Where to spend Honeymoon, shoot a colorful clip or take a photo in the spirit of "Bounty". One of unique places on earth with natural paradise scenery spread among the endless azure waters indian ocean. These are the reef islands of the Maldives - the realm of white sand and coconut palms, corals and tropical fish. Newlyweds and divers from all over the world aspire here.
The first resort in the Maldives to host foreign lovers was the legendary Kurumba Maldives. Kurumba means "coconut" in the local language. Therefore, when you come here, you find yourself not just in paradise, but in coconut paradise. When it comes to choosing a Maldivian story for your home video archive, this resort is second to none: a photo tour over the island by seaplane, a cocktail or wine tasting in the ocean, an outdoor film screening, a blues night at Kandu bar or a saxophone duo at Athiri bar, a picnic on a sandy island, glass bottom boat trip, 2 hour dolphin cruise or sunset reef fishing. Any of these scenarios will surely become one of your favorite family memorabilia videos and take pride of place among them. Here are some options.
On a sun lounger with a book
You lie by one of the two pools with your favorite book. There is a great view of the ocean. The pools are decorated with natural stone decor and bright mosaics in natural shades. Maldives. The sun lounger is set right in the water near the pool. You sip on your favorite cocktail and occasionally, looking up from your book, watch how beautifully the shades of turquoise change in the majestic ocean landscape.
In command of Captain Cousteau
You are talking enthusiastically with a Russian instructor against the backdrop of a diving center made of volcanic stone and thatched roof. Choose from 30 unique dive routes. Finally stop at the point "Manta Point". Half an hour on the boat and you are ready to meet the sea devil. Comfortable water temperature 28-30°С, visibility up to 40 meters – ideal conditions for shooting. If you do not have your own underwater digital camera and GoPro, then renting them here is not a problem. The heroes of your underwater shooting will dazzle in front of you impossible bright colors. Hundreds, thousands of species of fish: angels, groupers, clowns, triggers, parrots, wrasses, butterflies, moray eels and sea turtles. And, of course, the most important and vivid impressions will remain from meetings with other inhabitants of the waters: stingrays, whale and reef sharks, huge Napoleons, tunas and barracudas. As for sharks, they are completely safe and shy: if you try to get close to them to take a picture on camera, they can tear. The topic of underwater filming can be closed at night fluo diving. If you do not have a diving license, it does not matter. Three times a week for beginners, not only free introductory diving courses are held here, but also snorkeling safaris. You can meet with a reef shark at the first exit.
Just married and not only
Let's say you have been married for a long time, but decided to repeat the wedding ceremony "in the Maldivian style" in 20 years. Among the unique offers of the Kurumba resort are program "Renewal of feelings": bridal bouquet, wedding cake, canapes, two bottles of champagne, two Maldivian sarongs (similar to a pareo). It all starts on a picturesque pier against the background of the ocean, the master of ceremonies directs the pronunciation of the oath of love and fidelity to the sound of the surf. Then everyone dances on the beach to the incendiary rhythms of bodu beru. You are presented with hand carved wood certificates by local artisans. Next, you go to Sounds of the Sea, Kurumba's signature five-course romantic dinner with wine. In the morning you will enjoy a premium breakfast at one of the eight Thila restaurants and 90 minutes of the Maldivian sand spa, sea water, shells, coconut oil and natural herbs. The hotel team will do everything to make you feel like you just got married again.
Bubble Disturbers
And if you came to the island with your charming kids, then while you yourself will admire the wondrous beauty coral reef and master the menu of numerous hotel restaurants, teachers from Majaa Kids' Club they will shoot a real treasure hunt quest with your children in the lead role. In the process of playing pirates with friends from different parts of the world, they will be taught to snorkel, plant corals and recognize local fish. Children here also "dive"! The program is called bubble maker dives are carried out at a depth of no more than two meters under the strict supervision of professional instructors.
Are you sure that human civilization has reached the apogee of its development from a scientific and technical point of view? Is there nothing left on Earth that has not been mastered and known by the inquisitive mind of homo sapiens? Then we will have something to surprise you with. So, read about the most incredible, fantastic corners of nature. You will certainly be impressed by the power of the miraculous beauty of the Earth, capable of shaking the imagination of even a modern inhabitant tempted by inventions!
1. Lechugilla (or Lechugia)
This incredible place is located on the American continent and has every right to be called the most branched and deep cave. It goes to a depth of 500 meters, and the total length of its underground routes exceeds 150 kilometers. But the most amazing thing about Lechugilla Cave is not this, but its amazing underworld. Moreover, it was hidden from the outside world for about 100 million years and became available to researchers for study only 30 years ago. Of course, there is no developed life there. But in a space devoid of light and saturated with hydrogen sulfide, microorganisms live. They are able to feed on inorganic substances (for example, manganese).
2. Richat
An amazing natural invention can be seen in a completely unexpected place where, it would seem, there is nothing and cannot be - in the Sahara desert. Here is a meteorite crater with an impressive diameter of 45 kilometers. However, until the end of the nature of education, scientists are not sure. Undoubtedly, it looks most impressive from a height and resembles a giant eye of the majestic desert, for which it received its name Kalb ar-Riszat, which means “Eye of the Sahara” in Arabic.
3. Plitvice Lakes
Always dreamed of going to the land of the elves? In fact, it is even closer than you imagine. Visit unique corners of nature - Croatian of sixteen lakes, forests and countless waterfalls. Their number, by the way, is constantly changing due to limestone deposits that create obstacles in the way of water. The last circumstance, among other things, owes the striking beauty of the bluish-green color of the waterfalls.
4. Uyuni
This euphonious Spanish name belongs to the world's largest salt marsh with an area of 10.5 square kilometers, located on the southern side of the Bolivian Altiplano plain. The landscape of this long-dry lake strikes the imagination of many tourists with its alien appearance. In addition, the effect of the cracked desert surface of the salt marsh is further enhanced by its constantly changing color during the day. By the way, this is due to a change in the angle of incidence of the sun's rays.
5. Socotra
One of the few places not spoiled. The archipelago is located in the Arabian Sea, territorially belongs to Yemen and includes the islands of Darsa, Abd al-Kuri, Socotra and Samha. The largest island in terms of area is Socotra - 3625 sq. km. It was he who gave the name to the entire archipelago. In addition, Socotra is a real paradise for explorers and admirers of unique flora and fauna. At least 30% of all plants growing on the archipelago and more than 90% of the representatives of cold-blooded reptiles living on it are found only within it. And nowhere else on the planet. This became possible due to the isolated position of the ecosystem of the islands, which was formed over 20 million years.
Our planet is unique and multifaceted. And all the secret corners of nature have not yet been identified. But we hope that we managed to convince you of this. Or maybe inspire some of the readers to go to an amusing trip towards the incredible.
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Places where every cultured person dreams of visiting.
Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor have compiled a rating of 25 cultural sites that have been most highly rated by tourists from around the globe.
In general, if you have not yet decided on your vacation plans, in this review website you can find some great ideas. For the next 25 vacations.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located on the territory of modern Peru, on top of mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the "city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", sometimes called the "lost city of the Incas". Some archaeologists believe that this city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440, and functioned until 1532, when the Spaniards invaded the territory of the Inca empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the six most great mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, founder and first president of the United United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.
3. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but throughout the world. The construction was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, as well as a symbol of eternal love.
4. Mesquita, Cordoba, Spain
Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by the Visigothic church, and in 785 Mesquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated with the hajj to Mecca, which is obligatory for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian church.
5. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy
The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can view Ancient Rome from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, defend the mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.
6. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever built, with a history of almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of 200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal building is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.
7. Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bayon is one of amazing temples located on the territory of Angkor Thom and was its religious center. The "highlight" of Bayon is the towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from a height on the vast territory of Angkor Thom, and in the heyday of the state - on the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers have survived.
8. Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, has become the only Russian attraction on Trip Advisor's list. Spas-on-Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the magnificence of its domes and interiors, but also unusual story which gave rise to many legends and conjectures. Many of them are connected with the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, I. Grinevitsky, a Narodnaya Volya member, mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.
9. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
10. Walls of the old city, Dubrovnik, Croatia
In 1979, UNESCO contributed Old city Dubrovnik to list world heritage, including a significant part of the ancient walls of the city. They surround the city from all four sides and keep a venerable collection historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. These defensive stone walls have protected their citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.
11. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the highest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and countless sculptural images of mythical and real animals : golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. Such as it is today, the Shwedagon Pagoda became in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the giant temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed with gold from top to bottom.
12. Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington DC
The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple, made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns, representing the number of states that belonged to the United States at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president, seated in an armchair. Its height is 5.79 meters.
13. Ancient City of Petra, Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan
In the heart of Jordan, in the valley of Wadi Musa, deep in the sandy mountains is located amazing city antiquity of Peter. Initially, Petra was a temporary home for the nomadic tribes of the Nabataeans. From several fortified rocky caves, it gradually grew into a large fortress city. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow gorge of the Siq, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who welcome guests to their land.
14. Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China
In no other section of the Great Wall of China has restoration work been carried out as well as in the Mutianyu section. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a real architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu with Chinese translates as "a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields." Among all sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.
15. Ancient City of Ephesus, Selcuk, Turkey
The largest and best preserved ancient city on the shores of the Aegean Sea and the second largest after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus- the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androclus, the son of the ruler of Athens Codras, who, on the advice of the oracle, arrived in these places to lay the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, beloved of Androclus.
16. Alhambra, Spain
Alhambra (Arabic Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is ancient palace and the fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province of Granada in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on southeastern border Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name comes from the "red flame of torches" that illuminated the long-term construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.
17. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
The Australian War Memorial is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a panoramic view of the monument opens.
18. Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy
According to the annals, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state of Siena, which acted as the main rival and opponent of Florence, "called on their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than their neighbors." So between 1215 and 1263, the Duomo of Siena was founded on the site of the old temple according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.
19. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy
The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nashente (Duomo), the pearl of Italian Gothic, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can safely be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers rise above the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.
Millions of tourists annually visit the most interesting places in the world. What could be more tempting than taking a picture against the backdrop of the unusual Chinese Danxia rocks, seeing with your own eyes the Gates of Hell located in Turkmenistan, enjoying cherry blossoms in the Japanese Hitachi park, walking along the streets of the abandoned town of Pripyat near Chernobyl?
10 most incredible places on our planet:
- City of Machu Picchu.
- Flower fields in Holland.
- Danxia Geopark.
- Moon Valley in Argentina.
- Wulingyuan mountains.
- Gates of Hell in the Karakum desert.
- Bobsleigh track in Sarajevo.
- Ghost town Pripyat.
- Abandoned ship "Airfield".
Man-made wonders of the planet
In 1911, an archaeologist from the United States, Hiram Bingham, while in Peru, accidentally discovered the ruins of a fortress city hidden in the Andes. Machu Picchu.
It is believed that the town was founded in the middle of the 15th century and for some time served as a residence for the ruler of the Inca Empire Pachacutec, and after his death it turned into a place where children of the nobility were taught. Tourists are attracted by the unique architecture of Machu Picchu.
Located at an altitude of more than 2 km above sea level, the ancient city attracts travelers with unusual buildings built of polished rectangular stones. In total, about 200 buildings have been preserved in it, including several temples dedicated to the sun god Inti. Modern scientists were struck by the scale of the buildings, because in order to build them, it was necessary to have the broadest knowledge in the field of engineering, geology, astronomy and other sciences that mankind did not possess at that time. How the ancient Incas created the city remains big mystery. Some researchers even seriously suggest that aliens took part in the construction of Machu Picchu.
Flower fields in Holland
The Netherlands is known in every corner of the world not only for the Red Light District or the Marijuana Museum, but also for the picturesque fields of tulips.
The fashion for growing these flowers dates back to the distant 16th century. It was then that the botanist Karl Clusius first landed in botanical garden Leiden several tulip bulbs.
Outlandish flowers quickly fell in love with the local population, soon any noble Dutchman considered it an honor to grow them at home. Today, tulips of all varieties and the most incredible shades grow on endless plantations located on the coast of the North Sea, as well as near Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, Enkhuizen and Delft. You can admire the incredibly beautiful flower fields in the Netherlands from mid-April to the end of the first decade of May.
Most unusual gardens are located in Japan. To be convinced of this, it is enough to visit the Hitachi National Park, which spreads over as much as 120 hectares in the city of Hitachinaka on the island of Honshu.
Previously, in its place was military base United States, but since 1973, the Japanese authorities have decided to plant vast territories with luxurious flowers, shrubs and trees. For the whole 18 years, work was carried out to improve the park, and in 1991 it was first opened to the public. IN different times Cherry blossoms, kochia, tulips, lilies and other plants bloom on huge plantations throughout the year, turning Hitachi into a place of indescribable beauty.
Unusual creations of nature
In the Chinese province of Gansu, not far from the city of Zhangye, there is a unique Danxia Geopark. He became famous throughout the world thanks to the unusual colored rocks.
It may seem to an inexperienced tourist that a person had a hand in their creation, but this is not so. Zhangye Danxia rocks are natural object, they were formed over 24 million years from deposits of red sandstone and other mineral rocks. Them unusual shapes, colors and patterns - the result of numerous weather disasters. Today, there is not a single landscape formation on the planet that even remotely resembles Danxia, so the geopark is very popular among lovers of unusual experiences.
Contrary to expectations, Moon Valley is not located on the natural satellite of the Earth, but in the northwestern part of Argentina. The Ischigualasto Provincial Park got its name because of its alien appearance.
There is practically no flora and fauna in the valley. Its attraction is unusual geological formations, similar to polished bowling balls with a diameter of up to 70 cm. Scientists today are unable to explain their origin. The area gained particular interest among tourists after NASA employees tested their rovers on it.
Located in the Hunan province of China, the Wulingyuan Mountains are 3,000 peaks and cliffs covered with greenery, some of which reach a height of up to 800 m.
Between them there are gorges with picturesque lakes, streams and waterfalls. Few people know, but it was the mountains of Wulingyuan that inspired the authors of the film "Avatar" to create fabulous landscapes that amaze the audience.
Underground road to hell
Listing unusual places of the world, it is worth mentioning the Gates of Hell, located in the Karakum desert (Turkmenistan). An attraction with such an impressive name is a gas crater, the depth of which reaches 20 m, and the diameter is 60 m.
It was formed in 1971 after an unsuccessful search for underground gas. While drilling a well, Soviet geologists stumbled upon a void filled with natural gas, into which the earth and equipment located on its surface fell through. To prevent the gas from escaping from the crater and poisoning people living in nearby settlements, it was decided to set fire to it.
The mineral seekers expected that it would go out in a few days, but they were greatly mistaken. More than 40 years have passed since the formation of the crater, and the natural gas in it burns without ceasing. From the outside, this spectacle has a mystical appearance.
Forgotten corners of the world
The most beautiful abandoned places in the world have always attracted the attention of travelers. Once in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), tourists should go to the long-forgotten bobsleigh track.
A modern, world-class track was built on the eve of the 1984 Winter Olympics, its length was more than 1.5 km. The track was used after the end of the Olympics until the start of the civil war in Yugoslavia in 1991. military action in this Balkan country have long ended, but the interest in bobsleigh among the local population has subsided. The track, where the best athletes of the planet fought for prizes, has been in an abandoned state for more than two decades and is of interest only to travelers.
The small town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine can be called without exaggeration the most interesting settlement in the post-Soviet space. Founded in 1970 as a city of nuclear scientists, after 16 years it ceased to exist. The reason for this was the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 3 km from it. After the explosion at the power unit, the entire population of Pripyat was evacuated. The city turned into an exclusion zone, and the people began to call it a ghost.
Today in Pripyat everything looks the same as at the time of the tragedy. Once in the city, as if transported back 3 decades. The walls of buildings are decorated with communist slogans, schools and kindergartens are waiting for pupils, and apartments are waiting for their owners. But the city is different settlements the fact that no one is going to return to it. Its streets are filled with a piercing silence, and only tourists and guides meet among the people.
Travelers looking for the most beautiful abandoned places in the world should head to Australia. On this distant mainland in Homebush Bay, the remains of the steamship Airfield have been resting for many years.
The British ship was launched in 1911 and carried ammunition and coal during World War II. Now Airfield is considered the most famous abandoned ship on the planet. Real thickets of mango trees grew on its deck, which is why it was popularly called the "Floating Forest". The ship looks especially spectacular in the rays of sunset.
Take a trip to these unique places to visit in Iceland with Adventographer.
Iceland has become a popular tourist attraction over the past few years.
13 Unique Places to Visit in Iceland
Currently, the number of tourists exceeds the number of residents by almost 3:1 during the peak of the summer months.
But even with such a huge influx of tourists and endless information about the country available online, most visitors miss out on some of the most unique places in Iceland.
In this post, instead of talking about the places that everyone is talking about, we will talk about some of the best and unique places to visit in Iceland.
Let's start!
Hallgrimskirkja - Reykjavik
Being the most tall building Iceland and one of Reykjavik's most famous landmarks, the Hallgrimskirkja Church dominates the city's skyline. It is visible almost everywhere in the city, but many tourists never bother to visit this brutal church on the hill.
But bypassing this structure is a mistake.
Built over the course of 41 years, it evokes the impressive scenery around Iceland.
The bell tower not only provides an impressive view of the vastness of Reykjavik, but the interior is also impressive with its own 15 m high cabinet, which sounds 5275 pipes!
Westfjords
One of the least visited regions in Iceland is the Westfjords and this shouldn't be the case.
However, most of Iceland's western fjords are bypassed due to their remoteness and distance from other "famous sights worth visiting".
Due to the relative lack of tourists passing through the area, its attractions remain unknown to the masses.
While black sand beach Reynisfjara is famous in the south, its pink sand cousin Raudasandur is unknown.
The black sand beach of Reynisfjara is a must see in Iceland - Dave and I haven't seen the pink sand beach of Raudasandur
Every tourist in Iceland knows the Gullfoss waterfall, but who knows the much more impressive Dynjandi?
Here in the Westfjords you will find rare fishing villages, tucked away in sheltered coves, magnificent sweeping views and landscapes that time (and tourists) have almost forgotten.
And this is as good a reason as any other!
Waterfall Dynjandi
Tucked away in the western fjords, Dynjandi is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. Literally translated, its name means "thunder" and it doesn't disappoint!
This giant waterfall is felt before it is seen and is an impressive sight!
Unlike other waterfalls around Iceland, which usually fall vertically, Dynjandi is a cascading waterfall. This gives it a 60m wide and 100+m high beauty.
A short 15 minute walk from the parking lot along the river and a few small cascades will bring you face to face with the fury of Dinjandi.
Don't forget your camera! Dinjandi is definitely one of the most unique places in Iceland and you will want to take a close up photo of it in front of you!
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Another weird and wonderful Icelandic museum dedicated to all things phallic.
You heard right... The Icelandic Phallological Museum is the world's largest collection of phallic specimens; in fact, they have specimens belonging to all the different types of mammals found in the country!
Strange to stop after lunch while wandering around Reykjavik. It's clear that it's not for everyone, but if nothing else helps tell a good story, when will you get home, and unique? Most likely!
Strandagaldur - Museum of Icelandic Witchcraft and Witchcraft
Most Icelanders believe in all sorts of bizarre ideas. From elves to sorcery you will find local resident who will swear it's real.
I can't say I'm a big supporter, but when in Rome, right?
Set in the small, sleepy village of Holmavik in Iceland's western fjords, this spooky Museum of Icelandic Witchcraft and Witchcraft is sure to spark your imagination or make your skin crawl.
Display of human skin trousers - Wikipedia Photo (photos not allowed)
I can't help but think of The Silence of the Lambs when viewing the strangest item in the museum, a set of human skin trousers. This is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Iceland!
Silfra Fissur
What most visitors to Iceland don't realize is that the country is literally being torn in two. Sitting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and spanning two different tectonic plates, Iceland is growing at a rate of about 25mm per year.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Silfra's Fissures. national park Thingvellir.
The Silfra fissure is a fissure formed by these powerful tectonic forces at work. Here, centuries-old glacial meltwater seeps through the porous lava rock that feeds Lake Thingvellir and lends visibility to one of its world-famous qualities.
Snorkelers and divers from all over the world flock to swim through the crack, effectively sailing through the no man's land between continents!
With visibility over 100m you really feel like you are flying, only 2°C water brings you back to reality. If you are looking for unique places to visit in Iceland, Silfra is definitely the one!
Bridge between continents
Continuing to play on Iceland's sprawling waistline, you can find another part of the ever-growing rift southwest of Reykjavik on the Reykjanes peninsula.
There is no diving or snorkeling here, more like a bridge crossing a much more visible chasm.
Known as a bridge between continents, it was built as a symbol of connection and cooperation between Europe and North America.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (Iceberg Lagoon)
Iceland is covered in glaciers, but most tourists pass by with only a photo or a faint memory.
On the south coast Iceland lies a real treasure.
This is a treasure where you can get up close and personal not only with Iceland's glaciers, but also with the icebergs they produce.
Jokulsarlon is a vast glacial lagoon on the coast just a few hundred meters from the sea.
Here, while seals play and tourists run on zodiac boats, icebergs sway casually before being sucked out to see before washing up on the beaches that adjoin the lagoon.
Perhaps not as far off the beaten track as other destinations, Jokulsarlon made the list because it is simply unique.
Diamond Beach
While exploring Jokulsarlon, be sure to cross the road and see the stunning black sand beach.
It is famous for the icebergs that wash up on the shore as they emerge from Jokulsarlon downriver into the Atlantic Ocean.
Both the black sand beach and the glacial lagoon are on the Icelandic Circle Route.
Fjadrarglufur Canyon
Fjardargljufur Canyon is hidden right off Iceland's main ring road. Here he waited patiently in relative obscurity until Justin Beber and his hit video "I'll Show You" garnered attention.
Fjadrargljufur is a stunningly rocky canyon jutting out of the green hills nearby.
This picturesque canyon is a favorite among photographers and Instagrammers. It's easy to see why!
While it has no scale grand canyon or the depths of Copper Canyon in Mexico, its narrow width and sheer cliff walls make it stunning nonetheless.
Seljavallalaug Hot Spring / Pool
Perhaps the oldest pool in Iceland does not attract tourists.
But when you see a photo of Seljavallaug hidden in the slope of a green, mountain-ringed valley and realize that you can still swim in this geothermal pool, you too will want to drop your day plans and visit!
A short walk from the temporary parking lot next to the farm follows the river into an ever narrowing valley and then crosses the river at several places and takes you to Seljavallalaug.
The water is warm but not hot and the pool is great for a midday chill out along the south coast!
Grjótagjá Cave of Hot Springs
Grjótagjá is one of the most unique hot springs in Iceland and might sound familiar to you if you're a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
This hot spring in a lava cave appears in a season 3 episode as the setting for a highly anticipated love scene between the main characters.
Although swimming is not allowed here (the water is too hot and slightly acidic), I follow the cave and open it with a big recommendation!
If you really want to take a dip in a hot spring, the Myvatn Natural Baths are just the way to go and a great way to end a day exploring Iceland!
Snllsfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park is another unique place in Iceland that gets fewer visitors than it deserves.
Established in 2001 to protect selected landscapes and important historical relics, it also provides the infrastructure that allows tourists to access this wild peninsula.
Here you can go down and explore the 8000 year old lava tube in Vatnshellir cave, climb into dormant volcano in Saxhall Crater and even look for puffins along the rugged basalt cliffs of Londrangar.
Peninsula Snaefellsness and national park Snæfellsjökull are places worth adding to your Icelandic itinerary!
glymur waterfall
Until recently, Glymur was the most high waterfall in Iceland. Just because of this fact, you would expect this to be a general stopover for visitors to the country.
However, it is somewhat remote and requires a bit of a hike, so even tourists who pass through the area are likely to miss it.
Only available during the summer months and you'll want to plan on a three-hour round trip.
takeaway food
The thermal waters of Iceland's Blue Lagoon are one of the most popular things to do in Iceland
When visiting Iceland, you will see many attractions that are worth seeing.
But if you get off the tourist trail and check out the lesser-known and more unique places to visit in Iceland, you will no doubt be left speechless.
Some of the top things to do in Iceland (which are on the popular tourist route are:
View from the hike to the Glymur waterfall
- Blue Lagoon - bustling hot springs outside of Reykjavik
- lava fields- the largest lava flow in the world, located in the south of Iceland.
- Vik rocks- Sea stacks and caves on the black beach
- Gullfoss waterfall- the most popular waterfall in Iceland
- Golden Circle Route- This is a popular ring road that circles all over the country.
- Icelandic Horses - These horses are unique to Iceland and nothing beats going for a ride and trying Tolt on an Icelandic horse.
More detailed information about Iceland can be found in our guide to Iceland.
Iceland tours
- Independent travel in Iceland is possible with a rental car, but you can book some tours in advance if you're not driving.
- We use GetYourGuide as our travel company as it is easy to book in advance, cancel with 24 hours notice and we loved the tours we took with us.
- Whale Watching - Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland, and this is the original. If you are going to watch whales this is a good option.
- Golden Circle Tour - Pick up from Reykjavik and explore the sights of South Iceland including the Geyser, discover where the tectonic plates meet North America and Eurasia in Chingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall.
Enjoy seeing all these sights in Iceland? Why not save this to Pinterest for future reference?
These are just 13 of the hundreds of unique attractions in Iceland. We have barely scratched the surface of what the country has to offer.
If you get the chance to visit the land of fire and ice, I encourage you to drop everything and take this! Iceland has quickly become one of my favorite places and I look forward to returning again and again!
About Patrick
Patrick is an internationally renowned Canadian travel photographer and blogger from Adventographer.com exploring a world filled with culture, sunsets, street food and good coffee.
He writes from a wealth of travel experiences, both good and bad, and tries to create and share unique and inspiring content from around the world as a catalyst for change through the Explore.Create.Educate mantra.
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Fury of southern Iceland - black beaches, waterfalls and trolls
Northern Lights Delight
Milk Cascade Gullfoss
