You crawl back into time, as you become at one with the Vikings, who race through the iced glazed mountains and charge into the geothermal springs of the Blue Lagoon. The steam rises and envelops the Vikings as they fall into eternal slumber, their Icelandic home shape shifting before their own eyes. What was once a Vikings domain was captured by the ‘Hidden Folk’ who lurk underground, where the trolls and faeries discuss politics and the elves bring magic to Iceland for first timers. In Hellisgerdi Park the Hidden Folk have a royal family, the Queen And King and their royal children, made up of elves, trolls and other mythological beings. At times they stay true to name, hidden from its Icelandic human companions but then there are stories, where the hidden folk merge as one and infiltrate the human domain. The elves and Icelandic humans warm their hands by the open fire, watching as the flames crackle and pop, foretelling a tale of the tourists who would come to Iceland for the first time and ask… what is there to do in Iceland for first timers?
The Volcanoes Are Powerful Majestic Beauties Especially Grábrók
They arrive, bags in hand, a little weary from the journey, sinking into a sleepless slumber, where time goes oh so slowly. They make an itinerary of things to do in Iceland for first timers, being new to the country themselves, fleshing out a mini novel in a matter of seconds. They would dine like royalty, at the few vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants that were available… Nostra, Svarta Kaffid, Eldur and Is, chowing down on dairy free crepes and drinking fruity cocktails by the gallon. They would sign petitions against the cruel whale hunting pastime that locals would promote as a must have activity to do in Iceland for first timers and celebrate the beauty of nature as they bathed under the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, as it glistened under the light of the fleeting Icelandic sun. But what could they do in Iceland that would take them off the tourist track, unique activities that they could promote in their guidebook of unique and cool things to do in Iceland for first timers? They discovered magical Iceland Vacation Packages which offered unbelievable experiences like an Iceland Discovery Tour, 10 exquisite days of pure Icelandic delight, with highlights like climbing an active volcano (Grábrók ), which hasn’t erupted in 3,500 years and Arnarstapi, home to wild birds who swoop and soar over their lava kingdom, protected by pagan figure Barður Snæfellsás who lives in Snæfellsjökull and guards against the evil that lurks in the darkness of night.
- Swim Between Two Continents In Silfra, at Thingvellir National Park
You Swim Between Two Continents In Awe
You don your snorkel gear, the two of you like dancers in perfect harmony, diving into the open waters of Thingvellir National Park. The water is ice cold at -4°C, but strangely cleansing as you gulp fresh water, in the Silfra fissure. Its recognized as one of the worlds most sought after diving sites and you feel incredibly lucky, as you swim and scuba dive between two continents- North America and Europe, feeling like you are on the edge of glory. The North American and European tectonic plates were once joined as one, lovers at first site, but now they are drifting apart, until one day their dalliance in love will be fueled by passionate hatred as they drift apart once more, never to be joined again.You scour the underwater depths for colourful Nemo’s swimming through coral and seaweed but you come up empty handed, entranced instead by the bright green algae that is draped across the fissure’s rocky sea kingdom.
It reminds you of the trolls who serve the Hidden Folk Royal Family, is it their hair that lines the seas rocky edges? A morbid but nevertheless fascinating thought for a first timer in Iceland, who believes in all things magic and fairytale lore. The water is pure and clean as if blessed by the Hidden Folk themselves and you feel as though you are drinking manna, its cooling properties healing your frazzled mind. As you swim back to grab some air you both hoist yourself up onto dry land like mermaids, shivering but nevertheless blown away by the experience of swimming between two continents. But there is more to Thingvellir than just diving and you explore the native birch woodland, amazed at the grouchy ‘Great Northern Diver Bird’ who keeps its beady eye resting watchfully on the tourists that come and go as if warning them to not spoil the beauty of mother nature.
2. Boycott Cruel Pastimes Like Dog Sledding & Whale Hunting. Instead Visit And Volunteer At Melrakkasetur The Arctic Fox Centre
The Arctic Fox Rolls Playfully In The Snow Happy That In Iceland There Is Winter All Year Round
As an animal lover your heart aches as you watch tourists exploit animals like dogs, sharks, whales and Arctic Foxes, all for the sake of ‘a harmless bit of fun’. But its not fun, it is cruel and you decide to make the most of your first trip to Iceland and volunteer at Melrakkasetur The Arctic Fox Centre that has rescued Arctic Foxes from the hunters who have killed them for centuries. You learn about the relationship between humans and foxes over the years, the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland, who were often cooped up in fox farms, to be used in fur and meat. And while you are relieved to hear that foxes are no longer used for fur, it breaks your heart to learn that the two beautiful Arctic Fox Ambassadors, were taken in by the sanctuary, after their parents had been killed in a legalized fox hunt in 2015.
You wipe the tears and concentrate on the future, marveling at Ingi and Móri, two blue morph males who gaze into your eyes with a mischievous glint in their eyes. You learn about the incredible Pall Hersteinsson, the late Norwegian scientist who founded The Arctic Fox Centre after decades of research on the foxes since the 1980’s, who sadly died in 2011. You marvel at Kristjana Samúelsdóttir otherwise known as Jana, who last year aged 92 donated money for the upkeep of the centre and all its precious foxes, the very next day. And most of all you are fascinated by the rich history of Iceland’s only native mammal, who the centre is striving to keep safe from fox hunters and thus from extinction.
3. Why Go To A Regular Spa Day When You Can Bathe In A Beer Spa?
Anyone Else Quite Fancy The Sound Of A Spa Dedicated To Beer?
After witnessing the plight of the Arctic Foxes you crave a spa day, where the masseuse can magically massage the knots and ease away the tension in your shoulders with one expert touch. But here in Iceland, even a spa day has its own unique twist; enter a delightful notion of a beer bath, where you bathe in water made from beer, water, hops and yeast, while everyone aged over 20 has access to a beer tap, drowning in a sea of beer deliciousness. And while you laugh at the thought of beer being good for you, you are told quite sternly that beer hops are rich in anti oxidants and alpha acids which have an inflammatory effect on the body. You are amused to hear that the beer treatment has a positive effect on health but immediately bite back your words as your muscles loosen under the healing powers of the beer hops.
Your skin feels cleansed, albeit smelling of beer, while the yeast which has been fermented at a low PH level, tightens and softens your hair follicles as it envelops you in a delightful blend of protein, potassium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Although you are only allowed 25 minutes in the beer bath and are told you cannot shower for 4 hours, you are taken to relax at the appropriately named relaxation room, dreaming about being turned into a massive pint of beer. Your time is up and you head into the restaurant where a whole host of delicious beers and beer themed food is presented before your famished, grumbling stomach. You start with Camembert cheese, beer bread, redcurrant jam, presented with a side salad, dipping the soft beer bread into oozing Camembert cheese, while you slurp beer heartily as you raise a glass to the aforementioned beer spa, a unique experience in Iceland for first timers that noone could forget.
4. Climb An Active Volcano & Don’t Die Trying…
Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful active volcanoes in the world
You discover that a trip to Iceland is a rare treat, after booking yourself into a 10 day Iceland Discovery tour, and learning that on Day 9 you are to climb Grábrók volcano, where you’ll climb the many steps to the crater summit. You feel the wind whipping through your hair, as you overlook lava fields , looking down into the crater from the rim. Even though the volcano has not erupted in 3,500 years, you still feel the volcanic energy coursing through your veins as you approach the volcanic crater. And when you reach the gushing waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfall) and Barnafossar (Children’s Waterfall), you stay frozen in awe, watching the rivulets slide into tranquil blue waters. The cliffs are enveloped in a warm cloak of moss but it poses an oddly fairytale like charm, a welcome sight in Iceland for first timers. You trace the path that the Hidden Folk once took before you, until you reach Deildartunguhver, Europe’s hottest and highest flow thermal spring, where the trolls and faeries bathe together in ecstasy and delight.
As the night draws to a close, your fun is not over just yet, you ticked an active volcano off your bucket list and now you want to party until the early hours, with your new found friends as The Hidden Folk watch in the distance, casting a score of brightly coloured lights and stars across the sky, as you dance in the open, ice glazed fields.
5. Visit the Myvatn Nature Baths And Revel In Natures Bounty
The Blue Lagoon Is Beautiful But So Is Myvatn Nature Baths
You trudge up to the North of Iceland, in search of man made hot springs, reveling in the beauty of the Myvatn Nature Baths. It’s rugged, but a deceptively recent construction, carrying on centuries of locals modern bathing pastimes in a 2004 setting. Away from the Blue Lagoon, the crowds are quieter here but you don’t mind, luxuriating in the peace of man made nature. You slip into a dream filled sleep, where the Arctic Foxes dance freely in the wild and the waterfalls dance under the light of a thousand stars . As you come to, you feel the tension leaving your body, delighting in a real geothermal bath, as the steam rises and clouds you in a mystical gaze. You read the steam as you read the tea leaves, foretelling a future of travel prosperity, where you explore a world untouched, outside of your very own imagination. Iceland for first timers was once a daunting prospect, as you were told about the Icelandic delicacies like ‘rotting sharks’ and sheep brains that you were told were a delicacy.
But instead under the warming heat of the nature baths, you found a completely new world, where nature is bountiful and blessed, where sanctuaries exist to protect the rights of animals and where veggie and vegan friendly options were popping up on the menu, the more that time went on. You discovered how magical nature could be as you reveled in manmade springs and trudged through birch woodlands and couldn’t contain your laughter at the look on people’s faces when you told them you went to a ‘beer spa’. And as your plane came crashing back to reality you couldn’t help feeling that you had left the most magical place on earth.
Have You Ever Been To Iceland Before? What Would You Recommend To Do In Iceland For First Timers?
The one place my husband has always wanted to travel is Iceland. By any chance have you read the article from The New York Times about the Icelandic baths? Talk about incredible. Especially the pool in Hofsos. The problem is I’m the biggest sissy when it comes to being cold. Even the ten feet from the back door to our hot tub in the winter is like “Make a run for it!” Here’s a link to the article if you’d like to dream a little: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/24/magazine/icelands-water-cure.html
I’ve seen Iceland everywhere recently, so many seem to be going. I’ve never been myself so I found this post really useful. I want to go and see and maybe even get into one of the natural baths, they sound good.
Looks so amazing would love to go as seems is lots to do, could do with a spa too at the moment.
I LOVE ICELAND!!!! Iceland is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I can’t wait to go back there again. For first time travelers, I would highly recommend traveling the south part of the country and Snæfellsnes peninsula. The latter is not visited by many, but it definitely should be on the list.
I’ve always seen and heard that the baths are a must see but I’m pleased to see other options on this list. The volcanos looks amazing and the arctic fox so cute!!
Iceland has always been on my bucket list. I would really love to swim in Silfra and take a beer bath
Oh my goodness, I was JUST telling my husband I want to visit here someday and you’ve given me even more activities to consider than I knew about previously! This is simply amazing! I’m definitely adding it to the list.
All of these photos are breathtaking! I’ve seen so many people visit Iceland this/last year, looks like such a beautiful country~ never knew beer was so healing 😉
Oh my goodness!! The beauty of Iceland of just unimaginable! What intrigues me most is the idea about swimming between two continents at In Silfra, at Thingvellir National Park and see the really clean waters while again, climbing an active volcano sounds too good to be left out!That would be an unforgettable experience that anyone would love to try Ana ! That Arctic fox also looks too beautiful in white!
Iceland has always been on my bucket list, it has always fascinated me! So much to see and experience and who wouldn’t love to see a snow fox! Sim x
I would take 2nd Option but 5th option sounds little something out of world. And Iceland was never part of my travel thing, but maybe I could slide it in my book.
Wow this looks stunning! Iceland is on my bucket list for sure so I will have to save this post! Great travel advice!
Yes please! I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Iceland because of how stunning it is. I’d love to do everything you listed here. I would relax in those nature baths, let me tell you. Bliss!
Wow, loads of amazing places to see. Iceland is high on my list to return to and there’s lots here I haven’t done, especially a visit to The Arctic Fox Centre which sounds wonderful, what an inspirational place.
I have never been to Iceland, but it has been on my list for a long time. That’s good to know that there are other baths than the Blue Lagoon. I’m sure it gets quite crowded. It’s also good to know about the animal stuff you can do. I too don’t like it when animals get mistreated.
Oh these pictures are AMAZING and that is an understatement!! You are so talented! I’ve always wanted to travel here and just from your pics and this blog post I already feel more excited to cross traveling to Iceland off my bucket list!
I am desperate to visit Iceland as it has been top of my bucket list for years. I am hoping that 2018 will be the year we finally do it. Climbing a volcano is my ultimate wish!!
I have never been to Iceland and it looks beautiful I hope to one day be able to visit plus travel more because there so many beautiful places in this world to be explored.
Iceland is somewhere I would love to go one day, it really does have an amazing amount of things to do. I would definitely LOVE to see the animals and of course just relax in some the natural baths they have there.
An amazingly well written destination feature. I would love to visit Iceland and go for the unique wellness programs that you mentioned.
Iceland is such a stunning place to visit, like no where else! We went last year and were completely taken aback by the stunning landscape and dramatic scenery 🙂
Oh my seeing this makes me realize why the fuss abiut iceland, is so much, I feel like this should be top of everyones travel bucket list.. Seems like paradise really does. Wait Iceland. I am coming.
What an incredible list of 5 things, and I am sure there are so many more amazing things to do there. It seems like a very outdoorsy kind of holiday which isn’t usually my thing, but with scenery like that how could you ever not want to visit? Nikki x
Oh my! Iceland is amazing. My daughter’s ballet teacher recently went there with her husband and her photos are beautiful. The natural wonders of Iceland are simply breathtaking!
I always felt Iceland would be like this, but I feel that last point mostly look like Blue Lagoon. But will surely visit someday, and if I visit, I would actually visit point 2,3 and 5.
Wow. Just wow! Absolutely stunning photos. I wish my husband would get orders to Iceland!
“Boycott Dog Sledding & Whale Hunting and Volunteer At Melrakkasetur The Arctic Fox Centre”
This one is a must! I’m always against using animals for entertainment.
Other activities sound really interesting too!
Going to consult on this post when I plan my trip to Iceland (hope it’s going to be some time soon).
I have quite a long list of places that I’d love to travel, and while Iceland was already on the list, you made it move up in the list. My list is sorted by most wanted to least wanted visits.
If I’ll be given a chance to be in that place I will do all your suggested things that must do and I am sure my husband will enjoy it too.
I so wanna go to iceland, it has been on a bucket list for me for a while now, the entire culture fascinates me and the food for sure. you captured this beautiful country beautifully.
A beer spa?! I had no idea that this existed. I really want to go to Iceland soon x
Iceland looks incredible! I would love to visit here and try these things out
I have never been to Iceland. So this post is like a virtual trip for me. Thanks for the share.
I really do want to get to see Iceland one day. It always looks so stunningly beautiful in photos. Not particularly sure I’d want to go snorkelling in those cold waters though!
The photos are stunning! You have definitely marketed Iceland well! It is now on my bucket list of places to visit, how beautiful. I mean you really brought it to life with your writing which I admire. Thanks for sharing!
Iceland was somewhere I had never thought of visiting until recently, I have seen and heard so much lately about what an amazing place it is to visit xx
Ooh a beer spa sounds amazing! I have always wanted to go to Iceland but never realised there was SO much to do there! It looks incredible!
I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland and I think this post of yours has finally convinced me to plan that trip! I would love to visit these places and I appreciate that you made a guide specifically for first-timers like me! Will take note of this post.
We’ve never been however its on our bucket list. Hopefully one day we will get to go one day. These photos you have shared look amazing
Oh wow! I would love to visit Iceland. The pictures you’ve chosen are amazing. That volcano looks so beautiful.
Iceland is the most incredible of places we never got to go dog sledding when we went but I would definitely like to try that on a return visit – maybe for our 10th anniversary!
I love the way you have written about this and your photos are soooo lovely. The beer spa sounds very interesting although I am not sure I would be able to tolerate the smell for so long
I’ve been to Iceland a few times and this post took me right back. It’s truly an amazing place!
I have heard that Iceland is stunning this time of year! It has always been on my bucketlist, but your photos make me even more excited to explore!
We went in February and experienced the Icelantic nature first hand. It was quite a dramatic trip but a beautiful country. Great suggestions here.
I visited Iceland a few years ago and loved it. I vowed to go back as there was so much to see and do and this post has reminded me of that vow! Love the different things you have highlighted here, especially the snorkelling!
It’s so stunning, such an idyllic place. That Fox is beautiful and the sites of nature are breathtaking.
I am dying to go to Iceland! It seems like such a beautiful place with great things to do. Loved this post As it’s opened my eye to New things for us to do if we ever do go. The beer bath sounds really interesting, something I would love to try.
Been to Iceland 2 years ago and it was one of the best trips I have ever done. We were lucky to stay at one of our friends (a true Icelandic Viking ) and he showed us around. We did our best to avoid the touristic spots, but I wanted to see if Blue Lagoon worths the hype. I have mixed feelings about it, but we promised to come back in the summer and try nature baths too.
Ps: Hunting the graffiti art is another activity I truly recommend. This and going to second-hand stores in Reykjavik.
Iceland is a dream destination and one of the magical places in the world indeed! One of my girlfriends visited Iceland last year and she absolutely loved it! She also saw the Northern lights and told us that it was the best moment of her life!
Oh wow, these look amazing! I’d love to try the beer spa!!
Loved the article! I just got back from Iceland and there is so much to do! I think you captured some of the coolest things to do for first time visitor at least for me I got to check most of them of my bucket list!
Ooh I’m not sure how I feel about the thought of bathing in beer! I’d give it a go if it meant I got to experience those amazing Icelandic views though.
I’ve never been to Iceland but really want to so reading your suggestions has confirmed even more on why I want to head there…the photos are amazing too.
We have been saving money for a trip to Iceland. It’s our number one destination on our list! I love your suggestions!
I have never been to iceland no but it has been on my travel list for ages! i was thinking of a bike trip coz you know… i love biking! But going to the spa sounds quite appealing! Just for relaxation! Although I am fascinated by volcano and love geology so i’d be defo doing some climbing! xx corinne
These ideas are fantastic, the snow fox are adorable!! I haven’t been there before but it’s somewhere I would love to visit
I have heard so many good things about Iceland. I hadn’t considered dog sledding cruel so thank you for bringing that to my attention.
I’ve never been to Iceland but it sounds like a great place to visit. The blue lagoon is calling my name. Ill be adding this to my bucket list. I hope to visit this place someday.
Wow, climbing an active volcano? Now that’s something I’ve got to see. I know my husband has been thinking about visiting Iceland sometime, maybe we can try some of the things you’ve mentioned above.
Iceland is a heaven on this earth and since last year I’m vying to somehow travel this place for a month. The major reason is the presence of Active volcanoes which i love exploring and the snow animals. The Artic fox seems really adorable to watch out for.
We have never been to Iceland but honestly it looks incredible . We are hoping to travel more this year
Wow Ana they’re some great alternative ideas to the typical must-see must-see Iceland. We visited Iceland a while ago and did the Golden Circle tour and the Blue Lagoon but when we return with our son I’d love to do these alternatives!
My dad recently took a trip to Iceland so I’ve been researching what all there is to do there in case I have the opportunity to visit. I would love to do everything on your list. Except go anywhere near an active volcano, lol.
I would love to go to Iceland, just for those darling Northern Lights. I would be a bit worried, though as I know Leanora who would totally run to try and catch them lol x
Ana I love this, I am hoping to visit Iceland either this year or early next year as this is incredible list. I have been looking at groupon deals for Iceland and looking for the best one
Iceland, looks so dreamy. I love all of the natural resources and sights they have. It looks like a lovely relaxing place to visit
Beautiful photos. Iceland is on my list of places to travel to. I know now the experience will be wonderful.
I’ve never been to Iceland and honestly never really considered it as a vacation option until now. Your pictures look amazing and I would love to swim between two continents In Silfra, at Thingvellir National Park! So cool!
I am amazed just by reading about the Arctic Foxes. I can’t imagine how overwhelming it will feel to see them Ana. I still can’t understand why some people have the guts to exploit animals.
Some great tips on things to do in Iceland when visiting for the first time – I love it there and can’t wait to go back, such a gorgeous country
You always find these amazing pictures of Iceland. Someday I would love to go, but I am just not sure when. But all of your pictures just remind me of how much I want to go. I really would love the hiking to the top of the volcano or being supportive of wildlife and visiting the arctic fox center. Just looks amazing.
Iceland is in on the top of my travel list, and once my son’s are a bit bigger I think I’ll definitely visit this amazing place. I like your unique take on the regular “travel” blogpost. Really good read!
Me setting foot on Iceland would be a dream come true. I have read articles about it, and I never grow tired of looking at photos of their unique geography. There are so many interesting places to visit. Iceland is really pretty! I hope I can visit at least once in my lifetime.
I have always wanted to visit Iceland. I have heard a lot about the country. Would be nice to visit it one day.
Your pictures look amazing! I have never been to Iceland and never really thought about going, but would love to go after reading this. Sounds like an incredible place to visit, especially the volcanos, would love to go see them. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I have never been in Iceland but definitely wants to go visit it someday. This place sounds really magnificent and there are lots of great suggestion to do here.
Whenever I heard about Iceland, I always imagine that magical looking Northern lights. It always reminds me that the nature is gorgeous and still a mystery. Hope to visit soon!
These are all perfect ideas for Iceland. I am currently working on my Schengen visa and this country is definitely on my list. I love the idea of swimming between continents too!
A beer spa? That sounds totally incredible! I have heard of bathing with wine but this is the first time to read about that. Iceland seems a very awesome place.
Over the last year, I have grown interest to go to Iceland after learning about northern lights. I can’t wait to go there. I am saving this post for future use. You always wrote very detailed and informative posts Anna
Thank you for reminding me why I HAVE to visit Iceland soon! I’d love to walk around the arctic fox center or do a dove between those two continents. Not sure about the -4 temperature but I think the experience will be worth the cold. Especially when you reward yourself afterwards with that beer spa!
I would love to go to Iceland! The Blue Lagoon would be tops on my list of places to visit!
Thank you for the suggestion of the Myvatn Baths – I’ve been planning to go to Iceland for years and always love looking for off the grid ideas of what to do, the blue lagoon sounds fun but I’m always up for something different!
I’ve not been to Iceland, but have always wanted to go! Definitely adding it to my travel list now 🙂
Iceland is another one for my ‘to visit’ list!
A wonderful country, wish you good health to share more for everyone.