When the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Iceland in late February, the country swung into action to put into place a strategy that will help curb the spread. After a week, there were a total of 37 confirmed cases which seemed high at the time but was only a result of their unique methods. The Icelandic authorities put into place a rapid testing mechanism that allowed them to carry out a detailed tracing of all contacts with a known positive patient. They also displayed their proactiveness in advising self-isolation after locating these contacts, to further reduce the spread. This continued for a while with their prompt response yielding the best results.
When it came to Coronavirus safety in Iceland, it’s safe to say that the authorities put in all they could to eliminate the risks of it overwhelming the close to 300,000 Icelanders on the small island. First, the agencies involved exhibited full transparency through daily conferences, which was successful in combatting false information circulating on the internet. With this, they were able to transmit the appropriate reaction to people via the most extensive news, radio, and television sites in Iceland. Then, they introduced paid quarantine, which encouraged people to show up. They were assured that it wouldn’t affect their sick leave and were aware that breaking the quarantine could lead to a long time in prison. This was effective in garnering the cooperation of the citizens of Iceland. This further measure curbed the spread of coronavirus. It made it the safest country to travel to because, by the first week of June, Iceland had not recorded any new COVID-19 cases. The measures put in place were instrumental, and currently, we could say that Iceland is the safest country to travel to. There are absolutely no COVID-19 cases on the rise like in many other countries around the world.
Iceland’s Clean Water and Nature
More than 2500km2 of Iceland’s landmass is covered by water with glaciers taking up more than a tenth of the island, which is home to more than 10,000 waterfalls. In other words, water plays a fundamental role in the landscape of Iceland as a major force of nature. There are also lots of open secrets about water which are tied to this country’s existence. For one, this country has an impressive amount of energy that pulsates beneath its surface and generates a high supply of heat, power, electricity, and of course, water. Another source of more than 70% of Iceland’s energy is hydroelectric power, while most of Reykjavik’s industrial and domestic heating is from volcanic activity close to the city. The abundance of water in Iceland is also responsible for the numerous swimming pools you can find in almost every urban district in the country. It’s not surprising that Icelanders love swimming pools, and visitors are not exempted from lounging around all day in the pool. You can spend an entire day in Laugardalslaug, the largest swimming pool in Iceland, located in Reykjavík. This Olympic sized pool boasts of a gymnasium, water slides, steam rooms, saunas, and dozens of hot tubs that you can enjoy alongside the pleasant atmosphere in the Sundlaugavegur neighborhood. Another pool worth mentioning is the one at Vesturbæjarlaug, which, although it is not as flashy as the first, it is still an excellent magnet for those who love its hot pools. But one thing is for sure: there are lots and lots of swimming pools in Iceland surrounded by luscious greens and great hangout spots.
If you’re a fan of natural hot pools, then you are in luck as well. An excellent hot spring tour in Iceland will take you to a lot of its natural, geothermally heated pools. The heat from underneath the earth comes up to the surface through cracks and ridges, and this keeps the geothermal pools warm and soothing. Experiencing the authentic Iceland won’t be complete without taking a dip in one of its many hot springs. The most famous hot pool in Iceland and possibly the world is the Blue Lagoon, which is about fifteen minutes’ drive from the Keflavik International Airport and thirty minutes from Reykjavik. There are so many tours to check out, and we will talk about them soon. Here’s a little hint: it’s a spa famous for its gorgeous surroundings and fantastic color of its water. Now, this is where it gets more interesting. Do you know that you can drink Iceland’s tap water? The water in Iceland is so clean that you can also drink from its river systems and streams, while most of the water originates from its many glaciers. It is no exaggeration to say that the water is among the cleanest in the world, drinkable and delicious. With a unique pH of 8.4, this alkaline water is very healthy for your body as it helps to keep the balance as we consume a lot of acidic fluids like alcohol and coffee. A lot of people talk about the eggy smell of water in Iceland. This is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide used to completely remove oxygen and stop the pipes in the city from corroding. You can let the water leave the tap for a few seconds to get rid of this before drinking. However, one thing is sure: the water in Iceland is incredibly clean and harmless.
Glaciers and Ice caves in Iceland
Now that you know the safest country to travel to at this time, which boasts of one of the most significant sources of clean water in the world, it’s time to get unobstructed access to explore pure nature. We are talking about hiking through the glaciers in Iceland and checking out its many ice caves. While the ice makes beautiful sounds under your feet, you are amazed at the glacier formations around you, from the canals to the ice sculptures. This glacier hike will never be like you’ve ever experienced before, and you don’t want to miss out on it. While multiple tours can take you on this trip, Reykjavik Outventure does have several easily accessible near Reykjavik. The closest glacier takes about three hours to reach, and a guide will be there to help you navigate the way.
Another popular glacier activity in Iceland is ice caving. This involves you experiencing the impressive nature in Iceland up close, surrounded by thick walls of beautiful sapphire blue ice. It is crucial to note that ice caving is best done in the winter months. In the summer, you can visit the ice cave on the Myrdalsjokull glacier that is close to the Katla volcano. Every ice cave in Iceland is a paradise in itself. From its mesmerizing blue ice roofs to its photogenic ice formations, there is so much to see.
So, this gives you a little overview of two amazing wonders you can get to see in Iceland…glaciers and ice caves. The first thing when hiking on glaciers is to know the perfect location. Iceland is home to several glaciers, which you can take an amazing hike on. We can’t forget to mention how taking a trip to a natural ice cave is one experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on for anything. The feeling of being on a glacier is fantastic, and the colors and history found in the ice sheets are remarkable. So, here are some ice caves and glaciers in Iceland that are worthy of note:
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Svinafellsjökull Glacier
Located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, this glacier is full of great mountain trails and waterfalls. It is also close to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where you can see large chunks of ice flowing into the sea. Svinafellsjökull is famous for its impressive ridges and its incredible views from the top. Take a look at this summer day hiking tour. The best time to go hiking on this glacier is during the summer. On this visit, you will enjoy incredible views from the top. These extend to the Reykjanes peninsula and the western fjords.
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The Vatnajökull Ice Caves
Known as the largest ice cave in Europe, Vatnajokull is known to cover as much as 8% of Iceland’s surface. A glacier of this size has incredible melting water and more ice caves keep forming in this area with the increase in glacier movement. You can see well-known ice caves in glaciers at Falljökull, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Vatnajökull. In Falljökull, there are new ice caves and tunnels while the crystal ice cave is at the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
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Sólheimajökull Glacier
Located between two volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, this spectacular Sólheimajökull glacier is also part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Easily accessible to everyone from any part of the world, this is a great place to see the wonders of the country. Just a few hours’ drive from Reykjavik, you can reach this glacier by moving down the south coast while admiring waterfalls along the way. This is a magnificent glacier for inexperienced hikers, as its formation is straightforward to climb, and it is delightful to take many photos of the surrounding landscape.
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The Crystal Ice Cave
The first thing you would notice about the Crystal Ice Cave is its turquoise colors. Believe us when we say that there are so many things to enjoy on a tour of this ice cave. With its thin ceiling, it is easy for light to shine through it and create that spectacular view of the blue ice that we all fall in love with every time. The better the weather, the more spectacular the view you get blessed with. On a cold but bright day, there is no doubt that you will have the most extraordinary experience.
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Skaftafellsjökull Glacier
This glacier r is not only the largest in Iceland, but it is also an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier. Some of the critical features of Skaftafellsjökull Glacier are the black sands where you can sink your feet and be surrounded by shiny chunks of ice. Incredible mountains also surround this glacier.
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Katla Ice Cave
This ice cave is located on a glacier off the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap that we know as Kötlujökull. This name was gotten from the Katla volcano, which is located inside the glacier. The Katla Ice Cave is every bit as unique and magnificent as described by thousands of people who have been able to visit it. Although you need to go on a route from Reykjavik to get to this ice cave, the trip is very much worth it, as even the area surrounding it is extraordinarily beautiful. With the proper glacier equipment, you will be there in no time. You may not have to get this equipment yourself as a tour company can make this available. This is another reason why it is always better to explore the Ice Caves with an experienced guide. The first part of the journey consists of walking through a narrow tunnel of ice, then you will get to the dome of the Ice Cave, which gives off an atmosphere of being in a cathedral. Visiting the Katla Ice cave and getting to take in all its magnificence is indeed a unique experience. When escorted by a guide, you get to do this in the safest conditions as you will only be taken through routes that would not put your safety in jeopardy, giving that there is a volcano close by.
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Vatnajökull Glacier
Known as the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of the island’s surface, the Vatnajökull Glacier is connected to other glaciers that you can walk on, including Svinafellsjökull. A private tour of this glacier will be perfect for you if you are not a fan of crowds, and Reykjavik Outventure has just enough tours to make this happen. Hiking on this glacier is definitely fun.
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Langjökull Ice Caves
Do you know how large the Vatnajokull Glacier is? Then, when you realize that this is the only glacier larger than Langjokull, then you know that this is also an expansive wonder. It sits in the West Midlands with a shape that looks like an image of the map of Africa, only upside down. The Gullfoss, Barnafoss, and Barnafoss waterfalls are fed by this glacier. You can get stunning views of this from Langjökull Ice Caves. Here, there is also an artificial ice tunnel with natural ice caves of immense beauty on the other side. You can visit this natural ice cave on a snowmobile or a jeep tour of the Gullfoss waterfall right next to Reyjavík. You can visit the man-made ice caves on a trip from Reykjavik or Húsafell.
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Falljökull Glacier
The Falljökull Glacier is known for its striking blue colors and rough surfaces. You can find this glacier at Skaftafell, near the black sand coasts that are common on the south coast.
You can be a part of these fascinating sites by visiting the glaciers in the summer in Iceland. With this, you can enjoy almost a full day of tours. If you want to check out the ice caves, head over to Iceland during the winter, and the guides will give you the best times to get the perfect experience. Some people may be tempted to come over to the safest country to travel to, alone, to see these natural wonders. However, the best way to experience this charm is with an experienced guide on one of our tours.
The best tours to take in Iceland
Here comes the best part. How can you experience the best parts of the safest country to travel to? The answer is by going on a tour with an experienced guide. This guide will even reveal lots of secrets that will give you the best experience ever. Of course, we can’t leave out the fact that you could also get into some unique places only with a local guide. This is the best way to get a 100% experience in Iceland. So, here are some of the best tours you can take in the safest country to travel to.
Starting off on a high note is the Golden Circle Tour. With this tour, you are getting nothing short of a golden experience with several historical sites and a secret lagoon that takes your breath away. There are so many wonders of nature to see on this tour as we start with the Thingvellir national park with its fantastic history. Do you know that this was where the first church in Iceland was built? Well, now you know, and you can discover so many more exciting facts when you get on this tour. If you are a food lover, then you are in for a thrill on this tour as you will be visiting the Icelandic dairy farm. Here, you will be treated to amazing food and drinks from the local farmers ranging from home-made ice cream to mushroom soup and even beef meat soup. Ever heard stories of a Geysir? You will see one live as you head over to the Gullfoss waterfall, whose water runs from the Langjokull glacier. The truth is you may never have time to close your mouth as you keep on marveling at the mouthwatering wonders on our Golden Circle Tour. We cap it all off with a relaxing soak at the Secret Lagoon. As this is the oldest natural lagoon in Iceland, you are in for a jaw-dropping sight.
This tour is perfect for those who would prefer something a little more private. In this tour, it’s not all about glaciers and ice caves alone, there are some unique additions. We are talking about volcanos, lava, and craters. So, you are in for quite a super ride…starting with the breathtaking landscape. We call this the volcanic peninsula as it has a complete package of volcanoes and the best fish and chips you can ever find in this area in Iceland. The tour starts with the Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Of course, you know that this is the work of the old glaciers which give the mountain its shape.
You will watch as powerful jets of water stream down from the waterfall and add to the aura of this peninsula. In the small fishing village of Olafsvik, you will make a stop to check out for yourself if the fish and chips are really the best as we claim. We bet you would agree with us. While savoring this taste, you will be serenaded by the view over the harbor. Next up is the Saxholl crater located in the Snæfellsjökull volcano. The fantastic thing about this crater is that you can look into it as you walk on this gift of nature. This gives you a view of the lava source before we head over to the beach. Black Sand Beach is as unique as the name because we believe that no beach comes close to how spectacular this one is. You will understand why we say so when we get on this tour. There are so many sights, but we will save the juicy bits for later when you actually come over to the safest country to travel to…Iceland, of course!
The South Coast is not left out of the many wonders of Iceland. On this tour, you will spend some time at the basaltic rocks while you explore the black sand beach and wrap it up with a great dining experience at the house of a real Viking. Yes, a real one. This semi-private tour promises to be one to remember as you will be visiting several glaciers, including Solheimajokull, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Reynisfjara glaciers. It will be twelve hours of amazement starting at the meet-up point at Reykjavik. Then it’s off to the land of volcanoes and ice. At the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, you will get a perfect view of this wonder while you take a walk on the walking trail behind it. Probably next to it in terms of beauty is the Skogafoss waterfall, which is better experienced by yourself as nothing we say will do justice to its magnificence. Then, it’s off on the Sólheimajökull Glacier hike, where you experience the surreal feeling of walking on this fantastic glacier with a mighty volcano underneath it. What’s a tour without food? In this tour, you get to try out hot chocolate and pastry that melts in your mouth, all part of the Icelandic culture. After enjoying this, we will take our final stop at the Viking house for a lovely dinner. You will be fascinated to know that it doesn’t just have a name as a Viking house just for the tourist attraction, but it is a REAL Viking house that is more than a thousand years old. The Viking will feed you with the Icelandic free-roaming lamb, which you can top up with either a local beer or a glass of wine.
For nine hours, you will get to see the best places on the South Coast of Iceland on this tour of the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon. Have you heard about the Northern Lights? Well, you can get a chance to see these beautiful aurorae during this tour of the black sand beach and breathtaking waterfalls. If you think you have seen the best of the Viking times, well, think again as this tour will give you a real taste at the Viking Lodge. We’re talking about Icelandic spirit, lamb, duck, Arctic Charr, and so much more. One thing you would love about this tour is that it involves a small group headed by a fun local guide. So, you won’t get lost in a crowd and will still get the best experience with some new friends. It is worth checking out.
If there is one thing our tours will teach you, it is that even two hours is enough to get the best out of Iceland. This Reykjanes Peninsula tour is not two hours though, it’s seven hours of taking in all the amazing things Iceland has to offer. From a visit to the lava fields and a tour of the magnificent cliffs to a taste of the delicious lobster soup and time with the fishes at the fishing villages, the Reykjanes peninsula, which is referred to as the youngest part of Iceland has enough stunning scenery for your pleasure. It’s even better for nature lovers where you move with a guide that knows all the best stories. The journey begins at Seltun, which is a geothermal area that is located at the top of an active volcano in Krysuvik. Right close to this beauty is the Kleifaryatn lake. At the same time, there will be lobster soup waiting at the Grindavik fishing village for you to devour alongside a tasty bread. After this, you will be stopping at the Blue Lagoon, where there are fantastic lava fields in this volcanically active paradise. After marveling at this wonder, you also get to find out some mysteries about Iceland. Hint: you will be standing between two continents. Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, get on this tour to find out exactly what we mean.
Do you know what’s so amazing about Reykjavik? It forms a starting point for every of our tours due to its vantage position. This vibrant city has a complete package of fun and adventure, something that we know you will absolutely love. There is an unending number of museums, galleries, bars, swimming pools and clubs that you can indulge in as much as you want. Even better, our guide will take you to all the best places in this city of about a hundred thousand inhabitants. Despite this seemingly low population, it gives off the vibe of a bigger and diverse city, so you won’t miss out on the amazing ambiance. Now, how would this tour be if you didn’t get to taste the local food and drinks? The good news is that you don’t have to find out as you will indeed be eating the fantastic local food and won’t be disappointed. Under the guidance of an experienced guide, you will get a taste of beers, pastries, Icelandic fish, and even make some new friends along the way. The tour starts at the Hallgrimskirkja church with its beautiful architecture and ends at the Icelandic chocolate factory…of course, you don’t need us to tell you what’s impressive about a chocolate factory. This Reykjavik City Tour will give you a good view of the thriving scenery in this Icelandic city.
The South Coast Tour takes you on a journey around the south coast to the Sólheimajökull glacier, Ingólfsskáli Viking lodge, Seljalandsfoss, Black Sand Beach and Skógafoss waterfall. The fantastic thing about this tour is the numerous waterfalls that you get to visit. The first stop is the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, beauty of nature with an unforgettable landscape. Then, it’s off to the Skogafoss waterfall, which is close to the Black Sand Beach. Sitting at the top of this beach is a mighty volcano that is mostly covered by a glacier. On the side of the mountain lies the basaltic cliffs which you wouldn’t want to leave as you stare and stare at this marvel. Finally, you get to guzzle down Icelandic trout, fish, lamb, and salmon while being serenaded with great stories about the food traditions at Iceland. There is no better way to get a taste of the real Icelandic spirit.
Going to Iceland to see the ice caves and glaciers is not complete without trying to understand the captivating Northern Lights. This view will make you fall in love with nature all over again. Known mostly as the Aurora Borealis named after the Greek Goddess Aurora, these lights never fail to elicit gasps of delights from anybody lucky enough to see it. However, we don’t just rely on luck as we have guides who have the right amount of experience to know the right way to go in search of the Northern Lights. And they will show you all these on the Northern Light tour. With our experienced guide, you will have some home-made hot chocolate and cinnamon buns while you go into town in search of these lights. A little tip is that you need to go to the darkest areas where no light pollution will diminish the effects of the Aurora. So, with a clear night sky and no clouds, get ready to marvel as this purely natural phenomenon. In our experience, we are proud to say that we have been very successful in finding these incredibly rare lights. Don’t waste any more time, come over to the safest country to travel to and join in on our search.
Get on a hike to see the spectacular Glymur waterfall, the second-highest in Iceland. For 7 incredible hours, you will check out the waterfall and take a relaxing dip in the geothermal swimming pool for a while. The best part about this hike is that you can talk to your local guide about anything, ask as many questions as you want, and get filled up with all there is to know about this beautiful country. So, get out your hiking boots and get ready to take the hike of a lifetime. There are so many sights as you make your way up the waterfall, and you will be almost tempted to stop and stare. However, the biggest prize is at the top. Still, you will get a short rest to enjoy the view over Whale Fjord after about an hour and a half of hiking. The hot spring at Krauma is magnificent and fitted with bathing facilities where you can cool off for a while in a luxurious environment. It is definitely soothing as you relax your sore muscles and emerge from the hot spring feeling reborn. That feeling is bliss. When you are fully recharged, you get to enjoy Reykjavik’s great nightlife. Nothing will prepare you from the bubbly nightlife in this city.
For six hours, the Mount Esja hiking tour will tickle your senses and overload you with experiences you will keep reliving long after you are back home. That is how fantastic it is. This hiking tour is a clever mix of dipping in the pool, food, drinks, and, of course, adventure. This hiking trail of Mount Esja is one of the most popular in Iceland, and there will be Icelandic fish waiting for you on the other side. You haven’t tasted Iceland if you haven’t eaten its fish. When you finally get to the top of Mount Esja, you get to enjoy an expansive view of the city, and this is something worth being a part of. Every step to the top is something to savor as there will be a lot of time to take in the sights as you journey to the top. Even better, there will be a lot of Icelandic music for premium entertainment during the 30-minute trip to Mount Esja. The Mount Esja hiking tour has all the characteristics of a remarkable lifetime experience as you take a dip in the Lágafellslaug swimming pool and enjoy a sumptuous meal at the Kopar restaurant. Be sure to come prepared with your water bottle and swimwear as we will be spending a lot of time in hot tubs and taking a steam bath at the sauna. This is something best enjoyed with loved ones.
This layover Reykjanes Peninsula tour will take you through the Black Church, Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes cliffs, Krysuvik geothermal area, and to the bridge between two continents. We will take you to the most beautiful spots in Reykjanes, and you have six hours to soak it all in. You know how much we love to brighten up our tours with some fascinating storytelling? Well, this is what makes it unique, and our guides are always masterful with words. Our first stop is the Seltun hot springs, which is located in Krysuvik, and you will be pleased to see the extremely hot water as it bubbles to the surface from beneath the earth. This geothermal area has an active volcano that is close to the Krysuvikurberg cliffs. There is no doubt that when you see the spot in these cliffs where the lava meets with the ocean, you will be struck speechless. However, the tour goes on as you visit the Grindavik fishing village for a great meal of lamb meat soup garnished with delicious lobster. A little warning: you may not be able to stop at a plate as your tongues taste one of the most pleasant meals ever. There will be enough time to eat and enjoy the scenery for a while before taking the walking path to the Blue Lagoon. This area has a lot of remarkable lava formations with a serene environment where you can get lost in the wonders of nature. Then, remember the bridge between the two continents that we mentioned earlier? There is no better way to explain this until you get there yourself and listen to the guide spin the tales of this historic site. To end the tour on a high note, you will be heading over to the most historical village on the peninsula, the Black Church.
Now, you know all about the safest country to travel to and the fantastic things you can do while you are here. These are only a few of our tours as there are several more that fit your needs and desire for adventure. If you are looking for something a little more personal, our private tours will take care of that. However, if there is one thing you can be sure of, it is that in Iceland, you don’t have to worry about the threat of the coronavirus as it is safe for you and your loved ones.