When it comes to “hot” and “trending” destinations, in recent years Iceland has been right up there near the top of all the lists.
What used to be one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe suddenly became much more affordable after a financial collapse in 2008. And, while financial crisis is never something to be joyful about, tourists have certainly benefitted from the affects of Iceland's struggles. While the country still isn't “cheap” by any standards, it's now much more affordable for the average person to visit.
I planned my first visit to Iceland in early 2012, when Iceland was slowly getting back on its feet but before it became an “it” destination. I remember people asking me why the hell I wanted to go to Iceland (and in winter, no less). But as soon as I came home and showed them photos, they got it.
Iceland is wild and raw; it truly is the Land of Fire and Ice, where Mother Nature reigns supreme.
And it's also one of the most magical places on earth.
Don't believe me? I think these photos should prove it:
So, are you convinced? Do you understand why everyone who's visited Iceland has gone so crazy over it?
Iceland is definitely magical, and it has certainly cast its spell on me. Even after two trips there, I know I'm not done.
I'll be back.
For further reading:
- 12 Crazy But Cool Things You Can See in Iceland
- A 10-Day Itinerary for Iceland in Winter (Without Renting a Car)
- The Wild Beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Snorkeling Silfra: Swimming Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
- 48 Hours in Reykjavik
- Relaxing at Iceland's Blue Lagoon
- Iceland's Golden Circle
- What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland in Winter
And if you're planning an adventurous trip around Iceland, be sure to invest in a good travel insurance policy! That way everything from lost luggage to a bad accident is covered – because you just never know! I recommend World Nomads for basic (and really affordable) travel insurance.
Who's ready to book a trip to Iceland?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Wow, Iceland is so magical. It has been on my to-do list for a while.. Hopefully sometime soon 🙂 Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures.
I hope you make it there soon, Anu!
Amanda, I am absolutely swooning over these photos! Just gorgeous! Get me to Iceland!!!
Thanks so much! I definitely had fun putting this one together!
Impressive AND it is accessible. Icelandair often is having flight deals and for those of you in Europe or North America, you can get their in a few hours!
Any plans to do a photo essay on the food? fermented shark? haha
Yup, lots of good flight deals with both Iceland Air and WOW.
And no, no food photo essays planned – I’m definitely not a foodie (and I would never go anywhere near that fermented shark – yuck!).
Iceland certainly looks like a magical place – the snow-capped mountains look so lovely!
Definitely one of the more magical places I’ve been!
Your photography is honestly stunning!
I cannot wait to go to Iceland one day and see all of these sights for myself 🙂
Aww thanks so much!
Yes you’ve proved it! Iceland is definitely magical – especially since I can’t get enough of looking at photos! I’m sure that after seeing hundreds of pics, seeing it for myself at the end of this year will be like seeing it for the first time!
Oh it will be. I mean, yes, photos are great to look at – but it’s so much better in real life!
Wow, so beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing these amazing photos:-)
Thank YOU for checking them out!
Gorgeous post. I spent just a few days in Iceland, and I am planning a trip back to see more. These pictures reminded me why 🙂
Thanks for sharing,
Katie
I’ve been to Iceland twice, and yet am already dreaming of my next trip! It’s just one of those places that I think will always keep calling me back!
Love this posts – and all your posts about Iceland can’t wait to get there this year myself.
I hope you love it, Paula!
Beautiful photos! Iceland has been at the top of my bucket list for a few years now. Unfortunately due to timing, cost, and several other reasons that now seem ridiculous, I haven’t been able to make it. Hopefully this is my year!
I certainly hope this is your year, Kate! Iceland is so amazing.
What did you use to take your underwater photos?
My GoPro! Though, the photo in this post is actually just a screenshot from my GoPro video – sometimes I find that works best, because it’s hard to keep the little camera still enough to get great stills underwater.
Thanks! I shouldn’t really be planning next year’s holidays yet, considering I still haven’t paid off this year’s trip to Japan 🙂
Haha, oh, I’m always guilty of planning my next trip (or NEXT next trip) before I’ve even finished the one I’m on! 😉
Wow! These photos truly are magical. I love the scale and the sense of infinite space they convey. As an aside, I also like that you’ve displayed them in large size on your website.
Thanks, Lauren! I figured these really deserved to be displayed bigger. 🙂
These pictures are unbelievable! This may be the first cold weather place I travel to!! I’ve been working my way around the equator lol
Iceland is great in the winter! (Though I would avoid late December/early January because the days are *really* short.) I don’t think you would regret it. 🙂
These photos are INCREDIBLE. I love your shot of Silfra. Snorkeling was such an amazing experience, but I was half-frozen by the end. 🙂 I miss Iceland so much.
Thanks so much, Rachel! 🙂 And yeah, Silfra was very, very cold – but SO COOL that I didn’t really mind too much!
Beautiful pictures Amanda! Loved seeing a wintry shot of Gullfoss!
Thanks so much! This is definitely one of my favorite photo essays, I think – Iceland is amazing!
Been to Iceland. In my opinion it is not ‘magical’ in any sense of the word. When you publish pictures that have been heavily edited using HDR even Mumbai or Cairo would look ‘magical’. Your photos make a dull volcanic island look colorful. It is not a colorful place. I didn’t find the people there all that welcoming or interesting either.
Ummm… none of these photos have been edited using HDR; in fact, most of them haven’t been heavily edited at all! I’m sorry you didn’t find Iceland interesting, but I think you’re in the minority on that one!