Game of Thrones may have prophesied that “fire and ice” referred to the prince who was promised, but in Iceland, it’s all about volcanoes, glaciers and Blue Lagoons.
A few years ago the Nordic country wasn’t at the top of most travelers’ lists, but a of late, travel to the destination has exploded with adventure seekers flocking to Iceland in droves. Most tend to visit for a chance to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, but the borders of the island-country hold so much more to uncover.
Globetrotter Tonto Goldstein (@heartofalyon) recently visited Iceland to dig a little deeper and unveil what the country has to offer, and discovered a more authentic side that many visitors don’t often see.
Article continues after video.
Take a peek into Tonto’s Icelandic adventure in our exclusive guide, and jot down a few tips while you’re scrolling that will help you journey beyond the Blue Lagoon when you finally visit.
01
Welcome to Iceland
A small island-country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” due to the large number of glaciers and active volcanoes that call it home. The country also is unique for its long summer days with nearly 24-hours of sunshine, and seemingly endless nights during the winter. Iceland isn’t a getaway for the budget conscious though, the country can be extremely expensive for visitors with 1 Icelandic Krona (ISK) equalling only $.80 USD.
Getty Images
02
Ice Cold Retreat
The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly Iceland’s most famous tourist attraction, however, most lodging options are located miles away which means cab rides to and from the geothermal spa can be pricey. If you want to skip the taxis (and the crowds), book a night at The Retreat Hotel for direct access to the lagoon straight from your room.
Photo Credit: @heartofalyon
03
Traditional Dining
Kjötsupa, a lamb meat soup, Svið (sheep’s head) and local Icelandic fish make up most of Iceland’s traditional cuisine. Though there are great spots for dining like Dill Restaurant in Reykjavik, be mindful of how often you eat out. Even the cheapest meals in the city can cost around $15 USD per person.
Getty Images
04
Chase Waterfalls
Despite the fact that everyone visits Iceland for the Blue Lagoon, there is so much more to see! Take some time to visit Skógafoss Water Fall (which looks even more magical when it’s frozen over) and explore the often forgotten Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.
