ACTIVITIES
Beaches
Iceland offers a number of excellent and picturesque beaches. Some of them have sand (white or black), other have pebbles and some are rocky. If it is not warm enough one can choose a thermal beach in Reykjavik (Nauthólsvik). Other beaches offer great photo opportunities. Two beaches in Reykjavik were awarded the Blue Flag. There are no official nudist beaches.
Sightseeing
There are hundreds of interesting places to visit in Iceland. Main attractions are natural. These include fabulous landscapes, spectacular fjords, lava, lakes, glaciers and geysers. One of the top spots is Asbyrgi which is located in the National Park Jokulsargljufur, the West Fjords and the Thingvellir National Park (the oldest national park in Iceland). The latter is especially important for historical and geological reasons. The first Icelandic parliament was established in Thingvellir in 930. This site lies in a rift valley and this is the only place in the world where it is possible to see the continental drift between the North America Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
The capital offers a number of cultural spots. The must-see sights include the National Museum of Iceland, Saga Museum, Hallgrímskirkja (the church of Hallgrímur) and Asgrimur Jonsson Gallery.
Hiking/Walking
There are plenty of hiking routes on this unique island. However, only some of them are well marked. Among hundreds of routes everyone will find a route that will match their abilities and mood. The Icelandic landscapes are amazing and thus hiking or trekking tours in this country will be unforgettable. Hikers should beware of frequent fogs in Iceland and it is recommended to check the weather forecast before a hiking tour.
Skiing
Icelandic ski resorts will satisfy skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The season starts in November and ends in March but skiing on glaciers is possible even in summer. Many slopes are illuminated and thus winter sports lovers can enjoy skiing and snowboarding even at night.
Water sports
One of the most popular water sports in Iceland is river rafting which can be a great adventure. Also surfing is allowed on some beaches. But Iceland is particularly famous for numerous heated outdoor swimming pools. The temperatures range from 25 to 45 degrees Celsius.
Fishing
Fishing in Iceland is allowed from 7am until the sunrise. Lakes and rivers in Iceland offer excellent fishing opportunities. The country is famous for great salmon and trout fishing. The fishing season for salmon and brown trout starts in June and lasts till October. The season for sea trout starts in May and ends in October. Fishing license are usually included in the price of the fishing tour.
Rock climbing
Iceland can be a good destination for rock climbers, however, the main problem may be the weather. The quality of the rock may be poor in some places. The climbing season lasts from May to September. One of the most famous and popular locations for rock climbing is Hnappavellir on the southeast coast of the country. In bad weather conditions it is recommended to choose on of the indoor rock climbing centres.
Nightlife
Nightlife is especially energetic in Reykjavik. There is a number of cafes, bars, nightclubs and discos in the capital. Live concerts are very popular. Sometimes parties last until 5am, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Most of places get really crowded during weekends. A great variety of music genres will please everyone – from punk rock lovers to hip-hop fans. It is worth mentioning that Icelandic beer is very famous for its unique taste.
Others
Iceland is an amazing tourist destination for singles, couples and whole families. Everyone will find a perfect activity for themselves. Besides activities given above, the most popular include whale watching, bird watching and horseback riding. Such activities create opportunity to have a great contact with nature in an unspoilt country. Also, numerous glaciers offer opportunities for hiking, arctic adventures with a use of 4WD vehicles as well as snowmobiling.
