Things I am most excited about Iceland

Two questions were thrown at me when people found out I was going to Iceland in January 2016. The first question was “why Iceland?” I really had no answer to that except for I got a great deal and I had enough money in my savings account so I decided to book my flight, hotel, and tours in Iceland. When an opportunity like that comes your way, you jump into it in a heart beat. The second question was “why go to Iceland during the winter?” I know that it is crazy for me to leave Canadian winter to experience Icelandic winter, when most Canadians opt to go to warmer places instead. Again, I have no answer to that. The good thing, though, is that based on what I have read, it is actually colder in Alberta, Canada than it is in Iceland, so yay?

Iceland is not in the “absolute must go to place right now” list for many travelers and tourists unlike Thailand, France, Australia, and such. Although, tourism in Iceland is actually starting to pick up. I am one of those people who did not put Iceland in my “top countries I want to visit before I die”, but here I am with a plane ticket in hand for the beginning of the new year.

I am going to be honest with you guys. When I booked my ticket to go to Iceland a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea what Iceland is all about or what it has to offer to travelers when it comes to places to see, things to do, and food to eat. Basically, I have zero knowledge about Iceland. I figured I have to get to know the place before I go so I have done a little bit of research and here are a few things I am most excited about!

Snorkeling in Silfra

This is what I am most excited about! I mean how cool is it that I am going to be snorkeling in between two tectonic plates, one going to North America and one going to Europe? It is super duper cool! From what I have seen in photos, the water is so clear and blue! There aren’t any fish to see underwater and all one can see are rocks but I still think it is super cool because I will be in two continents at the same time! The Silfra fissure is located in the Thingvallavatn Lake in Thingvellir National Park (however you pronounce that!). I am just worried about how freezing cold the water will be but I think it will be worth it!

Northern Lights

Most people will say, “but you can see the Northern Lights in Canada, why the need to go to Iceland?” While it is true that the Northern Lights make its appearance in Canada, I was never lucky enough to see one. I have been chasing the Northern Lights since I moved to smaller towns in northern Alberta from Calgary. I even signed up for e-mail alerts sent out by the University of Alberta but I just was not lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. From what I have read, the Northern Lights make an appearance in Icelandic skies almost every night.

Glacier Hike

I have never hiked before so going on a glacier hike is something I would consider an extreme activity. However, I am still very excited about it! I have no idea what we will see during the hike or what glacier we will be hiking on and I do not know what to expect but I am sure it will be one of my most memorable experiences in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

Like I said, I know nothing about Iceland so I did not know about Blue Lagoon either. I found out that Blue Lagoon is the most touristy place one can visit in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where one can put a mud mask on one’s face while relaxing in the milky blue waters. One can also get a massage while in the lagoon! I cannot wait to relax in the lagoon even if the water stinks like rotten eggs and makes one’s hair super dry.

There you go guys! My trip to Iceland will be in the third week of January so watch out for more posts about Iceland. 🙂

Have you been to Iceland? What was your favourite thing about Iceland? Comment below some tips for me? That would be much appreciated!

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