Top Iceland Tours: Your Guide to Unforgettable Sightseeing
Thinking about heading to Iceland? That’s such a wonderful idea! So, many travelers dream of experiencing Iceland’s raw beauty, from its glacial lagoons to its volcanic landscapes. But with so many choices for tours, finding just the right one that works for you could feel a bit overwhelming. I will help you to decide on a sightseeing experience, by providing with insight that could possibly enhance your visit.
1. The Golden Circle Classic: A Whirlwind of Wonders
The Golden Circle is probably Iceland’s most visited route, and for really good reason! So, a tour usually covers about 3 major hotspots: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Yet, most trips add additional locations to explore, depending on the number of daylight hours. Here is what each of those locations have to offer:
Þingvellir National Park: Þingvellir isn’t just known for pretty vistas; it is also has quite an important history. In a way, It is here that the Icelandic parliament was established way back in 930 AD! This also sits right on the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet (and are slowly drifting apart!), so too it’s almost like walking between two continents.
- Crowds: This spot is certainly popular, so be prepared to share the scenery with lots of other tourists.
- Weather: The weather might be very changeable. So, layer up.
- Hiking: Very moderate walking will be required. So, consider your comfort.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Geysir is really more than just one geyser; it is actually an entire geothermal field! The star of the show is probably Strokkur, which erupts fairly frequently, shooting hot water high into the air. Watching this spectacle will be amazing, as this erupts like clockwork!
- Smell: There might be a noticeable sulfuric odor in the air. So, keep this in mind.
- Safety: Always, follow the marked paths for safety since the water can be extremely hot!
- Photography: Be patient as this might takes time. So, prepare for the shot.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Waterfall,” is an incredibly impressive sight. You’ll definitely be blown away by the sheer force of the water cascading down two tiers into a rugged canyon. Stand close enough, and you can feel the mist on your face – a truly breathtaking experience!
- Viewing Platforms: A few viewpoints provides some stunning views! So, choose the platforms wisely!
- Footwear: The ground is somewhat slippery! So, watch out for your step!
- Rainbows: If it’s sunny, watch out, because Gullfoss has quite a spectacular rainbow!
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2. South Coast Wonders: Glaciers, Waterfalls, and Black Sand Beaches
A trip along Iceland’s South Coast is truly, very amazing – think glaciers, black sand beaches, and waterfalls galore. Tours often include stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Sólheimajökull glacier, and Reynisfjara black sand beach. Get ready to see very striking scenes at every turn!
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss is quite known, because you might be able to walk behind it! So, that might be something to consider, Yet, you are gonna be careful; very, it might be slippery! Close by is Skógafoss, a really powerful waterfall. If the sun is out, too it’s almost you are guaranteed to see a rainbow!
- Waterproof Gear: So, expect to get wet at Seljalandsfoss if you go behind the waterfall.
- Stairs: There actually are a set of stairs next to Skógafoss for a great viewing experience from above.
- Legends: Legend says that someone may buried treasure behind Skógafoss!
Sólheimajökull Glacier: This outlet glacier is where the actual glacier walking tour happens! Often, you’ll be fitted with crampons, and an experienced guide will lead you on to very amazing icy landscapes. It is a thrilling opportunity to explore a real glacier up close and quite personal!
- Physical Activity: A moderate level of fitness is kind of needed, as the glacier walks can be a bit challenging.
- Warm Clothing: Basically, it might be colder on the glacier!
- Listen to Your Guide: The glacier can be potentially treacherous. So, make sure to listen.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Reynisfjara is that kind of beach which could actually be quite different. It actually has striking basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising out of the ocean. Be really very aware of the sneaker waves which could be extremely dangerous.
- Sneaker Waves: Stay very far away from the water’s edge since these waves can catch you off guard.
- Wind: Usually, this spot can be really very windy.
- Photography: With the very distinct black sand and basalt columns, expect quite amazing photos.
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3. Northern Lights Hunt: Chasing the Aurora Borealis
For really many travelers, catching the Northern Lights is possibly at the top of their list. Yet, the lights usually don’t show up, they can depend on several factors, and the best time to spot the Northern Lights is basically from September to April. Tours typically involve getting away from the city lights to some dark spots and hopefully seeing a spectacular light show.
Expert Guides: A good Northern Lights tour has those with experience, that is able to track the Aurora’s activity and be able to find the best spots, given the actual weather patterns.
Warm Clothing: Nights is quite colder, which makes this mandatory.
Patience: These are not easy to spot! You need to give it quite enough time and make sure you dress for the weather.
- Aurora Forecast: Check out the Aurora forecast which helps gauge your chances!
- Camera: Basically, use a good camera that helps capture that very gorgeous views.
- Darkness: Stay away from those lit areas so you could have a spectacular view.
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4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is kinda called “Iceland in Miniature,” it will show you lava fields, beaches, a glacier, bird cliffs and small fishing villages. Tours in this spot usually covers Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, the Arnarstapi basalt columns, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.
Djúpalónssandur: Is this a really a black pebble beach where you can check for the lifting stones which were usually there to see the strength of those local fisherman.
- Hiking: It only actually needs short walk to the beach but wear decent shoes!
- History: The beach once was actually home to a fishing station. So, you could kind of imagine the history it held.
Arnarstapi: Basalt columns, and the rugged coastline usually makes this area good for a walking around this place. Bird lovers, pay attention: This spot provides those birds.
- Coastal Views: This spot is just picturesque that any photography buffs just needs to drop by!
- Hiking Trails: So, a walk usually lets one see those gorgeous columns.
Kirkjufell: This cone shape of this mountain may just be iconic. With falls close, and on those clear days that view you are looking at that mirror in the water will let you have gorgeous photography.
- Photography: Early visits really gives it its value when taking snaps of the mountain!
- Hiking: Be really mindful, as only experienced climbers are welcome.
Read our full review: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour Full Review and Details
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5. Whale Watching Tours: Witnessing Marine Giants
Whale watching is actually an must for visitors. It takes place at spots like Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri, and offers the potential chance to watch some whales up close and see its personal show. The kinds actually spotted are the Minke whales, Humpbacks or even dolphins.
Departure Ports: Trips usually is either started at Reykjavik (good in reaching the Faxafloi Bay, known for seeing Minke, and Humpback whales, and dolphins) and at Husavik (that offers trips out to Skjalfandi Bay where usually whales that may spotted are Humpback whales, White-beaked dolphins, and at times Blue whales.)
What to Wear: Be prepared that boats, may require a jacket especially with wind coming from open water. Best be actually in warm clothes.
- Seasickness: Just when the weather turns unpredictable, there is some medication for those prone to motion sickness.
- Binoculars: Best get hold with Binoculars. Some whales do pop up when least expected.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Iceland Tour Full Review and Details
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