So, why visit any other location when Icelandic cities have it all? Call us now and get a quote for your dream vacation to the enchanting cities of Iceland.
The names of Icelandic towns and cities might be hard to pronounce but they are known for unparalleled natural beauty. Most Icelandic cities, actually 63 in total, are located near the shoreline and present a beautiful and natural setting befitting for a trip. Of the 63 Iceland towns, Akureyri, Höfn, Húsafell, Husavik, Hveragerdi, Reykjavik city, Vík í Myrdal are the most sought after destinations due to their scenic locations, tunnels, and bustling tourist attractions.
Reykjavik is one of the largest cities in Iceland and is the northernmost capital of Iceland. The city has a dense population of more than 120,000 people so it is very much brimming with opportunities of meeting and blending in with the locals. It is not deserted or desolate and is filled with colorful buildings, museums, fancy restaurants, and family-owned eateries, and of course the swimming pools. You will be surprised to know that Reykjavik harbors the world-famous hot dog stand, Bæjarinsbestu that is swarmed by tourists and locals year-round.
The city has no dearth of food and recreational activities and eye-catching street art that showcases the local talent. Many local artists have received huge compensation for their contribution to transforming the appearance of the city using street art. Reykjavik doesn't appear to be a modern concrete jungle as most cities do and every gasp of air feels fresh. The houses are painted in quirky color schemes that offer great photoshoot spots. Also, Hallgrimskirkja Church looks distinct in the city full of vibrant colors and is worth visiting.
Vík í Myrdal is located in the southern part of Iceland and is a beautiful village that offers a front-facing view of the sea. Despite facing the sea, the city of Vík í Myrdal lacks a harbor. It has a tiny population of approximately 300 residents that is gradually increasing as tourists are showing interest in what one of the smallest inhabited cities of Iceland has to offer. For nature and wildlife photographers, Vík í Myrdal is a must-visit as it is fairly easy to spot the abundant variety of birds and mammals. Vík í Myrdal has a mild climate and is a nesting site for puffins, a species of bird with a distinctive beak. Do visit the most picturesque church on earth and the Reynisfjara Beach, also called the black sand beach.
Akureyri is the second-largest city of Iceland and is often called the capital of the north for its historical significance. Situated in the opposite direction of Reykjavik and about a 5-hour drive apart, Akureyri has mesmerizing waterfalls mainly the Detifoss Waterfall and the Godfass Waterfall, and the Asbyrgi Canyon. But that's not all that the city has to offer. You can stroll in the town and witness local culture or go horseback riding through the countryside.
Höfn has beautiful concrete roads that run along the coastline into the town and is one of the most bustling spots for tourists. It has a very limited population of just 2,200 inhabitants who are super friendly. Höfn is close to many glaciers and houses pristine museums that give a glimpse of the history long forgotten. Also, the adorable harbor with a glacier as the backdrop is best for clicking pictures and bird photography as well.
Húsafell is one of the best cities in Iceland and is popular for its Húsafell stone, a tourist attraction that is now used as a lifting gear in global strongman competitions. Apart from that, Húsafell is home to the world's largest ice tunnel that is 500 meters long and is wide enough for tourists to wander across it. Húsafell is also close to one of the largest hot springs in the world.
Husavik is one of the most picturesque towns of northern Iceland that is famous for its striking colored houses and fishing. It is situated near the coastline, like many other cities in Iceland, and is best to visit during mid-June when it receives non-stop daylight for almost a fortnight. Husavik is also a haven for whale watching where you can easily hop on tours that will allow you to see the largest mammal in its natural habitat. The town of Husavik has a great cultural presence with numerous restaurants that will diversify your palate and an all-wooden church that is a beauty in itself.
Hveragerdi is one of the best cities in Iceland to visit if you love hot springs. Hveragerdi is termed as an earthquake city because it receives tremors throughout the year. There is nothing to be alarmed about as almost all of these tremors are mild and there hasn't been a major earthquake since 2008. Hveragerdi is famous for its fresh harvest of fruits and vegetables that taste divine due to organic growth in a stable environment. The best activities to do in Hveragerdi are hiking and enjoying hot springs when the weather dips. For beer lovers, Ölverk, a pub offers the best geothermally-brewed bear and pizza to complement it.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the most sparsely populated village on the southern coast of Iceland. With a population of approximately 200 residents, it sure can feel deserted but the lush greenery makes up for the thin native population. Kirkjubæjarklaustur offers many recreational activities such as fly fishing, trekking, hiking, and even a moss exhibition if that tickles your fancy. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is also in proximity to many waterfalls that look ethereal in person.