike that is ranked as one of the best in the world. The trail takes you on an inter planetary walk through some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes including geothermal valleys with bubbling mud pots surrounded by lime green moss, black volcanic deserts were delicate flowers grow trailside, and in the shadows of glaciers from the last ice age. The trail starts in near the rainbow mountain valley of Landmannalaugar and ends in birch forests of Thorsmork. The hike takes four days to complete. There are campsites and mountain huts (reservation only) along the trail for overnight stays. A lot of people will add one day in Thorsmork to enjoy the hiking the trails near the mountain huts. It is possible to add an additional day to hike the fimmvörðuháls but this is weather dependent.
Each year we lead our Women’s Laugavegur Trek. If you are looking for a group of like-minded hiking buddies to share the trail, laughs, and memories with.
Hiking in Iceland Laugavegur Trek.
Reason Number 3: Cozy Nights & Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions. Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, as it is located close to the Arctic Circle. The lights are visible from September to April. Seeing the Northern is up to mother nature and luck, so make the most of your time in Iceland. Enjoy winter adventures like ice hiking, ice climbing, snowmobiling on glaciers, and visit the popular sites during the short daylight hours. Then from one of Iceland’s hot springs, relax in the warm water and look to the sky. Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Are you looking for the perfectly planned Iceland winter experience without the work of planning and arranging it yourself? Check out our women’s Iceland adventure Fire, Ice, and Northern Lights Itinerary.
There are a million other reasons to come to Iceland. Visiting waterfalls, hiking the Laugavegur trek, and seeing the Northern Lights are just a few of the many things to do in Iceland. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax and take in the scenery, Iceland has something for everyone.
Green Edventures offers active and informative adventures in Iceland for women on our women’s adventures, student groups on our educational tours, and private departures for friends and family groups who want their own tour.
Northern Lights in Iceland.