Considering the sheer variety of experiences available in Iceland, picking and choosing how to spend your time and budget can often be a difficult part of your pre-holiday organisation. Iceland is a beautiful country to visit and one of the most unique when it comes to the most epic places to see! And, although a first-time visit to Iceland is an exciting prospect, there's a heap of planning and booking to be made to ensure a nice, smooth trip. Here are the top 5 activities to do in Iceland! 

1. The Blue Lagoon

Home to one of the 25 wonders of the world, The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a place where the powers of geothermal seawater create transformational spa journeys.

Iceland is known all over the world for its famous geothermal heated pools, with the Blue Lagoon being one of its most pristine! The Blue Lagoon holds the privilege of being Iceland's most famous spa because of its healing silica mud, warm and soothing water, charming surrounding, and billowing steam stacks. 

The local natural wonder that is perhaps most ingrained in the fabric of Icelandic culture is the bounty of geothermal energy. While fancy spas were not introduced to Iceland until recent times, thermal pools have been released for pleasure and health benefits in Icelandic society since the first centuries of settlement. 

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2. Golden Circle Tours

If you hear anyone talk about the Iceland experience, they will more than likely bring up the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is the most popular route to take in Iceland. If you're coming to Iceland for the first time, then you'll be visiting the Golden Circle route without a doubt. It is featured near the top of every list of things to do in the country, and nearly every tour provider will list it as a sightseeing tour on their website.

The Golden Circle consists of three equally stunning locations in South-West Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometre route to these three popular natural attractions in Iceland. 

Thingvellir National Park

The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavik. Thingvellir is surrounded by beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges. 

The Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley; which is home to a famous geyser. The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pits. 

Gullfoss Waterfall

The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss is one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvita. 

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3. Fly-Drive in Iceland

If you enjoy independent travel, a fly-drive tour in Iceland will allow you to discover Iceland's natural beauty at your own pace, The fly-drive activities are where tourists can hire a jeep or car and explore Iceland their way. This is how many weird and wonderful places have been founded, through fly-driving.

Driving around Iceland is a wonderful way to experience all those wonders of nature at your own pace. Most people visiting choose to drive the ring road since it runs by the island's beautiful coast connecting a progression of natural wonders and attractions.

However, make sure you always stay safe on the road when you head out to explore the beautiful country. If you want to take beautiful pictures of nature while driving, you must find a safe place to pull over and take your picture.

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4. The Northern Lights

The extreme dark of the Icelandic winter has a few perks. Found dancing in the skies above in the land of fire and ice, The Northern Lights are one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. These dancing lights are at the top of many bucket lists and bring thousands of visitors to Iceland every year, Between September and April, Iceland is treated to a magnificent natural display. The phenomenon of aurora borealis, or what we commonly call the Northern Lights. 

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon created when solar particles interact with the atmosphere in the Earth’s magnetic field. This releases energy, causing peculiar luminous green streaks across the skies.  

There is no single ideal location for sightseeing in The Northern Lights. It varies depending on weather conditions. Here are some top tips when visiting Iceland to see the Northern Lights:

• You must be visiting between September and April.
• The night must be as dark as possible.
• There should be as little unnatural light as possible.
• There should be as little cloud cover as possible.
• There must be enough solar activity. 

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5. Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Iceland is a popular activity to do during the Summer and tours can also be combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Whale Watching is a great family-friendly activity with the success rate for tours in summer reaching over 95%. Iceland is among some of the best places to see whales because of its unique geology. Cold and warm currents moving around the island's waters blend near the majestic fjords. 

Whales like to swim in Icelandic waters because it is good for food and comfortable lodging.  The perfect blend of hot waters and a present environment attracts feeding grounds for whales and other cetaceans. There are around 24 whale species off Iceland's coast and it is possible to see both permanent and migratory species, including the largest mammals on earth, blue whales. 

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