In today's article, we present to you a list of the 5 most important tourist attractions in Iceland that you should not miss when you arrive here.

 


1. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon was created artificially in 1976 due to leaks from the Svartsengi power plant that pumped heated geothermal water from approximately 2 km deep. Today the area is one of the most visited in Iceland, tens of thousands of people arriving here annually, attracted by the charming landscape and obviously by one of the richest waters in the world in minerals such as silicon and sulphur . The Blue Lagoon is formed on a lava field in Grindavik , Reykjanes Peninsula . Iceland's volcanic activity manages to maintain electricity, heat and ensure the growth of plants in the darkness of arctic winters.

In addition, the water has a constant temperature of approximately 40 degrees , in which tourists can bathe throughout the year . The water from the Blue Lagoon is also used to treat skin conditions , such as cancer or psoriasis. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come annually to this fountain of eternal youth, choosing to visit this paradise that enchants all the senses.
The Blue Lagoon center in Iceland includes a hotel, a spa center, a dermatology clinic, a restaurant, a cafe and a bar. Thus, tourists can relax in the lagoon , opt for a white mud mask or opt for a steam bath in the lava cave .

 

 

2. Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park occupies an important place in the history of Iceland, being a symbol of national unity, having an inestimable value in the Icelandic collective memory. Here, in the summer of 930, the Icelandic Parliament (the first parliament in the world) was established. Also here, Iceland proclaimed its independence from Denmark on July 17, 1944, and in 2000 Icelanders celebrated 1000 years since the adoption of Christianity.

Today, tourists can visit the testimonies of the first administrative structure in the world, the Icelandic Parliament, including the famous Rock of the Law and the Council of the Law .

The history and the spectacular natural setting make the place unique. The rift valley can be seen very well on the surface and helped to develop the theory of tectonic plates. We can see evidence of the migration of the continents. Most of the national park is covered with lava from a volcano that erupted 10,000 years ago.

 

3. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Considered one of the wonders of Icelandic nature, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon was born from the retreat of a glacier, it was 8 square kilometers in 1975 and reached 15 square kilometers in 1998 . Huge pieces have broken off from Breidamerkurjokull and are floating on the surface of the water, giving you a fairytale feeling.
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is located right on the ring road between Höfn and Skaftafell , at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier . If you're looking at a procession of stunningly deformed surreal ice shapes from Highway 1, you've arrived.

The atmosphere is fabulous! The surface of the lake on which the ice blocks float is quite narrow, but the depth of 250 meters has placed this lake in the top of the deepest lakes in Iceland. The pieces of ice that float on the surface of the water or reach the shore come off the Breiaamerkurjokull glacier , one of the largest pieces of the Vatnajokull glacier. Famous scenes from the films A View to Kill  and  Die Another Day
were filmed here , as well as the series Lara Croft: Tomb Raider , Batman Begins , various TV shows and documentaries.

 

 

4. Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis

The northern lights are among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland . Auroras are related to the solar wind, a stream of ions that radiate from the sun. These particles become born into the earth's magnetic field and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing bursts of energy that appear as large circles around the poles. This spectacular show of natural light is best admired in distant places and is particularly impressive during times of increased solar activity. The northern lights appear in the magnetic polar regions of the northern and southern hemispheres, and their color can vary from white, green, pink and even purple. Their colors depend and are influenced by the ionized elements.

Since the appearance of the Northern Lights is unpredictable, most accommodation operators can give you predictions before you go to bed and can add you to an overnight call list. They will only call you if the lights appear, as they can only be visible for a short period of time.

 

5. Landmannalaugar nature reserve

In the southern part of Iceland, 180 kilometers from Reykjavik is the Landmannalaugar National Park , one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
Summer is the best time to visit Landmannalaugar , because this is the time when it reveals its vibrant colors and its landscape is in full glory. The best thing you can do in Landmannalaugar is to explore the area on foot and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes.

The area is surrounded by vast lava fields and Rhyolite mountains , which display a magnificent spectrum of colors. The access road is open only from the beginning of June to the end of September. A mountain lodge ( Landmannalaugar hall ) with basic facilities accommodates 75 people. Therefore, you must not miss the rugged landscape and the extremely spectacular views.