Iceland had long been on my bucket list and I can hand on heart say that it MASSIVELY over delivered on all my expectations. The varied landscapes, the people, that lava fields, the waterfalls, the geothermal activity, the ruggedness, the midnight sun, the black sand beaches and just the absolute magic of the place. It was seriously like visiting another world or a secret land that’s been lost in time.
It is the perfect destination for all types of travellers, from the adventurers to the road trippers, to the science and history lovers, to the luxury travellers. It has something for everyone and if you didn’t leave in awe then you need to get your eyes checked.
Iceland literally rose up from the ocean and is still forming. There is even an island which recently rose up that no one apart from scientist can visit. It’s a geological hotspot sitting on the cusp of two continents. Because of this, there are more volcanoes than anywhere else and earthquakes are a daily occurrence although not that you would notice. There are so many reminders of the intricate nature of the island with snow-capped volcanoes, glistening glaciers, towering waterfalls, lava tubes, thermal pools, geysers, black sand(!), green mossy lava fields, commanding mountains and rugged basalt coastlines. It just shows that it is an island like no other and certainly very different to the dry paddocks of Australia and the green fields of England that I am used to.
Tourism is a big contributor to the Icelandic economy with over 1.1 million visitors annually(over double the population). Even with that many people visiting you can still feel the untouched elegance of the country. It’s got a rawness that even though you know so many others have been there before you that your almost the first ones to discover it. There will be some sites that are full of other tourists but it never feels too overcrowded. Maybe it’s because everything is so big and vast or maybe it’s because Iceland is still in its tourism boom. I often wondered what it would be like in ten years time and can it still retain its natural charm with even more tourists. We shall just have to see but I really hope so. Iceland is a country everyone should have the opportunity to see.
There will be lots of posts coming soon so keep your eyes peeled but for now here are 38 photos that will make you want to get online and book up your visit. Even looking at these photos I am just not sure they still give Iceland the justice it deserves!
We’ll have more posts coming soon about Iceland and the places featured above so please do check back.
The wonderful Deb’s World has also blogged about our time in Iceland here
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You have convinced me Melanie, love the photos!!
Thanks Suze! The pictures really don’t do it justice.
Stunning photos Melanie!!
I already wanted to go back to Iceland in the summer, so now I am doubly convinced!!
Thanks Josy! It’s super h a lush country isn’t it! I want to go back in winter now!!
I love that we did it at opposite times of year, and both had the same reaction! <3
You are, of course, quite right. Get me to Iceland now! These photos are amazing. Am so very jealous of your trip. Also, I can’t believe an island appeared from nowhere only recently. This planet, is a wonder.
Such a great collection of photos from a fantastic trip. 😊
These pictures are gorgeous and breathtaking
I will be visiting Iceland this October! It will be amazing! Thanks for sharing this post
Stunning! These pictures combined with the Icelandic thunder clap at the world Cup send all the right vibes for a dash to Iceland! Sharing x
I have devoted this week’s Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs to BUYB and have shared your link! Claire x
Thank you so much! X
The last time I visited I didn’t manage to do much more than Reykjavik, I’m dying to go back and explore the rest of the country! You took some amazing shots!
Hello! Like many tourists, I want to travel all over Iceland in a circle at the end of summer. Already now I’m looking for cars for rent. Can you tell if there is an opportunity to get a discount for renting a car in Reykjavik?
Great photos! Have been looking at an Iceland trip and trying to figure out what is a must see. My husband and I Love GOT and the scenery in Iceland in general looks amazing!
We have been looking at going to Iceland recently but don’t really know what are must visit spots. My husband and I Love GOT and the scenery in Iceland looks amazing in general. Awesome photos, cant wait to read more about the places you visited!