Top 10 Things Iceland Is Famous For - Updated 2022 | Trip101

1. Watch the Iceland geysers in action

When you think about Iceland, one of the first things that pop into someone’s mind would be the geysers. As the first discoverers of geysers, Iceland has some of the most beautiful and interesting geysers in the world. Known as the geyser hotspot, there are plenty of geysers one could explore, such as Geysir and Stokkur. Geysir was the first geyser to be discovered and shoots hot water up to 70 meters (229 feet) in the sky. Strokkur is another famous must-visit for tourists since it shoots hot water every 10 minutes, making it a great show to watch.

2. Be brave enough to try a shot of Brennivín

What’s a trip without tasting the local specials? Brennivin is Iceland’s alcoholic drink and is even called “black death.” This popular drink is often compared with vodka. However, this distilled spirit doesn’t have flavor and is actually made from grains and fruits. You can enjoy this drink in different ways, such as taken as a shot or mixed with Coke and other soft drinks. There are even versions where bartenders use it in making cocktails so that’s something to try too. The drink is perfect when paired with snacks. Drink responsibly as this has an alcohol content of around 40%.

3. Be in awe of the Northern Lights

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What a beautiful and stunning view. The Northern Lights is what makes Iceland special because of the playful colors dancing in the sky. With this tour, you’ll be able to enjoy different stopovers in places where you might be able to enjoy the skies. You’ll also get to know more about the country thanks to the tour guide. Seeing the Northern Lights is also requires luck so if you aren’t able to see it during the trip, the tour offers you to join them again at no extra cost. Make sure to take a lot of pictures and enjoy the moment at the same time.

Book Tours : Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik

4. Check out the local wildlife

During your trip, you’ll see several species of animals that are endemic to Iceland, such as horses, sheep, reindeers, seals, puffins, arctic foxes, and so much more. It really is a wildlife paradise in Iceland with the various animals you get to see. They also have a lot of bird species here. They are often visible when it’s nesting season so don’t be surprised if you see a huge flock of birds. The beautiful wildlife is definitely something you’ll appreciate.

5. View Iceland's majestic waterfalls

Aside from geysers and the Northern Lights, another beautiful natural feature in Iceland are their waterfalls. The waterfalls here are very eye-catching and is definitely worth the trip to view them. Glymur is the second largest waterfall in Iceland and is accessible via a two-hour hike. It is definitely worth it because of the views. Another must-visit is Gullfoss falls, which translates to Golden Falls, another iconic and beloved Iceland waterfall.

6. Immerse yourself in local culture

It’s always the culture that makes a country beautiful, and Icelandic culture isn’t any different. When traveling, it’s good to understand the culture to show respect and be responsible. The country uses English, Danish, and German languages when speaking. You’ll love how empowering they are to gender equality so you’ll see a lot of women in power here. They are also known for preserving traditions and beliefs, and you will meet people who believe in elves or the hidden people. Some interesting facts about their culture are that they don’t have last names, they banned beer, and they’re crazy about sauces - as in they coat almost everything they eat in a sauce.

7. Go on a tour of glaciers and volcanoes

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Explore the land of fire and ice by visiting the volcanoes and glaciers here. These natural attractions are too beautiful and interesting and shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy this tour by starting at Lava Centre, where you’ll view the volcano, earthquake, and geology exhibition. This is followed by a stop at the Skógafoss waterfall and Solheimajokull glacier, a hiking trip you’ll enjoy. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn more about the country’s history and its beautiful natural attractions. Everything is hassle-free and is such an enjoyable trip.

Book Tours : Private South Coast Fire and Ice: Glacier viewpoint & Lava Show

8. Hike the Sólheimajökull glacier

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Looking for an outdoor adventure? Hiking is another thing travelers love doing in this country. Hiking allows you to see different sceneries along the way, test your physical abilities, and definitely connect with nature. Prepare your hiking boots as this tour is going to be a long one. You’ll go hiking up the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is quite accessible and easy to hike. It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country as well. You’ll be given hiking equipment and be looked after by a tour guide who will give you tips and tricks and lead you along the journey. During the hike, you’ll come across various attractions such as running water, caves, sinkholes, and many more. This trip is one that nature lovers will definitely love.

Book Tours : Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing Tour from Reykjavik and Solheimajokull

9. Get a taste of Harðfiskur

When in Iceland, trying out their harðfiskur is a must. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy snack for on-the-go. The item is quite expensive because not all fish are qualified to be dried. There are different ways of enjoying harðfiskur - you can have it with butter or enjoy it as is. The process of creating this delicacy is by first filleting the fish, rolling it in some salt, and then hanging it out to dry.

Traveler's tips

Ben

Food in Iceland is expensive, but it might be worth the price. I would also recommend trying the lamb stews, which are amazing and perfect for the cold weather. Icelandic bread is surprisingly good, too. Cafes at visitor centers are a good option for meals when you’re out exploring remote areas.

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10. Learn about geothermal energy in Hellisheidi

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Hellisheidi is the third largest geothermal power plant in the whole world. Iceland is very serious when it comes to its obligation with renewable energy. In this tour, you’ll be able to explore the plant wherein you’ll see various collections of rocks and minerals which were preserved. You’ll also understand the process of geothermal energy production and even know more about the history of this energy source. After the educational tour, enjoy drinks at Cafe Energy and pass by the exhibition.

Book Tours : Skip the Line: Geothermal Exhibition - Energy Entrance Ticket

11. Check out the stunning basal formations at Studlagil Canyon

Contributed by Content Creator, Shane

Studlagil Canyon in East Iceland is truly mesmerizing. After walking for half an hour through farmland and passing a waterfall, we made our way down the basalt columns to see this awesome canyon view with turquoise water

This was one of my favourite experiences on the trip! From the walk to the canyon to rock bouldering down to the water’s edge, there was always something amazing to see. We even tried to stay as long as we could before realising the sky was getting dark and making a mad dash back to the car!

Pack your winter clothes, it's going to be cold

With plenty of natural attractions, there is no doubt that Iceland is one of the most scenic countries on the planet. There is always something exciting to do or see here, from the food to the outdoor activities. Of course, you cant forget about the beautiful Nothern Lights. Book a trip to this country and see for yourself what makes it such an amazing place.

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