CATALYST PLANET - 7 Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures in Iceland

Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights)

The visual spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a magical, natural phenomenon that occurs when solar particles enter the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules. The result is a stunning display of lights dancing across the night sky. Iceland is one of the best places to see the lights because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle and lack of major light pollution. Iceland’s pink, purple, and green lights can be seen almost every night of its peak viewing season beginning in August and ending in early May.

“Miniature of an old Icelandic farmhouse near Strandakirkja in south Iceland” by Christian Bickel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DE

Álfaskólinn (The Elfschool)

Supernatural creatures, elves in particular, have long been part of Icelandic history. The Huldufólk, or hidden people, are said to look and dress like humans, but are more beautiful, talented and charming. At the Elfschool, curious travelers who enjoy all things magical can attend five-hour classes on the 13 different types of Icelandic elves, and other mythical beings such as gnomes, dwarfs, fairies, trolls, and mountain spirits. Included in the class is a tour of Huldufólk habitats and a pancake meal with the school’s headmaster, Magnus Skarphedinsson. According to Skarphedinsson, 54 percent of Icelanders believe in elves (a 2007 study from the University of Iceland clarified that 54 percent of Icelanders do not deny the existence of elves, while only 8 percent believe they actually exist). Regardless of belief, Huldufólk are a big part of Icelandic folklore and traditions. Classes at the Elfschool are available year-round.

“Atlantic puffin spreading its wings in Iceland” by Henrik Thorbun is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Puffin Islands

Iceland is home to more than 60 percent of the world’s incredibly cute Atlantic puffin population. The cartoon-like birds are found all over Iceland. Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westmann Islands, is home to the largest puffin colony (over one-fifth of the world’s puffin population nests there every year). During the summer season, the Puffin Islands--Akurey and Lundey--are prime viewing spots. Thirty other bird species, including cormorants, black guillemots, eider ducks, and arctic terns nest on the islands each year. The Atlantic puffins can be seen from early April until September.

“Leiðarendi lava tube” by Jesús Rodríguez Fernández is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Leiðarendi Lava Cave

In Icelandic folklore, lava caves are home to trolls--brutal, proud beings who would punish anyone who trespassed in their homes. Leiðarendi is a lava tube made up of two caves located close to the Blue Mountains in southwest Iceland. Leiðarendi is a colorful tunnel of hardened lava turned blood red, yellow, and green from the minerals brought up by the eruption that formed the caves thousands of years ago. Leiðarendi can safely be explored through guided excursions during winter months when glittering icicles hang among the tubular lava stalactites.

Landeyjahöfn Beach

Iceland is home to many beautiful black sand beaches thanks to the island’s high concentration of volcanoes. Landeyjahöfn Beach is one of the quieter black sand beaches, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a stunning view away from crowds of tourists-- a true hidden gem. Since there is not a lot of foot traffic, Landeyjahöfn is a great place for bird and seal watching. Ferries to the beach are available year round, however, due to unpredictable weather, ferries can be cancelled without prior warning.

“Laugarvatn, vulcano Hekla in background, Iceland” by Andreas Tille is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is a popular summer destination surrounded by hills, lava fields, brooks and streams, and a forest. Located in the center of the Golden Circle--a route connecting three of Iceland’s most visited attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall--Laugarvatn Fontana’s most popular feature are the geothermal baths on the shore of Lake Laugarvatn. Visitors can also learn about baking bread using the natural heat from the ground. The bread, typically rye, is buried in bubbling sand until cooked. Upon removal, the bread is cooled off in the cold water of the lake before being taken inside to be slathered in salted butter.

“Silfra Snorkeling Day Tour” by Shriram Rajagopalan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Silfra Diving Site

Silfra is the only place in the world where divers and snorkelers can swim between two tectonic plates. Silfra is a rift that formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates after a series of earthquakes in 1789. Thanks to the glacial meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, Silfra is said to have the clearest, purest water on earth. Underwater visibility of over 100 metres means that divers can clearly see the shifting tectonic plates on either side of the rift. The width of the rift varies, measuring 60 feet at its widest point, with other points so narrow that divers can place a hand on either side and touch the North American and Eurasian continents at the same time. Visitors can book a diving tour all year round.