Welcome to the land of fireside and ice, the place majestic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and epic adventures await in small cities throughout Iceland. Nestled amidst the rugged terrain and dramatic fjords, these hidden gems are a haven for nature lovers looking for a dose of jaw-dropping magnificence. From the otherworldly landscapes of Vik to the enchanting allure of Grundarfjörður, put together to be mesmerized by Iceland’s gorgeous surroundings that can depart you breathless – each from its sheer magnificence and the occasional gust of chilly wind and rain! So seize your rain gear, layers, and prepare to discover these small cities and areas that pack an awe-inspiring punch.
I traveled to most of those cities through the Star Legend – a small ship from Windstar Cruises. It was an effective way to get all the best way across the island with ease…and dare I say a bit luxurious too. The ship primarily moved to new ports at evening which meant that I used to be in a position to actually optimize my time in Iceland by visiting small cities and experiencing the wildlife and panorama as an alternative of driving on a regular basis.
After cruising across the whole island and experiencing the hard-to-get-to communities, I rented a automobile for a few days to discover Southern Iceland in additional element. The ship itinerary didn’t cease in Southern Iceland – so it was my approach to have the ability to expertise all of Iceland’s small cities and greatest cities in 10 days complete. Listed below are my favourite Iceland cities and cities I visited with some concepts of what you are able to do and see there.
What’s the Largest Metropolis in Iceland?
Reykjavik is the nation’s capital and its largest city. Most guests who journey to Iceland cease in Reykjavik. The truth is – some individuals not often depart the capital area if they’re on a fast Iceland stopover. Regardless that it’s the most important metropolis in Iceland, it nonetheless solely has a inhabitants of 123,000, but 60% of the Iceland inhabitants lives in Reykjavik.
It’s a brilliant capital metropolis stuffed with museums, high-end eating places, and buying. I’ve hung out there previously and determined to focus my time on the lesser-known areas and cities. I a lot want to get out and discover the far corners of a rustic, away from the place everybody else goes. And that’s precisely what I did.
Issues You’ll Discover in Each Iceland City and Metropolis
After spending per week touring via the small cities in Iceland, there have been a couple of issues that caught out to me; issues that almost each city had. After seeing these items a number of instances, I concluded that they have to be part of the Icelandic tradition.
Church buildings
All over the place you look, you’ll discover a church steeple level up out of the Iceland panorama. They are going to be present in massive cities, fishing villages, small cities, and essentially the most distant rural settings. Some are trendy, like those in Reykjavik and Akureyri, some are quaint little issues, and a few are blue! They also have a stave church in Heimaey! The dominant faith is Lutheranism.
Rainbow Streets and Paths
Iceland is overflowing with rainbows…however not within the sky – on the bottom. Practically each small Iceland city you go to may have a rainbow street or path. It began within the city of Seyðisfjörður in 2014 to point out its immense assist for satisfaction, variety, and acceptance. The pattern grew to the far corners of Iceland. So not solely are the cities stuffed with colourful buildings, however you’ll additionally discover picturesque rainbows – and loads of avenue artwork.
Swimming Swimming pools
Don’t overlook to pack your swimming swimsuit when touring to Iceland! Each city, massive or small, appears to have a swimming pool. And the locals truly go to them frequently – in contrast to the aforementioned church buildings! Swimming pools are gathering locations for Icelanders and are open daily. They’re usually heated by pure sizzling springs – making it nice to go to at any time of yr. So the Blue Lagoon is admittedly thought-about a swimming pool in Iceland tradition. There are quite a lot of native ‘guidelines’ to know in regards to the swimming swimming pools – so you should definitely learn up on the Iceland swimming pool etiquette earlier than you soar in!
Sizzling Canine
Rock up in any small village and also you’ll possible discover an Icelandic sizzling canine stand! I do know that appears a bit bizarre – however sizzling canines are a craze there – the last word Iceland quick meals. And after having numerous them – let me let you know…they’re scrumptious! They’re made with lamb meat, all include a butter-toasted bun, a particular candy mustard, fried onions, and ketchup.
A Close by Waterfall
You don’t must go far to get to a waterfall in Iceland cities. It’s stated that there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Iceland’s climate is stuffed with rain, snow, and glaciers – and all of that water has to go someplace. Practically each port cease we made had a close-by gorgeous waterfall to go to.
Iceland Waterfall Photograph Suggestions
If you wish to get cool, clean, long-exposure photos (just like the one above), then listed here are a couple of Iceland Waterfall Photograph Suggestions.
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Utilizing a DSLR or Mirrorless digicam, deliver a tripod and ND filter
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If utilizing an iPhone, you’ll be able to nonetheless get gradual shutter velocity pictures..simply do that! Open the digicam app – and faucet the Stay Photograph button on the high. That nested circle factor on the high proper. If it’s on, the app will briefly show LIVE. Take the image. Discover the photograph within the Images app (or faucet the icon within the decrease left of Digicam, in case you simply snapped it now.) You’ll see this “LIVE” indicator within the high left in case you’re a LIVE photograph. Faucet the phrase LIVE which is definitely a popup button, which helps you to select from a number of totally different results that may be utilized to a stay photograph. Faucet “Lengthy Publicity” – it will blur the water. It averages all of the frames collectively and provides it the blurred impact. Simply bear in mind, in case you are together with an individual within the photograph, simply be certain they keep fully nonetheless for a couple of seconds while you take the stay photograph.
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Defend your gear from the water with a LensCoat RainCoat. You may nonetheless get to the entire controls, however you’ll shield your gear on the identical time.
Iceland Cities to Go to
Heimaey Island – Vestmannaeyjabær
Heimaey is difficult to succeed in as a result of it’s an island off of the mainland, nonetheless, it’s properly well worth the sea journey! It’s the one inhabited island of the Westman Island chain and is just 5 sq. miles. It has an interesting latest volcanic historical past that has actually formed the island and tradition. The eruption in 1973 had all the island evacuated in the course of the evening. The eruption continued for months. By the point residents have been in a position to come again, most houses have been buried within the ash and the island expanded by 1 sq mile.
Heimaey and the small city of Vestmannaeyjabær was a cease on our cruise, nonetheless, it’s also possible to take a ferry over from southern Iceland. Both approach you go, the journey into the harbor across the sea cliffs is epic!
Issues to do on Heimaey Island
See Puffins
Heimaey is the place you’ll discover the most important focus of Puffins in Iceland. Typically you’ll discover them ‘wandering’ via city – however most frequently you’ll be able to drive or take a bus tour to the cliffs and look at them.
Hike Up the Volcano
I took the time to hike up the Eldfell volcanic cone. It’s a fast hike however steep (720 ft up). It offers the very best view of the city (if it’s not lined in fog). On the high, you’ll additionally be capable of really feel the warmth nonetheless emitting from the mountain. There’s a gap the place you’ll be able to place your hand inside and really feel the heat like an oven. In fact, there are additionally many different hikes you are able to do on the island in case you keep longer and rent a information.
Volcano Museum
To study extra in regards to the 1973 eruption, see photos, and find out how the city was saved, you should definitely try the Eldheimar Museum on the town – it’s fabulous! Open every day from 11:00 AM to five:00 PM
Seydisfjordur
This charming city in east Iceland is never seen…and on my journey, I didn’t get to see it both! We had deliberate to cease there, nonetheless, because of the climate, we have been unable to get into the port. These items occur if you end up cruising to distant locations and infrequently the Captain has to make selections based mostly on climate. And since I actually solely write about locations I’ve been to – I’ll ship you off to the tourism website to study extra about this little city in Jap Iceland.
Akureyri
That is the most important metropolis outdoors of Reykjavik and is located on the finish of a protracted fjord(Eyjafjörður) on the North coast. Akureyri is named Iceland’s “Capital of the North.” Don’t let its measurement idiot you; this charming city packs fairly a punch! Discover its picturesque streets lined with colourful homes as you attempt to not journey over cute Arctic foxes (okay, perhaps simply in my creativeness). There is probably not Arctic foxes on the streets, however there are coronary heart stoplights…and that’s fairly darn cool! Each crimson stoplight on the town is heart-shaped…it makes you content that it’s a must to cease I assume.
Issues to do Close by
Forest Lagoon
Everybody is aware of of the Blue Lagoon, however on the north aspect of Iceland, you’ll discover the Forest Lagoon. This new sizzling spring spa is nestled in a uncommon Icelandic forest which supplies it a reasonably distinctive setting. I beloved going there because it wasn’t crowded and felt extra native than the touristy Blue Lagoon. They’ve a few bars, a sizzling sauna, and a chilly dip pool too.
Whale Watching
The Eyjafjörður fjord is dwelling to many whale species and is taken into account the whale capital of Iceland. There are tons of choices, nonetheless, I went on a RIB boat. These boats are quick and may maneuver rapidly so that you’ll be capable of cowl extra floor, change instructions, and get to the whales faster than many of the different boats. We noticed numerous humpbacks feeding throughout our morning zipping round out on the fjord whale watching!
Goðafoss Waterfall
It’s stated that 1000 years in the past when Christianity grew to become the official faith in Iceland, the statues of the previous Norse Gods have been tossed into this waterfall. Because of this it’s thought-about the waterfall of the Gods. It kind of appears like a mini Niagra Falls because it spreads out vast throughout the panorama practically 90 toes. There are pathways the place you will get near the water and viewing factors on either side of the falls.
Vadlaheidi Tunnel
I employed a neighborhood driver via Get Your Information to take us to the Gadafoss Waterfall – however we ended up getting rather more than a journey to the waterfall. Jonas was a wealth of knowledge, gave us a city tour, supplied the historical past and we even did a shock cease contained in the Vadlaheidi tunnel to study extra in regards to the making of the tunnel. I might hardly imagine it when he pulled over within the tunnel and he took us into a bit room that had photos of the making of the tunnel and the way they overcame the water springs that have been unearthed within the building. It was fairly an engineering feat!
Isafjordur
Positioned within the Westfjords the small, colourful city of Isafjordur is gorgeous surrounded by mountains and sea. There are a variety of museums right here such because the Heritage Museum, however undoubtedly try the Museum of On a regular basis Life to study extra about how individuals stay within the space. You can even take close by ATV excursions, and go mountain climbing.
Issues To Do Close by
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi Waterfall sits within the distant Westfjords of Iceland. It’s the most important and essentially the most spectacular cascade within the area. Translating to “the Thunderer” in English, Dynjandi cascades 329 ft over terraces of basalt boulders. It’s made up of a sequence of seven totally different waterfalls that spill out into the Fjord under.
There’s an ideal little path to the highest that takes about quarter-hour to hike. On the high, you’ll be able to absorb a few of the most superior fjord views! The roar was actual – like thunder!
Jón Sigurðsson Museum
Hrafnseyri is an previous settlement that has hyperlinks to Iceland’s independence. Along with studying extra about Iceland’s journey to independence, it’s additionally an ideal place to discover the standard turf homes and previous church buildings discovered within the countryside. As well as, there’s a small espresso store and a museum devoted to Iceland’s independence hero Jón Sigurðsson who was born in Hrafnseyri.
Grundarfjörður
Burndarfjordor might be the best-known city on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll additionally see it within the film The Secret Lifetime of Walter Mitty along with the small fishing city of Stykkisholmur.
Issues To Do Close by
Puffin Watching
The fishing village of Stykkisholmur is a good location to see these cute Puffins that Iceland is thought for. We went on a ‘Viking Sushi tour’ for a half day the place we might sail out to the encircling islands and see the chicken cliffs in addition to do some fishing and eat the freshest and tastiest sea scallops I’ve ever had.
Penguins are my favourite chicken…however Puffins are an in depth second for me. They’re mainly penguins that may fly! They at all times seem like little footballs with wings to me. They flutter their wings wildly to get their rectangular our bodies airborne, which leaves you cheering for them fearful that they could drop out of the air!
Puffins arrive in Iceland in Might and stick round till late August. You may see them in lots of locations round Iceland’s cliffs, however Stykkisholmur was the place we noticed essentially the most. Plus, the captain of the boat was in a position to get us so near the cliffs for an unimaginable peek into their smelly world.
The Most Photographed Spot in Iceland
Grundarfjörður Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall are the emblems of the city, towering over the ocean dramatically with steep peaks and a three-pronged waterfall beside it. Sadly whereas we have been the highest was lined with moody clouds.
Vik
Vík í Mýrdal is the southernmost village in Iceland and is a favourite cease on many Ring Street Itineraries. As a result of it’s on the Ring Street, be warned, you gained’t be alone. The little city was bustling with vacationers after we have been there. It’s a pleasant cease for lunch and a stroll on the seaside, however be sure to additionally head up into the city close to the church the place you’ll get spectacular views. Plus, Close by you’ll discover a few of the hottest vacationer stops in south Iceland.
Issues to Do Close by
Black Sand Seashore and Sea Stacks
The South Coast is thought for its volcanic exercise. The truth is the day we left the area one other volcano erupted! You’ll discover numerous black sand seashores in and round Vik created by the gradual erosion of lava and different volcanic supplies, most of that are black or darkish in coloration. Should you merely park in Vik and stroll out to the ocean you’ll encounter a protracted black sand seaside. To your proper, you’ll additionally discover intricate sea stacks which simply add to the great thing about Vik.
Church and Cemetery
You may’t assist however discover the church in Vik. It sits excessive atop a hill peering down on the little city. You may drive up there and park to get an ideal view of the city. Plus, you’ll be able to hike up the hill additional on a footpath and absorb sweeping views of a wildflower-filled valley in addition to the cemetery. I really like visiting cemeteries as I journey – and this one additionally has an unimaginable view.
Native Wool Store
The little sandwich signal on the nook learn Woolen Store, so I made a decision to pop my head in. Usually most of these outlets have some native older Icelandic ladies sitting and knitting massive chunky wool sweaters by hand. Nonetheless, after I walked into this store within the basement of somebody’s home it was a mini manufacturing facility! A machine was weaving a wool rug, there have been bindles of colourful wool thread sitting on cabinets, and a girl and younger boy have been busy placing the ultimate touches on some wool mittens.
Regardless that there have been machines – this undoubtedly wasn’t a contemporary operation. The proprietor eagerly walked us via the setup and defined the previous machines that use thistles from the fields to brush the wool. Within the again, you’ll discover a store with completed merchandise you should purchase. I beloved studying extra about this industrial piece of Icelandic tradition. It’s open to anybody who needs to cease in, study extra, and store. It’s situated simply down the hill from the church.
Solheimajokull Glacier
Solheimajokull is nestled between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull and may simply be reached by automobile. There’s an enormous car parking zone and a brief stroll will get you out to the terminus. We noticed little ‘icebergs’ floating within the water in entrance of it and watched as scores of tour teams hiked on high of the glacier. It was nice to see because it gave you an thought of simply how massive the glacier was.
Skógar
That is actually extra of a small village (inhabitants 25) that occurs to be bookended by two waterfalls – one well-known, and one not so well-known.
Issues to Do Close by
Waterfalls
Skógafoss waterfall is the best to get to – and subsequently essentially the most crowded. Nonetheless, it’s value a cease as this 203 ft waterfall is a powerhouse. There actually aren’t any tiers to Skógafoss so nothing to decelerate the water – it’s only a strong, highly effective move. I wore my waterproof gear and waterproof footwear and was in a position to stroll out into the stream to get an image with comparatively few individuals in it.
Kvernufoss waterfall is a bit more off the crushed observe on the opposite aspect of city. It’s not as massive, however its seclusion is the half that makes it lovely. We visited early within the morning at 6:30 AM and have been the one ones round! You’ll must comply with a straightforward path into the canyon (a 15-minute stroll) to get to Kvernufoss. The canyon stroll is gorgeous, and the waterfall is even higher. You may even stroll behind this waterfall and peer out via the canyon.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one other very talked-about vacationer vacation spot. As soon as once more, we went at 6 AM and there have been solely 3 different individuals there – it was pleasant! The waterfall is fashionable as a result of you’ll be able to stroll fully behind the waterfall and be protected below the overhanging cliff. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless need your full waterproof gear on as you’re going to get moist relying on which approach the wind is blowing. Should you wait till the afternoon, it’s illuminated by the solar, nonetheless, it’ll even be full of individuals full with a gradual line of individuals ready to go stand behind the waterfall.
Waterfalls with No One At Them
Off of Freeway 261 simply outdoors of Hvolsvöllur, you’ll discover some hidden gem waterfalls the place you’ll possible be the one one there at any time of day. A neighborhood advised us about these and I couldn’t imagine how tranquil, quiet, and exquisite they have been. There’s a signal and car parking zone for Gluggafoss – a multi-tiered waterfall which you could go stand behind.
Additional west alongside 261, you’ll discover Drifandi Falls in Fljotshio – a stunning waterfall amongst a sheltered wooded space – an ideal place for a picnic! You gained’t discover this on Google Maps, you’ll simply must belief me that it’s there! There’s a tough parking space and an indication for it alongside Freeway 261. There was nobody else on this magical little spot – it actually felt like a secret. As well as, look rigorously close to the water’s edge on the east aspect and also you’ll discover mini conventional Icelandic houses constructed…so tiny most individuals most likely miss them! I’m fairly positive there was some elf magic taking place there.
Dímonarvegur Street and Hike
For a shocking view of the area close to Seljalandsfoss, the glacier, and the snaking riverbed, don’t miss this brief hike. I actually don’t know what the title of this hill is, however you’ll be able to’t miss it in case you take Dímonarvegur Street (Street 250). It’s a gravel street however a 2-wheel drive could make it. There’s a hill (I’m probably not positive what to name it…a bump…a hill…a mound…a mountain?) proper alongside the street with a bit parking space. When you rise up shut you notice the ‘hill’ is definitely fairly steep and large, however there’s a path that leads as much as the highest that anybody can take. Simply be ready in your calves to burn and your knees to scream on the best way down the steep path.
However when you get to the highest, the view is gasp-worthy. You’ll see the snaking river shaped from the glacier, the mountains, valley, and glacier within the far distance. You’ll actually really feel on high of the world!
Learn how to Get To Iceland Cities
On my Iceland journey, I used to be in a position to expertise two methods to get out and see all the island – by automobile (the favored alternative) and by small cruise ship (solely 250 passengers). It was attention-grabbing to do each in the identical journey as I used to be in a position to actually see some great benefits of every.
Iceland Cruise with Windstar Cruises
Cruising round Iceland on a small ship is an effective way to get past the capital metropolis and out to the small cities and villages all inside one week’s time. For me, that is the Iceland I really like – the distant cities, fishing villages, and lesser-visited points of interest. It’s additionally a approach to actually expertise the ocean tradition that’s so robust in Iceland.
Windstar’s Star Legend ship was the right comfy approach to expertise the entire of Iceland. We began in Reykjavik and went south in a counterclockwise course round Iceland. The ship carried 300 passengers however solely had 250 on board. I loved unimaginable meals and menus from James Beard Cooks, drinks, and lectures on Icelandic historical past. At every port, we have been in a position to do excursions that have been organized via Windstar or you could possibly additionally simply prepare your individual. I did a bit of each.
Expertise Windstar’s Cruise Round Iceland – Reykjavik to Reykjavik
I primarily used GetYourGuide to rearrange my very own excursions in ports the place I had extra time or wasn’t within the Windstar choices. They provide brief day journeys and half-day journeys that always decide you proper up from ports in Iceland!
One Lodge as You Journey Round Iceland
The cabins have been spacious. Ummm – howdy…we had a rest room with two sinks…in a cruise cabin! That was definitely a primary for me. Every cabin additionally has a sitting space and we even had a small balcony. I beloved having the balcony to observe the seabirds glide alongside the ship simply skimming the tops of the waves. Plus as we entered the port of Heimaey we might watch the ocean cliffs go by whereas standing on our little balcony.
I feel my favourite factor about cruising round Iceland was the flexibility to remain in a single room all the time and unpack as soon as. This additionally made it tremendous straightforward to plan this trip since I didn’t have to go looking throughout for lodge rooms that are notoriously scarce in Iceland. I unpacked, hung up my garments, and was finished…but we moved each evening to a brand new space…pure bliss.
As well as, Windstar provides an ‘all-inclusive’ package deal that features your entire suggestions, and alcoholic drinks all through the cruise – a reasonably large profit in case you are a cocktail nerd like me. And the very best half…I didn’t must drive…so I might take pleasure in cocktails all evening if I wished to!
Total – in case you are brief on time and don’t have the time to plan each little element of a street journey, then this Windstar cruise round Iceland is the best way to go. Plus – you’ll see essentially the most complete view of Iceland in only a week’s time, which is nice for individuals who need to do all of it however have restricted trip time (ahem…howdy fellow Individuals).
By Automobile
The important thing to exploring Iceland’s cities independently is to start out your planning early. I appeared for lodges 3 months previous to the holiday and I might barely discover something accessible. Because of this we ended up staying in a shared hostel room with bunkbeds…it was all that was left! As well as, the identical goes for automobile leases – it’s a must to get on this early and reserve as there’s a restricted provide.
The place to Keep in South Iceland
We stayed at Midgard Basecamp in Hvolsvöllur – a family-run guesthouse and hostel that was trendy, welcoming, and useful. I completely advocate it!
In fact, you get the liberty of a street journey and may cease everytime you need, go the place you need, change your plans at a second’s discover, and usually have full management – and there’s magnificence in that. One massive benefit to me was that I might cease each time I wished to take an image. As a photographer – that’s fairly essential to me.
It was a straightforward nation to drive in, nonetheless, in case you get off the primary roads – you’ll need to make sure that your rental automobile is the best kind to tackle the tough roads. There aren’t any lodge chains in Iceland outdoors of Reykjavik, so that you’ll be staying in quaint little visitor homes, and small lodges.
I at all times hire vehicles via RentalCars.com – I discover they’ve the very best costs on the Web and are very easy to make use of and work with.
Don’t Go to Iceland With out This Gear
Waterproof is the magic phrase if you end up touring in Iceland in the summertime. Between the wet climate and the myriad of waterfalls – you’ll need waterproof every thing…EVERYTHING. As well as, it’s nonetheless fairly chilly in the summertime – so that you’ll additionally need layers. Listed below are a few of the issues I took that labored very well on this wet, chilly surroundings. And don’t overlook your swimsuit!
Outside Analysis Helium Rain Jacket
This was my ‘Chasing Waterfalls’ jacket in Iceland! I nonetheless cannot imagine how light-weight it’s – making it good for journey adventures. Keep heat, dry and visual on and off the paths with the ladies’s Outside Analysis Helium rain jacket. Taped seams, protected zippers – this light-weight jacket is totally waterproof!
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Oboz Girls’s Katabatic Waterproof Mountaineering Shoe
A terrific gentle hiker that’s full waterproof from my favourite shoe firm – OBOZ. The Katabatic line is fairly new however it’s constructed for gentle, quick journey the place that you must keep dry…good for Iceland! I used these to hike and chase waterfalls crossing streams to get the right shot!
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11/20/2023 07:02 pm GMT
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Professional
These are nice for fall trekking the place you want a bit extra heat than shorts. I really like the strengthened knees and butt which makes them sturdy sufficient to take a seat on a rock and eat lunch. Plus – I really like the aspect pockets and comfy waist band.
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Ventus Energetic Hoodie – Girls’s – OutdoorVitals
The Ventus Energetic Hoodie brings a brand new which means to “ultralight backpacking”. Not do it’s a must to sacrifice heat to get a decrease pack weight! This hoodie is one thing you will have with you whether or not you are backpacking, biking, touring, snowshoeing, or throughout another a part of your lively life-style!
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My high decide
LensCoat Raincovers
Do not let the climate cease your images! This revolutionary cowl offers safety in your digicam and lens from the weather like rain, snow, salt spray, grime, sand and dirt whereas permitting you quick access to the digicam and lens controls.
I earn a fee in case you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no further price to you.
From the colourful capital metropolis of Reykjavik to the quaint and picturesque villages scattered alongside the coast, to the Westman Islands – every city has its personal allure and sweetness to discover. Whether or not you’re captivated by the gorgeous landscapes, fascinated by the tradition, mesmerized by the waterfalls, or looking for outside adventures, Iceland’s cities have one thing for everybody. So pack your luggage and rain gear and embark on an unimaginable journey via this enchanting land of fireside and ice!
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