Why You Should Explore Iceland in the Summer
Envision a fascination like never before; expect the unexpected, and enter a world like no other. Dare to fathom a mythological cosmology of nine worlds; sense the palpability of myths centered around barbaric Vikings slaying giants, trolls, sea monsters, and other bestial creatures. View breathtaking landscapes that will have you close to shedding a tear. How? By visiting Iceland. It is likely to be a destination that may not be on your list of summer possibilities. Here are some reasons why it should be.
Incredible landscapes
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Discover the land of ice and fire, caught between glaciers and geysers, in an intriguing volcanic landscape full of dazzling contradictions. From strange rock formations and plunging waterfalls to ice-cold rivers and glassy lakes like that of Jökulsárlón; and from lush, green pastures and scalding lava fields to underwater mountains and boiling thermal springs.
Gullfoss Falls, Iceland
Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Iceland
Iceland has some seriously dramatic scenics, occurring naturally almost everywhere you look. From shores to valleys and icy mountain peaks, Iceland offers fresh perspectives that will create the holiday experience of a lifetime. In Iceland you can encounter wildlife from the greatest depths of the North Atlantic ocean.
Recommended thermal baths: Nauthhólsvík Geothermal Beach, Reykjavík. Laugardalslaug, Arðböðinn Nature Baths, and Blue Lagoon
Taken at Iceland’s second largest glacier Langjökull
Diverse wildlife
Husavik is a port on the north side of Iceland and is considered a hub for onward experience seeking. Sailing out from Husavik’s coast, whale and sea mammals sightings are very common. There are numerous types of whales to identify. Namely: humpback, minke, fin, sperm, orca, and the massive blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. And, not forgetting the little Atlantic Puffins, these underwater fliers are surprisingly small; they have an entire island dedicated to themselves that can be reached at a relatively short distance away from Husavik’s shore. Puffins usually spend most of their lives at sea, and so spring and summer are the best months to visit. Due to it being their mating season, this is your chance to see them on land!
Puffins in Iceland
Horses on the side of the road in Höfn, Iceland
Epic natural wonders
No visit is complete without experiencing the magic of the following places, with the quaint northern port town of Akureyri as your base. Head to Godafoss by taking the ring road from Akureyri, you can visit the "Falls of the Gods" as they are referred to in English. A mesmerising waterfall is reminiscent of a small version of the Niagara Falls. The Akranes closest to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, is Europe’s most powerful thermal spring, Deildartunguhver. Heimaey Island, referred to as the Pompeii of the North, just off the southern coast of Iceland is the Heimaey island that has survived total destruction by ash and lava, following a volcanic explosion in 1973. Don’t miss the chance to explore the interesting landscape that the eruption left in its wake.
Erupting volcano
Landmark sites and city dwellings
Iceland’s state faith is Evangelical Lutheran in the majority and this has brought about a few stunning churches that are worth checking out. In the quaint town of Akureyri, visit the imposing Akureyrarkirkja church with a 3200 pipe organ, and a suspended ship hanging from its ceiling. In the centrum of the same town, you’ll also find an oasis of flowers in the stunning arctic botanical garden that is both an initiative and accomplishment of local women.
Reykjavík, Iceland
However, you shouldn’t miss visiting the capital city, Reykjavik, for some concentrated Icelandic culture. The striking Hallgrimskirkja church is actually built by the same architect as the former one in Akureyri, in a similar yet different style and a very tall tower. Other places of interest are definitely the iconic Harpa Opera House located just by the water; the futuristic globe-shaped structure of The Pearl that houses a saga museum with figurines and a revolving restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. Last but not least, the Whales of Iceland exhibition museum in Reykjavik’s old harbour boasts the largest exhibit of its kind in Europe, with life-size whale models.
A small, white church with a red roof on the way to the lighthouse in Stafnesviti, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland
Trade your tan for marvellous memories…
Visiting Iceland is truly a groundbreaking summer travel experience; its wonderful sites and splendid visuals are best seen during the spring and summer months when the temperatures are the warmest of the season. If you don’t mind trading your swimsuit and tan lines for vistas and visuals that will fill your head enough to last a lifetime, then you should strongly consider visiting Iceland during the summer. Get to see the best of Iceland by trusting in the world’s best boutique cruise liner, Variety Cruises. This way you combine accommodation and excursions with ease, comfort, and style.
