From the adventurous volcano tours, to the relaxing geothermal hot springs, Iceland is truly a country of contrast. Flight Centre’s Bo Trkulja recently had the opportunity explore Iceland and shares why this destination is worth a visit or even a stopover on your way to Europe.
They call it “The Land of Fire and Ice”. A place where thundering waterfalls flow into meandering rivers set against a spectacular backdrop of volcanoes and glaciers. A place where the landscape varies from the eerily desolate plains of lava fields to the ethereal and captivatingly beautiful Blue Lagoon. The place I’m talking about is Iceland, and when people ask me about my recent trip there I only have two words in response…”GO THERE!”
Truth be told, there’s probably no better time to go to Iceland then right now. Iceland Air offers direct flights from Vancouver and Toronto to Reykjavík, or if you are flying to another European city you can incorporate a stopover in Iceland on your way to or from your destination.
In terms of accommodation, there are plenty of great and varied options. Iceland Air owns a slew of good tourist class hotels throughout the country that have modern amenities, some even have their own geothermal hot tubs outside! By far my favourite hotel in Iceland is Hotel Ranga on the East-Ranga river about an hour outside of Rejkavik. Their World Pavilion suites are themed after the seven continents and are oh so luxurious, a great place for a honeymoon and the perfect place to view the Aurora Borealis in the winter months. Oh yes, and at the other spectrum for those looking to stretch their dollar you can camp pretty much anywhere for free!
With regards to activities, the possibilities really are endless! Some of the highlights I got to experience include visiting Gulfloss, the Golden Waterfall which is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe and the Great Geysir, the famous giant geyser that spouts water out of it’s geothermal hot springs. At the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon they have boat tours that take you past floating glaciers and if you’re lucky you’ll see some Puffins or Arctic seals.
Iceland is abundant with hiking trails and whale watching is very popular. You can also go horseback riding, or for the more adventurous there’s ice climbing and even scuba diving in the rivers that form from the melting glaciers in the giant rifts where the tectonic plates have shifted.
Of course, your visit would not be complete without experiencing the legendary nightlife of Rejkavik. If you have the stamina you can barhop until 7am like the Icelanders do, and then head to the world famous Blue Lagoon and soak in the geothermal hot springs. Dip your hand into one of the many vats containing geothermal silica mud and slather it on your face for a great face mask and detox…invigorating!
Whether you opt for a guided tour or want to do a self-drive experience, Iceland is just one of those places you’ll want to come back again and again. Icelanders are delightful and welcoming (and did I mention really good-looking?). The food and accommodation is superb. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and humbling, you feel that the earth is alive here and it beckons…. I can already feel it pulling me back, and believe me, I’m going back soon!
Looking for more information on travelling to Iceland? Contact Bo Trkulja a Travel Manager with Flight Centre Burlington Mall based in Burlington, Ontario by connecting with her online, visiting our website or calling 1 866-569-9549.