More Than Just the Northern Lights: Five Icelandic Experiences You Won’t Find in Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Under the influence of mythological tales, the Nordic countries are shrouded in an air of mystery, but Iceland stands out with its unique and fantastical charm. Beyond its breathtaking natural landscapes, it also offers many tourist activities you can only experience here. Below are five distinctive experiences in Iceland that allow visitors to appreciate this most astonishing corner of the Earth from diverse perspectives.

1. Explore Blue Ice Caves
Stepping into a surreal blue ice cave that resembles a crystal palace gives you the illusion of being in another world. These naturally formed ice caves only appear in winter, which means their locations change every year. Each ice cave is one-of-a-kind, and chances are slim you’ll ever visit the same one twice—adding to the mystery and magic of the experience.

2. Venture Inside a Volcano
Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, not only for its vast glaciers but also for its numerous volcanoes scattered across the landscape. Volcano exploration is also seasonally limited, typically arranged during warmer months. Travelers wishing to venture inside a volcano must first hike across expansive fields of volcanic lava before descending into the magma chamber via a cable lift from the crater.

3. Glacier Hiking
Glacier hiking is available year-round. Not only can you admire the ever-changing forms of glaciers, but you can also visit filming locations for the hit TV series "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" and Hollywood blockbuster "Interstellar."

4. Visit a Glacier Lagoon and See Seals
At the glacier lagoon, you can get up close to millennia-old icebergs floating on the water. Bathed in sunlight, they emit dazzling shades of icy blue, creating a dreamlike scene. If you’re lucky, you might even spot adorable seals coming ashore.

5. Ride a Dog Sled