Top things to do in Iceland
I completed a summer study at the University of Iceland (Haskola Islands) in Reykjavík as part of the University of Minnesota’s Modern Icelandic Summer course with professors Guðrún Theodórsdóttir. and Lena Norrman. After reflecting on the experience, I compiled a list of Icelandic must-sees:
Eiríksstaðir: The farmstead of Eiríkr Þorvaldsson (950-ca. 1003), or Erik the Red. Born in Norway, he left for Iceland with his family when he was 10 years old after his father was banished for manslaughter. Erik would go on to be exiled himself. According to the Saga of Erik the Red (Eiríks saga rauða), an Icelandic chronicle of Norse exploration in North America, Erik spent three years exploring Greenland. He is regarded as the founder of the first Nordic settlement there. One of his and Þjódhild Jorundsdottir’s children, Leifur Eiriksson, went on to explore modern-day Newfoundland.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík): According to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Kim Kardashian, and Metallica lead vocalist James Hetfield, this hot dog stand in Reykjavik serves some of the best ‘dogs in Europe. Operating since 1937, this stand sells Icelandic hot dogs, (“pylsa” or “pulsa”), which is made of lamb, beef, and pork.
Esja: A volcanic mountain range about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Reykjavik. This is a gorgeous hike. The famous rock, "Steinn," is about 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) from the trailhead. The water is so clean, you can dip your water bottle in the stream to refill.
Reykholt: Previously home to famous Icelandic historian, poet, and politician Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241). You can still visit the remains of his hot pot, or small pool of naturally heated water. These hot pots dot Iceland and are a great way to meet people and to relax. I recommend bringing multiple swim suits.
The National Museum of Iceland (Sudurgata 41) tells the story of Iceland and its history. My favorites were displays about the Viking Age and settlement, and religious iconography,
Þingvellir National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the Alþing, an open-air assembly that represented Iceland, was established in 930 and continued to meet annually until 1798. Since 1881, parliament meets in Alþingishúsið in Reykjavík.
Geysir: The first geyser described in European printed sources and after whom geysers are named. An earthquake in 2000 revived geyser, but activity decreased to about three times per day.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, and it's worth the hype. You can stand unnervingly close to this rugged, two-tiered waterfall.
If you are in Iceland on June 17, participate in Þjóðhátíðardagurinn, or Icelandic National Day, celebrations. National Day marks Iceland’s 1944 declaration of independence from Denmark. Based on the 1918 Act of Union, Iceland could revisit its relationship with Denmark in 1943. However, when this revision was supposed to take place, Nazi Germany was occupying Denmark. Icelanders resoundingly voted to abolish their union with the then-occupied nation.
Today, Icelanders celebrate the holiday with parades, bands, Icelandic horses, Scouts, and a poem reading by Fjallkonan (“the woman of the mountain”). Wearing the national costume, Skautbúningur, she represents Icelandic spirit and nature.
Also, if you have a chance to watch or to ride Icelandic horses, please do so. The Icelandic horse (íslenski hesturinn) is a unique breed. It's smaller and has a thicker winter coat than other types of horses. What makes it stunning to watch, though, is its gait. It has a rapid ambling gait known as the tölt. This is the only type of horse you will see here, too. Iceland does not allow foreign-born horses to enter the country, and Icelandic horses that leave can never return.
And finally, Icelandic folklore recommends that you do not disturb places where huldufólk, or “hidden folk,” are believed to live. According to Brian Pilkington and Terry Gunnell’s The Hidden People of Iceland (2008), some folklore suggests hidden folk are descendants of Adam and Eve, but, ashamed God came to visit while she was bathing her children, Eve hid the unbathed children, and they remained hidden for eternity. Another story suggests huldufólk descend from Adam and his first wife, Lilith, and they left the garden with Lilith. A third rendition is that the hidden folk were fallen angels who, after refusing to take sides in Lucifer’s rebellion against God, were condemned to live eternity between Heaven and Hell.
Whatever the case, humans have told stories about alleged interactions with hidden people. For example, trade-union leader Tryggvi Emilsson claimed an elf saved him from death. (See pgs. 248-249 Tom Le Bas’ Iceland (2009) in the Insight Guides series.