
Sharing thousands of square kilometres with no one but the foxes and the birds is very possible in the Hornstrandir area in the Western fjords of Iceland. PIC bjarnit
I t is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune should at no time leave Iceland without visiting the places that really put Iceland on the map of most beautiful countries of the world. This goes for the ladies as well.
And most of these places are far away from Reykjavik city. Studies have shown that the majority of foreign visitors to Iceland enjoy the capital, the Blue Lagoon, do the Golden Circle and perhaps a cave dive in Thingvellir or whale watching trip in Faxafloi before heading home again and bragging to all their friends.
This is fine and dandy and understandable given that many have limited time here. But it´s also horribly sad since these places and activities at no time give the visitor a true sense of this magnificent island. The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, the whale watching and the capital Reykjavik are all the absolute worst examples of mass tourism in Iceland. All are visited by hundreds of thousands every year while only a handful experience true areas of beauty.
These are just a few unmissable places and activities in Iceland in no particular order far away from Reykjavik city.
JOKULSARLON » Deepest body of water in Iceland and a truly awe inspiring place. Where large icebergs break away from Breidamerkurjokull glacier and float gently around. The scene of many famous movies and totally unmissable.
DETTIFOSS » This 45 metre high waterfall is energy in the purest form. The most powerful waterfall in whole of Iceland and some say the whole of Europe. Part of Jokulsargljufur National Park. Totally unmissable place.
MYVATN » Hot springs galore, amazing lava formations, the most beautiful lake in Iceland, a Blue Lagoon copycat… we could go on but this would take years. Just come.
LANDMANNALAUGAR » If Charlize Theron loved it then so will you. Swimming and bathing, nude or otherwise, in a natural but colorful hot spring area in the highlands is a experience to remember for life.
SEYDISFJORDUR »This deep fjord with its towering cliffs on all sides will make you gape in awe and wonder. The old part of the small town is the most beautiful in all Iceland although a bit of it was blown away by an awful landslide in 2020.
SKAFTAFELL » Ever lived next to a glacier? Set up your tent here and you can and have view over the highest mountain in Iceland as a bonus. More picturesque places are hard to find on this earth and we´ve been around.
ASKJA » Think Matisse and Picasso were surreal? Come to this place, take a seat and reconsider that view. Oh, and in the meantime take a dip into a live volcanic crater.
ASBYRGI » Many Icelanders believe elves and trolls inhabit this land of ours. If they are then this would be their majestic capital
HORNSTRANDIR » Privacy your thing? Then you could do worse than hike in Hornstrandir where no one has lived for half a century but birds and foxes. A must place for all hikers and nature lovers.