15 Reasons Why Iceland Should Be on Your Bucket List

Iceland

15 Reasons Why Iceland Should Be on Your Bucket List

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, and it’s no surprise it’s one of the hottest travel destinations right now. From jaw-dropping landscapes to one-of-a-kind experiences, this Nordic gem promises adventure at every turn. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone just looking for some peace and quiet, Iceland has something magical for you. Here are 15 reasons why Iceland should be on your bucket list:

The Northern Lights

Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the Icelandic sky is pure magic. The best time to catch this celestial show is between September and March, when the nights are long and dark. You don’t even need to leave Reykjavik to see them, but venturing to less light-polluted areas like Thingvellir National Park will give you an unforgettable experience. Dress warmly and bring a good camera to capture the lights. The best place to stay when looking for the lights is Hotel Ranga. Click HERE to read all about our stay here.

Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Photo credit: Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Blue Lagoon

Who doesn’t want to soak in warm, milky-blue waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes? The Blue Lagoon is the ultimate Icelandic spa experience and is rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which are said to be great for your skin. Located just 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, it’s the perfect way to start or end your Iceland adventure. Don’t forget to book your spot in advance—this dreamy spot fills up fast! Click HERE for our tips on doing the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, and for good reason. It features three must-see spots: Thingvellir National Park,

Thingvellir National Park

 the geysers at Haukadalur,

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Reykjavik in One Day with Kids

view of Iceland

 

Iceland is the new “it place” to travel to and some people are deciding to add a few days there as a layover. If you have one full day to explore Reykjavik, Iceland, the capital, you may want to get an early start because there is so much to explore in this picturesque port town.  I decided I wanted our time in the city to be about culture and our time in the countryside to be about nature. So how can you do Reykjavik in one day with kids? 

Here is my itinerary for a full day of fun for the entire family:

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Blue Lagoon with Kids: 10 Tips

When many people imagine Iceland they immediately think of the Blue Lagoon.  Pinterest is flooded with pictures of this amazing man-made geothermal pool.  It is a great way to start or end your vacation since it is so close to the airport and the whole family will have fun there. 

Here are 10 tips on doing the Blue Lagoon with kids:

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Iceland…Armchair Escape

Armchair Escape…Iceland

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is ICELAND…

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Postcard Friday…Iceland

Need some help planning your trip to Iceland? Check out these blogs:

A 1 Week Itinerary for a Perfect Week in Iceland

Tips for Doing the Golden Circle

Exploring the Southern Coast of Iceland

10 Tips for Doing the Blue Lagoon with Kids

Reykjavik in a Day with Kids

Jokulsarlon, the Iceberg Lagoon

Puffin Tour, Reykjavik

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY? Here are 6 hotels we stayed at during out trip. Click on them for our full review:

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7 adventurous days in Iceland…the Land of Fire and Ice

hiking in iceland

Hiking in Iceland

Iceland is the new IT place, and for good reasons.  Waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, icebergs, and some of the nicest locals around make it the perfect family destination.  If you’re looking for amusement parks, you may as well stop reading this.  Iceland will get you up close with nature and push you to find your inner explorer.  Although there are tons of tour companies, I would definitely suggest renting a car.  Driving is so easy in Iceland and we stopped so many times to take pictures and go off the beaten path. From thundering waterfalls and volcanic beaches to serene lagoons and puffin-filled coasts. Along the way, you’ll also experience Iceland’s unique culture and cuisine, staying fueled for epic adventures with traditional dishes like lamb stew and fresh seafood.  Here is my itinerary for 7 adventurous days in Iceland…the land of fire and ice:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Keflavik International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

DAY 1

Spend the day getting to know Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. 

First stop is the Viking Museum.  Although it is a little gory, it’s a good way to learn how the Viking culture influenced Iceland throughout the years.  Your admission comes with a headset to do a self-guided tour. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history before heading out into the wild.

Viking Museum in Iceland

Lunch: Head down to the water and have some amazing seafood while enjoying a backdrop of mountains and ocean.

Time to get out on the water.  Take a Puffin Tour to see a breeding ground of these adorable little guys.  (Read our full review HERE) You can take several tours from Reykjavik to see these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat. From May to August, puffins nest on Iceland’s rugged cliffs, and boat tours offer the best view of their colorful beaks and playful antics. Make sure to book in advance.

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets of Reykjavik.  You might want to buy an iconic Icelandic sweater.

puffin tour in Iceland

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Jokulsarlon, the Iceberg Lagoon, Iceland

Jokulsarlon, which translates to “glacier river lagoon” is one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen.  The icebergs originate in Vatnajokull National Park, where huge pieces of icebergs break free and linger in this lagoon until they drift off into the sea.  My whole family consider this to be one of our coolest days in Iceland.  (No pun intended!) Here’s my plan for a fun day at Jokulsarlon:

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Puffin Boat Tour, Reykjavik, Iceland

Before we went to Iceland, we talked about our top “must-do” activities and my daughters chose to see some adorable, colorful puffins up close.  Their colorful beaks and speedy wings make them such interesting birds.  Little did we know that each year about 30,000 puffins come to a tiny island was only a 15-minute boat ride from the city.  We decided to use Special Tours , since it is the original puffin tour out of Reykjavik.

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Exploring the Southeast Coast of Iceland

 

Iceland has so many amazing places to explore.  One of our favorite days was when we drove along the southeast coast, stopping to see some of nature’s best pieces of art.  We spent the day hiking into a valley to find a hidden swimming spot, climbing waterfalls, and even walking behind one.  Here is my itinerary for a perfect day in Iceland:

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