Iceland's Favorite Tourist Cities
Once you decide to travel to Iceland, then it is fun to choose the places you wish to see. Not only are the tourist attractions exciting, but there are typically cities that you will want to visit, too. Indeed you should visit as many locations as comfortably possible, but here are a few of Iceland's favorite tourist cities.
When one travels to any new country, it is often customary to visit the capital city. And Iceland is no exception because Reykjavik is distinct in that it is the world's most northernmost capital city. Situated on the south-west side of the island on the Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik is bustling with art and culture, vibrant nightlife, and seasonal festivities. Restaurants offer fine cuisine based on Icelandic tradition, as well as adaptations of other cultures. The views are spectacular, as many establishments take advantage of the majesty of the region by employing plenty of glass so that tourists can fully appreciate and enjoy the outside landscapes. Some say the area is legendary for its bars and clubs, and others have gone as far as labeling the night scene as hedonistic. The days, by contrast, are much quieter, and tourists can fill their time bathing in the geothermal swimming pools, visiting the cafés and bistros, or attending one of the many concert performances.
Another city that can be classified as one of Iceland's favorite tourist cities is Akureyri, known as the Capital of the North because it was once a booming port town. Located in the northern part of the country, while the population is small by most standards with less than twenty thousand people, it is the largest area outside of Reykjavik. It is home to the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, an eighteen hole golf course, and many summer festivals including the International Music Festival. Rich in art and culture, arriving during the ten week long Summer Art Festival is a real treat seeing The Artists' Alley. The Folk Museum tells of the town's history, and the Akureyri Swimming Pool is very popular. Finally, nature lovers can escape to the Kjarnaskógur forest with its hiking trails, playgrounds and BBQ area.
Hafnarfjordur, a fishing port close to Reykjavik is important as a tourist attraction because it is indicative of the Icelandic way of life. It is a quiet town, however, and for those who want to rest, Hafnarfjordur is the perfect place. Golf, swimming, whale watching, horse back riding, visits to the museums are all part of this peaceful location. The town is home to Iceland's elves who are said to live in the lava cliffs and rocks. As the City of Elves, there are several tours of the elf lands to explore the legend. The Viking Festival held during Summer Solstice (June) attracts many tourists, and one of the restaurants keeps the Viking tradition alive all year with its Viking feasts, and serving staff dressed in Viking garb.
A vacation in Iceland would not be complete without visiting Keflavik, home of the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa. Naturally heated outdoor pools and fresh springs truly make this retreat the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Voted the "Best Medical Spa Worldwide" by Conde Nast Traveller readers, and awarded the United Nations Blue Flag five years in a row, the Blue Lagoon is comprised of two-thirds saltwater and one-third freshwater. The waters are piped in from their natural source and are changed every forty hours. The Keflavik International Airport is close by.
Admittedly, it is very difficult to choose Iceland's favorite tourist cities. Each region of the country is unique, and the people from all areas are more than hospitable. The whole island has something to offer so it might be a good idea to research the tours before embarking on your journey through Iceland.