Geysir Hotspring. Photo: Ishestar

Geysir hot springs & Gullfoss waterfall

Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall are two of the most famous natural phenomena in Iceland.

Geysir hot spring

Geysir hot spring is the actual source for the English word ‘geyser’ – Icelandic ‘to gush’.  A geysir is a spring, characterized by discharge of water on a regular basis, accompanied by vapour and steam.  Geysers are formed due to particular hydro-geological conditions and are very rare indeed. There is a connection to geysers and volcanism in the countries where they are found. The way the work: Surface water seeps through the ground to great depths, where it boils in the underground heat. The pressure of the hot water results in the hot springs spouting in a hydro-thermal explosion.

In Haukadalur the original Geysir hot spring is mostly dormant, although it started spouting after earthquakes in 2000 and 2001. However, Strokkur near by, faithfully spouts every 5-8 minutes or so.

This is truly a sight worth seeing. Don’t forget your camera!

Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss waterfall or ‘The Golden Falls’ as they are called in English, are located in Hvítá near Geysir hot springs. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. When approaching the mighty waterfall, it seems like the river simply disappears into the earth. However, as you get closer you see the plunge and feel the power of this magnificent waterfall.  Both Gullfoss and Geysir are dear to Icelanders, steeped in history and modern sagas.

Thingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park is visited en route to Gullfoss and Geysir. Þingvellir is Iceland’s UNESCO world heritage site and Icelanders are extremely proud of the park. Þingvellir is a site of great historical, geological and cultural importance to Icelanders. It is the very site where you can see with your bare eyes, the rift, i.e. the tectonic plates which marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. At Þingvellir you will also see Þingvallavatn lake, the largest natural lake in Iceland.

On tours purchased by Iceland is Hot, you have two choices of transport. One is via coach and the other in a Super Jeep.

Prices differ accordingly.

Gullfoss – Geysir

The price:  Prices vary according to tour options chosen (currency fluctuations cause prices to change accordingly). Please ask for a quote.

Pickup at your hotel or accommodation between 08:30 – 09:00.

Duration: 8 hours

Level of difficulty: Easy

Another option for the Golden circle tour, is via Super Jeep tour w/snowmobiling on a glacier. Same tour as above,with an extra twist.

The price: Please ask for a quote

Pickup at your hotel or accommodation between 08:30 – 09:00

Duration: 10-11 hours

Level of difficulty: medium

Lake Thingvellir. Photo: Katrin Westlund

Þingvellir – Grafningur. Photo: Katrin Westlund

Geysir area. Photo: UZ

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The Icelandic Horse. Photo: Ishestar Horse riding center

Horseback riding in Iceland is one of the “must-do’s”.

The Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is a direct descendant of the Viking horses from the first years of settlement in Iceland ca. from the year 870 or so. No other breed of horse is so pure-bred, as they have been in isolation since then (no import of horses is allowed in Iceland).

The Icelandic horse is a friendly horse, although it is tough and hardy, foot sure a trustworthy. The horses are small in comparison with other horse species in the world, however, they can carry an adult rider in speed and comfort over tough terrain and most horses have five gaits for the ease and pleasure of the rider.

Apart from displaying five gaits, the Icelandic horse is also unique for the combination of colors, some of which are no longer found in other horse species in the world.

There are several day-tours on offer for experienced and non-experienced riders alike. It is truly a wonderful experience to ride the Icelandic horse through unspoiled nature!

Duration: From 3 hours (1 1/2 hour riding) – 6-7 hours (4 1/5 – 5 hours riding)

Included: Transfers to and from the riding-center,  guidance in English and Scandinavian, all riding equipment, overalls, rain-gear when necessary, riding boots, helmets and more.

Level of difficulty: Suits everyone. Employees of Iceland is Hot will guide you towards the right tour for you and your family or friends, depending on experience.

Price: Various prices apply, depending on duration of the tour and level of expertise.

Contact us for a quote.

Horseback riding in Iceland. Photo: Ishestar Horseback riding center

Horses in Iceland. Photo: Ishestar Horseback riding center

Horseback riding in Icelandic nature. Photo: Ishestar Horseback riding center

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Sunset in Reykjavik. Photo: Icelandbike.com

Take in the sights and sounds of the city without stress and exercise at the same time

Bicycle around Reykjavik

The tours are for all levels of experience, beginners to experienced cyclists, individuals, groups and families alike. The only requirement is that participants are in good health and know how to balance a bike.

Private tours are offered for families traveling with children 10 years old and younger and trailers and children’s bikes will be provided.

There are several tours on offer, but the classic tour consists of:  The Reykjavik south-facing beach Ægissíða, the University Campus and the Nordic House, Reykjavik’s Catholic Cathedral, Parliament building, Reykjavik’s old Harbor, the beautiful city lake and/or city center … or wherever the tour guides feel is the most enchanting and charming place to cycle at any given moment.

Duration: 2 1/2 hours give or take

Distance: ca. 7 km

Operated:

May 15th – October 15th every day at 10:00am.

December and January: Upon request

February – May 14th, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00

Meeting point: The old Reykjavik Harbor

Price: Prices vary according to selected tour (currency fluctuations cause prices to change accordingly).

Please ask for a quote.

The coast of Reykjavik. Photo: Icelandbike.com

Cycling in summer in Reykjavik. Photo: Icelandbike.com

Cycling during sunset. Photo: Icelandbike.com

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Iceland is Hot is an Authorized Travel agency in accordance with Icelandic law

Icelandic Clothing Design. Photo: Reykjavik Concierge. Photographer Ozzo photography

In Iceland for only a few hours? Overnight? or simply out of time?

Need ideas and don’t know where to go for shopping?

Are you on your way home, after visiting Iceland and need a place to shop designer goods for your loved ones at home?

Seek no further  Through Iceland is Hot, you can book a stop-over tour or a short 3-4 hour shopping for design tour, where Icelandic culture and design is primarily emphasized, in a thoroughly unique and personal way.

Meet the designers face-to-face, in their own homes or workshops, listen to their perspective on their art and design, arts and crafts and purchase first hand the unique design presented to you.  Only on this tour will you be offered this outstanding opportunity and personalized experience.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Included: English speaking guide, transport from Reykjavik to the airport or from the airport and back, Tax-free refund guidance.

Price: Please ask for a quote.

Icelandic design. Photo: Reykjavik Concierge

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Romance in the sunset. Photo: Ragnheiður Guðjónsdóttir

Romance and love

Want an out of this world honeymoon rendezvous and/or holiday? Well you’re in the right place. Iceland is Hot aims to provide personalized and intimate holidays for couples on honeymoon, for romance or simply a get away. Find time and space to remind you of what makes the two of you so special. Iceland is certainly the place to visit, experience and remember, a place that will bring you two close to each other and give you memories that will last a lifetime.

Allow Iceland is hot to plan your perfect romantic getaway.  Add spice and fire to your life by snuggling in the chilling Icelandic winter in a cozy hut or kiss under the Northern Lights.

If you arrive in summer, you can relax in one of the many geothermal warm pools, enjoy 24 hours of daylight, get a massage in one of Iceland’s fantastic spas or roll in the morning dew during Summer Solstice (for good luck and prosperity).

Romance in Iceland.

Romance in Iceland is entwined with nature is truly a magical experience.

Take a break from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy what Iceland has to offer.

The whole tour is designed to make you two feel good, enjoy life, relax and experience Iceland at its best, whatever the season.

Tailor made tours. 

Please ask for a quote.

Level of difficulty: Easy and luxurious

Couple splashing in the Blue Lagoon. Photo: The Blue Lagoon

Super Jeep fun. Photo: Katrin Westlund

Champagne anyone? Photo: Mountain Taxi

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Iceland is Hot is an Authorized Travel agency in accordance with Icelandic law

Fire and lava. Photo: Mountain Taxi

Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull

Eyjafjallajökull, the volcanic glacier which caused so much havoc in April 2010! This volcano has been dormant since1823 and then voilá! eruption. Eyjafjallajökull, the impossible and unpronounceable  name literally means island-mountain-glacier, meaning the mountain that the Westman islands, can see, (hence island-mountain) and glacier … mountain glacier seen from the Westman islands. Simple if you know Icelandic.  All of Europe and some of the USA was at a standstill when this otherwise quiet mountain decided to show its might. Nature is unpredictable and always, always has the last word! So for eight days in April, all transport both sides of the Atlantic was paralyzed, except for the airlines in Iceland, which flew to any destination without noticeable delay.

Check out this video – time laps of an active volcano: Eyjafjallajökull Vimeo timelaps by Sean Stiegemeier

Here are some photos from the Boston Globe which show Eyjafjallajökull in action.

Super jeep tour to Thorsmork

The tour is a Super Jeep tour, which starts off by heading to the south shore of Iceland to Þórsmörk.

Þórsmörk is also known as the ‘valley of gods’ as it’s named after Thor the thunder-god. Þórsmörk is one of Iceland’s cherished hiking paradises, full of unique vistas and geological wonders. Þórsmörk is a mountain ridge located between three glaciers, among them the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Due to the location of Þórsmörk, the climate is noticeably warmer than other parts of Iceland. The area itself is testimony to this with lush green vegetation, moss, fern and birchwood all around.

During this tour, Þórsmörk is the main destination but the view over to Eyjafjallajökull volcano is breathtaking and simply outstanding. The tour does not go directly up to the volcano, as it’s still sizzling up there!

Stops en route are at Seljalandsfoss waterfall (for a walk behind the waterfall) and many glacial rivers are crossed during the tour. Once in Þórsmörk,  Stakkholtsgjá, Valahnjúkur and the lagoon at Gígjökull are great options to visit and explore.  The towns of Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur are also featured during this tour.

Þórsmörk

The Price: Prices vary according to tour options chosen (currency fluctuations cause prices to change accordingly). Please ask for a quote.

Pick-up from your hotel or accommodation between 08:30 – 09:00 am

Duration: 8-10 hours

Level of difficulty: Easy to medium

Take a look at this video, showing the thrill of driving there in a jeep: Þórsmörk

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Iceland is Hot is an Authorised Travel Agency in accordance with Icelandic law

Diving in Silfra. Photo: Scuba.is

Diving and snorkeling – beautiful Silfra

Iceland’s geological rift is an amazing sight, visible on land and in water. The fissure rift is a geological divide, which is pulling the Eurasian tectonic plate and the Americas plate apart, about 2cm a year. These tectonic plates and conditions offer unique experiences for diving between two continents and what’s more, the visibility is nearly 100%. The waters of Silfra are transparent and clear and allow the light to beam into the very core of the rift and all the way to the bottom of the gorge.

“Silfra” is the right name for this natural wonder, since it refers to “The silver lady” as some Icelanders call it.

Snorkeling and Diving in Iceland.

Diving or snorkeling in Silfra is surreal to say the least. The water is so clear and pure (but cold) you can see everything, making Silfra one of the top 10 diving and/or snorkeling sites in the world.

The diving instructors are PADI certified divers.

There are two options for experiencing Silfra.

Check out this cool video about diving in Silfra by gramsmose: Beautiful Silfra

Þingvellir - National Park

1) SNORKELING

Price: Please ask for a quote (incl. hotel pick-up, return, all equipment, guide and light snacks). Prices vary according to tour options chosen (currency fluctuations cause prices to change accordingly).

Duration: 5-6 hours

Level of difficulty: Easy

Season: Ideal in spring, summer and autumn

2) DIVING

PRICE: Please ask for a quote (incl. hotel pick-up, return, all equipment, guide and light snacks). Prices vary according to tour options chosen (currency fluctuations cause prices to change accordingly).

Duration: 6-8 hours

Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

Season: Ideal in spring, summer and autumn

Scuba diving - Thingvellir. Photo: scuba.is

Silfra in Iceland. Photo: Scuba.is

Having fun in Silfra. Photo: Scuba.is

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Iceland is Hot is an Authorized Travel Agency in accordance with Icelandic law

River jet. Photo: Iceland river jet

How about an adventure ride in a welded aluminum jet boat? Powered by jet drives, specially designed for rivers , these boats are tough and hence ideally suited for withstand powerful rivers and shallow waters alike.

The riverjet

The riverjets generate a propulsive thrust from the reaction, when the water is forces in a backward direction. This provides speed and added adventure to the river experience.

River jet tours are truly adventurous

Whether you want a calm, relaxing sightseeing tour down the glacial river Hvítá, where en route you can see basalt cliff sides, deep gorges, open deltas, a variety of birds and horses or the ultimate river ride: white-water rafting … the river jet is for you and your friends or family.

Duration: From 1 hour to 3 hours depending on chosen tour.

Operated: During the summer months.

Included: Transfers to and from the location of the river jet, all safety equipment, overalls, helmets and more.

Level of difficulty: Suits everyone. Employees of Iceland is Hot will guide you towards the right tour for you and your family or friends, depending on your wishes.

Price: Contact us for a quote.

River jet adventure. Photo: Iceland River jet

Speeding down the river. Photo: Iceland River jet

Calmer waters. Photo: Iceland River jet

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Taking a breather during a nature walk. Photo: Allt er hægt / Addy Einarsdottir

Family friendly walks in Icelandic nature.

Want to get away from the hustle and the bustle of everyday life? Stop and smell the roses … or the moss as the case may be

Experience nature and the scenery and take note of the small things beneath your feet, breath in the fresh air and enjoy family time in the great outdoors!

Slow travel Iceland

The tours suit people of all ages and are specially designed for children in mind. The philosophy of the  slow-travel movement is the main objective:  Easy walking, nature, the views, the company of other people and exploration are key and the main goal is always ‘to get there’ where ever that may be, at a slow and easy going pace.

Participants don’t even need to be fit to join. The only requirement is that walking is not to arduous and good walking shoes are essential.

Participants will be advised on clothing, departures, duration and prices, upon request.

Available all year round.

The destination depends on winds and weather, however – always enjoyable.

    ALL IN GOOD TIME    

Price: Please ask for a quote

At the beach in Reykjavik. Photo: Allt er hægt / Addy Einarsdottir

Lukka the dog in a rucksack, enjoying a nature walk. Photo: Allt er hægt / Addy Einarsdottir

Enjoying the bounties of nature. Photo: Allt er hægt / Addy Einarsdottir

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Iceland is Hot is an Authorized Travel agency in accordance with Icelandic law

Icelandic Paintings. Photo: Reykjavik Concierge

VIP Tour Personal Shopping in Reykjavik

This tour offers a truly cultural experience, with a selection of chosen examples to appease all the senses and meet your needs. You will be accompanied by your own personal concierge and  introduced to Icelandic art and design, couture, handicraft, internal design and/or culinary experiences.

Shopping in Iceland, doesn’t get more personal than this as the designers themselves are visited in their workshop or home and describe to interested parties the process of their design.

Departure: Upon request

Included: Exclusive tailor made tours, English speaking guide, transport.

Duration: Customized

Price: Please ask for a quote

Icelandic Clothing Design. Photo: Reykjavik Concierge. Photographer Ozzo photography

Icelandic design. Photo: Reykjavik Concierge

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