6 Reasons to Travel to Iceland

Iceland is a place where reality feels almost magical. Here, people live without traditional surnames, speak a language that has barely changed since the Viking Age, and seriously talk about elves. Across black lava plains run shaggy horses, mountains shimmer in every shade of the rainbow, and hot geysers erupt straight from the ground.

Iceland captivates you from the very first moments and stays with you long after. This is a place where you can:

See glaciers and explore ice caves

One of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders is its glaciers. The best place to truly feel their scale is the Thórsmörk Valley, surrounded by mountains and three glaciers. Here, you’ll find groves of low birch trees, rushing rivers, and massive tongues of ice descending from the mountains — some of which you can even reach by car.

If you want to explore ice caves, head to Skaftafell National Park and the Svinafellsjökull glacier. Its caves are famous for their deep blue color and are open to visitors year-round.

Visit the Landmannalaugar mountains

Visiting Landmannalaugar feels almost like stepping onto another planet. It’s one of the most unusual places in Iceland. The mountains here are formed from rhyolite — a volcanic rock that creates stunning color gradients, from yellow and green to pink and purple.

At their bottom lie black lava fields, steam rises from the earth, and nearby geothermal springs invite you to take a warm bath. Dozens of hiking trails run through the area, and campsites are located close to the thermal zones.

If you’re traveling by car, choose routes F225, F208, or F26 — they offer the most scenic views.

Ride an Icelandic horse across volcanic plains

Volcanic plains are a defining feature of Iceland — vast open spaces covered in black sand and ancient craters. Here, you’ll often see Icelandic horses: small, sturdy, and incredibly resilient.

In winter, they grow thick coats and easily withstand harsh conditions. Known for their calm nature, these horses move confidently across ice and rocky terrain. Riding one is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the island’s wild landscapes and create lasting memories.

Walk through the geyser valley

The Haukadalur Valley is home to more than 200 geysers. The most famous are Strokkur and the Great Geysir.

Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water up to 50 meters into the air. You can watch this spectacle again and again — the area is freely accessible, and the feeling of standing on living, breathing earth is truly unforgettable.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic locations and a true symbol of the country. This geothermal spa is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík.

The lava fields here are so porous that they allow seawater to seep underground, where it is naturally heated. As a result, a lake of milky blue water rich in minerals, sulfur, and algae has formed.

The water temperature stays around 40°C year-round, and the setting feels almost otherworldly: pale blue water, black lava rocks, and clouds of steam create the impression that you’ve stepped onto another planet.

See the Northern Lights above waterfalls

Northern Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle, and in winter, the Northern Lights are often visible. While it’s impossible to predict exactly when they will appear, they are most likely on clear, cold nights.

One of the most breathtaking sights is watching the aurora above waterfalls. The most spectacular views can be seen over Selfoss, Dettifoss, and Goðafoss, where the glowing waves of light reflect in the rushing water, creating a truly magical scene.

What to Try

Icelandic cuisine reflects the country’s harsh nature and history of survival. It values simplicity, freshness, and natural flavor. Fish — including cod, salmon, and halibut — features prominently, as does lamb, considered among the best in the world thanks to free grazing on clean pastures.

Traditional dishes include Icelandic lamb soup, bread baked underground using geothermal heat, and skyr — a thick dairy product similar to yogurt. For the more adventurous eaters, there are also unusual delicacies, such as fermented shark.

At the same time, modern Icelandic cuisine is evolving rapidly. Reykjavík is home to stylish restaurants where traditional recipes are reimagined in contemporary ways. A culinary journey through Iceland can be just as exciting as its landscapes.

Connectivity in Iceland

When planning a trip to Iceland, it’s important to think about mobile internet in advance. The island is known for its remote locations, where coverage can be inconsistent, and public Wi-Fi is not always available. During your trip, you’ll constantly rely on navigation, search for routes to waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers, and check weather and road conditions — and it requires a stable connection.

That’s why it’s most convenient to set up eSIM for Iceland from fedafone before your trip. It activates in just a few minutes and works immediately upon arrival, eliminating the need to search for a local SIM card. With eSIM, you can confidently navigate the island, find key locations, and stay connected even in the most remote areas — without stress or limitations.