Weird and Wonderful Iceland

19 July 2022

Every year, tourists flock to Iceland to immerse themselves in the unique culture of this tiny European country. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery, the hidden corners of the quirky capital of Reykjavik, or the unusual food and drink on offer, there’s lots to love about weird and wonderful Iceland.

ICELAND SIGHTS

When it comes to the top sights in Iceland, there’s so much to see and do, that you may feel like you don’t have enough time to squeeze everything in! If you’re looking to witness the famous aurora borealis, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and March, when the darker skies offer maximum opportunities for sky-gazing. Another Iceland top attraction is Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Unlike the Northern Lights, there’s no best time to go to the Blue Lagoon, as the geothermal energy means the pool stays hot all year round – with temperatures averaging 37-40 °C.

Iceland is also famous for its volcanoes. Despite being a smaller country, there are 150-200 volcanoes in Iceland, 22 of which are active. Some of the best volcanoes to visit in Iceland can be found along the Golden Circle route – a 186-mile stretch that’s also home to the UNESCO world heritage site of Þingvellir National Park.

ICELAND FOOD AND DRINK

Aside from the natural wonders of Iceland, the country is also known for the weird and wonderful range of food on offer - and some of the best food from Iceland can be found when you’re willing to go out of your comfort zone. One of the national dishes is Hákarl, shark meat that’s cured with a particular fermenting process and hung to dry for months. It has a distinctive taste that may not appeal to some, so a top Iceland travel tip is to wash it down with a shot of the local spirit of Brennivín – or Black Death as it’s commonly known. Black Death was first made back in 1935, following the end of Iceland’s 20-year prohibition.

ICELAND FACTS

Did you know Iceland is home to 8-10 million Atlantic puffins – 60% of the world’s population? The best place to see puffins in Iceland is along the coastline, where they’re found nesting in the North, West, South, and East of the country – so you’re likely to be able to find a tour no matter where you are. Between May and August is when you’re most likely to see a puffin in Iceland. Another must-see animal is an Iceland whale. There’s no best time to see whales in Iceland, as they can be spotted all year round – it just may depend on if you can cope with the choppier conditions experienced during the winter months.

BOOK YOUR ICELAND TRIP WITH WST

At WST, we run multiple educational trips to Iceland, with a specific focus on tours for Geography and Science As four-time winners of Best School Tour Operator, our knowledgeable team knows exactly how to create a trip that takes in the incredible sights that Iceland has to offer, while always ensuring you receive the best level of information and service.

Explore our trips to Iceland here, or contact us to request a quote for your tour today.