Seven Things to Do in Iceland (Why You Should Go Right Now!)
The world’s economy is crashing and no country is feeling the pain of this global credit meltdown more than Iceland. The country’s overextended banking industry has collapsed and the country has declared bankruptcy. Yes, I said the COUNTRY. The last few weeks has seen its currency completely free fall. The current exchange rate is now 117 Kronur to a dollar, up from 77 in May. Compared to last year, you’re getting double your value and the winter deals are making accommodation and flights even cheaper.
So with the currency in the toilet, now is a great time to travel to Iceland- the country is finally cheap(er) to visit. Here are seven things to do in Iceland that will convince you book your ticket:
Reykjavík
This hip capital is awash in thriving cafes, high energy clubs, friendly pubs, and a brightly colored old town with rows of wood houses clustered together. This up and coming city is one of the trendiest in the world as Icelanders are obsessed with design and architecture. Reykjavik is one of the most expensive cities in the world- but it just got a lot cheaper. Take advantage now.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool is the country’s top tourist attraction. It might be crowded and expensive but there’s nothing like it in the world. This huge, milky-blue spa is fed by mineral-rich heated seawater from the nearby geothermal plant. Add the silvery towers of the plant, rolling clouds of steam, and people covered in white mud, you’ll think you are in the twilight zone.
Thingvellir National Park
This national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site is interesting for two reasons: It is the original site of the longest running parliament in the world and it’s also where the North-American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart. Pretty cool, huh?
Watch the Northern Lights
From September to April, the Northern Lights become more visible. These dancing lights are a one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. From the clear, dark northern skies of Iceland, nothing will impede you from nature’s greatest dance.
Gullfoss
Iceland’s most famous waterfall tumbles 105ft into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a wall of spray. On sunny days, the spray creates shimmering rainbows over the gorge. This is a truly amazing spectacle and a rewarding scene after a nice hike.
Jökulsárlón (The Jökulsár Lagoon)
Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated very quickly from 1920 to 1965 leaving this breathtaking lagoon, which is up to 190 meters deep. Icebergs float in the lagoon all year and you can watch as chucks of ice crash into the lagoon.
Glacial Trek
During the winter months, the glaciers get a bit sturdier and groups of tourists are led across them. There’s no better way to see the glaciers than walk across them. Release your arctic explorer across the glaciers of Iceland.
Go take advantage of the new exchange rate and visit a much cheaper Iceland. The locals are friendly, the nature is stunning, the exchange rate is the best in years, the midnight sun hasn’t arrived yet, and the weather is not too cold. Now is a prefect time to visit Iceland!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this! I’m going to Iceland in October (there’s a game convention) and I can’t wait. I’m definitely taking your advice!
Thanks!!!
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Thanks for this post Matt
so happy to see this post! us icelanders take great pride in our country ^^ i’m a 22 year old girl living in reykjavík and seeing all your questions i decided to help out a bit
here http://www.enjoyiceland.is/ is a good site on how to travel to and around iceland. i hope it helps you out. i recommend reading some of the info there before you visit our little island.
http://www.grapevine.is/Shopping/Shops/Archive/ <– interesting shops situated in downtown Reykjavík
@Rob http://midi.is/home/ is a good site to look at for shows and it has the prices depending on what you want too see. be it theater, concerts, movies or art festivals. and on foodcosts…it really depends on what store you go to. for lower prices i recommend Bónus (situated around reykjavík but downtown it’s on Laugarvegur). it’s alot cheaper than 1011, a store that’s open 24hrs. the liqour store in downtown closes at six in the afternoon but at seven on fridays. but expect to pay a bit more though at the bars, booze is not cheap in iceland!
) enjoy your stay and remember to try out the nightlife on the weekends! 
http://www.grapevine.is/Food/Restaurants/Archive/ has a list of restaurants in Reykjavík worth eating at. (Hlölla Bátar is good for hangovers
@Donna http://www.worldtravelguide.net/city/102/nightlife/Europe/Reykjavik.html has a good list and reviews on the clubs in downtown Reykjavík. from my own experience it really differs on what you like. i personally most often go to Kofi Tómasar Frænda (on the corner of Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur) and Hressingarskálinn (Bankastræti). those two clubs have mainstream music and are great for dancing. although Kofi Tómasar Frænda is quite small.
and you can dress any way you like 
we just put on a fancy top and a skirt/jeans or some dresses. i recommend taking a jacket with you cause it can get cold. just remember to take good care of it once inside the clubs, it’s warm in there! 
i hope you guys have fun while visiting! 
oh…and the blue lagoon is something you DON’T wan’t to miss! nothing like it in the world! (it’s situated between the airport and Reykjavík, in the middle of the volcanic moonlike surface
)
the northen lights are more visible in the colder months and are most visible outside of town (seen them numerous times and i am amazed everytime ^^).
the weather here is really nice. today it was still, rainy and about 6 degrees celsius. it goes up to about 18 degrees celsius in july and i remind you all that during summer the sun sets for about 3-4 hours so it’s bright all day long
oh and dont be afraid to drink the water from the tab, it’s the same as in the bottles you can buy here. our water is really fresh and tasty. save the money for the booze
well i sure hope this helped some of you! so glad to hear that alot of you are coming over. this truly is a place you’ll remember! i’m happy to call iceland my home
best wishes
Guðný
I am heading to Iceland on Monday 29-June (just 2 days away) for a week. I am looking forward to the trip, going to do some whale watching in Kusavik . Many thanks for the links, they are excellent resources with lots of good information.
Takk fyrir!
Aidan
I love the coloured roofs of the houses and the boreal aurora.
Howdy!
Thank you for your advices! I found them very useful.
Iceland was really amazing for me and I highly recommend it to anyone!
I will surely go and visit the Blue Lagoon one day. It just became an aspiration.