Iceland is defined by dramatic landscapes that look as if they are part of a fantasy novel. The country is covered with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and waterfalls. Some of the towns in Iceland are quaint and allow you to experience earth from a new perspective. The sites of the country are so outstanding that they cannot be compared to any other location on earth.
Ísafjörður
The climate of Ísafjörður is tundra, bordering closely on subarctic, meaning the winters are cold and the summers cool. Keep an eye on the landscapes to spot Arctic Foxes, on the coast to see seals, or the ocean to spot a whale. Due to Ísafjörður being located in a fjord surrounded by steep mountains, during the peak of the winter solstice, the rays of the sun don’t reach the town for weeks on end. Ísafjörður is also an amazing location for bird watching as it has an abundence of species of birds and has amazing locations to observe them. One of these spots is Látrabjarg, which is a cliff that is perfect for getting close to the birds.
Víti Lake
Víti was formed by an eruption in the volcanic region. Víti can be easily visited on tours from Akureyri and Mývatn, although usually only in summer. The crystal blue water of Víti Lake is around 77 degrees, and it makes for an amazing swimming location for those passing through the area.
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi waterfall cascades some 99-100 meters. On top, it is 30 meters wide and widens up to 60 meters at the bottom. There are 6 other waterfalls below Dynjandi. To reach Dynjandi you take a rocky path, made by volunteers back in 1996, and hike no more than 15 minutes or so. Also, on the way up you can stop by all the smaller waterfalls.
Jökulsárlón
As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with meltwater from an outlet glacier. It stands out, however, due to the fact that it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high. These icebergs, other than their scale, are notable for their coloration. Although they are, as expected, largely white, most are also dyed electric blue in part, with black streaks of ash from eruptions centuries past.
Reynisfjara
With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. Looking out over the ocean you will see large stone pillars called Reynisdrangar. According to local folklore, these large basalt columns were once trolls trying to pull ships from the ocean to shore. However, these trolls were dim and went out too late in the night; dawn broke on the horizon, turning the trolls into solid stone.
Westfjords
The settlements are small and sparse, and between them are untouched landscapes and dramatic features unlike any other in the country. Westfjords is a less popular and much less know tourist destination with all the same perks. You can see and experience amazing things here without the crazy crowds.
Dettifoss
Said to be the most powerful in Europe. The thunderous fall has an average water flow of 193 meters cubed per second (6,186 cubic feet). It is 100 meters (330 feet) wide and plummets 45 meters (150 feet) down. This waterfall is beautiful and powerful.
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