Iceland Tours: A Symphony of the Elements

Iceland, the magical island floating in the North Atlantic near the Arctic circle, contains such astonishing natural phenomena, that curious travellers from North America, Europe, and beyond have been flocking there in recent years in unprecedented numbers. One of the most unique landscapes on earth, Iceland tours offer unparalleled adventure opportunities. This is Europe’s final frontier – a truly unspoiled Nordic nirvana.

Go Whale Watching

Sail the scenic bay of Faxafloi to meet Iceland’s giant underwater residents. The cold waters are home to minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and the popular humpback whales. We will be accompanied by seabirds such as gannets, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes, arctic terns, and many more. The trip will sail past several islands inhabited by colonies of adorable puffin. These adorable sea birds hang around mostly in the summer months (mid-May to mid-August), making for a great photo opportunity!

Volcanoes & Lava Fields

Did you know that Iceland has about 130 volcanoes? Some are active and others are inactive. The island nation is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Almannagjá is a canyon formed between two tectonic plates, and you can scuba dive between two continents. Wet suits are highly recommended! Iceland has moss covered lava fields, the largest glaciers in Europe, spewing geysers, and the famous Blue Lagoon. It is widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” and almost 80% of the country is uninhabited. Many people on Iceland tours explore the country by traversing its incredibly scenic Ring Road, stopping along the way to experience the lunar landscapes of Lake Mývatn, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Goðafoss waterfalls, and much more.

Take a Ride on a Snowmobile on a Massive Glacier

Take your glacier exploration to a whole new level with a snowmobile tour on top of Langjökull Glacier, and a guided tour of the Ice Cave. Head off-road, towards Langjokull Glacier, to explore it at close range, driving a snowmobile vehicle across the snow field. Drive into the Glacier ice tunnel on Langjokull Ice Caves for an otherworldly experience among natural features found nowhere else on earth.

Northern Lights

Winters in Iceland are dark, but they are relatively mild and play host to one of nature’s most spectacular exhibitions of beauty – the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s biggest draws, though they are also one of the most elusive and unpredictable. Visiting from September to mid-April brings the best chance of seeing the lights dance across the sky. The magical lights appear in green, red, blue, and orange hues. Catching the lights can depend on your luck with the weather, so the more time you spend on an Iceland tour, the better your chances are to be transfixed by Mother Nature’s best light show.

Search for Elves

Surveys have suggested that about half of Icelanders believe in the existence of invisible elves. Known as Huldufolk – the hidden people – Icelandic elves are not the small, green, pointy-eared creatures we North Americans picture. In Iceland, they’re the same size as you and me, but they’re invisible to most of us. In case you haven’t guessed by now, the power of folklore is strong in Iceland. People feel strongly about protecting elves, and they believe that the elves help to protect them in return. Plans to build a new road in Iceland ran into trouble a couple of years ago when local campaigners warned that it would disturb elves living in its path. Though the elves are invisible, you can look for signs of their existence across the island during your Iceland tour. Keep your eyes out for elf churches and elf chapels in the Icelandic countryside.

Cool Cultural Scene

A strong and creative cultural scene and literary tradition still thrives in modern Iceland, and Icelandic authors publish more books per capita than in any other country in the world. Iceland prides itself of a prospering music scene, a burgeoning film industry, and Icelandic design. Reykjavik is the country’s cultural capital, and it’s here you can experience a charming old town, legendary nightlife, bustling culture, and music scene. Enjoy a night out in a local bar, take a guided city tour, and get lost among the city’s charming streets.

Iceland’s accommodation is limited, and the country doesn’t have large commercial hotel chains. Book well in advance – particularly if you plan to travel in June, July or August – to avoid disappointment. For more information on Iceland tours, visit us at www.goway.com.