What are the attractions in Iceland and which ones are important? Do I have to abide by some specific rules while I’m exploring the surroundings? Why are the National Parks here so popular?
If you’re thinking of visiting Iceland, these are some questions that’ll pop up in your mind after you find out more about it. But what if there’s a single answer to all these questions?
As you go through this post, you’ll find out everything you must know for your visit to the majestic island of Iceland.
It is undeniable that most of the Icelandic landscape is untouched and beautiful to behold. With time as a constraint, however, you may not be able to discover all of these landscapes. To make your trip fun and joyous, all around Iceland you’ll find different tours ensuring you to enjoy every bit of the stay.
The Icelandic people take pride in their countryside, and for a good reason, there are not many places around the world with such immense natural surroundings.
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What’s Special About the National Parks in Iceland?
As mentioned earlier, the island is beautiful to witness, and the National Parks are a sight to behold. Until 2008, Iceland was home to four stunning National Parks, after which two of them were combined to form a more massive National Park turning the number to 3. Several National Parks allow you to enjoy these utterly picturesque and natural reserves of Iceland.
3 National Parks of Iceland
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Covering an area of 66 square miles, this National Park is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. The center of attraction of this National Park is the 700,000-year-old stratovolcano, which is covered with ice. The tourists can visit the volcano’s summit during summer along with several archaeological ruins and modern-day fishing villages nearby. Another unique thing about this National Park is perhaps that it is the only one with a coastline, making it the sole National Park that is inhabited by several bird species.
Vatnajokull National Park
The size of this massive National Park makes up 14% of Iceland, and what’s more, is that it is the second-largest National Park in Iceland!
This park was built in 2008, after the merge of two National Parks; Skaftafell and Jokulsargljufur. Its main attraction is the largest European glacier, the Vatnajokull glacier, which ultimately resides within this park. This National park of Iceland is home to pink-footed geese and reindeer making it a favorite tourist spot.
Pingvellir National Park
Surrounded on 3 sides by mountain peaks and the other by lake Thingvallavatn, this National Park is anglicized as Thingvellir National Park. This park dates back to 930 AD and is a United Nations World Heritage Site, making it the most popular tourist destination in Iceland and is located about 40 km northeast of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.
Why Wildlife Tour is popular in Iceland?
Wildlife itself is one of the most igniting factors of nature. And when you are at one of the most attractive landscapes of Iceland, you must not afford to miss this natural part.
Horses, Whales, Seals, Puffins, Reindeers, and many more such wild animals are available all across The Atlantic country Iceland. Wildlife is like the shell of Iceland holding the heritage of the country. Following the trail left above for that, a lot of places are still unseen, we will share here 2 of the most beautiful and “must-experience” wildlife tour which you are advised to plan during your visit.
2 Wildlife Tours of Iceland
Puffin colony in South Iceland
It is known that Iceland shelters almost 60% of the global Puffin population from the Atlantic. That is the reason these puffins are almost found everywhere across the island. They prefer their home to be the south coast. To pay a visit to these adorable birds, do try to make your trip scheduled around May to August, as the birds come and leave within that period. You will be mesmerized by their natural behavior and habitat, your experience of Iceland will be marked.
Seal family in North Iceland
The seals are mostly seen in Hvitserkur and Hvammstangi, and during the summer, they are found at Ytri-Tunga which falls on Snaefellsnes. Also, unlike others, this beach is dressed in golden sand, and here the herd of the seal is seen mostly on the rocks.
Another bunch of these lively seals is seen on the sensational and soothing fjord, Eyjafjorour, the longest of all. You will find them while taking a stroll beside the fjord.
You will find a large number of Icelandic seals residing with their family on the Vatnsnes peninsula. And Vatnsnes is more popularly known for its seal-watching opportunities. Again, to learn more about these seals and also other animal wildlife, the best place to land will be Hvammstangi in Iceland.
Many Iceland National Parks and Wildlife Tours take you around these National Parks to enjoy the natural heritage of Iceland Tour from India and make the most out of your trip to ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.