See the Northern Lights, Plus 13 Other Things to Do in Iceland for a Nordic Adventure Like No Other
Known for its lava fields, glaciers, and geothermal pools, Iceland is on many travelers' radars. There's plenty to do in the capital of Reykjavik, including dining on New Nordic cuisine, and just outside of town are stunning natural attractions. Game of Thrones films here, and the Northern Lights are often spotted, giving you plenty of reasons to visit this compact European country. Here are the top things to do in Iceland for the ultimate Nordic adventure.
1. Snap Selfies Outside Harpa Concert Hall
The Olafur Eliasson-designed Harpa concert hall, with its blue-hued glass fa?ade, is one of Reykjavik's most famous buildings. Snap a few photos in front of the exterior, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the hall, and catch a concert while you're in town.
2. Soak in the Blue Lagoon
One of the top things to do in Iceland is to take a dip in the famed Blue Lagoon, a vast, mineral-rich thermal pool, just outside of Reykjavik. The mist-shrouded waters are kept at an ahh-inducing 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may never want to get out!
3. Take a Walking Tour of the Capital
Reykjavik, with its 19th-century buildings in colors like barn red, teal blue, and canary yellow, has stunning vistas of the sea and snowcapped mountains at every turn. Don't miss a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the most important church in the country.
4. Brush Up on Your Viking History
Learn about the country's fascinating Viking history at Saga Museum, which is located down by the harbor, and wander amid Icelandic paintings and sculpture, primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries, in the National Gallery of Iceland.
5. Break for Caffeine
After a morning of museum-hopping and strolling Reykjavik's streets, stop for a pick-me-up espresso or cappuccino at Reykjavik Roasters, a small-batch beanery serving the best coffee in town. Sit at one of the simple wooden tables and plot your afternoon.
6. Dine in a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Dill, under chef Ragnar Eiriksson, who specializes in New Nordic cuisine, was the first restaurant in Iceland to earn a Michelin star. The tasting menus, which emphasize fresh local ingredients, feature dishes like arctic char and free-range Icelandic lamb.
7. Stay in a Room Overlooking Parliament
You can't get more centrally located than the elegant Hotel Borg, which is on the city's main square, across from the Icelandic Parliament. Expect art deco-style rooms, a spa with a steam room, and a branch of Jamie's Italian from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
8. See Nature at its Best
Take a day trip to explore the natural beauty of Thingvellir National Park, known for its otherworldly rock formations and lunar-looking lava fields, as well as the mesmerizing Gullfoss Waterfall and Strokkur geyser - Iceland's version of Old Faithful.
9. Sip Craft Icelandic Beer
Icelanders like to drink beer (there's even an annual Icelandic Beer Festival), and a few of the best bars to sample some local craft brews include Micro Bar and Mikkeller & Friends. You can also visit Bryggjan Brugghús brewery for a tour and tasting.
10. Go Northern Lights-Hunting
One of nature's most spectacular light shows are the Northern Lights, and Iceland is one of the best places in the world in which to see them. Sign up for a bus tour that'll drive you to a light-free area outside of the city in the hopes of catching these elusive lights.
11. Sink Your Toes in a Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Beach, in Vik in southern Iceland, is a gorgeous black-sand beach known for its giant rock formation of basalt columns, both on the beach and jutting out from the sea. Keep in mind, the water here is rough, so swimming isn't recommended.
12. Sample a Reindeer Burger
One of the top restaurants in town for modern Icelandic cuisine is Grill Market, helmed by Hrefna Rósa Saetran and Guelaugur Frímannsson. The menu features local specialties, such as reindeer burgers, charcoal-grilled lamb, and grilled langoustines.
13. Tipple on the Local Vodka
Sip martinis made with Reyka vodka at the upscale cocktail bar Loftid, which attracts a see-and-be-seen crowd, while Slippbarinn, at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, serves vodka drinks, as well as margaritas, mojitos, and classic cocktails like negronis.
14. Buy an Authentic Icelandic Sweater
You'll find high-quality handcrafted wool sweaters, hats, and scarves (perfect souvenirs!) at The Hand Knitting Association of Iceland. Nearby is Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, where you can shop for fashions from Icelandic designers.
More from Best Products:
The Best 360-Degree Cameras to Take on Your Next Trip
These 8 Smart Luggage Products Will Ensure Easy-Going Travels
10 Site With Awesome Airline Deals - Why Wait to Book?
Follow BestProducts.com on Facebook and Pinterest for more travel suggestions and the latest product news, so you can find the item that's perfect for you (at the right price)!
You Might Also Like
