Iceland – Mommy Travels

7 Must See Spots in Iceland

Meagan — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:59:29 +0000

Iceland has dramatic landscapes, mystical natural wonders and rugged beauty. If you’re planning a trip, these 7 places are absolutely unmissable and each offers something unique that shows the country’s breathtaking diversity. Iceland’s wild beauty is waiting to be discovered – from volcanic craters and geothermal hot springs to remote mountain roads and stunning waterfalls.

Askja

Askja is a massive caldera located in the middle of the Icelandic highlands. It is famous for its blue geothermal lake Viti, whose warm waters can be enjoyed by adventurous travellers. Askja volcano is one of the most powerful volcanoes in Iceland, the last eruption was recorded in 1961, and its formation is due to expanding lithospheric plates at a rate of 2 cm per year.

Why to visit

The area around Askja is one of the rawest and most remote parts of Iceland. Standing in the middle of a deserted land where only shades of grey, brown and black are mixed will give you a feeling you are walking on the Moon. It might seem boring but believe us even that monotonous landscape will leave you in awe thanks to its exotic, nontraditional beauty that is so rare on the European continent.

How to get there

It’s important to study in advance how to visit Askja in detail. Askja is accessible only by 4×4 off-road vehicles. Only a dirt road with many river crossings leads here. Directly below Askja is the F910 road, which leads off the F88 road. This then connects to the main Ring Road.

Tips on visiting

The roads are accessible only for 4×4 vehicles and only during a few months of the year depending on the weather conditions. Usually, the roads open around the beginning of June and close in mid-September. However, it might happen they will still be covered by snow and ice at the end of June, so always check the road conditions before going there.
The highlands of Iceland are an inhospitable place where the weather changes rapidly. You should always be aware of that and check the weather conditions before going.

Húsafell Canyon Baths

Húsafell Canyon Baths is a project of locals who created this magical place in the remote Icelandic wilderness. The construction is environmentally unobtrusive, and sustainable so it blends in with the surrounding landscape, using only locally sourced natural materials (e.g. flagstone from the canyon floor).

Why to visit

Húsafell is one of the most scenic hot springs in Iceland. To get to the hot springs you need to hike a bit and the route is ending in the mountain canyon where the baths are located. You can choose from two geothermal pools of different temperatures. Each offers a spectacular view of the surrounding canyon, mountains and glaciers.

How to get there

The bats are located next to the Hotel Húsafell. The road is manageable by a classic car (no need for a 4×4 vehicle).

Tips on visiting

If you don’t have enough hiking and bathing, you can hike to the natural Selgil Hot Spring that is not far from the Canyon Baths.
The visit to the baths contains a 2-hour hike through remote Icelandic Highlands so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots.

Detifoss

Dettifoss is a thundering force of nature, often considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s located in the north of Iceland, just a few minutes from the Ring Road, making it a perfect spot while travelling around the country.

Why to visit

Detifoss is not the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but it is definitely the most powerful. So much so that it’s going to drive you crazy. It lies in basalt canyons surrounded by barren landscapes which will fascinate you.

How to get there

For the Dettifoss waterfall, you have to go to northeast Iceland. The routes are accessible even for a classic car and there are two ways how to get there you can explore the waterfall from both the west and east sides.

The west side is more popular because there is a waterfall right in front of you. However, expect a massive hit of waterdrops as the water from the waterfall escapes to the west. To get here, take road number 862. Then you need to walk 1 km from the parking lot.

The east side is maybe less visited as it will take you to the unprotected side of the waterfall. there is no fence and it can be a bit dangerous especially if the weather is not nice. But if you are an adrenaline lover, this spot might be perfect for you. On the other hand, you will get a view into the deep canyon and there is usually no water splashing splashing to your eyes which might be beneficial. To get here, take road number 864 and then walk again for about 1 km.

Tips on visiting

While you’re there, visit other smaller but still beautiful waterfalls. Following the hiking trail for about 1,5 km upstream, you run into Selfoss waterfall. And if you walk in the opposite direction for about 2,5 km, you meet Hafragilsfoss waterfall.
There is no way how to cross the river so you need to decide on Road 1 which side you want to visit.
While visiting Detifoss, don’t miss the beautiful area of Mývatn and the natural beauties hidden in Ásbyrgi Canyon.

Mælifell

Mælifell volcano resembles a stunning green pyramid rising from black sands. It is also one of Iceland’s most iconic volcanoes. Mælifell is located deep in the Icelandic Highlands under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country.

Why to visit

Its perfect cone shape and vivid green moss covering the dark volcanic landscapes create a very picturesque scene which is definitely a must-see in Iceland. The all area just feels like a place from another planet.

How to get there

To get to this remote gem of Iceland, you need to take an adventurous F-road number F210. The route is rough and you definitely need a good 4×4 vehicle as it is very bumpy and there are some river-crossings. But it’s all worth it. The drive takes about 3,5 hours from Reykjavík.

Tips on visiting

If you feel like it, there is a rather steep trail leading almost to the top, but you can enjoy this place without having to climb up.
You can visit this iconic volcano as part of several multiday hiking trips, such as the Laugavegur trail which runs from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk.

F208 F-road

If you are looking for an adventurous but very scenic and iconic journey, then rent a 4×4 vehicle and get ready for the Icelandic wilderness. Driving on F-roads is not easy and the F208 road is considered to be one of the most challenging. But it’s worth it as it allows you to see some untouched natural beauties of this land of fire and ice.

Why to visit

F208 is one of the most scenic routes in the entire country. It leads from the Southern coast to the Central Highlands. It offers over 100km of pure, wild and unspoiled nature. You will meet landscapes that will take your breath away. It will, for example, take you to Eldgjá Canyon, the largest volcanic canyon in the world.

How to get there

The road leads from the south to the Highlands. In the South, it connects with Ring Road (Road 1) and continues through the Highlands until it reaches F26. The connection from Ring Road is a couple of kilometres after Vík.

Tips on visiting

The road opens around mid-June depending on the weather, and can be closed at any time because of flooding or unpredictable weather conditions. So always check the status before going.
Due to some river crossings and steep terrain, we recommend the road only to experienced drivers.
If you don’t want to spend all day in the car, there are many hiking trails in the area.

Landmannalaugar

Let’s stay in the Icelandic Highlands for a while. Landmannalaugar is definitely the most famous area of all the Highlands and also the most visited. But when you see it with your own eyes, you understand why. The colourful mountains offer spectacular surreal views and the area is a paradise for hikers.

Why to visit

Be sure to try one of the best hikes in Landmannalaugar! The competition will be tough, though. Steaming geothermal spots and hot springs, breathtaking views, incredible hiking trails and surreal landscapes – Landmannalaugar is packed with all of it. Of course, it’s better to experience it while hiking through the area but you can plan this also as a one-day trip.

How to get there

To get there, you need a 4×4 vehicle as the road leading there is very bumpy. There are 3 main roads leading here:

From Reykjavík on the F32 and the F208, which is a gravel road.
From the west, there is a gravel dirt road F26 and then road number F225, which is passable only by off-road vehicles due to several fords.
From the east, the F208 is a dirt road, in good condition, but you have to cross about 15-20 fords on the way and therefore it is only passable by 4×4.

Tips on visiting

It is only accessible between June and September, the rest of the year the road leading to the campsite and the trailhead is closed.
You can get to Landmannalaugar on foot as well from Thórsmork. It is a 55km long trail and probably the most famous long-distance trail in Iceland.
The starting point of the tourist routes can also be reached by buses of various tourist companies, usually leaving Reykjavík in the early morning and returning in the afternoon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Iceland is full of stunning canyons and this one used to be a bit of a hidden gem until it appeared in the video of Justin Bieber’s song. Since then, it has been packed with people so much that it has to be closed for a couple of months so nature can recover.

Why to visit

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon with a unique snake shape covered by vivid green moss with amazing views and a cute waterfall at the end. You can hike to the viewpoint or walk by the river to get totally different views.

How to get there

It is located in south Iceland just off the Ring Road between Vik and Skatafell. It is not difficult to get there, even though there is a gravel road leading to the parking lot. The road is in good condition so you manage it with a normal car. From the parking lot, you need to hike to the viewpoint.

Tip on visiting

You can see the canyon from the bridge over the river next to the parking lot, but we highly recommend walking via the trail as this gives you the best views of the landscape and the canyon.
Due to nature protection, the trail can be closed so nature can heal from the onslaught of people who visit it every year. So always check whether it’s open.
It’s a quite quick stop that can be made while doing a trip to the South of Iceland, on the way to the Jökulsárlón or while visiting Vík.

The post 7 Must See Spots in Iceland appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Iceland Weekend Getaway

Meagan — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:13:20 +0000

With its stunning scenery and mild climate, Iceland is often people’s ideal getaway location. It’s not just for adventurers; families who want to do something different can also plan a visit. Think about hot springs that lazily emit steam on a cosy winter day, massive glaciers you can walk on, and warm, relaxing pools that occur naturally. Iceland is one of the top European summer destinations, yet it offers a magical experience year-round, making it perfect for a weekend getaway any time of the year.

There are new things to do each day here. Iceland has everything you could want from a getaway. Depending on the season, you can see the Northern Lights dance across the sky or visit caves made of ice. It is also safe to bring your children as Iceland is very clean and welcoming. They will be thrilled to hear stories about Vikings, and the natural sights will charm them. Iceland is an excellent place for a family vacation because of its beautiful mix of adventure and relaxation.

Day 1 Arrival and Exploring Reykjavik

Morning

The Hallgrimskirkja Church is a good place to start your Iceland weekend getaway. You can also make this a starting point for a more extensive Iceland 6 day itinerary. It is about two kilometres from Reykjavik to get to the Church. You can take a bus or cab, or you can walk.

Iceland’s natural elements influence the largest Church in Iceland, with a stunning view of Reykjavik. From above, you can play a delightful game of locating the colourful houses below—it’s like looking down on a rainbow in the city.

This Lutheran church draws hundreds of people daily. It’s a great way to see Reykjavik from above and decide where to go next. Children and adults love it, feeling like brave explorers on a huge adventure.

Afternoon

Why not visit the Old Harbour once you’ve taken the panorama from Hallgrimskirkja? Several whale-watching tours begin at the Old Harbour, which is buzzing with life. Iceland is home to about twenty different kinds of whales, such as humpbacks and killer whales, and some of them might show up during your tour.

Once back on land, treat yourself to one of Iceland’s famous hot dogs at a nearby stand. These hot dogs are a national dish! The onions, ketchup, and sweet mustard make them delicious. Exciting fact: Icelanders adore hot dogs so much that they named one after a previous US president.

Additionally, for those planning a more extended European adventure, Iceland can be a tempting start to a 10 day Europe itinerary, blending unique landscapes with rich cultural experiences, especially if you’re flying into Europe from the US.

Evening

What could be better than relaxing in one of the geothermal pools in Reykjavik after a whole day out? The calming Sky Lagoon is a mere ten minutes away. It offers a peaceful and less busy experience. It excellently combines traditional Icelandic style with modern ease. There is something extraordinary about getting into warm, soothing water with a view of the ocean far away.

These pools are naturally heated, so they are perfect to visit all year round. They are always warm and welcoming because the earth heats them naturally, which is a unique part of Icelandic culture. Both Icelanders and visitors come here to unwind.

What’s great about the Sky Lagoon is that its whole area is designed with kids in mind. This makes these pools great for families and solo travellers.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

ODDSSON Hotel: With its convenient location and nice rooms, this hotel could be your choice. It’s less than three miles from the Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Solfar Sun Voyager.

City Center Hotel: This hotel is 50 metres from the city centre, making it in a great location in Reykjavik. It is close to places of interest like the Reykjavik Old Harbour, the Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre, and the Laugavegur Shopping Street.

Day 2 Golden Circle and Vik Adventure

Morning to Early Afternoon

You’ll see a lot of beautiful natural sights in Iceland as you start the Golden Circle tour.

Þingvellir National Park is the first stop. This park is essential for both its history and its beautiful scenery. Iceland’s first Parliament met here in the year 930. Interestingly, the park is suitable where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. You can literally walk between two countries and continents here!

When you enter the Geysir Geothermal Area, you will see beautiful hot springs and geysers. This includes Strokkur, which is known for its frequent and lively eruptions. It’s easy to see how volcanic forces are active here.

Gullfoss is the last stop on the tour. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The strong flow of water can be heard before you see it dropping into the canyon below. This waterfall shows how beautiful and powerful Iceland’s nature is.

Late Afternoon

In the late afternoon, get ready to travel from the Golden Circle to Vik, a small but beautiful village on the south coast of Iceland. It is 180 kilometres away from Reykjavik, a 3-hour drive, but definitely worth it.

The road to Vik is very interesting. Some vistas change every few minutes. In one view, you can see green fields and hills; in another, you can see mountains and glaciers far away.

Be sure to see the ocean as you get closer to Vik. This dramatic coastline is surrounded by rocks and the ocean. This trip is a great way to see even more of Iceland’s wonderful beauty. The roads take you through places that are natural and untouched by humans, making you feel like you’re on an adventure in a wild, secret world.

Stop and enjoy the view or take a picture as a memento of your Iceland Weekend Getaway when you can. There’s more to this drive than just going to Vik. Along the way, you can enjoy all of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Evening

Get to Reynisfjara Beach in the evening. This beach is famous for its beautiful black sand and tall basalt rock towers. It’s great for a quiet walk as the sun goes down.

After soaking up the natural beauty of the beach, head into Vik for dinner. When it comes to food, Vik has a lot going on, even though it’s small in size. The restaurants here use local products to make their food. You could eat fish caught right off the coast or lamb from areas close by. Eating in Vik gives you a real sense of what Iceland is like in a warm and friendly setting.

Vik is a beautiful part of Iceland, and this evening is all about taking it easy and enjoying the slower pace of life there. It’s a chance to connect with the place and its flavours.

Where to stay in Vik

Puffin Hotel Vík: This hotel in the village of Vik is only a 10-minute walk from the black sand beaches of southern Iceland. The Katla Geopark Museum is very close to the hotel.

Hotel Katla by Keahotels: Situated just outside Vik, Hotel Katla offers comfortable lodging with a backdrop of mountains and nature. The Vik black sand beach and golf course are about a 5-minute drive away.

Tips for your Iceland Weekend Getaway

● Early Start for the Golden Circle: Starting your day early allows you to experience these wonders by avoiding the crowds at well-known locations.

● Book Vik Accommodations in Advance: Vik is a small town with few places to stay, especially during busier travel periods.

● Car Rental: Because of the distances between Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and Vik, this trip requires a reliable car. You should rent a car that fits your needs and is ready for Icelandic roads or opt for a group tour

● Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The weather during the trip can fluctuate, from windy to rainy, from Reykjavik to Vik. Layer yourself and wear waterproof outerwear to make your trip flawless and comfortable.

● Reynisfjara Beach Safety: At Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vik, steer clear of the ocean’s edges. The beach is known for sneaker waves, which may be hazardous.

● Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace rules to protect Iceland’s fragile natural environments. Take your trash, stay on the marked roads, and be kind to wildlife and natural features.

Even though you will be having a weekend getaway, you will have seen enough to leave a lasting impression. Although you might not be able to see everything, each place you visit will make for fab memories. You’ll want to stay longer after visiting Iceland for two days and meeting friendly people. After this short trip to Iceland, you will feel like there is still so much to discover.

The post Iceland Weekend Getaway appeared first on Mommy Travels.

5 Most Popular Family Activities In Iceland

Meagan — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 23:40:06 +0000

It’s the start of the week, and you’re struggling to get out of bed. The phone will start ringing at any moment, so you hurry to grab a bite. But the few moments of calm before work soon end, and now you have to trudge through the week. That’s enough to make you want to go on a holiday! You can have it all if you plan a getaway to Iceland. Perhaps, somewhere in the mountains, near the coastline, or a wildlife sanctuary? This gorgeous country is the ideal place to rewind and spend quality family time, so keep reading.

Most Popular Family Activities In Iceland

1. Land Of Fire And Ice

Iceland is often called the land of fire and ice owing to the many volcanoes, lava caves, and glaciers dotting the country. This leads to significant geothermal activity, with geothermal water contributing almost half of the hot water supply in the capital.

The country has several geothermal pools, with 17 in Reykjavik alone. The most famous is Blue Lagoon, 40 minutes from the capital and a short drive from the airport. It’s open to the public between 9 am and 9 pm, and you can borrow bathing suits for $28-$215 for a quick bath.

You can drive to many hot springs, which comprise boiling fumaroles, spouting geysers, or bubbling mud pits. But some hold calm, tranquil waters at just the right temperature, perfect for taking a dip.

If you have time, drive around the Ring Road in summer on a 15-day self-drive tour. Get down at Keflavik airport, hire a travel guide who will curate a detailed itinerary, and turn on the GPS to the nearest hot springs.

2. Thingvellir National Park And Golden Circle

The major attraction of Iceland is its stunning landscapes which will leave you in awe. Leaving the geothermal pools behind, you can drive through the Golden Circle, which is like stepping into the fantastical land of Narnia!

It’s not far from Reykjavik, and you can cover it in a day without rushing through the different spots. You can either opt for a guided tour or drive upto central Iceland and back while visiting Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

Guided tours across the Golden Circle run between 9 am and 5 pm and cost $90USD or 10,900 ISK. Children between 3 and 12 years will get half-off.

Thingvellir National Park will hold special meaning for kids since it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can even go snorkeling in the crystal waters of Silfra ravine inside the park. So, keep driving from Reykjavik, all the way through Vesturlandsvegur, Þingvallavegur, and Suðurland for 38 kilometers.

Note that you will have to pay parking fees for a private vehicle; that’s why some tourists take a bus. Once inside the park, you can visit a 19th-century church, go hiking, camp under the stars from June to September, or traverse the pristine forests on Icelandic horses.

Tours in Thingvellir National Park range from $83-$131.

3. Wildlife Encounters

For a wildlife lover, Iceland is heaven! What better way to explore the country than booking a cruise to view puffins and whales?

The island is home to more than half of the world’s puffin population, with multiple tours running from May to August. And you can spot these cute black and white birds for just $48!

For whale watching in Reykjavik, travel to Iceland anytime and catch these gentle giants in action. You can spot orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises for $90 on a 3-hour tour. 20 different species of whales visit the country, but they are most abundant in summer, which makes ethical whale watching in Iceland popular.

4. Skiing

Apart from exploring scenic landscapes, you can go skiing in Iceland, which is one of the most popular sporting activities. And it’s also a brilliant way to spend time with the family, provided everyone is up for it!

There is 75 km worth of ski slopes across this Nordic island nation and upwards of 10 ski resorts. All these resorts are situated at 1000 m above sea level, so imagine the adrenaline rush when gliding down the mountains at high speed.

For skiing, either head to Southern Iceland or venture up North. The southern resorts are more accessible and only an hour’s drive from Reykjavik airport. On the flip side, the snow season lasts from January to April, and you only have a limited window to make all travel arrangements. Not to mention, the rush of tourists will be pretty high.

The North of the country is remote, but it’s also a skiing paradise owing to the much colder climate. You can travel anytime between November and May to explore any of the skiing tracks – Böggvisstaðafjall in Dalvík, Tindastóll near Sauðárkrókur and Húsavík, Hlíðarfjall in Akureyri, Siglufjörður, Tindaöxl in Ólafsfjörður.

Here are the details of some of these popular resorts:

Dalvík

Open from 2.30 pm to 7.00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm on the remaining weekdays. On weekends you can visit the resort between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm with day passes costing between ISK 1,700 and ISK 3,300.

Hlíðarfjall

This resort has 15 km slopes and 7 chair lifts, but expert skiers will enjoy the 1.9 km stretch of challenging slopes. It remains open between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm on all days, with day passes costing ISK 5,800 for adults.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur only remains open between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm and is perfect for both beginners and intermediate skiers. The resort runs for 2.4 km with an entry fee of ISK 4,000 for adults, while you will have to pay ISK 1,500 for kids.

5. Go Inside A Glacier

When we say “into a glacier,” we literally mean into a glacier, and it’s one of the main attractions in Iceland. Langjökull is the country’s second-largest glacier, with man-made tunnels and vehicles to carry you deep into its icy interiors. As you move from one chamber to the next, you come across different themes and attractive lighting installations.

You will be surrounded by a stunning ice wall on all sides, and it will take 3-4 hours to complete the tour. Prices range from $150 to $250, and you can drive from Reykjavik, situated 102 km from Langjökull.

Final words

Are you already packing your bags and looking at flight tickets? We won’t stop you but should tell you that most tourists prefer to tour Iceland in summer (June-August) with their families.

It will be comparatively warmer compared to the harsh winter climate, and hikers usually travel between July and August as most trails are open. However, winter comes with its allure of Northern Lights, dog sleds, and skiing destinations, so you might be tempted to book your tickets later in the year.

Long story short, Iceland is open to tourists all year round, and each season has its fair share of memorable activities. Pack your bags today!

The post 5 Most Popular Family Activities In Iceland appeared first on Mommy Travels.