Iceland: A Land of Fire and Ice
celand is the Nordic island country of Iceland filled with natural beauty that draws many tourists in. Its other attractions include glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs; this makes Iceland a paradise for tourists with an appetite for adventure and mountain hikes. Perhaps, it is high time to have a closer look at some of the most popular destinations in this miraculously beautiful country.
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Top 6 Places to Visit in Iceland
- Reykjavik:
The energetic capital is an ideal place to start your journey into the world of Iceland. Walk around the numerous multicolored houses, see the famous church Hallgrímskirkja, and enjoy the active atmosphere of the city. It is also important that you do not leave the venue without trying the nightlife since there are amazing bars and fantastic music.
- Golden Circle:
This scenic drive is most certainly a must for anyone visiting the country. Visit Thingvellir National Park, and observe the North American and Eurasian tectonic shelves pulling apart. Be amazed at the Gullfoss waterfall and don’t miss out on Geysir, where the geyser Strokkur erupting is located.
- South Coast:
The south coast is one of the most famous parts of Iceland, which offers stunning black sand beaches, high cliffs, and powerful waterfalls. Take a walk to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, capture the magnificent views of Reynisfjara black sand beach and don’t miss the chance to meet Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon:
This is actual glacial lagoon which offers spectacular view of the icebergs floating on the water and which has touches of blue and white. One can either rent a boat trip in order to get closer to these ice creatures or sit back and contemplate the silence.
- Blue Lagoon:
Take a break at the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that offers water that ranges from azure blue to white and is believed to cure skin ailments. Sit in the warm water with volcanic rock surrounding it, and benefit from the healing powers of the greyish-white silica mud.
- Northern Lights:
Indeed, witnessing the polar lights or otherwise famously known as the Northern Lights is one of the dreams of many visitors to this part of the world. Even though it is impossible to predict the sighting of the Northern Lights, tours to Iceland are ideal for watching this phenomenon since it is in the winter that this spot will make this spectacle easily observable.
Budget for a 3-Day, 4-Night Stay in Iceland for Two People
It is not the cheapest country to go to but if one has to do some initial planning, the trip will not be that expensive and can be one of the most memorable trips. The expenses involved in your trip will be based on factors such as the dates chosen for traveling, type of accommodation, the activities to be undertaken, and the kind of meals you will be taking during the trip.
Expected Budget Range: $2,500 – $4,000 USD for two people
Breakdown of Costs:
- Flights: Expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for roundtrip flights for two people.
- Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses offer budget-friendly options, while hotels and luxury accommodations can be expensive. You can expect to spend between $150 to $300 per night for a decent accommodation.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is convenient for exploring Iceland. Prices vary depending on the car type and rental company, but expect to pay around $100-$200 per day.
- Food: Iceland is known for its expensive food. Consider cooking your own meals to save money, or opt for budget-friendly options like hot dogs and supermarket sandwiches.
- Activities: Many activities in Iceland come with a price tag, but there are also free options like hiking and exploring nature. Budget around $200-$400 for activities.
- Other Expenses: This includes costs like transportation within Reykjavik, souvenirs, and potential additional expenses.
Tips for Saving Money:
- Travel during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for cheaper flights and accommodations.
- Cook your own meals or opt for affordable dining options.
- Choose budget-friendly accommodation like hostels or guesthouses.
- Consider public transportation or walking instead of renting a car.
- Pack warm clothing to avoid renting expensive winter gear.
Remember, this is just an estimate, and your actual costs may vary depending on your travel style and preferences. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Iceland without breaking the bank.