Iceland Things To Do

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Things To Do

It makes sense to base yourself in Reykjavik since most of the country’s greatest attractions are located in close proximity. Home to an abundance of natural phenomena – from fiery volcanoes to cooling waterfalls – you’ll see it all by taking a trip around the peripheral Ring Road.

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Bathe in the eerie, therapeutic waters of Bláa Lónið (said to help cure conditions like psoriasis), where temperatures are always kept above a pleasant 100 degrees. Create your own free facial by taking advantage of the silica mud pots that line the perimeter of the pool.

25 miles west of Reykjavik; www.bluelagoon.com

It may seem an odd activity for a country with the word “ice” in its name, but Iceland actually lays claim to a couple notable courses. Grab your clubs and try your swing at the world’s northernmost 18 holes at Akureyri Golf Club overlooking jagged fjords and the glistening ocean.

Akureyri Golf Club; Akureyri Jaðri, 600; Akureyri; 011-354-462-2974; www.golf.is

Situated in one of the most volcanically active areas of Iceland, this 75-square-mile park includes more than 200 species of plants and a wide range of birds. Its most popular attraction is Niagara-like Dettifoss waterfall, located on the country’s second longest river, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, that flows from the Vatnajökull glacier.

011-354-465-2359; www.ust.is

Some of Iceland’s most striking attractions are conveniently located along the same southwestern route (180-miles round trip from Reykjavik): Þingvellir, a postcard-worthy valley surrounded by undulating lava; Gulfoss, an impressive waterfall that rivals Niagara; and Geysir, the country’s first active hot spring. Most buses make stops at each spot. Reykjavik Excursions offers full-day trips.

Reykjavik Excursions; Reykjavik Vatnsmýrarvegi 10; Reykjavik; 011-354-562-1011; www.re.is

Just a half-hour drive from Reykjavik, Bláfjöll ski resort has something for everyone: A ski and snowboarding school, cross-country slopes, and illuminated runs for night skiing, as well as a host of après ski restaurants and bars. With an 886-foot vertical drop, the resort is groomed with beginner and intermediate terrain.

Bláfjöll ski resort; Bláfjöll; 011-354-530-3000; www.skidasvaedi.is

A jaunt down Iceland’s southern coastline will leave you with a true appreciation for the country and a photo album full of memories. Along the Ring Road route – the highway that encircles the entire island – you’ll pass waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), glaciers (Vatnajökull, Mýrdalsjökull), and black-sand beaches (Vík), not to mention

www.icelandtouristboard.com

Though you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales any time of year (if you don’t, most companies will give you a free return pass), finding puffins is more of a feat. They’re only out during the breeding season (April to August), when whale-watching boats detour to the islands of Akurey and Lundey in hopes of spotting them. All boats depart from Reykjavik harbor.

Whale Watching Centre; ÆgisgarÞur 7; Reykjavik; 011-354-533-2660; www.whalewatching.is

Iceland’s most celebrated sculptor’s work – an assemblage of Icelandic folklore and Norse mythology – is on display in this eponymous art house.

Eiricksgata; Reykjavik; 011-354-551-3797; www.skulptur.is

If you don’t have time to make the 25-mile trip to the Blue Lagoon yet fancy a dip to warm yourself up, try one of the city’s prevalent hotpots – outdoor tubs that remain above 100 degrees to keep the Icelandic chill at bay. While you can throw a dime and hit a dozen, our pick is the city’s biggest and best at Laugardalslaug, with its accompanying geothermal pool.

Laugardalur; Reykjavik; 011-354-553-4039

Ascend Iceland’s largest church – and one of its most recognizable landmarks – for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city. At 244-feet high, the oversized work of art was built to resemble volcanic basalt formations.

Skólavörduholti; Reykjavik; 011-354-510-1000; www.hallgrimskirkja.is

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