A.K.A Iceland. This small country is rich in Viking history with the most diverse landscapes! There are less than 400,000 residents and nearly 40,000 square miles or 103,000 square kilometers. Almost 40% of the population lives in the capital of Reykjavik. Reykjavik is a big town. Experiencing the character of the town by walking the main streets is the perfect start to an Iceland adventure. There are shops, bakeries, and restaurants along the main streets. Built in 1986, the church, Hallgrímskirkja, is the tallest building in Iceland at 75 meters or 244 feet. It’s one of the many must-sees in Reykjavik!
Reykjavik is just a small part of Iceland. There’s so much to explore! Renting a car and following the Ring Road allows you to see everything Iceland has to offer. Diverse landscape are two words that barely begin to describe this country.
Let’s talk through a few of the hotspots outside of Reykjavik. Two national parks are easily accessible from the Ring Road. First, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, which is an hour from Reykjavik. This offers hiking and snorkeling the famous Silfra. Second, Snæfellsjökull National Park offers several hikes including craters and cliff walks. Both are great options and offer different experiences. Endless waterfalls, canyons, mountains, ocean, boiling muds pits are just a few exciting pieces of nature to explore.
Before wrapping this up, I’ll leave with a few final favorite towns. Husavik is the whale watching capital of Europe and worth the hype. Vik has easy access to black sand beaches. Lake Myvatn has farm restaurants, walking trails, and other options in the area to explore. Just a final reminder to explore more than the Golden Circle. Stay tuned for posts on activities, what to pack, and more!
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