Top 5 Iceland Adventures: Fire, Ice, and Everything Nice

Iceland is calling thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike! Here's your hit list for an unforgettable trip, complete with stunning visuals to fuel your wanderlust:

1. Whale Watch with Puffin Power: Spot majestic minke whales alongside adorable puffins on a summer wildlife tour (April-September)

2. Blue Lagoon Getaway (Maybe): This geothermal spa is known for its mineral-rich waters, but recent volcanic activity might affect accessibility. Check before you go!

3. Westfjords Wanderlust: Get lost in the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords. Explore the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum, hike the Látrabjarg cliffs, or simply soak up the remote beauty.

4. Skógafoss: Double Rainbow Chaser: Witness the power and beauty of Skógafoss, Iceland's most scenic waterfall. Legend whispers of hidden gold – care to take a chance?

5. Dive Between Continents at Silfra: Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear fissure of Silfra, a crack formed by shifting tectonic plates. It's the only place on Earth where you can literally dive between continents!

Bonus Tip: While the Blue Lagoon's accessibility might be affected, Iceland has numerous geothermal pools and spas scattered around the country. Do some research to find an alternative that suits your itinerary!

1. Iceland is nearly a cashless society. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even at public bathroom stalls*.
   
   

2. Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate. Nevertheless, the weather is the most unpredictable and risky feature of traveling in Iceland, and visitors who rent vehicles should take special care when driving in unfamiliar conditions.
   
   

3. The locals say there is no bad weather in Iceland, just bad clothing choices. There are excellent suggested packing lists, and at minimum bring a hat, gloves, scarf, and insulated jacket no matter when you’re traveling. And a swimsuit! You will want one for the many geothermal pools.
   
   

4. Free wifi is everywhere – even at remote roadside gas stations – but you might have trouble getting service between destinations. Instead, enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
   
   

5. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active, which makes it one of the most interesting places to visit. On a normal week there are 150-400 earthquakes in this tiny country, though most are undetectable to humans. 

6. Iceland’s population is very small – about 375,000 – and about 80% of the country is uninhabited. Zip codes are only 3 digits long, and the first number of the seven-digit phone number is actually the only area code needed. There are phone apps to help singles confirm they are not dating a relative.
   
   

7. Everything in Iceland is expensive. It’s an island near the Arctic Circle. With few natural resources, almost everything must be imported, and that comes with a hefty price tag. Icelanders pay the same high prices that visitors pay.
   
   

8. Game of Thrones was filmed in Iceland, especially for scenes set north of the wall, and scenery from Iceland appears in every season after Season One.
   
   

9. Iceland is one of the European countries most committed to gender equality. Also, asylum seekers fleeing war zones are welcome in Iceland.
   
   

10. In the summer the sun barely sets. From mid-May to mid-August, the sun sets for only about 3 hours a day, and there is essentially daylight 24-hours a day.
    
    

11. In winter, it’s one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. By midwinter there are only around 5 hours of daylight, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
    
    

12. Reykjavik is a UNESCO City of Literature. One in ten Icelanders will publish a book.
    
    

13. Iceland is famous for their unique breed of small horses brought from Norway by the Vikings 1,100 years ago. The horses are all pure-bred, and it’s illegal to bring a horse into Iceland. If an Icelandic horse ever leaves the country, it can never return.
    
    

14. Smaller than Great Britain, Iceland boasts about 100 geothermal pools and spas. There are 17 public swimming pools in Reykjavik alone. Reykjavik even has its own geothermal beach with white sands and warm ocean water.
    
    

15. Two-thirds of Iceland’s population lives in Reykjavik and its surrounds. The most populous town outside of Reykjavik is Akureyri, on the north coast, and has only 18,000 residents.
    
    
    * Some public restrooms in Iceland may be “pay toilets.” This is a relatively unheard of concept in the United States but it’s common in Europe. There aren’t a ton of pay toilets in Iceland (there used to be more), but it is wise to always have some coins on you in case you are on the road trip and run across one. Some pay toilets may even accept credit cards. These pay-per-use potties aren’t expensive, but it can come as a surprise to travelers.