Things to do in Iceland

Iceland is a natural paradise where is possible to admire outstanding unique landscapes. Although the long days, with constant daylight of the summertime is taking out any chance to see the northern lights, there is a lot to see and to do.

Reykjavik

The capital of Iceland, from where the midnight sun run event starts, gives a lot of choice: you may want to have a hot bath in one of the pools, like the Laugardalslaug pool, and the oldest public pool of Reykjavik, Sundhöllin. Few meters from this old – and recently renovated – baths, there is the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church, masterpiece of the expressionist architecture and icelandic landmark.

The city offers many possibilities for nightlife and good restaurants: I recommend the Ostabudin (I tried the codfish, delicious) or the Grillmarkadurinn (a bit more expensive). Indulge yourself in a dessert based on local skyr (a dairy product similar to yogurt).

For the brave ones, you may consider to try the Hákarl, the fermented, ammonia smelling shark. I did not taste it, and you can understand why watching some Youtube videos with people reactions (don’t watch if you are too sensitive!) opening a can of this national Icelandic course!

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon, the most famous Icelandic geothermal pool, is a must-go and a real treat in a trip to Iceland. Situated close to the main airport, its water temperature is constantly around 38 °C (100 °F). Its milky water (due to the silica content) welcomes more than one million visitors per year: there are (expensive) solutions for accommodation and two restaurants: Lava and Moss.

Golden Circle tours

The Golden Circle is a tourist route on a path of about 300 kilometres (200 miles) that departs and arrives in Reykjavik. The golden circle tours are very popular because groups in one day many enjoyable activities on the island: classic elements of this tour are:

• The Þingvellir National Park, UNESCO world heritage site, where it is possible to see the effects of the continental drift and the separation of the american and European plates.
• The Kerið, vulcanic crater lake round shaped with a clear light blue color given by the mineral composition of the soil underneath.
• The Haukadalur geothermal area,with hot springs and the famous geysers like the Strokkur, erupting regularly about once in six minutes. It is also the site where the Alþingi (the Icelandic parliament) was formed in year 930 A.D., making Haukadalur the world’s oldest parliament site.
• The Gullfoss Waterfall: the golden falls, which gives the name to the tour, another breathtaking natural landscape of Iceland.
• Usually, a typical farm experience, like visiting a greenhouse where fresh vegetables are grown using geothermal power, or even bread is slow cooked by burying it for 24 hours into the hot ground. A visit to a small hot pool is also usually contemplated and very appreciated!

Golden tours are very popular and many providers organize them: for example, you can find inspiration visiting the websites of Extreme Iceland, Arctic Adventures or Reykjavik Excursions.

All in all, a great opportunity to see unusual things, some breathtaking landscapes whose memories – in my opinion and according to other runners and friends having been to Iceland – will be deeply kept in the bottom of your heart.

Did you like this guide about things to do in Iceland for travelling runners? Please visit my Iceland Midnight Sun Run review and contact me or start booking your trip below!

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