The volcanic isle of Iceland is a small nation chock full of dramatic landscapes and otherworldly beauty. Nordic legend seeps from the land — it’s hard not to apply a somewhat supernatural lens to all this unblemished wilderness. Any trip here will likely center around Reykjavík, the capital in the west, though the size of the isle means you can leave no marvel unexplored while visiting. Here are our three recommendations of can’t-miss natural beauty.
The Gullfoss Waterfall is particularly enchanting when accompanied by a rainbow.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The majesty of Gullfoss Waterfall is downright jaw-dropping: Located in the canyon of the Hvítá River, this series of powerful cascades is regularly adorned with naturally occurring rainbows. The story of Gullfoss is just as awe-inspiring — it was nearly harnessed for hydroelectric power in the early 20th century. But! Thanks to the efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a local who campaigned to protect it, Gullfoss became a protected natural site and shining symbol of Iceland’s commitment to conservation.
Strokkur is a natural marvel; a subterranean wonder that blooms above ground.
Strokkur
Few natural events are as thrilling as geysers — nature’s fireworks. At Strokkur, expect an eruption every few minutes, as boiling water explodes 60 feet into the air. The science behind this is nothing short of a miracle:
- You need magma to be flowing close enough to the surface to boil groundwater, like a stove heating a pot of water (Iceland sits on the rift valley between two tectonic plates, so, check).
- Then, you need flowing groundwater (the nearby glacier Langjökull melts into the porous lava rock and flows in all directions underground, check).
- Then, you need the plumbing in place — there must be space underground for the water to collect and a vent lined with silica to the surface to channel the eruption. Without this plumbing and the silica, the water would just escape as steam from the ground.
Understanding that it’s one in a million that all these factors can happen simultaneously adds deeper appreciation to the geothermal spectacle.
Let your stress melt away with a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
As one of the 25 wonders of the world and easily one of Iceland’s hottest destinations (pun intended), Blue Lagoon is an ethereal outdoor geothermal spa well worth a visit. The waters are fed by excess groundwater drawn up by the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant, resulting in a mesmerizingly cyan, mineral-rich pool. Tack on the prospect of other spa treatments (sauna, steam room, steam cave, massage waterfall and Retreat Spa) as well as the on-site restaurants and resort, and it’s tempting to forgo exploring the rest of Reykjavík.
SEE ICELAND ON A PRINCESS CRUISE
An ideal way to visit Reykjavík and all its surrounding wonders is on a Scandinavian or Northern Europe cruise with Princess. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the sights and flavors listed above — all are possible as shore excursions — but you’ll also enjoy award-winning restaurants, Broadway-caliber shows and revolutionary service in the form of the Princess MedallionClass® app. Our agents know Princess well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.
