As Raleigh-Durham International Airport prepares to celebrate Icelandair’s debut service to Reykjavik, Iceland, RDU flyers already are planning their trips to the Land of Fire and Ice.
Icelandair’s nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Reykjavik (KEF) begins May 12. Tickets are on sale now.
Not sure what to see when you visit Iceland? Here are four things we recommend including in your upcoming trip itinerary.
Get Outdoors
From epic landscapes to relaxing in thermal baths, Iceland’s natural beauty is unparalleled. You can fill an entire vacation with sights and scenes from the great Icelandic outdoors:
- With proper planning and a bit of luck, you might catch the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights.
- Whale watching is a popular tradition in Iceland. The cold waters offer a perfect habitat for humpback whales, orcas and more.
- If you’re an aviation geek like us, check out one of Reykjavik’s popular helicopter tours. There’s nothing quite like seeing volcanoes, glaciers and Iceland’s majestic national parks.
Embark On An Adventure
For thrillseekers, Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination. Hiking is one of the simplest ways to take in the country’s diverse landscapes. Check out this list of independent and guided hikes in Iceland.
But don’t stop there. There are plenty of ways to explore Iceland — by kayak or paddleboard, by ATV or bike and even river rafting.
Ready for more? Guided ice climbing on massive glaciers and cave exploration will put you up close to the action and make for lasting memories — if you’re up to the challenge.
Enjoy Nordic Cuisine
Foodies flock to the Land of Fire and Ice to relish in the unique Icelandic cuisine. The country is renowned for world-class seafood, nontraditional ingredients and sustainably pushing the gastronomic envelope.
From berries to seaweed, cod to hákarl — that’s fermented shark — read all about Iceland’s legendary food and drink scene.
Soak Up Iceland’s Unique Culture
One of the world’s most celebrated creative cultures is just one flight away. There’s so much to see when you visit Iceland, from visual arts to music, museums and more.
- Take in an art exhibition at one of Reykjavik’s three city art museums, stop by an independent gallery or do a road trip to find the many outdoor art installations.
- Not sure where to stay? How about an igloo? Iceland is home to a variety of unique, non-traditional accommodations, from turf houses to sci-fi hotels — or glamping, if that’s more your speed.
- Catch a concert in Reykjavik, home to one of the world’s legendary music scenes that produced artists such as Björk, Sigur Rós, Kaleo and more.
Ready to learn more about Iceland? Visit www.rdu.com/icelandair or watch the video below.