Exploring Iceland's Best Tourist Attractions in the New Normal

Iceland, also known as the "Land of Fire & Ice" is a country in Europe that offers a rich history & vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and lava fields due to its location near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range in the Atlantic Ocean that runs from 87°N about 333 km south of the North Pole to sub-antarctic Bouvet island at 54°S (World Heritage Convention). Because of this, most of the Icelandic homes' are heated using geothermal hot water that is considered one of the most environmental-friendly forms of heat-generation in the world. 

In Iceland, there are seven geographical regions: South Iceland, East Iceland, North Iceland, Westfjords, West Iceland, Reykjanes, and Reykjavik - the capital area where most of the population lives. 

Can't wait to visit and explore the best tourist attractions in Iceland? Book thru Rakso Travel's Best-Seller Tour Program - Exploring Iceland and get ready to experience these breathtaking destinations. 

1. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Iceland 

Couple enjoying the breathtaking view of the Aurora Borealis

Get your camera ready as you visit one of the best places to see and experience the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis - Iceland, where beautiful, bright, and phenomenal dancing colors of the Northern Lights are surely not to be missed out. This event usually happens when the nights are long in Iceland and the sun does not rise at all. It is also known as the winter solstice.  

If you want to experience this natural and once in a lifetime stunning scenery, visit Iceland from September to March or during the winter solstice. 

2. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Tourists and locals enjoying the Blue Lagoon

One of Iceland's most popular attractions drawing people from across the world is the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa offering a relaxing, rejuvenating, and excellent soothing & nourishing experience located in the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 15 to 30 minutes’ drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 30 minutes to 1-hour drive from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.  

3. Strokkur Geyser, Iceland

Considered to be one of the greatest geysers in the world - Strokkur

Iceland has known to have plenty of geysers. One of these is the Strokkur – the greatest active geyser in the Golden Circle that erupts regularly every 5-10 minutes at a height of approximately 15-20 meters. It is also one of the favorite stops in Iceland's famous Golden Circle, normally visited alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir (Thingviller) National Park. Aside from geysers, Iceland is also famous for its hot springs and perpetual spouters. 

4. Gullfoss, Iceland

Gullfoss Falls during the summer season

Another attraction that is also famous in Iceland's Golden Circle is the Gullfoss, also known as the ‘Golden Falls’. It has two parts or stages; the short one which measures over 11 meters or 36 feet, and the second drop which is approximately 21 meters or 69 feet. Approximately 2 hours drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 1-hour & 30 minutes drive from the capital city, be sure to see and visit this breathtaking attraction.

When visiting Gullfoss, other activities like entering the Langjokull (Long Glacier), the second-largest ice cap in Iceland (next to Vatnajokull Glacier) or snowmobiling along with the shiny surface can also be enjoyed during the winter season. 

5. Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park), Iceland

The serene view of the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park during daylight

Did you know that Iceland has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? One of these is the Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park), an important place that keeps the historical, cultural, and geological remains. The relics of the Althing or the National Parliament of Iceland can also be found in Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park). The site is also believed to have the antiquities of agricultural use from the 18th-19th centuries. It is approximately a 1-hour drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 45 minutes drive from the capital city - Reykjavik. 

6. Seljalandsfoos, Iceland

  Seljalandsfoss during the summer season

Located on the South Coast, Seljalandsfoss is one of the most visited falls or waterfalls in Iceland. A majestic, picturesque, and spectacular wonder that drops around 60 meters or 196 feet. Seljalandsfoss is also considered as one of the most photographed attractions in Iceland. Approximately 2 hours drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 1-hour & 45 minutes drive from the capital city, be sure to seize every moment and have your own instagrammable shot around this wonderful attraction. 

7. Skogafoss, Iceland

The picturesque view of Skogafoss which locals and tourists surely loved

Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland having a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a height of 60 meters (197 feet). The land underneath the waterfall is flat, allowing the visitors to walk on both sides around the falls. It is situated on the Skoga River, believed to have a large number of chars and salmons, and one of the favorite spots for fishermen during the summer season. Approximately 2 hours & 30 minutes drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 2 hours drive from the capital city - Reykjavik.

8. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The breathtaking view of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon under the Northern Lights

Another tourist attraction in Iceland that is very much known to locals and tourists because of its stunning beauty is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - a glacier lagoon filled with icebergs. Normally, it has thousands of visitors all year round who loved to witness the free-flowing icebergs, enjoying the view around via boat, see seals playing around & looking for foods, and if lucky, catch the Aurora Borealis during the night. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is approximately 5 hours drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 4 hours & 30 minutes drive from the capital city - Reykjavik.

9. Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull National Park during the winter season

Did you know that the largest glacier in Europe can be found in Iceland? It is the Vatnajokull National Park - Iceland's largest glacier that is approximately 14,141 km². With numerous central volcanoes, some of which are subglacial, and two of these are among Iceland's most active volcanoes. During the winter season, the surface of Vatnajokull National Park slowly froze drawing visitors to visit and walk around the glacier even if it is not recommended.

10. Hallgrimskirkja Church

The stunning view outside the Hallgrimskirkja Church

Located in the heart of the capital city, Reykjavik rises the tallest church in Iceland - the Hallgrimskirkja, a Lutheran Church built to honor the renowned Icelandic poet - Hallgrimur Petursson in the year 1945. Since it is the tallest building in the downtown area, it became one of the most photogenic spots in the country, just 12 minutes drive from the Keflavik International Airport and 5 minutes drive from the capital city - Reykjavik.

Ready to start your Iceland adventure & wanderlust soon? Chat Rakso Travel at https://www.RAKSOTRAVEL.com, e-mail support@raksotravel.com, or call 8651-9000 for reservation.

9D6N Exploring Iceland Tour Package 

Tour Highlights: Stykkisholmur, Selfoss, and Reykjavik Tourist Attractions

Flight Details

Did you know that traveling from Manila, Philippines to  Reykjavik, Iceland takes only 19 hours via KLM Airlines, connecting flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands (layover hours are not counted) thru Rakso Travel's best-seller Exploring Iceland Tour Package? So be sure to fly to Iceland soon!

Offical Language

Icelandic, which belongs to the Indo-European language of the North Germanic languages is the official language of Iceland. 

Currency & Conversion

The currency that is being used all over Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (Icelandic krone) with a code (ISK) and a symbol (kr/ ikr).

1 Icelandic Krona = 0.38 Philippine Peso

1 Icelandic Krona = 0.0079 United States Dollar

1 Philippine Peso = 2.65 Icelandic Krona

1 United States Dollar = 127.36 Icelandic Krona

*Conversion as of Feb 10, 2021 (04:00PM)

*Conversion changes from time to time.

Public Transportation

The main form of transportation in Reykjavik, Iceland is the bus (streetcar) or Straeto (in the local language). They are the only form of public transport in the city (except for the taxi). Iceland’s public buses have a distinct yellow color and they are easily recognizable on the streets.

Straeto is owned and operated by the six municipalities which make up the capital area (Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Garoabaer, Hafnarfjordur, Mosfellsbaer and Seltjarnarnes). There’s no tram, metro system, or ferry service. Luckily, the bus service is both accessible and affordable. The only way of getting in and out of the country is by air or sea.

Check Straeto Route Network and Frequently Asked Question.

Must-try Delicacies

1. Harofiskur or Dried Fish

Harofiskur or dried fish

Wondering what is the superfood of Iceland? It’s the Harofiskur or dried fish - made by drying fish, most often the Atlantic cod, but can also be the haddock and wolffish. All over the island, you’ll see Harofiskur hanging to dry. Not only it is full of omega-3 and bursting with vitamins, but it is also sincerely delicious as locals and tourists describe. 

2. Kjotsupa or Traditional Lamb Soup

Kjotsupa or the Traditional Lamb Soup

Another local delicacy that is a must-try when in Iceland is the Kjotsupa or the Traditional Lamb Soup. Made from braising cuts of lamb or mutton and stored root vegetables, this soup is surely included in the list of tourists favorite delicacy that is proven to be very delicious and healthy.

Trivia

Did you know that the majority of households in Iceland use geothermal water, believed to be the only country in the world that can claim to obtain 100% of its electricity and heat from renewable sources (The Guardian)? 

Reminder

When traveling to Iceland for Philippine Passport holder, make sure that your passport is valid at least six months beyond your intended travel date. Please note as well that you must be at the airport three-four hours prior to your departure time. 

For Visa, you may start processing it 6 months prior to your travel date. 

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Experience the easiest & cheapest way to manage, book, and issue your own Iceland ticket anytime, anywhere 24/7, and hassle-free, thru Rakso Travel Online Air Ticket Reservation System. 

For more information about Iceland, visit Rakso Travel's website.

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