The Magic of Iceland
celand is one of those places that you go, see, experience, and never forget. From the Northern lights to the fjords, you can NOT miss Iceland and all that it has to offer!
THE MAGICAL NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND
Iceland is an impossible, beautiful country.
With miles of untouched land and whimsical landscapes, it’s hard to imagine what could make this place even more magical than it already is.
Iceland is one of the best countries for viewing the northern lights thanks to its high altitude.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, have enchanted people for centuries.
In Iceland, these colorful lights have been the center of entertainment and mythology in the country’s culture.
If you’re interested in taking a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, here are a few tips to know before you go!
WHEN TO GO
To see the Northern Lights, you need complete darkness and a clear night.
For this reason, the best season to see the lights is from late September to March.
Since the sun sets around 6 pm each day during this time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the lights dance across the sky without having to stay out late.
WHERE TO SEE THEM
Unlike most countries, you don’t have to travel far out of your way to get a glimpse of the lights.
Reykjavik is the only capital city besides Nuuk, Greenland, where you can still see the Northern Lights amid the city lights.
For travelers who want to make the most of their trip, you can take a guided Northern Lights hunting tour that will take you to some of the most magnificent vantage points across the country.
NORTHERN LIGHTS MYTHOLOGY
While we know now that the dazzling, dancing lights are caused by solar particles entering the earth’s magnetic field high in the atmosphere and ionizing, this wasn’t always the case.
Icelandic culture is deeply rooted in mythology, and it was believed that the lights could help relieve the pain of childbirth.
Viking legend suggests that the lights were a reflection from the shields and armor of the Valkyrie, who would choose who dies in battle and who lives to fight another day!
While the Northern Lights can be very unpredictable, they are spectacular to see.
Spend an evening under the stars and witness the magical beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Iceland, more than just the northern lights
Now that we’ve hit the thing that Iceland is most popular for, let’s hit on a few other things that you can’t miss on your trip to Iceland!
Whale Watching Tour – There are many tours available that allow you to see whales as well as puffins.
You can engage with Naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe.
It is best to whale watch in the summer months, preferably April through September.
Minke whales are the most common in Iceland. Follow instructions carefully and be safe.
Blue Lagoon Spa – This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport.
There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements.
The lagoon is man-made and renewed every two days with fresh water.
You can easily access the site via car or bus.
TIP: Wear LOTS of hair conditioner in your hair when going to this spa and avoid getting your hair in the water as much as possible, this mineral rich water is known for drying out guests hair and leaving them with a pretty fun bad hair day for the rest of the trip!
West Fjords – Located in a popular peninsula, the Fjords are breathtaking.
You need to plan well and leave time to really explore all this area has to offer.
They have great attractions.
You can visit a myriad of special sites, such as the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum or the famous Látrabjarg cliff.
There is much to experience in this mountainous remote area.
You will have options that will keep you interested while on your expedition.
Skogafoss – The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss is the most scenic fall in Iceland.
With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular.
There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…
Silfra – Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park.
It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents.
It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year.
The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels.
There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel.
The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon.
The maximum depth is about 207 feet.
The water is the purest in the world and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.
