Why You Should Be in Iceland Right Now

Strokkur is one of Iceland's most famous geysers, erupting once every 8-10 minutes. Image courtesy of the Icelandic Tourism Board.

From epic waterfalls and secret thermal pools to glaciers that you can snowmobile over, Iceland is jam-packed with natural wonders

Iceland’s popularity is surging, due in part to an increase in media attention, budget airfares and a wealth of attractions, from the immensely popular Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon to the rugged moonscapes of the Highlands.

My favorite experience in Iceland took place off the beaten path, with a group of travel industry folks in Landmannalaugar. We spent the day hiking Brennisteinsalda, an active volcano said to be the most colorful volcano in the country. We walked past crooked rock formations, some steaming with sulfurous vapors, and over burnt orange and charcoal hills. 

While bathing in the Blue Lagoon (Iceland’s most popular attraction) was an incredible experience, the dip we took in Landmannalaugar’s secret hot spring was far more rewarding. As the thermal waters soothed our sore muscles, locals shared beers and chatted with us about life in Iceland.

Another highlight for me was riding Icelandic horses on a black-sand beach in Vik—located nearby Myrdalsjokull Glacier and Katla Volcano. The team at Viking Horses took me out on a day tour and taught me the basics of riding on this unique breed of horse. I watched as my guide demonstrated the flying pace, the fifth gait, and rode through the lapping waves. It was one of the most stunning sights I’ve had on my travels, and I’m lucky to have captured the moment in this video. 

Watch to discover incredible waterfalls (Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss), Southern Iceland’s Fjadrargljufur canyon, Thingvellir National Park, Kirkjufell in West Iceland and snowmobiling on top of Myrdalsjokull glacier. 

Keep in mind that this video is merely a teaser of some of my favorite travel moments in Iceland, condensed into less than two minutes. Clearly, there’s much more to see and do in the Land of Fire and Ice. Have you had an awesome experience while traveling in Iceland? Anything that you would recommend for my next trip?  Please tell me what I missed out on in the comments section below.