Iceland - The Warm Glow Of An Otherworldly Land

Discover Iceland’s surreal beauty—where fiery volcanoes meet icy landscapes, and the Northern Lights cast a magical glow.

Published On Mar 06, 2025 | Updated On Mar 06, 2025

Image

Iceland has quietly risen to prominence to reveal what its Scandinavian neighbours have hidden—vast subterranean ice caves, the Blue Lagoon, lofty volcanoes, thermal baths, and landscapes that look so much like the moon that astronauts used to train there. Iceland had previously been overlooked! The nation is home to many breathtaking landscapes, the Northern Lights, and so much more. If you’re thinking about a Northern Lights Iceland trip, this guide is surely going to convince you!

Image

Beautiful and more popular over the past decade, Iceland is a must-visit destination. The fact, though, is that your intended vacation to Iceland will determine the optimal time to visit.
Iceland's many attractions include its world-renowned hot springs, breathtaking landscapes, and the enchanting northern lights.

Image

While sightings of the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the months of November through March, known for their long and gloomy evenings, offer the best opportunities. To witness the Northern Lights in all its glory, you must have a clear sky, a period of high solar activity, and a secluded spot. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a wonderful place to watch the Northern Lights because of its remote location and breathtaking scenery.

Other than the spectacular Northern Lights, here’s what else Iceland has to offer

Image

In addition to seeing the Northern Lights (a must-do), the country provides a wide variety of motorised activities that will let you explore its varied landscapes. Imagine a world where snowmobiles race over the snow, snowcats climb mountains, super jeeps explore sandy beaches and highland valleys, and river jet tours are just a few of the many exciting options.

Image

Iceland contains some of the world's most stunning subsurface rock formations as a result of its unique geological makeup. Guided tours of the area's stunning caverns and dormant volcanoes are available at any time of year once you get there.

Image

Helicopter rides to some of Iceland's most thrilling ski spots are perfect for the type of traveler who enjoys discovering off-the-beaten-path parts of a place. The breathtaking views of "the land of fire and ice" that the nation is known for are breathtaking.

Image

Hiking Iceland's nature trails—which wind through moss-covered lava fields—is a must for summer travellers. The paths go over mountains, valleys, and rocky beaches. The breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain will elevate your heart rate.

Image

A geothermal pool offers a less strenuous yet equally exciting alternative to caving or trekking. All year round, tourists from all around the globe enjoy the naturally warm bodies of water. 102 degrees of enticing heat, breathtaking vistas of snow-covered lava rocks in all directions, and crystal-blue geothermal water — surely soaking in this jacuzzi must be high on your list of things to do. Spend the day soaking in the Blue Lagoon's age-defying therapeutic waters; you'll come out feeling rejuvenated. After a long day in Iceland, nothing beats relaxing with a favourite book and catching up with the news while soaking in the luxurious lagoon.

Image

Iceland may not be known for its sunny weather, but its stunning beaches are sure to attract attention. The beaches boast black sand, basalt caverns, and icebergs. There are beaches with black sand and beaches with strangely shaped rocks—a unique Icelandic jewel. Some are known for their columns of peculiar basalt caverns, while others have glass-like icebergs the size of tabletops crashing into the water — we promise you, you’ve never been to a beach like this before!

Image

The waters surrounding Iceland are home to over twenty different species of whales, making it a popular destination for whale watchers in Europe. Among the most popular activities in Iceland is whale watching, which offers excellent opportunities to see these majestic creatures. Minke whales, whale-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are 99% likely to be spotted on a whale-watching excursion departing from Reykjavik. A typical Husavik whale-watching excursion in northern Iceland greatly increases the likelihood of seeing the enormous humpback whale.

Image

Among the most popular attractions in Iceland is the opportunity to stand on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are gradually moving apart. Thanks to its historical and geological importance, Thingvellir National Park, located 29 miles (ca. 47 km) from Reykjavík in Southwest Iceland, is an absolute must-see. 

Thingvellir was the site of the 930 founding session of the Icelandic parliament, Althingi, which met in the Almannagja Canyon, a rift valley on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Thingvellir is home to several remarkable natural features that have earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage site. These include the Silfra fissure, where divers and snorkelers may experience the collision of the North American and European tectonic plates, and Iceland's biggest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.


Photo: Shutterstock