Iceland is known as one of the most peaceful places on earth. Leading the way in terms of gender equality, Iceland’s liberal culture makes everything easy for solo woman travellers as well. Its flawless natural beauty, artistic culture, vibrant music scene and the hint of adventure lurking underneath it place it on the top of every globe-trotter’s list.
You don’t have to say that a travel break is what you crave for. Some may like it quiet and serene, but some of you might just have a taste for thrill-seeking.
Under-Water Adventure: Scuba Diving!
What the heck, right? Iceland and ocean-diving do not quite fit. But Silfra in Iceland is consistently listed as one of the top diving locations all over the world, and with good reason too. Wonderfully situated on a tectonic rift, the plates of which grow apart every year, divers have the liberty of floating between the cracks of both the American and Eurasian continents! That’s a pretty neat achievement in one dive. Also, the scenery underwater is quite unlike anywhere else. The crystal clear glacial waters will transfix you into a technicolor haze of its underwater topography
Anyone up for Descending into a Volcano?
Yes, you read that right. Going over and around volcanoes is too mainstream, and Iceland is all about transcending the common. Don’t worry. This is not a suicide mission. Thrihnukagigur Volcano is dormant. All that’s needed is a little bit of cash, energy and a winning attitude. It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the crater, after which you will take a cable lift 400 ft. Down to the magma chamber, and voila! You’re inside the beast. Explore away, mighty warriors.
Of Glaciers and Snowmobiling
Mystics call the Snæfellsjökull glacier a prominent centre of energy, and we are not arguing. When you go snow-mobiling along these parts, you begin to see why. Suit up, get set at the snow-line and go! Take your snowmobile racing along the endless ice-fields and enjoy the breathtaking view around you. Flying between ice mounds, you would feel transported to a different world. Once you’ve reached the summit at a whopping 4,800 ft. above sea level, there’ll be some major eye-candy out there. The entire Snæfellsnes Peninsula will unfurl like a beautiful scroll containing descriptive black sand beaches and gorgeous mountains.
Whales!
Whale watching in Iceland is truly spectacular. Whales are mystical, curious and fascinating creatures and Reykjavik’s old harbour is brimming with them. Be enthralled at the sightings of minke and humpback whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins and various sea birds such as puffins, gannets, guillemots and other seasonal creatures.
Northern Lights Cruise
A brilliant phenomena are the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis and Iceland is just the place to see them. Make sure you choose a considerably “colder” day to go for one of these as that would ensure a clearer sky and thus, better sightings. Sounds like an experience right out of a fantasy movie!
The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
Visit the famous geothermal spa Blue Lagoon. Drench yourself into rejuvenating waters and let tranquillity wash all over you. Go for a wonderful spa treatment or just stand under the calming waterfall. In the afternoon head on to the Golden Circle- a 300km round trip around nature! Witness the active Geysir, revel in the ferociousness of the Gulfoss Waterfall and visit Þingvellir National Park.
Tips
As a solo woman traveller, the number one tip would be to find other single women travellers like yourself, and tag along! In a place like Iceland, you are likely to find them.
Carry layers of clothes with you, even if travelling in summer, which is not exactly warm in Iceland. Carry woollens, mitts, warm shoes and water-proof clothing.
A few terms would come in handy:
Yes = Já
No = Nei
Thank you = Takk
You’re welcome = þú ert velkominn/Gerðu svo vel
Please = Vinsamlegast/Takk
Excuse me = Fyrirgefðu
Hello = Halló/Góðan daginn
Goodbye = Bless
Away from the hubbub of the hectic life you know and smack in the midst of nature is Iceland, waiting to be explored.
Dive into adventure and feel as far away from that work-desk as you want!
