Eco-friendly holiday“Exploring Iceland’s Eco-Friendly Destinations – A Top 10 Guide
As travelers become increasingly aware of the effects of climate change, the desire to explore the world in a more eco-friendly manner is on the rise – and what better destination than Iceland to accommodate this growing trend? Iceland has become a stronghold of sustainability and eco-friendly tourism initiatives, offering a plethora of beautiful, untouched landscapes and plentiful wildlife. From whale-watching tours to luxury eco-resorts, here are our top 10 picks for creating the ultimate eco-friendly holiday in Iceland.
1. Whale Watching Tours:
Gazing out into the Atlantic Ocean and watching the majestic Whale pods swim around the shoreline is an experience you won’t forget. With many eco-tourism companies offering immersive and exclusive whale-watching tours, it is an investment that will bring you in harmony with nature without leaving a long-lasting environmental footprint.
2. Glacier Tours:
Discovering Iceland’s iconic landmarks, such as the Langjökull glacier, is an incredible way to witness how breathtaking the natural world can be. Many companies provide eco-friendly glacier hikes, using the barest of equipment to experience these spectacular sights without the need for motorized transport.
3. Kayaking Tours:
Enjoy the wildlife and landscapes of the region from a whole new perspective – the seat of a kayak. This is the perfect way to truly appreciate the wildness of Iceland’s rockier fjords, without the sound of a motor or petrol fumes.
4. Hot Springs:
There is nothing quite like taking a dip in one of the region’s natural hot springs in the pristine Icelandic nature. Many outdoor spa companies have invested in preserving these natural hot-spots by managing energy and water consumption.
5. Luxury Eco-Resorts:
For those who are looking for a more lavish holiday experience, glamping is the way to go. Many of the region’s luxury eco-resorts prioritize the experience of their guests while maintaining sustainability regulations.
6. Floatplane Tours:
Gain a unique perspective from the air with a floatplane tour that takes you to some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. Fly over the remote wilderness of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, or explore the wild landscapes in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
7. Horse-Riding Tours:
Explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes in a more traditional way with the help of the local horses. Horse-riding tours usually come with eco-friendly regulations and many companies invest in educating their customers on the sustainability of the area.
8. Hiking Tours:
One of the most popular and immersive ways to appreciate Iceland’s beautiful wilderness is to take a hike. Choose from various trails to explore stunning glaciers, volcanos, and waterfalls at your own pace, and appreciate the unique and diverse scenery around you.
9. Bird-Watching Tours:
Much of Iceland’s seabird population can be found around the north and east coast, and many bird-watching tours use eco-friendly methods to get you closer to these incredible creatures. Some of the popular species are puffins, eagles, and red-throated divers.
10. Northern Lights Tour:
No eco-friendly Iceland holiday would be complete without an expedition to spot the northern lights. Many guide-led tours equip the travelers with thermal blankets and binoculars to watch this beautiful and sacred natural phenomenon away from the bustling towns.
Clearly, Iceland’s eco-friendly attractions are endless and only serve to highlight and appreciate its incredible biodiversity.By investing in sustainable itineraries, travelers can ensure that their trips will have the least possible impact on the environment while creating memories that will last a lifetime. For those looking for an inspiring escape, Iceland is the perfect destination, and with these top 10 eco-friendly activities, you can begin your journey in the most sustainable way.
