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Whether you are exploring the Arctic on an expedition cruise or visiting only Iceland, here are some awesome Iceland experiences!
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – This sight is at the top of many lists; however, you need to know the best possible location to view this wonder. Thingvellir is by far the finest area to see this wonder. Be sure you check the weather so that you have a combination of dark and partially clear skies. Thingvellir is a national park as well as a historic site. It doubles as a great tourist selection for you to see a rare vision as well as gain some insight on the history of the land.
Holuhraun - This is a fairly new site that you can visit located in the Highlands of Iceland. You will need a 4WD to reach the landscape and be sure you get a high-quality vehicle that is equipped to travel on the unique terrain. Holuhraun is the newest formed lava flow from a volcano that lasted from August 2014 through February 2015. When peering into the rifts of the lava you see many beautifully vivid colors. While driving along the sand, you can still see steam in certain areas. It is a geological wonder to behold. Be careful and stay on the marked paths and to wear gloves when handling any lava rocks.
Reynisfjara Beach - This beach is gorgeous and an absolute must-see! With its rare black sand and basalt columns, there is much to explore on this volcanic shoreline. The black sand is lava that cooled once it hit the water and the sand is more like various small stones. White sand and red sand beaches (Westfjords) also exist in Iceland. While on Reynisfjara, you can see Gardar, which is a basalt cliff that resembles a staircase to heaven. It is a natural pyramid and was formed by columnar jointing. There are many basalt columns throughout Iceland, but this is by far the most exceptional.
Skogafoss – The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss is the most scenic fall in Iceland. With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular. There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…
Silfra – Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park. It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents. It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year. The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels. There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel. The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon. The maximum depth is about 207 feet. The water is the purest in the world and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.
If you are thinking about an Arctic Expedition Cruise or an Iceland Exploration, please feel free to reach out to hello@greatlatitudes.com and we’ll be happy to help you arrange your travel to this iconic destination!