Iceland often gets described as a land of ice and fire due to the contrast between its beautiful glaciers and waterfalls with its thermal hot springs and volcanos. Most of the country is made of these natural beauties along with rolling hills, fields, and beautiful coastlines. Nature is everywhere, even in the capital city, but the further you explore outside of it the more wonders there are to discover.
In or Near Reykjavik
Laugardalur:
Laugardalur is a beautiful park in Reykjavík that has a lot to offer. Within this park you will find the popular Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool, the sports centers Laugardalshöll Arena, the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium where visitors can go to sporting events, performances, or the occasional outdoor summer music festival. Additionally, there is the Laugardalur Ice Rink, and the Reykjavik Botanical Garden. Another facet of the park’s design is that its location is fairly sheltered from the wind, so it's rather comfortable to spend time here, no matter which part people explore.
Elliðaárdalur:
Elliðaárdalur is a series of tumbling waterfalls along the Elliðaár River. This place is a great escape to nature without having to go too far. The river is also one of Iceland's best salmon-fishing destinations, but a permit for the activity is required. The pre-sale of fishing licenses begins in the fall of each year and is available for sale during certain periods in certain fishing areas. The period and fishing area in question are determined each year and advertised separately. First, the advertisement is sent by email to members registered on the association's mailing list, Angling Club of Reykjavík (SVFR) or authorized local booking platforms, then it is advertised by news on the website and finally by email to a general mailing list. Everyone is free to apply for a fishing license in the pre-sale. The license can cost anywhere from $150-350 and since the river is highly regulated and incredibly popular, permits sell out rapidly, often months in advance. The park also offers forested walking, cycling, and horseback-riding paths, both of which can be rented within the city center. It can be a great place for spotting wild life, mostly wild rabbits, and the park is just 15 minutes outside of downtown Reykjavík.
Hljómskálagarðurinn:
This park contains Reykjavík’s iconic freshwater pond where people spot ducks, geese, and swans. It’s also an incredibly great spot for bird-watching! Whooper Swans and Arctic Terns are two birds commonly seen. The park is also an ideal spot for a leisurely walk. It's filled with sculptures, some of famous Icelandic figures and others by Icelandic artists such as Jónas Hallgrímsson, a prominent 19th-century romantic poet and natural scientist, and Ólafur Thors, a pivotal figure in Icelandic politics who served as Prime Minister of Iceland multiple times A dedicated section on the southwest side of the park showcases the pioneering work of six trailblazing Icelandic female sculptors.
Outside the City:
Blue Lagoon, CC0.
Blue Lagoon:
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field about 3 miles from Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This Lagoon is about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík. Its location is powered by geothermal energy and supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. This spot is an amazing natural wonder but can be subject to unanticipated closures due to its proximity to a volcano. Visitors can check the Blue Lagoon Safety Page for updates on its status. While this place can be a popular tourist spot, its otherworldly atmosphere and bright blue warm water makes it a must-try for first time visitors.