You’ve read about it, and you have heard great things about it. Now it’s time to visit Iceland, a famous tourist country known for its ice glaciers, hot springs, volcanoes and national parks, where every year, millions of tourists are making their way to the Nordic Island Nation to capture everything beautiful about this particular land. For those who have never been, you can only dream of visiting Iceland, a destination that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list.

In ancient times, Iceland was a land of Viking explorers from Norway who had settled onto the Northern Island; today it’s a tourism phenomenon that attracts travellers all around the world who are keen to explore the magic of the country and visit world renown attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Gulfoss and Pingvellir.

There is a host of things to do in Iceland for all kinds of travellers to suit their specific needs, whether you’re travelling solo, on an adventure with your family or going on a romantic escape with your loved one, you are spoilt for choices for any occasion. Let’s check out a few of these awesome things that you can do in Iceland and perhaps, sooner rather than later; you can have Iceland scratched off your very own bucket list.

 

 

 

Iceland – A Destination for Everyone’s Bucket List

 

Relax in the Blue Lagoon and other Hot Springs

Imagine this!!! Sitting in one of the fresh hot springs of Iceland and enjoying the warmth of the water against your body, all thanks to the natural discharge of the hot water from the earth. In the process, reminding yourself that the outside temperatures are near on freezing, but that is little of concern to you while taking a dip in the refreshing hot springs.

Hot springs are commonly found in Iceland, but none are more famous than the Blue Lagoon which is one of the most visited attractions in the country and located in the Lava field of the southwest part of Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 45-minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik, which makes it easy for tourists to arrive at the picturesque surroundings and have a swim in the warm waters.

Other hot springs to visit in Iceland, amongst many others, include the Volcanic lake of Myvatn in the northern parts and the Secret Lagoon, which is regarded as the country’s oldest natural hot springs.

 

Be Mesmerised by several thundering waterfalls

Be prepared to WOW your Instagram followers as you go deep into the heart of Iceland and visit mesmerising waterfalls and take several amazing pictures in the process to share to your family and friends back home.

Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and is situated in the Southwest part of the country in the Hvita River. The sounds of the thundering waterfall will be a sight to behold, and on a perfect sunny day, you may be lucky enough to view the golden-brown colour of Gullfoss, which in translation means, Golden Waterfall.

Many other waterfalls can be found through your travels, with other famous waterfalls including Skogafoss in the south, Dettifoss in the northeast and the slender falls of Svartifoss in the southeast, each waterfall brings a unique experience to the traveller.

 

 

Explore the beauty of Iceland

Iceland is not only about relaxing hot springs and Ice Glaciers, but there is also a lot of green in the country that needs to be explored, and in doing so, you can further appreciate the scenic beauty of the land.

Pingvellir is one of the most beautiful attractions in all of Iceland and is an only short distance from the capital, Reykjavik. A protected National Park, Pingvellir is famous for all tourist because of its incredible beauty that features rocky cliffs, lakes and historical sites, which makes a great day out exploring the region.

In the wilderness of the Vatnajokull National Park in the southwest part of the country, is another popular attraction waiting to be explored in the name of Skaftafell. The area is known for its volcanoes and glaciers, with camping and hiking a favourite hobby in Skaftafell.

The list could go on and on about the number of beautiful locations to visit in the great outdoors of Iceland, with attractions such as Landmannalaugar, Golden Circle and Dyrholaey to get excited about in your adventures. Iceland truly is one big natural postcard that needs to be explored for yourself at and at a steady pace; you might even come across a few ice glaciers in the process.

 

Wander through the city of Reykjavik

When you’ve had enough of exploring the nature of the country (if that is even possible), how about taking a wander through the city of Reykjavik. The country’s capital is located on the west coast and is unique to other capital cities around the world, which doesn’t have any sky-rise buildings that will hinder on the gorgeous views of the surrounding region.

A couple of the main features of Reykjavik include the Hallgrimskirkja Church and the rotating Perlan glass dome, which comes with views of the nearby coastal area. If you feel like a history lesson of Iceland and its past Viking days, you can check out the national and Sage museums for a little further education.

The best way to explore the city or any city around the world for that matter is on your own two feet and taking a walk through the heart of the city and embracing the atmosphere and the culture of Reykjavik.

 

Is Iceland on your bucket list yet?

Iceland truly is a country that is made for tourists who love to explore the picturesque nature of the outside world, and it doesn’t get any more outdoors than an epic adventure in Iceland. Now all you must do is add Iceland to your bucket list for your next experience abroad and scratch it off the list once you have concluded your experience on the Nordic Island.

 

 

Guest post by Angela Penfold.

Perthshire is a historic county in Scotland, being home to some truly breath-taking landscapes which has made a popular tourist destination. With many picturesque towns and villages – not to mention a major city – there is certainly no lack of options for places to visit in Perthshire. With so many things to do and see in Perthshire, it’s likely going to take you more than one visit to see everything this wonderful area has to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do and see in Perthshire.  

Heading to the quaint Scottish City? Look for accommodation at Booking.com.

   

Top Things to Do and See in Perthshire – Scotland

Stay at Luxury Cottage

There are many luxury Perthshire holiday cottages throughout the county, and it’s arguably one of the best ways to take in the region. Because of the many small towns and villages in the county, many of the charming cottages are available to rent out for a holiday stay. This offers a luxury stay at an authentic Perthshire cottage, where you can expect to find stunning views of the mountains, lochs, rivers, and forests. Explore sleepy villages, take in the stunning Scottish countryside, and enjoy all the comforts (and peace and quiet!) of staying at a luxury cottage in Perthshire.    

Visit Scone Palace

Scone Palace is located near the village of Scone and the city of Perth, being one of the must-see attractions of Perthshire. Originally built in 1580, the historic house was rebuilt in the 19th century, with the Georgian architecture exuding elegance and sophistication. Visitors are permitted, with self-guided tours offering the chance to take in this splendid country manor. Scone Palace boasts a rich history waiting to be discovered, while the grounds of the manor have gardens, woods, and even a maze waiting to be explored.    

Explore the Wilderness

Perthshire is home to diverse landscapes begging to be explored. From the high mountains of the southern Highlands to rolling countryside’s, there is some truly remarkable wilderness throughout Perthshire. Lochs, streams, hills, woodlands, and Munros – Perthshire has it all! Whether you love to outdoors or simply enjoy exploring new places, Perthshire is the perfect place to go outside and explore. You can take in the natural wildlife and fauna on a casual country stroll or attempt to hike one of the many hills and mountains, the choice is limitless!    

Learn About the Black Watch

The Black Watch Museum is found within the historic Balhousie Castle near Perth, with the exhibit paying homage to the legendary Scottish Regiment the Black Watch. Founded in 1752, the Black Watch was the foremost regiment from Scotland, founded to repel the Jacobite uprising of 1715.     Since then, the Black Watch was involved in some of the most important campaigns in history, with the museum housing items collected over the various campaigns the Black Watch took part in. In particular, their role in the trench warfare of World War I is commemorated, where almost 30,000 Black Watch casualties occurred. Absorbed into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006, the Black Watch is no longer active, but their legend goes down in Scottish history, making the museum quite the attraction for anyone looking to learn more about the history of Scotland.

Heading to Perthshire? Checkout TripAdvisor for accommodation.

This article came courtesy of Angela Penfold from Highland Perthshire Holiday Homes.