Iceland Spoils the Rest of the World
Once you have seen Iceland, the rest of the world just hits different.
It’s not that other places are not beautiful. It’s just that Iceland ruins the rest of the world for you. The moment you set foot on its black sand beaches, stand at the edge of a thunderous waterfall, or soak in a hot spring beneath the northern lights, your travel standards shift permanently. Suddenly, a nice sunset or a scenic overlook elsewhere feels…fine. Pretty. But not Iceland.
Why? Because Iceland overwhelms you in the best way. It is raw, otherworldly, and untamed. Like nature performing just for you! You hike between tectonic plates, drive past volcanic craters and moss-covered lava fields, finding yourself alone in a landscape that feels straight out of a dream (or a sci-fi movie). You taste rye bread baked in the ground. You feel the stillness of a glacier cave press against your chest like a secret. And after that, you know that Iceland spoils the rest of the world.
Need more convincing? Check out these reasons why Iceland spoils the rest of the world, and how that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
- Landscapes that defy belief
- Wild weather that makes every moment feel cinematic
- Geothermal magic you can feel in your bones
- An invitation to silence and stillness
- Roads that lead to nowhere and everywhere
- Myth, magic, and modern Viking culture
By the time you leave, you won’t just be comparing other destinations to Iceland, you will be wondering how anywhere else even competes. This is not just another trip. It is a reckoning. And if you read on, you will see exactly why Iceland spoils the rest of the world – and why you will be glad that it does.
1. The Land of Fire and Ice – A Landscape Unlike Any Other
Iceland is the land where fire meets ice. Where glaciers the size of small countries sit next to volcanoes that could erupt at any moment. It is a place where the landscape constantly is shifting, shaped by the forces of nature in the most dramatic of ways.
For a truly unforgettable experience, visit the Thingvellir National Park. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Here, a dramatic rift valley is created that is unlike anything you have ever seen. Giving more reason as to why Iceland ruins the rest of the world for you.
This site is a must-see for anyone looking to understand the geological forces that shape the land. Thingvellir is dotted with serene lakes, bubbling springs, and ancient lava fields. You will feel the power of the land beneath your feet as you walk through its quiet, sweeping beauty.
Next, visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where large chunks of ice break off the massive glacier and float into the lagoon. This creates a surreal, ever-changing landscape. As you witness these icebergs gliding on water while seals lazily swim between them, you begin to see more and more how Iceland spoils the rest of the world in comparison. The eerie blue glow of the ice is unforgettable, and for many travelers, this is the perfect spot to experience the full grandeur of Iceland’s frozen heart. Not far from here is a hike that leads you to the Diamond Beach. It is here, where the icebergs wash ashore and glitter like jewels in the sunlight.
These places remind you that Iceland is a land of contrasts: where fire and ice, destruction and creation, coexist in a delicate balance. And that is why Iceland spoils the rest of the world for those who visit. Because other places cannot offer this raw, unfiltered experience of the Earth’s elemental power. Not like Iceland can.
2. Waterfalls Like You Have Never Seen Before
Iceland’s waterfalls are not just features of the landscape, they are the soul of it. These majestic cascades tell stories of glaciers melting over millennia, carving through rock and creating valleys, fjords, and landscapes so dramatic that they feel almost unreal. Start with Gullfoss.
Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Falls,” located on the Golden Circle of Iceland. The mighty river Hvita drops in two stages, creating a thunderous roar as it plunges into a deep canyon. The sheer power of Gullfoss, especially in winter when it freezes into an ice sculpture of natural artistry, the image is overwhelming. It leaves you awe-struck, further showing how Iceland spoils the rest of the world for travelers.
After Gullfoss, head to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall and experience
the water cascading down from a new perspective. Standing beneath the curtain of water, you will feel both small and connected to nature in a way few places can offer. Skogafoss, another iconic waterfall, is equally breathtaking. With its towering drop and the constant mist rising from the base, the waterfall often creates rainbows on sunny days, adding a magical quality to the scene.
These waterfalls are more than just stunning views. They evoke the power of nature and a sense of place so deep that even after leaving, you will find yourself looking for similar waterfalls everywhere you go. The catch? No waterfall after this can quite match the feeling of standing at the foot of one in Iceland. And that is exactly how Iceland spoils the rest of the world.
3. Geothermal Hot Springs: Nature’s Spa
When it comes to relaxation, no other place on Earth has mastered it quite like Iceland. The geothermal hot springs here are not just about luxury, they are deep, healing connections to the Earth’s natural energy. Whether it is soaking in a steaming hot spring under the northern lights or visiting ancient bathhouses that have been used for centuries, Iceland’s hot springs offer an experience that lingers long after you leave.
The most famous, of course, is the Blue Lagoon. This natural wonder is a must-see for first-time travelers to Iceland. Located just a short drive from Rekyjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a stunning spa surrounded by black lava fields and moss. The warm, mineral-rich waters are soothing for the skin and the soul. However, the geothermal wonders do not stop here. Even more magical is the Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. These baths are less crowded, but equally beautiful, with steamy waters sitting amidst a landscape of volcanic craters and geothermal activity.
For a truly unique experience, venture to Landmannalaugar — and you will if you come on tour with us. In Landmannalaugar you can hike through colorful rhyolite mountains and then soak in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning wilderness. With so many natural hot springs to choose from, each with their own unique landscapes and perks, it’s not hard to see why Iceland spoils the rest of the world, especially for lovers of nature.
In Reykjadalur, also known as “Steam Valley,” you hike to a hot spring river that is the perfect blend of hot and cold. This mixture offers a one-of-a-kind geothermal bathing experience. One you have soaked in any of these healing waters, it will be difficult to enjoy any other spa. After all, few places in the world can offer a geothermal retreat where nature itself becomes part of the relaxation process, at least not like this. And that is why Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you.
4. An Invitation to Silence and Stillness
Iceland’s power lies not just in its vast landscapes, but in the stillness it offers. This is a land that forces you to slow down, to be rather than to do. It is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life, and Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you once you have experienced it.
Take a visit to Thorsmork, a valley nestled between glaciers, where the silence is so profound that you can hear your own breath. It is a hiker’s paradise, with challenging treks through mountains, rivers, and forests. But even if you are just standing there, feeling the wind
against your skin, the stillness wraps around you like a blanket.
For a more remote experience, head to East Iceland, one of the least populated parts of the country. The rugged fjords, lonely beaches, and small villages seem to exist in a world untouched by time. The experience of standing in a vast, empty space, surrounded by towering cliffs, allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself in ways that few other places in the world can offer.
In Iceland, the quiet is not the absence of sound, but the presence of peace. It is a space where your mind can wander freely, and when you leave, you will carry that stillness with you. That’s why Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you. You will no longer be able to escape the noise of the modern world without longing for the quietude that Iceland so freely offers.
5. Roads that Lead to Nowhere and Everywhere
Iceland’s roads are not about destinations, they are about discovery. Whether you are on the Golden Circle or taking the long, winding route through Holar in the north, you will find yourself constantly amazed by what is around every corner. The beauty of Iceland’s roads is their unpredictability.
Venture to Fjallabak Nature Reserve, where rugged mountain roads wind through volcanic terrain and alpine meadows. These roads lead to remote hiking trails, secret hot springs, and deserted, mist-covered valleys. The sense of adventure is palpable here, and you can easily lose yourself in Iceland’s wilderness for hours without a soul in sight.
Another fascinating drive is along Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where the road curves past moss-covered lava fields, ancient fishing villages, and the towering Snaefellsjokull glacier. This glacier is famous for inspiring Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, and as you drive along this scenic route, you will understand why. It feels entirely like a journey to another world, giving us more reasons of why Iceland spoils the rest of the world.
These roads do not just take you from point A to point B. They take you to a world of wonders you didn’t know existed. A place where every turn brings something new. Something unexpected. It gives a whole new meaning to “going for a scenic drive.” That is why Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you and many others. Because once you have experienced the thrill of wandering, aimlessly yet purposefully, through Iceland’s wild roads, other places with neatly planned itineraries will seem confining.
6. Myth, Magic, and Modern Viking Culture
Iceland’s culture is steeped in ancient traditions, where modern life intersects with the rick folklore of the past. To immerse yourself fully, visit Reykjavik’s National Museum, where you will learn about Iceland’s Viking heritage and how it continues to shape the nation today. The Viking sagas are not just stories; they are the foundation of Icelandic identity, and their echoes can be heard in the everyday lives of Icelanders.
Another cultural gem is the Arbaer Open Air Museum, where you can walk through preserved historic homes and see what life was like in Icelandic settlements. In the evenings, local storytellers might share tales of elves and trolls that inhabit the hills around Reykjavik. A reminder that even in the modern world, Iceland hasn’t completely shed its connection to the mystical.
In Thingvellir you are not just standing on land, you are standing on the site where the Althingi, the world’s oldest parliament, was founded by Viking settlers over 1,000 years ago. The land pulses with history, with Viking blood, sweat, and beliefs. And that sense of magic doesn’t fade. It follows you through every step of the country. And to be honest, this may not be a reason that Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you, but you have to admit, Vikings are pretty cool.
Iceland Ruins the Rest of the World For You
Iceland is not just a place, it is a phenomenon. A land so vast, so raw, so alive that it reshapes everything you thought you knew about adventure, beauty, and the world around you.
From the geothermal springs that steam up your soul to the wild landscapes that stretch across your vision like something out of a dream, Iceland isn’t just something you see. It’s something you feel. It is a country that doesn’t just welcome you, it transforms you. It invites you to slow down, to listen, to be in awe, to exist in the kind of stillness you didn’t know you needed.
If you don’t feel like you have been convinced quite yet that Iceland spoils the rest of the world for you…well, we invite you to come with us and see for yourself. Decide there. We promise your perspective will change.
