In the last 10 years or so Iceland has seen more and more tourists coming to visit, that is at least until Covid happened and left Iceland empty.
Almost overnight the country emptied itself of all it’s admiring travelers and left behind an Iceland I once knew 15 years ago.
I’m not native to this country, I’m from England and when I first came over here back in 2003, the “norm” then was to go to places like Blue Lagoon or take a drive on the Golden Circle and have the place basically to yourself.
In fact I once went to the Blue Lagoon all those years ago with a friend and we were actually the only ones there. I went to see Geysir and Gulfoss and there was not a soul in sight, and this was just how it was.
That is why your holiday destination for 2021 should be Iceland. Iceland is empty, apart from it’s 350.000 inhabitants and we don’t expect the crowds back for some time.
Here below I’ve listed the top 5 things to see while Iceland is empty.
1. Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull glacier is a fast retreating glacier on the south coast of Iceland. The main activities here are hiking and ice climbing and over the last few years this place was busy with hikers. Not anymore!
Check this one off your bucket list in 2021.
2. Anything that ends with “Foss”
Foss is the easiest word in Icelandic to say and remember. Foss simply mean waterfall and it’s pronounced as you read it….foss, And If there is one thing Iceland has plenty of it’s waterfalls, only now you can get that perfect photo without having to photoshop out the other 150 people in the background.
3. The beach
I’m not kidding, the beaches here in Iceland are beautiful, especially around Reykjavik, where you will will find a beach called Nauthólsvík.
Obviously it’s not always hot and sunny here, we are of course in Iceland. Even in the winter the beaches here are are pretty spectacular. On the South Coast around Vík you will find many black sand beaches, made of volcanic ash and pummit.
4. The Golden Circle (minus the crowds)
This is the most commonly taken tour in Iceland over the last few years. The Golden Circle in 2021 however should be a different experience.
We aren’t expecting the bus loads of people like before. Wether you do this on a tour with a guide, or rent a car, the sights of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir are going to be a lot quieter and have a more personal feeling.
5. Ice Caves
The great thing about Ice caves is that they can be accessed all year round but you’re going to need a guide to find one.
There are lots of Ice Cave Tours to choose from departing from Reykjavik and also tours which meet on location, most of which are along the south coast of Iceland.
