Top Reykjahlíð Adventure Tours: My Personal Picks
Reykjahlíð, very near to Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland, is that perfect jumping-off point for anyone wanting to get knee-deep into some serious adventure. You know, it is the kind of place where the volcanic landscapes meet almost otherworldly beauty. So, I am talking steaming geothermal areas, crazy lava formations, and just, like, views that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left. Picking what to do around here is almost tough since there’s just so much, very much amazing stuff on tap. I have been lucky enough, so, to explore a good chunk of it, and I want to share a few absolute top picks. These are those tours and activities that genuinely offer something special.
Mývatn Nature Baths: The Blue Lagoon’s Chill Cousin
First up, honestly, you just cannot go to Reykjahlíð without spending a good chunk of time at the Mývatn Nature Baths. I’m talking about almost the local take on the famous Blue Lagoon, yet that difference is the more laid-back vibe and, actually, the stunning views overlooking the Mývatn area. The water is naturally heated, it’s like, mineral-rich, and sitting there, as a matter of fact, watching the northern lights dance above you? Forget about it! Book ahead, for example, it is often super busy, but so, it’s definitely worth it for a uniquely Icelandic chill-out experience. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mývatn Nature Baths Tickets)
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations: Walk Through Dark Castles
Okay, Dimmuborgir is more or less this mind-blowing field of, kind of, crazy lava formations. That means “Dark Castles” in Icelandic, and once you’re there, honestly, you’ll see exactly why. Walking through this area is actually, really like stepping into a completely different universe – all these weird rock shapes, honestly, with paths twisting and turning. If, very, you are even a bit into folklore or geology, Dimmuborgir will be right up your street. Very do take one of the guided tours, it seems like, to hear about the area’s history, actually, because I was saying there is that cool mythology connected with it, related, actually, to Icelandic Yule Lads! Read our full review: Dimmuborgir Lava Formations Full Review and Details
Lake Mývatn Birdwatching Tour: A Paradise for Bird Lovers
For any bird enthusiasts, Mývatn really is just paradise, you know. Lake Mývatn has actually an incredible amount of birdlife, it’s like, especially in the summer months. Guided birdwatching tours are available. Seriously, some expert can, like, lead you to all these prime spots for spotting various species of ducks, waders, and other wetland birds. Bring your binoculars, and if you are as obsessed, you could very potentially spend all day there, basically, soaking up the sights and sounds, I’m sure. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Birdwatching Tours)
Hverir Geothermal Area: Feeling Like Another Planet
Hverir, anyway, is this geothermal area near Lake Mývatn. Hverir honestly feels like you have been dropped straight onto another planet! Boiling mud pools, you know, steaming fumaroles, and ground colored in bright reds, yellows, honestly it’s just one wild place. Okay the smell of sulfur is, basically, quite strong (fair warning), yet as a matter of fact it’s worth dealing with to, just like, witness the raw power of nature going on. Walking around, actually, designated paths will be the safest option, because, well, for good reason, obviously. And very don’t forget your camera, it feels like, this landscape is almost what landscape photographers dream about. Read our full review: Hverir Geothermal Area Full Review and Details
Goðafoss Waterfall: Waterfall of the Gods
Even though, you know, it is not technically in Reykjahlíð itself, Goðafoss is actually easy to reach and genuinely shouldn’t be skipped. Known anyway, “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss is almost stunningly beautiful, especially when viewed in great daylight. The waterfall also almost has this huge historical importance: around 1000 AD, just like, when Iceland converted to Christianity, the statues of the old Norse gods are often thought to have been thrown into the falls, too. So, I think it makes the view really quite spectacular, it adds just that touch more significance. Read our full review: Goðafoss Waterfall Full Review and Details