Iceland is one of the most breath-taking places on the planet, especially if you’re lucky enough to witness the wonder of the Northern Lights during your time there. What’s more, it’s a great option for a weekend break.
So, if you fancy a few days away with a difference, Iceland could be just for you. Top tip: remember to be careful when planning how you’ll get there and back. 21% of people worry about airline delays or cancellations, so knowing you’ve done everything you can give you peace of mind.
Reykjavík
Visiting the capital is a must when in Iceland. It’s packed full of restaurants, bars, cafes, culture, and history.
Only there for a couple of days over a weekend? You can still plan a full itinerary. If you’re staying in the centre of downtown, explore when you arrive by checking out one of the beer bars or cafes, before sampling some traditional Icelandic food (fish, fish, and more fish!). If it’s early, try one of the delicious pancake stacks available for brunch to set you up for the day.
Then, spend your time wandering, stopping off for a drink at the Austurvöllur public square, before heading to one of the famous local swimming pools. Icelanders absolutely love to swim, so make like a local and take a dip in one of the public pools if you get a chance.
For a different look at the capital, head to the Grandi area, which continues to be very up-and-coming. Here you’ll be able to find plenty of food, culture, and beautiful views over the harbor.
Make sure you pay the historical open-air museum a visit before you leave, as well as the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church (tallest in Iceland), and for the party-goers, check out the nightlife for the party of your life.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular sightseeing route consisting of three main locations in the southwest of the country – Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and þingvellir National Park.
Renowned across the world, they’re all within a couple of hours drive from the capital, so you can take a tour (or organize your own) and see all three of them within a day. It’s a great way to take in the full beauty of the country within a weekend.
So, wrap up warm and get set to see some of the best geological history, natural landscapes, and beautiful waters in the country, quite possibly some of the most stunning on the planet. Just remember your thermals – it’s cold out there!
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, aka the aurora borealis, really are the pinnacle for anyone visiting Iceland, and as you may have heard, they’re not always easy to witness.
Although it’s quite difficult to predict when you would be able to see them, your best bet is traveling during mid-Sept and mid-April and seeking out the nights where the sky is clear and dark.
As it’s such a huge selling point in Iceland, there are plenty of different tours which will take you to the best spots. Do your research in advance and pick the best times to visit if this is one of the main things you want to get out of your trip. And remember to pack a really good camera to capture it all, too.
The Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
You may have heard of Iceland’s geothermal spas, especially the Blue Lagoon.
On the southwest of the island, this unique spa can be found in a lava field amongst the volcanic landscape. It’s a tourist hot-spot for those visiting the country, and great for a few hours relaxing over your weekend trip. Sit back and let the hot waters run over you whilst taking in the amazing views.
The spa isn’t cheap, but it’s well worth it for the full experience. What’s more, you can choose from a variety of different packages, from comfort, premium, and full-on luxury. There’s also an in-water bar where you can sip on a glass of wine, or why not enjoy a mud mask at the mask bar or opt for an in-water massage.
So there you have it – a weekender’s guide to Iceland! For more top travel tips, check out the rest of the blog.Have you been to Iceland? We’d love to know in the comments.
