Xceltrip

On a clear day in Reykjavík, a town named Akranes can often be seen from the old harbour area. The town is located just across the bay, about 50 minutes driving from Reykjavík and just a bit longer with bus 57. Akranes is located not far from the ring road but is often a forgotten tourist destination, despite the many things you can do there. In this article, you can read our recommendations on how to spend a day in Akranes. VISIT A MUSEUM Akranes used to be a big fishing village. You can visit the Akranes Folk Museum to learn all about Akranes and its fishing industry. The exhibition includes displays of rowing boats from the late 1800s, old cars, and three fully furnished old houses which are open to public. After a tour of the museum, Garðakaffi , located on the premise, is the perfect place for a cup of coffee. VISIT BREIÐIN LIGHTHOUSE If you like lighthouses, then Akranes lighthouse is the place for you. Built in 1944, Akranes lighthouse is today the home of art e...

Whether you’re visiting Hafnarfjordur for a few days or are a localite, Hafnarfjordur is sure to have something new for you. Explore our guide that tells you about the best tourist places to visit and things to do in Hafnarfjordur. This guide will give you an idea about the popular attractions, upcoming tourist spots, and off-beat things to do in Hafnarfjordur. This makes it easy to plan weekends or long vacations in Hafnarfjordur. We have compiled this cool stuff to do in Hafnarfjordur keeping in mind the points of interest for families, groups, and romantic couples. Looking at the activities for adventure junkies in Hafnarfjordur listed here will get the blood rushing and adrenaline pumping through your veins. Sóley Organics Sóley brings together powerful, organic Icelandic herbs and generations of expertise to create bath and beauty products that are used in many upscale hotels and spas. This is their main shop, but you’ll also find their products at Heilsuhúsið health store...

Iceland’s second largest town, Akureyri is considered by many to be the capital of the country’s North. Some 18,000 people live here, so by most European standards it is hardly a city and more of a town, but it has some exciting sightseeing options and beautiful natural surroundings. Whale watching Whale-watching is one of the most important tourist activities on this part of the island, as the proximity to Arctic waters means that a lot of different whale species are swimming in the area, from the hunchback to majestic blue whales. Going on a whale-watching trip can take up a pretty large part of the day, since most tours last for around three hours. Most companies also provide extra clothing for their clients, meaning that they can sit back and enjoy the trip without having to worry about the rain or the cold winds. Arctic Botanical Gardens These are the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, founded in 1912, and one of Akureyri’s gems. The gardens are known for their ...

Askja. gAskja is a 50 km3 caldera, located in the remote part of the Icelandic central highlands. Askja was formed during a major ash eruption during the late end of the Ice Age which caused the roof of a magma chamber to subside. Víti is an explosive volcanic crater but water has accumulated in the crater and the temperature of the water is around 30°C or 86ºF. This makes the volcanic crater a popular bathing site but we only recommend it for those who have done their research on the water temperature and the location’s conditions before. Also, the path down is often very slippery, especially in wet weather. Askja and its blue lake, Öskjuvatn Öskjuvatn basically just means the lake of Askja. Its surface area is about 11 square km and the depth around 217 m2 or 712 ft which makes it the second largest lake in Iceland after Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The lake is situated in the middle of the crater of the volcano that we call Askja and its water is extremely turquoise...

The Blue Lagoon, just a few minutes from Keflavik International Airport, is a highly popular destination for visitors to Iceland. Mineral-rich hot water from far beneath the earth forms the spectacular lagoon, where a luxurious health spa has been developed in the rugged lava landscape. The lagoon’s geothermal seawater is known for its positive effects on the skin. Through nature and science, Blue Lagoon spa treatments and massages provide you with the energy of the geothermal seawater and its active ingredients: minerals, silica and algae. The outdoor spa area is spacious and more than one treatment can take place simultaneously, making it possible for couples to have a treatment at the same time. In-water spa treatments take place on a specially designed wooden bench and massages are performed on a mattress in the lagoon. Special blankets are used to keep guests warm. Floating in the mineral-rich water, in close proximity to the Blue Lagoon extraordinary environment, surrou...

Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice cap with two previously established national parks: Skaftafell in southeast Iceland and Jökulsárgljúfur in the northeast. The park measures over 14,100 sq km, occupying approximately 14% of the entire country, and its boundaries encircle a staggering richness of landscapes and some of Iceland’s greatest natural treasures, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity. The entirety of the Vatnajökull ice cap is protected, including countless outlet glaciers and glacial rivers. There are incredible rock formations around Ásbyrgi canyon, waterfalls such as Dettifoss and Svartifoss, the storied Lakagígar crater row, Askja and other volcanoes of the highlands, and an unending variety of areas where geology, ecology and history lessons spring to life. Vatnajökull National Park has been nominated for inclusion on th...

The world’s most northerly capital combines colorful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design, wild nightlife and a capricious soul. Reykjavík has a vibrant cultural and design scene, with plenty of exciting adventure tours, vivid nightlife, modern museums, world-class restaurants, galleries, shops, bars and clubs for you to explore throughout your stay. Iceland’s capital city is also a terrific base from which to experience some of the island’s breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders, such as the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, The Northern Lights or The Golden Circle; where you’ll witness spouting geysers, waterfalls, rift valleys and more. Whatever way you choose to spend your time in Reykjavík, this is one city break that is truly unique. In our detailed guide, you will learn everything that is important and useful for planning your stay in Reykjavík. After a brief history lesson, we’ll set you up with tips of must-see places and must-do activities, incl...