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Europe is always at the top of travelers’ minds for the ultimate escape. The entire continent never ceases to lose its charm in fulfilling travelers’ desire to get away.
Cities with unique architecture not found in the States, timeless cobblestone streets, savory sidewalk cafes, and so much more.
But one place in particular used to be deemed off-the-beaten path. This stunning country has become more mainstream for many reasons, and this summer proves it’s a top destination in Europe.
The magnificent country of Iceland has broken pre-COVID tourism records this summer, according to recent reports from June statistics.
Foreign tourists are flocking here in droves, making up 77% of the new record. In total, Iceland has had over 4 million total visitors in 2023.
Here are 6 reasons why this stunning European Country is having a record-breaking summer for tourism:
A One-Of-A-Kind Gateway Into Europe
Iceland has become a lot more popular than it used to be. This is in part due to their low-cost airline, Play, which recently celebrated its one-millionth passenger.
Formerly WOW Air, which has since ceased operations, the brand was revived and rebranded as Play. The low-cost carrier offers nonstop flights from many major U.S. airports at a very affordable price.
@bvtravels_ flying Play airlines for the first time 😅 DC to Paris ✈️ Would you fly in this airline? I was amazed by how small the sizes for the backpack 🎒 requirements were! So happy we noticed before the flight & got a backpack with the measurements (in my last post from my amazon travel finds) 👀 #traveltiktok #fyp #playairlines #flying #parisvacation #goingtoparis #parisherewecome #travel #travellife #cheapflights ♬ original sound – Bergit 🫶🏼
The airline runs sales throughout the year for travelers making Iceland their mainstay or off to other Play destinations, such as Paris, London, Madrid, and many more.
Amazing Natural Attractions
There is no place quite like Iceland. The closest match might be the country’s lesser-listed neighbor – the Faroe Islands.
You name it, and Iceland probably has it:
- Black sand beaches – check.
- Immaculate waterfalls – check.
- Geysers – check.
- Volcanoes – check.
- An island dedicated to puffins – check.
- Sunsets on a postcard-worthy beach at 1am – check.
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@tortillamaria13 How am I supposed to sleep in these conditions? #summer #travel #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #solotravel #iceland #europe #dream #millennial #natural #nofilter ♬ Somewhere Only We Know – 𝖘 𝖊 𝖓 𝖘 𝖎 𝖙 𝖎 𝖛 𝖊 不同
These just scratch the surface. Iceland has truly amazing landscapes with breathtaking scenery all over the country.
No matter if you’re wandering the vast greenery or checking out the black sand beaches of Vik, it’s all worth the adventure.
Quirky Airbnb’s
Tourism statistics show Iceland’s Airbnbs welcomed over 200,000 guests in June alone. Keep in mind this is a country with a population of less than 400,000 people.
@asasteinars Possibly the best place to stay in Iceland ! This is called Lake View 🏠❤️ #Iceland #Airbnb ♬ original sound – Owen
That goes to show how much of a travel hotspot Iceland has become. There are some truly unique stays available at Iceland’s Airbnbs.
Some are sleek condos in the charming capital city of Reykjavik. Others are Lord-of-the-Rings-esque cottages in towns you can’t pronounce. (Say “Hverageroi” 5 times fast!)
Summer Weather Is Better
It’s a common joke amongst locals to say Greenland and Iceland should have switched names. Iceland is very green, but it fits its bitter-cold reputation in the winter.
@neemasadeghi Trip of a lifetime! #fypage #fyp ♬ Bad Habit – Steve Lacy
With such high demand for travelers now, many patently wait for summer to come around to be able to enjoy their visit more.
It’s simply less to pack and less to worry about. Winters can reach the negatives (in Fahrenheit), while summers are much more manageable, with average temperatures in the 50s.
No Better Place For Solo Travel
Iceland is about as perfect as could be for solo travelers. The country is one of the safest places in the world, and Reykjavik is home to cushy hostels for a home base to explore the country’s stunning nature.
@guidetoiceland Iceland is one of the world’s best travel destinations for solo travelers ✈️🇮🇸🏆 #icelandtravelguide #iceland #thingstodoiniceland #howtotraveliceland #icelandtraveltips #whattodoiniceland #icelandtravel #goingtoiceland #bucketlist #icelandbucketlist #icelandvlog #travel #travelbucketlist #solotravel #icelandadventure #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Lofi Vibes – Gentle State
Road trips are highly popular here. It’s easy to meet fellow travelers to join forces or go at it alone to see all the natural wonders.
Many make it a bucket-list item to complete the Ring Road (also known as Route 1), which is a long loop circling most of the country.
While you may run into the crowds at certain stopping points, Iceland is an excellent choice for those seeking to find inner peace and embrace solitude.
The Famous Blue Lagoon
@ellelouisekirk98 A dream come true! The Blue Lagoon was another level of serenity ✨ #travel#iceland#icelandtravel#australiantiktok#europeansummer#viral#fypage ♬ ceilings – Sped Up Version – Lizzy McAlpine
The Blue Lagoon has long been one of Iceland’s famed attractions, even before the country has been in the spotlight.
This stunning natural wonder is a must when visiting Iceland and is perfect for every type of traveler. Flying solo, a couples retreat, or a group outing with friends will all make for a memorable outing.
It’s a year-round destination perfect for a summer getaway but also suitable for dreary winters since the waters are always warm.
For those unaware, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa set in a lava field in southwestern Iceland. The spa is open later hours until midnight in the summer months.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com