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2024 Thingeyjarsveit Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Popular Attractions
Blue Ice Cave
Goðafoss Waterfall
Mývatn Nature Baths
Hiking to spectacular Goðafoss 🗺️
#outdooractivities
During my summer vacation in Iceland, I had the chance to hike to Goðafoss, one of the country’s most stunning waterfalls, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Located in northern Iceland along the Diamond Circle, Goðafoss, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," is a breathtaking sight. The best part? Visiting the waterfall is completely free, making it a must-see for any traveler.
The hike itself is easy and accessible, taking only about 15 minutes from the parking area. The trail winds through a picturesque landscape of lush green fields and rocky terrain, with the sound of rushing water growing louder as you approach. When I first caught sight of Goðafoss, I was blown away. The waterfall, which is about 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, cascades in a dramatic semicircle, creating a powerful yet peaceful scene.
I spent some time exploring both sides of the waterfall, crossing a nearby bridge to get different perspectives. The mist from the falls felt refreshing on a warm summer day, and the vibrant rainbows that formed in the spray were just magical. The area around Goðafoss is also rich in history, with the waterfall playing a significant role in Icelandic lore.
Afterward, I visited nearby attractions like Lake Mývatn and the hot springs at Mývatn Nature Baths, which were just a short drive away. If you’re exploring northern Iceland, hiking to Goðafoss is an absolute must. It’s the perfect mix of natural beauty, ease, and a touch of Icelandic history. 🌊🌈 #trip #Goðafoss #IcelandWaterfalls #NatureHike #DiamondCircle #WaterfallWonders
The blue ice caves in Iceland are about to disappear. If you don't come now, you'll miss them...
See the 100th shade of blue in the world.
If you visit Iceland in winter, you absolutely cannot miss the blue ice caves. According to the ice cave guides, the blue ice caves in Iceland will disappear in the next 25 years.
As a special activity that can only be done in winter, you cannot visit the ice caves on your own. You must join a tour group and follow a guide to a designated meeting point. The guide will then drive you across the snowfield to the entrance of the ice cave. This is also to protect the natural environment.
I visited the ice cave of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Because the ice and snow meltwater backflows in summer, the ice caves are re-excavated every winter, so every view is a limited edition!
3. The tour fee for the ice caves is relatively higher than for glacier hiking. But it's still very worthwhile!
There are several time slots for visiting the blue ice caves in a day, and the whole trip takes about 3 hours (including the round-trip drive).
I recommend choosing a time slot around 11:00–14:00, because in winter in Iceland, the sun rises at around 10:00 am. At this time, the light is not strong, and the blue ice in the cave looks better when it is translucent. There are more tourists in the afternoon, and it is difficult to take good photos in the crowded ice caves. The sun starts to set at around 4:00 pm. We visited two ice caves, one was ice blue and the other was black. It is said that the darker the color, the older the ice cave. The black ice cave is not very translucent. If you look closely at the ice layer with a flashlight, you can see thick volcanic ash, which shows that this is a dry ice cave.
The guide will kindly tell you how to take photos, which position is good for taking photos, and even prepare a lantern for you as a prop.
You still need to wear crampons to enter the ice cave, so remember to wear hard boots.
As for clothing, it is not very cold in the ice cave. You can take off your coat when taking photos and put it back on after taking photos. It won't be very cold, so try to wear waterproof clothing.
Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is a lake formed in the remains of a major volcanic eruption about 2,000 years ago, located in northern Iceland, about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik. It's about an hour's drive from the northern town of Akureyri. The area is still an area of active volcanic activity. Nearby is the Askja Volcano and Lake Viti (Hell), which are famous for hikers.
Lake Myvatn is also beautiful, but there are many things to see in the surrounding area of the lake. There is a pseudo-crater formed during a volcanic eruption, which speaks of the power of Iceland's volcanic activity. Strange lava pillars are lined up in a lava field called Dimmuborgir. As the Icelandic word "dark town" suggests, mysteriously shaped black rocks tower like buildings. There is a legend in Dimmuborgir that the demon who was exiled from heaven fell into this land and tried to create a cemetery of hell, but was stopped and exiled by the eight elves of light living in this land.
6-Day Iceland Tour | Reykjavik is Beautiful in Autumn.
6-day Iceland tour, explore the mythical realm of Northern Europe! Experience beautiful glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs. Don't miss out!
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Iceland, the pearl of the North Atlantic 💎, is close to the Arctic Circle. Here you'll find magnificent glaciers 🏔️ and waterfalls, as well as the steamy city of Reykjavik 🌫️. Come on an Icelandic journey and feel the magic of nature! 🌈
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📅 Itinerary:
Day 1: Iceland — Northern Lights Chase* (weather permitting) — Reykjavik
Arrive in Iceland and take the airport shuttle to the hotel. If weather permits, you can chase the mysterious Northern Lights at night, experiencing nature's magic. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Thingvellir National Park — Geysir and Strokkur Geysers — Golden Falls
Visit the spectacular Thingvellir National Park, witness the wonders of Geysir and Strokkur geysers, then head to Golden Falls to appreciate the magnificent scenery of cascading waterfalls.
Day 3: Seljalandsfoss — Skógafoss — Black Sand Beach — Vik
Tour Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, feeling the gentleness and power of the water flow. In the afternoon, visit the mysterious Black Sand Beach, and end the day in the town of Vik.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon — Blue Ice Cave
Explore Iceland's famous Glacier Lagoon, admiring the beautiful icebergs floating on the lake. Then enter the Blue Ice Cave to experience the fantastic world inside the glacier.
Day 5: Whale Watching in Reykjavik — Sky Lagoon
Go whale watching in Reykjavik, getting up close with these marine creatures. Afterward, head to Sky Lagoon to enjoy the comfort and relaxation of the hot springs.
Day 6: Reykjavik - Airport Transfer - Departure
Free time in Reykjavik to experience the unique charm of this city. In the afternoon, take the airport shuttle to the airport, concluding your enjoyable Icelandic journey.
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Essential travel tips:
🛫 Airport Transportation: Keflavik is Iceland's main airport, with many flights and convenient transportation.
🕒 Time Difference: Iceland is 8 hours behind Beijing time, 7 hours during daylight saving time.
❄️ November Climate: November in Iceland has moderate temperatures, short days, ideal for Northern Lights viewing and hot spring bathing.
🧣 Clothing Suggestions: Bring windproof and warm coats, hats and scarves are essential.
📸 Photography Tips: Utilize Iceland's unique landscapes to capture stunning photos.
💡 Travel Tips: Book accommodations in advance and prepare translation tools.
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Every moment in Iceland is worth treasuring. Start your dream journey now and let this pure land become an eternal memory in your heart! 💙
Live Photo | Iceland Moonwalk Guide.
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After traveling around the world, I'm back on the island. I'd like to share some of the wonderful experiences I've had on the island and offer some travel advice from the perspective of someone who has lived here for three years.
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First, let's talk about the conclusion. Iceland is a great country for self-driving (except in winter, which I'll talk about later). Here are some reasons why self-driving is a good idea:
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1. Public Transportation 🚌
After living here for three years, I've found that public transportation is very inconvenient. There are no subways, trains, or light rails. The only mode of transportation in the entire country is the bus. Of course, for a sparsely populated island country with only two major cities and the rest being suburban towns and natural wilderness, this is actually quite reasonable.
2. Route 1 ⚪️
Most of the attractions in Iceland (or all of them) are scattered along Route 1, which circles the island. Once you leave the city, the route is very simple. Just drive southeast along the highway. The road conditions and driving difficulty are very low.
3. Glacier/Blue Ice Cave Meet-on-Location Tour ❄️
One of the reasons I chose to join a three-day tour on my first trip to Iceland was the somewhat challenging glacier hike/blue ice cave. But actually, you can choose to join a separate activity to fit your self-driving schedule. There are also guides, special protective equipment, and climbing shoes for rent. And the available times are more flexible (*reminder: you still need to arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes in advance)
4. Flexible Schedule 🕒
Personally, I really like freedom and the rhythm of planning and controlling my own travel. I have to go to class and work on weekdays, so having to get up at 7 a.m. every day while traveling is really painful 💧
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☃️ Now let's talk about why self-driving is not recommended in winter. To a large extent, this is based on safety considerations, especially for those who are traveling to Iceland for the first time:
1. Snow 🗻
If you have little experience driving on snowy/icy roads, your car is likely to run off the road or get stuck in the snow while self-driving in Iceland in winter. The search and rescue team is very busy in winter, and you will probably have to wait a long time to be rescued.
2. Blizzard 🌫
Iceland often has blizzard warnings in winter. This greatly reduces visibility, and driving on the road with obstructed vision can greatly reduce your control of the road conditions and may cause accidents.
3. Unstable Weather 🌬
The glacier lake boat only operates in summer, and glacier hikes and blue ice caves may be suddenly canceled due to weather conditions. At this time, self-driving
+The unstable weather in winter can easily affect your mood and mental state. It's important to have a professional/experienced driver around you. After all, the point of traveling is to have fun.
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Finally, I hope everyone can have good weather when they come to play in Iceland 🪄✨. Here are some pink sunsets. It takes several storms to meet the sunny winter island, but I always selfishly think that the winter island is the real island;)
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Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Goðafoss: A Journey Through Iceland's Otherworldly Beauty
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Goðafoss, where the raw power and serene beauty of nature merge to create an experience like no other. Known as "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a diverse landscape that encapsulates the country’s most iconic features.
Your adventure begins with the striking contrast between the red and black churches that dot the peninsula. The Búðakirkja, or Black Church, stands in stark isolation against the wild Icelandic landscape, its dark silhouette a symbol of solitude and resilience. Nearby, the Rauðasandur Church, or Red Church, offers a vivid contrast with its bright red paint, set against the green hills and the Atlantic Ocean.
The journey continues to the famed black sand beaches, where the ocean meets the land with a haunting beauty. Here, you'll find the dramatic basalt columns, enormous hexagonal pillars that seem sculpted by the hands of ancient gods. These formations, like the towering cliffs of Gerðuberg, showcase nature's architectural prowess.
Along the coastline, keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks and whales breaching in the distance, a reminder of the vibrant marine life that calls these waters home. The feeling of isolation and connection with the vastness of the world is profound here, as the wind and waves create a symphony that resonates with the soul.
Finally, no trip to this region would be complete without visiting Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." This majestic waterfall, cascading over 30 feet into a turquoise pool, is steeped in history and legend, offering a powerful conclusion to your journey.
Whether it's the striking contrasts of the churches, the surreal landscapes of the black sand beaches, or the solitude of Iceland's natural beauty, a journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Goðafoss is a profound encounter with the extraordinary. This is a place where you can truly feel the might and mystery of the Earth, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Icelandic Light-Seeking Journey: Encountering the Spectacular Moments of the Dreamy Aurora
🎈Iceland Ten Days Nine Nights Travel Guide🎈
👫Together with my six adorable friends, we embarked on a dreamy journey to Iceland!
✨Day1: Upon arrival in Iceland, we were instantly captivated by its unique atmosphere!
📍Hat Mountain: Wow, this place is just too cool! The mountain peaks and lakes, combined with the aurora, are simply breathtaking. The seven of us couldn't stop taking crazy photos.
📍Blue Ice Cave: This is truly a magical masterpiece of nature! It's like entering another world, with ice columns and stalactites that are absolutely stunning. I felt like a curious baby, touching and looking around.
📍Blue Lagoon: Wow, soaking in it is so comfortable I almost fell asleep, with the steamy sensation like being surrounded by fairies!
📍Selfoss: The aurora in this town made us cry with its beauty. The moment we saw it, we all shed tears without fighting them, truly moved!
📍Raufarhfn Village: The stone circle there is so interesting, and paired with the aurora, it's absolutely fantastic!
📝Aurora Photography Tips:
🎯Make sure to check the weather forecast and aurora forecast in advance, choosing the right time is very important!
🎯Find a place with little light pollution in the wilderness, only in complete darkness can you capture the aurora at its most beautiful!
🎯Prepare your camera, tripod, and remote control, and don't forget to keep warm and windproof, don't freeze yourself into an ice sculpture!
🎯The most important thing is to pay attention to safety, don't run around, or it would be troublesome if you get lost!
In summary, this ten-day and nine-night journey to Iceland is an unforgettable experience for the seven of us! 💖Iceland, we will come back again! 😘
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