PARADISE FOR ACTIVE HOLIDAY LOVERS
Adventure awaits in Iceland every day. With many mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves and other rugged terrain waiting to be conquered, Iceland truly is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But it’s also a warm and friendly place for all of us.
– Check out some of the activities on offer in Iceland.
Blue Lagoon
GEOTHERMAL POOLS IN ISLAND
The local natural wonder, perhaps most ingrained in Icelandic culture, is the bounty of geothermal energy, naturally heated water that feeds our lives and heats our homes, baths and swimming pools, both public and private.
GEOTHERMAL SWIMMING POOLS AND SPA IN ICELAND
Floating in beautiful Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland, Vök Baths are the only swimming pools in the country.
The wonder of nature closely linked to Icelandic culture is the use of geothermally warm or hot water. The spa is a modern invention, but enjoying the various health benefits of bathing in thermal pools is an Icelandic tradition that dates back to settlement. A prolific spa enthusiast by today’s standards, Snorri Sturluson, a noted 12th-century historian and writer, had his own thermal pool where he could bathe in hot water to his heart’s content. Of the thirteen baths known to have been used in the early days of Icelandic society, four still stand.
Although luxury spas did not exist in Iceland until recently, thermal baths have been enjoyed for the pleasure and health benefits of Icelandic society since the first centuries of settlement. Since the advent of geothermal energy in Iceland, the tradition of public bathing has been ingrained in the local culture. Locals of all ages and occupations visit some of the hundreds of public pools for both health and social reasons. to relax after a long day or to catch up with friends. The bathing culture is well established, as there are seventeen public swimming pools in the great capital alone, most of which are open and some equipped with saunas and steam rooms.
GEOTHERMAL SWIMMING POOLS COMBINE WELL WITH LUXURY SPA
GeoSea uses hot seawater for relaxation and soothing sensations for your soul and skin. And the landscape is beautiful.
The luxury of geothermally heated water has recently been increasingly used in luxury spas. The most famous of these is the Blue Lagoon, located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik.
And as unlikely as it may sound, Reykjavik has its own geothermal beach with white sand and warm seawater (with a small geothermal injection). However, there are people who swear that swimming in the cold ocean is good for your health, so every day you will meet Icelanders who enjoy swimming in the cold Atlantic.
Landmannalaugar-Fußweg
HIKING TO ICELAND
Walking and hiking in Iceland’s diverse landscapes is a fantastic way to experience the island’s unique nature, especially on long summer days.
TECHNIKERPARADIES
Iceland is a traveler’s paradise with a wide network of hiking trails in the lowlands and highlands. Whether you’re looking for easy nature trails or challenging multi-day adventures in remote untouched wildlife, you’ll find a variety of options. You can choose trails that lead through mountains, along valleys or dissected coasts, over mossy lava fields, explore waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes and glaciers to name just a few highlights. A variety of hiking trails can be found throughout Iceland, and each part of the country has its own characteristics and unique natural gems.
HOW TO CHOOSE ROUTES?
In the different landscapes of Iceland you will find hikes for every taste.
Hiking to Fagradalsfjal Volcano is undoubtedly the most popular these days, but you will find several options. Routes in Iceland’s national parks, reserves and geoparks are a great option. They are usually well marked and maintained and will take you to some of the most beautiful spots. While in Iceland you can visit local information centers for recommended routes. Below you will find information about the best hiking trails and tours in all parts of Iceland (see bottom of page).
GUIDED TOURS
Having a local guide with you is safer and often adds to the experience. Organized hikes are offered all year round.
STAY SAFE
If you are organizing your own trek, SafeTravel is the best place to start. In addition to important tips on equipment and clothing, you can also submit your travel plan and check the weather warnings before the hike. Always make sure someone knows where you are going and how long you intend to stay. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and changes quickly. It can be difficult, but with the right gear and some precautions, you can enjoy any situation. Don’t forget to choose the appropriate hiking route according to your physical fitness, so as not to overexert yourself.
SHORT WALKS AND SEVERAL HIKES
Short hikes are a great way to stretch your legs, get to know Iceland and sometimes you even need to get to the most beautiful spots. Whether you’re visiting Fahradalsfjäl, Asbirgi, Jupalonsandur, Hornstrandir or one of Iceland’s myriad waterfalls, a good pair of walking shoes will get you to the best viewing platform.
Iceland’s national parks and reserves also offer a variety of hiking trails: Vatnajökudl National Park, Snifellsjokudl National Park, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and Thingvellir National Park offer shorter and longer routes to choose from.
MULTI-DAY HIKES
If you want to go night hiking, there are many popular and scenic routes to choose from that offer in-depth exploration. Some trails are equipped with cabins and campsites, others require desert camping.
Some of Iceland’s most popular hiking trails are the Laugavegur Trail between Landmannalaugar and Thorsmark, Fimmvörduhals, Lonserafi, Hornstrandir and Watnalade.
TRAILRUNNING
Iceland is an ideal place for trail running as its mountainous and rugged landscapes and vast wilderness offer a variety of opportunities to explore. For many years, trail running has been actively developed among local people, and many runners are discovering amazing landscapes in their local area that are ideal for trail running. Ultramarathons are also becoming more common and popular with runners from all over the world enjoying this running paradise. Trail running in Icelandic conditions requires good training and research.
GUESTS OF NATURE
Leave nothing behind – just take your photos and memories with you.
The unique nature of Iceland is something that most travelers want to experience when visiting Iceland. Please treat it with respect so that others after you can enjoy it. Icelandic vegetation is fragile and with a short growing season, recovery can take years or decades. Sensitive moss can take hundreds of years to recover. A broken piece of lava will never recover. Keep this in mind as you enjoy the many wonders of Iceland.