If you have been a reader here for a while – or follow me on Twitter – you’ll know that I like to get away from the UK for my birthday. Mainly because being a December baby means no one can come out to play and celebrate much. As this has been the case for the last few years (this year I went to France and last year to La Palma) I have already being thinking of where to go next.
I actually wanted to visit Iceland this year for my birthday, but I didn’t so it’s now top of my list for next year’s birthday. I’ve wanted to visit for years, especially around my birthday as it’s the perfect time of year for Northern Lights tours in Iceland. I’ve looked at pictures and watched videos for years, always left in wonder at how beautiful the sky looks; the array of colours and the inspiring shapes. The things which this world can create is truly wonderful, and I can’t imagine not ever visiting them in my lifetime. However, that’s not all Iceland has to offer or all I want to see when I visit. There are many beautiful places to visit in Iceland, especially by car if you are interested in a rental could check out somewhere like https://www.carsiceland.com/post/4×4-rental-iceland-car-faqs, but some are not spoken about as much as others, so I thought I would share some of the lesser widely known attractions.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
As you can see from the picture above this canyon is absolutely stunning, and even more so in winter when it’s covered in snow and the water looks so crisp. To look at the images it’s overwhelming to think that it was formed during the last Ice Age. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon isn’t an easy place to visit though, as you’ll need to drive there then hike for the best views, but even in the bitter cold of winter you can see why it’s worth the trek, the views are so inspiring. This is certainly the kind of place I could spend my whole dy at; with my camera, some lenses and a picnic I could quite easily be lost for hours. Sometimes it’s nice to just be somewhere, somewhere with no distractions and marvel at how amazing the world we call home is. Can you imagine how tiny you would feel in such a place?
The Secret Lagoon
Everyone loves a place that’s a ‘secret’ right? I know I would much rather eat at the little bistro that’s a hidden gem than the massive restaurant, that’s for sure. We all know Iceland is famous for its hot springs, namely The Blue Lagoon, however sometimes it’s nice to find somewhere smaller and less known. Which is why I would love to visit The Secret Lagoon, it’s located near Flúdir and is one of the oldest pools in Iceland. It’s recently had the outhouses renovated in 2014, so although it’s the oldest in the land, you can expect good facilities. But the original building is still there, so it looks beautiful and eerie in photos.
The man who bought the land in 2006 still harbours a desire to keep this as uncommercial as he can, basic and no souvenir stalls. This is pretty much music to my ears, as when you’re visiting a beautiful place you want it to be as untouched as possible. You want to be able to imagine it as it was hundreds of years ago, and not with a Starbucks pitched at the side of it.
Seyðisfjörður
I have a thing about visiting little villages when I travel to places, mainly because I love to check out the churches. So, Seyðisfjörður would certainly be on my list to see. The town is nestled in a Fjord and began as a harbour town in the 19th century. It’s packed full of brightly coloured wooden fronted houses surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The town has a population of around 700 people, yet despite this there are plenty of places to stay there and fill your tummy with local food, whilst marveling at the most picturesque town ever.
Obviously the island is full of a million and one things to do and places to visit, and it’s impossible to narrow them down to just a few. I could easily compile a list of 100 or more sights I would love to see and still have room to add more. No matter how many pictures of videos I see of Iceland, it always leaves me dumbfounded; how can one small island hold so much beauty?!
Is Iceland a place on your bucket list to visit? I would love to know some of the things you’d get up to there if you were to visit, or if you have visited. I only have 12 months to plan my trip so need all the help I can get haha.
