While the remainder of Europe is affected by a sweltering warmth wave with individuals suggested to remain at dwelling, Iceland is certainly the most effective place for a vacationer to go to.
I visited the capital, Reykjavik, just lately when summer time had simply began. I used to be instructed by Icelandic tour operators that it will be heat then, and there was no want for winter clothes.
In reality, as I used to be getting off the airplane, I used to be smirking at all the opposite passengers who have been placing on layers of garments.
It then dawned on me that the Icelanders’ definition of “warm” was fully totally different from ours.
The different travellers, which included Europeans who’re used to chilly climate, would in all probability have the final chortle on me – in the event that they knew I used to be from the tropics!
During my keep there in early June, the temperature was about 7°C within the evenings. The present temperature in Iceland is about 10°C whereas in some components of Europe, it has gone as much as greater than 40°C.
It was my second go to to Iceland. I had visited the gorgeous nation within the winter of 2019, and I selected to go in the summertime this time round.
The better part of summer time there is that you’ve as much as 23 hours of daylight, so it permits you extra time to go to the various inexperienced moss-covered valleys and superb waterfalls.
With the snowmelt, the sight of the large quantity of water thundering away at the falls are unforgettable sights, and so they make good Instagram photos too.
I took my time and marvelled at the spectacular Gullfoss, or Golden Waterfall, which is the nation’s most famous waterfall.
The author bought himself fully drenched standing behind the scenes of water at the Seljaflandsfoss waterfall. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH
Gullfoss has the most important quantity of waterfall in Europe, and data increased common move within the summertime, which makes summer time the most effective time to go to.
One would certainly get to see the various rainbows shaped from the mists of spray within the air across the tumbling falls.
Gullfoss is half of the Golden Circle tour, which covers southern Iceland, starting from Reykjavik; it is a must-do for first-time travellers. Or for that matter, a “second-timer” like myself.
The tour additionally features a go to to the Geyser Geothermal space. This is the place guests watch for the geyser eruption which shoots water as much as 40m within the air. The wait isn’t lengthy, and one by no means will get drained of trying at the the magnificent sights within the space anyway.
In reality, one is not going to get drained of testing the waterfalls in Iceland because it will get higher and higher with every go to. They are all distinctive and delightful in their very own methods. 
An attractive view at the Haukadalur Geotermal Field in Iceland, lined with the purple Nootka or Alaskan alpine flowers.
While one is not in a position to get too near the Gullfoss, it is the alternative for Seljalandsfoss.
The sheer power and energy of the big waterfall is a reminder to us of simply how small we’re – our jaws dropped at God’s creation.
Falling 65m over an outdated sea cliff, Seljalandfoss is one of the waterfalls the place you’ll be able to stroll behind the scenes of water, however be able to get fully moist in the event you determine to do that!
The moist floor may also be slippery, and a few climbing and mountain climbing are vital. It jogged my memory that one ought to all the time attempt to journey when the knee joints are nonetheless robust.
Summer would even be a greater time to go to as the bottom isn’t icy, which might then make it much more slippery.
But Iceland isn’t nearly waterfalls, volcanoes, and the Blue Lagoon.
We determined to attempt one thing actually particular – horseback driving on the nation’s distinctive Icelandic horse breed. The Icelandic horses are one of the oldest breeds on the earth and in line with reviews, they’re thought to have first arrived on the island with the Vikings between 800AD and 1050AD.
Icelandic horses are one of the oldest breeds on the earth. — Pixabay
The guidelines are easy in Iceland – no international livestock are allowed into the nation, and any Icelandic horses that go away the island are usually not permitted to return!
I managed to persuade my higher half to hitch this tour with me as a result of these shaggy-haired horses are pleasant and brief – not like the horses we all know.
She is terrified of heights however after our experience by some lava fields she modified her perceptions on horses, in addition to on horse driving.
Summer is additionally a perfect time for whale watching because the seas are much less uneven, the skies are sunny, and the whales flip up in massive numbers.
But no journey to Iceland is full with out dipping into the waters of a geothermal spa.
It is certainly one of the most standard points of interest in Iceland. A dip within the pure, heat therapeutic waters, with a glass of ice-cold beer or wine, was a great way to wrap up my journey.
Just one reminder – the Northern Lights phenomenon doesn’t happen through the summer time.
The dancing lights within the skies is additionally what Iceland is very famous for, and having skilled it myself, the aurora borealis (because the lights are known as), actually mesmerised me.
No phrases can describe it till you witness the phenomenon with your individual eyes.
Iceland is a tourist-friendly vacation spot too. There is no requirement to refill any arrival immigration kinds nor a necessity to indicate your Covid-19 vaccination digital certificates.
I stayed at the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel and the Canopy resort – situated proper smack within the metropolis centre – with loads of outlets and eateries close by.
More pleasantly, I met fellow Malaysians who labored as resort executives within the two properties. Despite the chilly, they cheered me up with their Malaysian hospitality.
Iceland isn’t an affordable place to go to however I do hope to save lots of up sufficient for one more go to, to see different components of the nation.
The views expressed are solely the author’s personal.
