When considering holiday destinations, most people think of sunny, warm beaches and golden shorelines. However, others are drawn to a different type of scenery. North, cold weather, beautiful and unusual nature with a landscape that could almost be described as alien. This is Iceland, a land like no other, an island that offers incredible and unexpected sights. This Nordic wonderland is a perfect destination for people looking for something different, an adventure and a place where to discover a completely different way of life.
The first time I visited Iceland, I was already familiar with the north. I left my native Italy in order to move to Sweden where I spent seven years of my life. I had a preference for the landscape, culture, and pace of Nordic living, so it was a perfect home base for me to keep exploring more of that part of the world. It didn’t take long for me to arrange my first trip to Iceland, and it was an amazing experience, just as I had imagined.
I first visited the country in December 2015. It was extremely cold, but my goal was to have a shot at witnessing the amazing Northern Lights, which is definitely one of the most beautiful things you can get to see in your lifetime. However, this wasn’t the only perk of my trip. Keep reading to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of visiting Iceland.
Do: make time to explore Icelandic nature.
While Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, and other towns are extremely charming, they are relatively small compared to most standards, so it doesn’t really take a lot of time to get a vibe and visit. For this reason, I would highly recommend setting some time aside on this trip in order to explore nature, which is one of the most intriguing and attractive perspectives of traveling to Iceland. The glaciers, the volcanic areas, a chance to see the northern lights in the winter with a clear sky away from the pollution of most busier areas are absolutely priceless. Renting a car can be an amazing option for people looking to explore more of the countryside of Iceland and have more flexibility. However, it’s easy to get around even if you do not feel like driving. Buses work really well and there are plenty of tours if you prefer a guided experience.
Do: visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, located just a little ways from the airport, is one of the most amazing spas in the whole world. It is definitely worth a stop, even if you are just using Reykjavik as your layover in between destinations. For example, the first time I visited the spa, it was when I was flying from Europe to the United States. I stopped at the Reykjavik airport, and I had 7 hours to kill. Just enough time for me to visit the Blue Lagoon, which is well connected by bus from the airport. This allowed me to spend a few hours immersed in warm volcanic waters and enjoy an incredible experience instead of having to sit at an airport lounge for 7 hours straight. I took a refreshing 4 hours break at the Lagoon, so that I could go back to the airport refreshed and with just enough time leftover before my flight for peace of mind since I did not want to miss it.
Do: experience the local cuisine
You might have heard of fermented whale or shark, but this is not everything that Iceland has to offer in terms of food. In fact, it is safe to say that the country is a very underappreciated food hub. It is home to relatively simple but very high-quality meals, including some amazing bread products as well as seafood and even cheese and fermented yogurt like skyr, which is now popular all over the world. Personally, I really enjoyed local lamb soup, which was an amazingly warming meal to brave the cold winter weather. I also really loved visiting the famous old-school burger joint, Tommi’s, which feels like traveling back to the 1980s, where this establishment reportedly came about to cater to American troops that were stationed in Iceland. You might argue that burgers aren’t exactly traditional Icelandic delicacies, but I do think that it’s fun and interesting to see how a culture responds to outside influences. In this case, it’s very cool to see how Iceland was influenced by food brought by immigrants or visitors and how they put their own unique spin on these classics. After all, food can be an amazing window into a culture and it’s definitely a fun and indulgent way to explore.
Do: Buy a sweater
Iceland is well known for its traditional handcrafted sweaters. These garments can be quite expensive, but they are incredibly comfortable, and if you take proper care of it, your Icelandic sweater will last you a lifetime. It’s definitely worth buying one. Ironically, I did not buy a sweater on any of my trips there, and I regret it to this day. The next time I’m going, I’ll be sure to get one for myself!
Don’t: Underestimate the weather
When planning your trip to Iceland, keep the unpredictable weather in mind. Dress in warm, weatherproof layers, as even summer days can be surprisingly cold. Stay updated on weather alerts, as Iceland is occasionally impacted by strong winds, flight disruptions, and even volcanic eruptions or ash fallout, which have disrupted international travel in the past.
Don’t: stop on the road or camp in random places.
It can be dangerous or even illegal to randomly stop on the road to take photos or camp, so make sure that you only use designated areas to avoid issues. At all times, do not litter and be respectful of nature. Do your part in keeping this beautiful land clean and pristine.
In conclusion, this article barely scratches the surface. There are so many wonderful things to do and explore in Iceland. And although there are a few things to keep in mind, do not let a little cold or the potential for adverse weather scare you off. This is definitely a trip worth taking, especially if you enjoy unorthodox destinations and, more importantly, a place that isn’t filled to the brim with tourists or crowds.
Author bio
Andrea Caccese is an Italian-born writer, musician, traveler and producer. He spent the last 15 years traveling throughout the world not only to make music with international collaborators and renowned artists, but also to explore, share and write about his extensive travel experience.