Iceland: Nature, Culture and Distinctive Landscapes
Accommodation in Iceland
When choosing accommodation in Iceland, it helps to first consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: cultural history, hiking, wildlife watching or geothermal baths. Each of the three national parks offers its own attractions. Their distinct themes can help guide your choice of destinations.
Nature and National Parks
Iceland includes the only section of the actively spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge visible above sea level. The national parks also each combine natural and cultural heritage in different ways. Trails, visitor facilities and information make public access easier. Snæfellsjökull National Park is the only national park in Iceland that extends from the seashore to the mountain peaks—a notable distinction for anyone who wants to make a variety of landscapes the focus of their trip.
Þingvellir: History and Activities
Þingvellir appeals to travellers who want to combine cultural history with physical activity and experiences in nature. The Alþing assembly met there annually from around 930 AD to 1798. Þingvellir was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its cultural value. The long history of the assembly site and its present-day status as a World Heritage Site make it a special destination for visitors interested in culture.
Þingvellir National Park has walking and hiking trails, as well as guided hikes. Fishing and snorkelling are also listed as activities. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether you would prefer to explore on foot or include one of these other options in your Iceland itinerary.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
Those looking for hikes to suit different ability levels will find numerous routes in Hornstrandir, from relatively easy to more challenging. The 589-square-kilometre protected area lies in the northern part of the Westfjords Peninsula. The most common way to get there is by sea; scheduled departures operate from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður in Strandir. This access information is important if you are planning to visit Hornstrandir. Visitors can see and photograph Arctic foxes there in both winter and summer.
Hiking is also available in Vatnajökull National Park. For Kerlingarfjöll, a hiking brochure published by the Environment Agency lists eight trails divided into three difficulty levels. This gives you a specific reference point when looking in advance at hikes with different levels of difficulty.
Protected Areas and Seasonal Experiences
Surtsey was formed by volcanic eruptions from 1963 to 1967 and has been legally protected since its formation. The nature reserve is closed to all public traffic. Bear this restriction in mind when choosing your destinations: Surtsey is therefore different from the national parks, where trails and visitor facilities make public access easier.
The Northern Lights are clearly visible in Iceland from late August to late April. If this natural spectacle is important to your trip, this time frame can help you decide when to travel. Iceland also has more than 120 swimming pools; most are heated with geothermal water from deep underground wells. The geothermal swimming pools remain warm and inviting all year round—a distinct attraction alongside hiking and cultural history.
For an additional regional stop on your Iceland trip, you can also explore Nordurland Eystra.
For the broader travel overview: Scandinavia.
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