Against the backdrop of mesmerizing landscapes, tourists can find many attractions in Iceland that were created by man or by nature itself. Today we will take a walk through the most famous places, look into its remote corners and try to draw up an approximate route for the most interesting journey through this European country.
Blue Lagoon
It is not for nothing that we have chosen this natural object as the starting point of our route. A geothermal complex, unique for Europe, with sky blue water attracts all lovers of first-class outdoor recreation and relaxation. It turns out that the secret of the success of this Scandinavian resort lies in the unique properties of the water, which effectively kill all bacteria and strengthen the immune system. Well, an additional aesthetic effect of the landscapes is given by the frozen volcanic lava, which encircles the lagoon and has been covered with a variegated moss carpet for hundreds of years.
To personally enjoy this amazing place, tourists need to follow the easy way to the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is located in the southwestern part of Iceland. It will not be difficult, because the lagoon is only 20 minutes away from Keflavik airport. The season does not matter either. The resort awaits its guests all year round, although certain opening hours are set (from 9 to 21 in the summer and from 10 to 20 in the winter). By the way, tourists will also need to pay for the entrance a purely symbolic price - 30 euros. For children under 13 years old, admission is free, and for disabled people and children 14-18 years old there is a 50% discount.
Little should be said about the healing properties of water. It turns out that its composition kills almost all types of bacteria and prevents them from developing. For the first time, visitors to the resort were able to experience all the delights of the local holiday in 1999. The water is richly saturated with quartz, silicon, various types of seaweed. You should not deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying cosmetic procedures based on healing mud.
Tower Imagine the World
Another interesting place to visit in Iceland is the unique Imagine the World Tower. According to official information, the building was erected by Yoko Ono in memory of one member of the legendary "Liverpool Four" J. Lennon. Despite the fact that the tower receives tourists all year round, one can appreciate the full scale and beauty of the tower only on certain days of the year. For example, on the singer's birthday, huge searchlights "shoot" from the tower into the sky. This is an incredible sight that no natural phenomenon can compare with!
The tower owes its name to John's song "Imagine", in which the author tells about a fictional world in which there is no hunger, no poverty, no heaven, no hell. On certain days of the year, six rays from huge searchlights rush from the heart of the tower into the sky.
It is believed that the rays rush 4 km up! If you want to witness this unique phenomenon, we advise you to plan your trip so that you will be near the tower during the following periods:
- October 9-December 8
- December 21-28
- 18th of Febuary
- March 21-28
Finding Yoko Ono's creation is easy. It is located on the island of Videy. To get to the place, plying ferries will help, which in a few minutes will ferry everyone through the 400-meter strait.
Geyser Strokkur
Visitors to Iceland are strongly advised to include in their itinerary a visit to one of the most spectacular geysers on the planet. Strokkur is located by the Hvitau River, about 80 kilometers from Reykjavik. And although there is a whole system of geysers here, it is this seething trough that deserves the closest attention.
If you are lucky, you will witness how a stream of boiling water is thrown out from the bowels of the Earth to a height of 20-22 meters, after which a small lake is formed in the place of the geyser, and the water slowly begins to fill the free space under the upper layer of the earth in order to rush with renewed vigor towards the sky. The secret of such a natural phenomenon lies in the effect of magma on the water, which causes it to boil and fly out in the form of a fountain jet.
At the time of the discharge of the geyser, tourists are not advised to come close to the epicenter if they do not want to be doused with hot water. But don't worry: great shots of the fountain's ejection can be taken even at a decent distance!
Gullfoss waterfall
Iceland has not only thermal springs, health resorts, but also grandiose waterfalls. One of these magnificent natural phenomena that deserves close attention from tourists is the Gullfoss waterfall, which consists of two steep steps. It is also located on the above-mentioned Khvitau River, closer to the south of the country.
Just imagine, every second from the steep rapids of the waterfall from 109 to 130 cubic meters of water falls down! And during the period of large floods, this figure increases tenfold!
The total depth of the waterfall in the water fall pestle reaches 70 meters! The first step has a height of 21 meters, and the second is almost twice as small. They are located so that they form right angles to each other.
It is worth noting that there are several dark pages in the history of Iceland that could lead to the destruction of this magnificent waterfall. For example, in the 1920s and 70s, attempts were made to build a hydroelectric power station on the site of Gullfoss to generate electricity. The territory was even leased by one of the supporters of such a development of the situation. But the lack of money and other problems led to the fact that investors were forced to abandon construction.
Thanks to activists and conservationists, tourists can enjoy the amazing scenery of one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing waterfalls in Western Europe.
Monument to Sun Voyager
This unusual name hides a rather futuristic-looking monument dedicated to a certain fictional "sunny wanderer". The sculpture appeared in 1990, and the genius artist J.G. Arnason was the author of the idea. The monument is located on the embankment of the Icelandic capital and was presented in honor of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the country's main city. According to official information, due to illness, the author of the sketch did not have time to see the finished sculpture. But it was this creation that brought him real glory!
At first glance at the monument, it is not easy to understand what it means and what main idea the author was trying to convey. Maybe this is a kind of tribute to the heroic achievements of the country? Or is the sculpture dedicated to the famous "sons of Iceland" - the Vikings? It is not for nothing that Voyager conjures up thoughts about the glorious ships of these barbaric conquerors!
But none of these assumptions are correct. According to the creators of the sculpture, it carries a deeper meaning, makes one think about what has not yet been known by man, about the fact that somewhere else there are undiscovered lands and unexplored secrets.
If you find yourself in these places, we recommend visiting the sculpture in the evening. They say that it is in the rays of the sun setting over the horizon that the sculpture appears in all its glory. The steel frame shimmers with crimson colors, making your photographs an exquisite natural collage. You can get to the famous landmark on foot or by bus, getting off at the Regnboginn or Harpa stops.
Thingvellir Park
The park is a huge valley located in the southwestern part of Iceland and occupies part of the territory of two lithospheric plates. In 2004, this place was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by the International UNESCO Foundation.Believe it or not, it was here over a thousand years ago that a significant meeting of parliament took place, which marked the beginning of a new historical era and laid the foundation for the emergence of a new people, which today are called Icelanders. A little later, on the territory of the modern national park, it was decided to adopt Christianity as the main religion of the young people.
Getting to Thingvellir is easy. The easiest way is to rent a car or use the services of regular buses. You need to leave the capital and in about an hour you will find yourself in this picturesque place. But be careful: buses run on this route only in the summer.
As expected, on the way you need to have a snack and recuperate. There are several cafes for tourists in the valley, and there is also a bookstore. You can also arrange an excursion here. Most often, they choose excursions that provide for acquaintance with all the attractions in the park.
The main attraction of the national reserve is the rift valley, which is actually a fault of two lithospheric plates. Tourists will be able to observe cracks, the remains of solidified lava, as well as canyons. It should be noted that the width of the valley increases by 7 mm annually, which indicates the ongoing process of movement of lithospheric plates.
The valley is also rich in flora. Over 150 species of plants grow here, and approximately 50 species of animals have found their refuge. The entrance to the park is free.
Other famous sights of the valley are Lake Tingvallavatn, which is more than 12 thousand years old (the maximum depth is 114 m), the Peningagya canyons, in which the lake is located, where, according to legend, women were thrown, who were suspected of witchcraft. Also, do not forget about the Hengiedl volcanic system, which includes two volcanoes.
House of Khovdi
There are many legends and conjectures around the small mansion standing in splendid isolation, the appearance of which did not fit into the then charters of the young state. Tourists here are attracted by several facts at once: it was here (according to historical information) that an agreement was reached on the final end of the Cold War. In addition, local residents are convinced that a ghost, nicknamed the White Lady, still dominates the walls of the mansion. Perhaps that is why the house has been unable to find new owners for many years.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to get inside the house. Today, the Hovdi mansion is closed to tourists and all that remains for adventurers is to confine themselves to a traditional selfie in front of it.
A bit of history. The mansion is located on the cape of the same name and at one time was considered the most luxurious building in the entire city. It is made in the Art Nouveau style, that is, strict Scandinavian lines dominate. By the way, a house was being built in Norway, and later it was dismantled and moved to Cape Khovdi. Initially, the house belonged to the French consul, who was delegated to cold Iceland to establish trade relations. Rumor has it that the mansion built without the permission of the municipality has become a real stumbling block between the countries.
After the French consul, the house passed into the hands of many times with a frequency of 3-4 years. Most of the owners talked about some kind of ghost in the image of a young lady who haunted them. Until, with the light hand of another authoritative guest, the house was closed and consigned to oblivion.
Today the building has an important role to play. Important negotiations are taking place within its walls, decisions that are decisive for the fate of the country are made. You can get to the attraction by bus, getting off at the Hуtel Cabin station.
Perlan
The cultural center "Perlan" is located in the building of the former city boiler house. Today this landmark is a bright decoration of the Oskulid hill, and it owes its appearance to the ex-mayor of the capital D. Oddsson. The rather unusual building houses shops, cafes and even art galleries.
The first floor is reserved for a winter garden and galleries. There is also a concert stage, where a lot of interesting things happen - progressive musical groups perform, fairs and exhibitions are held. But this is not what causes the delight of tourists! They gladly absorb the fountains of a real geyser rising from the ground with their eyes!
You can explore the surroundings from the panoramic platform on the fourth floor. Well, if these impressions are not enough for you, we suggest taking you to the restaurant located on the next floor. Its feature is smooth rotation, thanks to which each visitor will have a unique opportunity to see the surroundings of the capital without even turning their heads! The attraction is open every day from 10 to 21 hours.
Folklore Museum Arbaeyarsafn
All connoisseurs of unusual art trends are invited to visit the open-air museum called Arbaeyarsafn. It consists of 30 buildings and contains an impressive collection of original folklore exhibits. It is here that you can personally touch the history of Icelanders, get acquainted with their life, traditions and see how the representatives of this nationality lived in the past centuries.
Opened in the 60s of the last century, the museum is replenished with new exhibits almost daily. Scientists and archaeologists tirelessly conduct excavations and give history lovers more and more reasons to think and analyze past events.
You can get to the museum by buses numbered 12, 19 and 22. You need to get off at the Strengur stop. The entrance is paid, the ticket will cost 1300 ISK. Children are admitted free.
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church is still controversial among Icelanders, many of whom are irritated by the futuristic building that occupies a huge area.
Due to its huge size, the building can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Outwardly, the church resembles a part of an alien ship that crashed and part of it is hidden underground. But this is a fully functioning temple, in the halls of which real services are held on Sundays. There is also an impressive organ weighing 25 tons, in which there are more than 5 thousand pipes!
The temple is open daily from 9 to 20.30 hours. Admission to services is free on weekdays. In addition to the service, various concerts are often held here. But to get to such events, you need to buy tickets.
