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, these photos are amazing! Love them so much. Really makes me want to book a plane ticket.
Thanks, Melissa! And maybe it’s a sign that you should book that ticket! 😉
Amazing pictures!!! You just reminded me how stunning Iceland is and I want to go back really badly!!! I love every single view in here!
Thanks, Kami! Scrolling through these pics makes ME want to go back ASAP!
NICE photos, Amanda! So dreamy. And now I want to plan a return trip to Iceland, stat. In the meantime, I’ll look through these once more =)
The pictures are no comparison to the real thing, but I suppose they’ll do in a pinch! 😉
I’m convinced! Iceland is definitely at the top of my bucket list!
Awesome! Even though I’ve been there twice, Iceland always lives at the top of my bucket list, too.
Wow, how many wonderful places, congratulations on getting to reach them, hopefully one day also get, great pictures congratulations
Are you freaking kidding me with these photos?? Incredible. Great job, girl! And you took these with the mouthful Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II? I mean, WOW.
Haha thanks! And yup, my trusty Olympus took these!
Yeeeeeees!
The photographs are gorgeous. Where’s the next plane to Iceland?!!
I’m ready to go back already!
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I have visited – I still have framed pics on my walls from my trip, nearly eight years ago!
Amanda, I’ve been an admirer of your blog for a few years now, and based on your love of epic natural scenery I’m going to suggest a destination for your bucket list. Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador, Canada. Even though I live in Labrador I have not been myself (yet – bucket list!), it is not cheap and the travel window is narrow, but I know people who have made the trip and vow it is worth every penny.
Thanks for that suggestion, Stef! That park does indeed look incredible – I definitely need to explore more of that part of Canada someday!
Yep I’m convinced! Iceland is one of my top 5 ultimate destinations to visit someday. No photo I have ever seen has disappointed me, the place is just so darn photogenic.
It really is! Even when the weather isn’t great, it’s still just so incredibly dramatic.
Such beautiful photos. I love the waterfall one and the geyser one. They are amazing. Makes me want to go.
Thanks, Heather! You’ll definitely have to put Iceland on your list!
Iceland really does seem like a magical place! I actually feel that way about a lot of cold places, like Norway and Sweden too. I think it’s something about all of the natural beauty, like the waterfalls and mountains and snow. And of course the fairytale-esque houses!
All the natural beauty definitely contributes! Norway and New Zealand both also sit on my “magical” list.
Oh man!! I can’t get over how ridiculously stunning these photos are!! Is it weird for your mouth to water over a destination? haha. There’s no denying that Iceland is beautiful after this post. I must see it for myself some day 🙂
Haha, mouth watering? Yessss. My mission is complete then. 😉
Such beautiful pictures and simply want to pack and go. thanks Amanda. Iceland is beautiful.
Yes it sure is! Glad you liked the photo essay, Marc!
Gorgeous photos! My husband and I were in Iceland for 6 weeks during the summer of 2012 and are dying to go back again both in the winter and the summer. Nature photography is my true passion, but I really love your photo of Reykjavik in the snow. From where did you take it?
That Reykjavik photo is one of my favorites from Iceland! I took it from The Pearl – the observation deck/restaurant that’s on top of the water towers a little bit outside of the city.
I have to agree with you – Iceland is such a magical place! I have never been to a place where the landscape is quite so surreal – there were times when I wasn’t sure whether I was on Earth anymore when I visited! 🙂 These pictures are so stunning!
I know! Sometimes it absolutely looks like another planet! Such a cool place to explore.