3 Unique Things That You Can Do in Iceland
Iceland experienced a 24% increase of foreign overnight visitors in 2017 up from 1.6 million to 2.2 million in 2014. Visitors flock to Iceland because of its natural beauty and astounding scenery that you cannot find easily elsewhere in the world. Here 3 things that you must do on a visit to Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice.
Go Inside a Volcano
Iceland is home to around 130 volcanoes, 18 of which have erupted in around 871 CE. There are 30 active volcano systems passing through the island and the most famous and recent eruption took place in 2010 involving theEyjafjallajokull Volcano.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, going inside a volcano fits the bill. Iceland is probably the only country in the world that offers a tour to the vast magma chamber of a dormant volcano. From the capital, you will be taken to the Blue Mountains Park which is just 3.2km away from the Þríhnúkagígu volcano. At the crater, a basket lift will take you down covering 198 meters. The journey will last 6 minutes. See other options for Ice cave and Lava cave in Iceland here.
Scuba Dive in the Silfra Fissure
Silfra in Thingvellir National Park is the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive in between two tectonic plates. The site is unique because it is where the two continents (North American and Eurasian) meet and drift apart for about 2 cm in a year.
The rift occupies a space of 600 x 200 meters. Divers and snorkelers enter the spot by descending in a metal staircase. At the bottom, there is a submerged platform ideal for the final checks before exploring the Lagoon.
Explore an Ice Cave
Another interesting activity that you must do before leaving Iceland is to go to an ice cave. The island has plenty of incredible ice caves with Vatnajokull acknowledged as the largest ice cap in Europe covering around 8,100 square kilometers of magnificent ice caves. Other popular ones include Svínafellsjökul, Kverkfjöl and Lofthellir.
When you go on an ice cave tour, you’ll be seeing some of the most spectacular scenes in your life. The caves vary in color from crystal clear ice to deep blues, violets and grays. The best time to go is from November to March when it’s cold enough for the ice to be stable and safe for human passage. If you are driving, know the facts about your rental car such as its capability to handle highland adventures or extreme weather changes for your safety. When visiting glacier caves, weather shifts are known to occur and when these happen, it’s best to be prepared.
There are many things that you can do on a trip to Iceland but visiting the interior of a volcano, swimming in the fissure and exploring an ice cave are some of the most exciting ones. These activities are unforgettable adventures that demonstrate the outstanding natural beauty of the island.