Top Three Reasons Why Iceland is Magical

Iceland inspires visions of majestic ice formations, but that is not all the country has to offer. Sitting practically below the Arctic Circle, its climate is perfect for those looking for a true winter wonderland. An added bonus: it is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights But amazingly, that’s only the icing on the cake. There are so many wonderful things that make Iceland magical, and here are three of the best of them.

Arcanum Glacier Tours

With over 4500 square miles of glacier, it is impossible to stroll through Iceland without chancing upon its wonderful geysers, icebergs, and even black lava beaches. There are guided tours that can take you through walking or ice-climbing tours on the Solheimajokull glacier in the southern coast of the country. Or you can opt to have a self-guided tour around the Ring Road, the national route that surrounds Iceland. Doing so will treat you to expansive views of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the Dettifoss waterfall, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, and other natural wonders. Plus, you may stumble upon the Icelandic horses, the pony-sized surefooted breed that represents the country so well.

Blue Lagoon Spa

A trip to Iceland won’t be complete without taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon’s steamy water, with temperatures that range between 98 and 102 degrees any time of the year. It’s the perfect antidote to the cold, especially if you come during wintertime. You’ll surely feel like a brand-new version of yourself when you step out of it. In addition, its geothermal sulfur and silica-rich water is considered to have age-defying properties, and the view that the spa offers isn’t too shabby, too! Imagine soaking yourself in a thermal bath while looking out over snow-covered lava rocks.

Elf School

To complete your mystical trip through magical Iceland, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Elf School in Reykjavik, which pays homage to elves or huldufólk or hidden folk. This folklore is an integral part of the Icelandic culture; in fact, many families have wooden alfhol or elf houses right in their gardens! The Elf School will sate all your inquisitive queries about the hidden folk! You’ll learn about the 13 types of elves, 4 types of gnomes, three types of faeries, and three types of trolls, and even hear some stories from locals who claim to have had encounters with these magical creatures.

Finally, make sure that you soak up as much of its architecture as you can. You can start with the Harpa, a concert hall and conference center on the Reykjavik Harbor that features a glass-block facade that changes colors and glitters. And treat yourself to the local cuisine, hang out with locals, and take lots of photographs!