Iceland: Why This Country Needs To Be On Your Travel List

It seems as though everyone is talking about Iceland these days and for good reason. A country known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs and its’ ridiculously good looking people, there are not many reasons to stay away.

Positioned on the edge of the Mid Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is located on both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is part of the reason that the unique island nation has so much volcanic and geothermal activity. Easily get off the beaten track with a car rental in Iceland, a country where you can literally feel magic in the air. As if this country isn’t great enough it is also a really safe travel destination for solo female travel!

So what are you waiting for? Here are the top 5 reasons you need to pack your bags and travel to Iceland:

1. Experience Reykjavik

The capital city of Iceland is a buzzing hub of arts, culture and music. Reykjavik is the most northern capital city in the world with around two thirds of the countries population living there. Famous for its music scene, make sure you check out some of the local acts, enjoy a drink in one of the many bars and soak up the culture. If you are in the market for some new threads then head to Laugarvegur street where there are countless second hand and vintage clothing stores and you are guaranteed to find a unique treasure.

2. The Famous Nature

Iceland is literally breathtaking with its mountains, volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and rugged scenery. The landscape is so rugged and at times surreal that you might feel as though you have fallen through the rabbit hole into another world. Even if you only have a few days you need to get out into the wild and experience it for yourself. Hiring a car is relatively easy and from there your very own Icelandic adventure awaits. Deciding where to go is the biggest challenge, but whether you choose to drive the ring road around the island or venture into the less known West Fjords, you will not be disappointed.

3. Natural Hot Springs

Due to the large amount of geothermal activity, Iceland has many natural hot springs scattered around the country. Just outside of Reykjavik is the famous ‘Blue Lagoon’ with bright blue mineral rich naturally heated water. Natural hot springs occur throughout the country, especially in the West Fjords region, and while some have been made into pools and are well documented, others you have to find. Ask a local in a town where the nearest hot spring is and then go and find the pool of hot geothermal water bubbling up out of the ground in the middle of a field. You will understand why Elves are still believed by many Icelanders to inhabit the landscape whilst sitting in a hot spring with mountains all around.

4. The Northern Lights

During the winter months mystical, surreal and elusive shoots of green light up the night sky. Iceland is one of the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights as they are most commonly known. Known for being elusive you will need to have patience and lots of warm clothing on hand but you will be rewarded by witnessing something truly incredible.

5. The Unique Cuisine

If your idea of adventure travel is sampling some weird and wonderful food then Iceland is definitely a food lovers paradise. Famous for its seafood, Iceland has some really good fish to offer. They are also well known for hotdogs, of all things. For those wishing to try some of the more adventurous of the local dishes there is reindeer steaks, sheep heads, puffin, dried fish and fermented shark on offer. Eat to your hearts content, with caution.

Whether you choose to travel to Iceland in summer for never ending days or travel during winter to witness the stunning Northern Lights , you are guaranteed to have a magical time.

Have you traveled to Iceland yet? Tell us your adventures and what to see in the comments!