For a long time, Iceland wasn’t on the minds of many international vacationers. Indeed, it often seemed like only the most intrepid of travelers made their way to this Nordic northern nation. But the word has gotten out over the last few years, and people throughout the world are discovering the many joys Iceland has to offer.
It isn’t hard to see why more and more vacationers are flocking to Iceland. Despite the country’s close proximity to the North Pole, the climate is remarkably mild. Add to that the natural geological wonders and pristine landscapes seemingly untouched by time and the result is something straight out of a travelogue.
Of course, those visiting the country will inevitably take in the famous sights on a bus or jeep tour to the “Golden Circle,” as well as the geothermal hot springs and the spectacle that is the aurora borealis. And while the these are all worthwhile experiences, Iceland has more to offer than its well-worn tour routes.
With that in mind, here are some off-the-beaten-path ideas for vacationers to this once off-the-beaten-path northern island nation.
Jokulsarlon
Iceland is known for is many natural wonders, not the least of which are its glaciers. One of the country’s more overlooked examples of nature’s majesty is Jokulsarlon, an expansive glacial lagoon teeming with hefty chunks of broken ice floating around the surface of the water like giant fishing bobbers. Operators on this landmark of Iceland’s southern coast run five-hour tours on amphibious watercraft that zip to and fro from turquoise icebergs to bergs of the brightest white.
The Islendingur
The Vikings are a storied part of Iceland’s rich history, as they were the original settlers of the country. The Islendingur is a 75-foot replica of an authentic Viking longboat built entirely to scale by Gunnar Marel Eggertsson. The ship was constructed with painstaking attention to detail – with Eggertsson going so far as to only work with tools based on those used by the Vikings during their era. The ship is functional as well, having made the trip from Iceland to New York in 2000. Now, the Islendingur is drydocked and on full display in Keflavik, about five minutes from the international airport.
The Icelandic Saltfish Museum
Visiting a museum probably isn’t an ideal activity for those looking sate their need for adventure, but it can be a nice change of pace from all the off-road excursions Iceland has on offer. The Icelandic Saltfish Museum is located in the town of Grindavik, which is about 40 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik. Salted cod production is vital to Iceland’s economy, and this museum not only gives an overview of the process but provides an overview of the country’s rich history as well.
Bridge Between Two Continents
On the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland lies the Alfagja valley. It is internationally famous for being the place where the underground American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. That means visitors to this valley can take a leisurely walk from America to Eruope in as little as 60 paces.
These are just a few options for travelers who are looking for something a little more than what is in the guidebook. But Iceland is a rich country, both culturally as well as environmentally. Those looking for even more off-the-beaten-path ideas will find them in the countryside as well as the capital city of Reykjavik.
Ken Ripoll is the founder of AllstarPassports.com, a Los Angeles Passport expediter specializing in passport renewals and visas to China.
