Iceland is one of my favorite destinations to visit as a wheelchair user since it is a secure, friendly environment with spectacular scenery and lots of accessible things you can do. I love going through the capital city of Reykjavík, but it is also nice to venture into the countryside.
Whether you want to go to the black sand beaches, view towering waterfalls, or swim within the Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers something for everyone.
There are at least 17 explanations why you need to visit Iceland as a wheelchair user. Iceland is a very wheelchair accessible destination and with the help of an accessible tour company known as Iceland Unlimited, I have had no problems seeing as many sights when i can within the land of fireside and ice.
There's plenty to complete and Iceland should really be considered a destination you consider traveling to like a wheelchair user. Here are 17 explanations why you need to clean up your suitcase and visit Iceland like a wheelchair user –
Why Visit Iceland in a Wheelchair?
1: Swim within the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located Fifteen minutes from Keflavik International Airport. This is a must visit destination and its location makes it an ideal first, or last, stop on your trip to Iceland.
I chose to stop very first thing during my September 2022 trip and it would be a great way to relax and obtain rid of some of the jet lag I had been carrying from my day of airline travel.
Swimming within the Blue Lagoon is an amazing way to relax, recover, and pamper yourself. The pools are heated to upwards of 115 degrees, but usually stay around 102. If you get too hot during your soak, move around and you'll find an awesome spot.
In accessory for taking a swim, this is a great opportunity for an Icelandic spa day. From white silica mud facials, which you can do while you float and swim around within the pools, to some full spa treatment. There are several facials and massage packages you can include for your visit.
Be certain to dine in the Blue Lagoon's Lava Restaurant after your spa day. This was one of the best meals I ate in Iceland and it is the most popular restaurant, so make sure to make a reservation far ahead of time.
The Blue Lagoon is extremely wheelchair friendly and that i had great experiences. I emailed the facility prior to my trip and was surprised to see that it was even more accessible than they mentioned through our correspondence.
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There is an accessible private changing room, including a roll-in shower, adult-sized changing table, along with a shower chair. The Blue Lagoon has ramps to enter the water and an amphibious chair too, so getting into is a breeze.
2: See Icelandic horses
Iceland has a unique history in terms of horses. No horses can be imported into Iceland, which means all of the horses currently in the country were bred in Iceland.
This has led to a very unique and interesting breed of horse that may walk, trot, and gallop, as well as move at a flying pace. These horses are smooth and fast given their size, and it is quite an event to see them.
The best spot to see the Icelandic horses reaches the Sólvangur Icelandic Horse Center, 40 minutes beyond Reykjavik. The horse center has been breeding and training horses for a long time and offers lessons too.
They offer a stable tour, a gift shop, along with a cafe for a whole afternoon of fun. Be sure to call ahead making a reservation for the stable tour, as this provides you with a better chance at a private tour.
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If you'd much like to see and pet the horses, you can visit any time during business hours and go to the gift shop and cafe too.
3: See waterfalls
Waterfalls are among my favorite things to see and visit when I'm traveling, and the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is very impressive to determine. Located less than A couple of hours from Reykjavik, this waterfall is really a spectacular sight on the South Coast.
Seljalandsfoss is 200 feet high having a narrow cascade of water. My personal favorite part about seeing this particular waterfall was how wheelchair accessible it had been.
I could get really near to the fall itself using the paved path from the parking area towards the waterfall. It was amazing to be so near to the falls which i could have the mist and also got just a little wet in the spray.
Another wheelchair accessible waterfall I visited was Skogafoss, that is a short drive from Seljalandsfoss. Be sure to take lots of photos on your stop, as this waterfall is one of the most picture perfect I've visited in all of Iceland.
The waterfall itself is not as accessible as Seljalandsfoss, but it is a great photo opportunity along with a beautiful sight. The waterfall is 80 feet wide and 200 feet tall, which is amazing from a long way away.
There is a path to get close to the falls, but it is a little bumpy for wheelchair users. I went about halfway on the path, that was close enough for any nice view, and got some great photos.
4: Be in awe of the Northern Lights
I've always wanted to begin to see the Northern Lights and when I visited Iceland for the first time, it was among the top things I wanted to do while there.
Unfortunately I wasn't sure that I'd be able to see them after i arrived in late September, as it can be tricky to obtain the timing right and also have the weather cooperate in order to begin to see the Northern Lights. If this sounds like a must-see for you, make sure you schedule your trip during peak Northern Lights season (winter) to give you the best possibility of seeing them.
I caused Iceland Unlimited to achieve the best opportunity to see the lights and it was worthwhile. Iceland Unlimited uses a number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, which made travel so easy and offered me a great standpoint to see the sights as we drove trying to find the lights.
Seeing the Northern Lights is really a magical experience. I luckily got to see them on my small trip, even though we stopped along the side of the road to be able to take them in. The whole sky was lit in a way I've never witnessed before. It really is almost indescribable.
Seeing the wedding is breathtaking, so make sure to get a good look and take a few photos to remember your experience. I'd recommend a DSLR camera, as my smartphone didn't take great photos.
5: See penises from every species… seriously
There's plenty to complete in Iceland, including visiting the Phallological Museum in Reykjavik. This is hands-down one of the most unique museums on the planet, and if you're going to visit Iceland you should you should consider making a stop here.
This is actually a very different experience, as you can see all kinds of species on display, over 280 penises, including molds of the 2022 Icelandic Handball Olympic team. If you enjoy visiting weird and unique locations, definitely intend to go to the wheelchair accessible Phallus Museum for an hour.
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For a lot of the Phallological Museum, including prices, buisness hours, and knowledge on current exhibits, check out their website. I made use of a Reykjavik City Card in order to save 20% on my small admission.
6: Watch a geyser shoot in the ground
Another amazing outdoor experience gets to see a geyser shoot from the ground. This is a fantastic way to eat the natural landscape of Iceland and visit a very active geyser.
Strokkur is the name of Iceland's most impressive geyser also it erupts as often as every Five to ten minutes, almost guaranteeing you a chance to see it in action no matter when you visit. It's known as one of the most active and reliable geysers on the planet, so you're definitely going to determine it in your trip and it creates an execllent photo opportunity.
You can see the geyser erupt in the parking lot, but a paved path in the lot towards the geyser makes the whole space very wheelchair accessible.
After seeing the geyser erupt and going for a few photos, there's enough space to take in the scenery and go to the gift shop. The gift shop has two levels of all you could imagine and is very accessible. Likely to elevator and an accessible bathroom, in addition to a couple of restaurants for convenient service or seated dining.
7: See icebergs at J”okulsárlón
After visiting Iceland, you might find J”okulsárlón glacial lagoon to become your favorite place as well as your favorite stop of your whole trip. This has to be a must-see location. Who wouldn't need to see icebergs while in Iceland?
J”okulsárlón is really a glacier lagoon that is literally full of icebergs. This is the house of Iceland's deepest lake, and getting to see the collection of icebergs within this lake was an amazing opportunity. This can be a rare experience, so take advantage if you can.
As far as wheelchair accessibility, the path in the parking lot towards the lagoon isn't paved, which designed for a really bumpy ride, however it was well worth it. You have to wake up close and experience this one first-hand, because the pictures just do not do it justice.
Sure, I took plenty of photos, however the real memories are created when you are there and looking on the lagoon in awe. There are some spectacular views and it's really amazing just being close to nature that's existed for thousands of years.
8: Taste fermented shark… just once in your life
Iceland includes a wonderful variety of foods to meals you should consider, but one thing I believe ought to be on everyone's list is “hakarl”, that is fermented shark. It's frequently on lists of “the most disgusting foods in the world”, but you should try it at least once for that experience.
If you are going to do this Icelandic delicacy, I recommend you attempt it at among the best restaurants in Reykjavik, Islenski Barrinn. This can be a great restaurant that has the atmosphere of the gastropub and is not a real tourist stop. Islenski Barrinn is really a place where tourists mix with locals for a chance to sample strictly Icelandic beers and spirits along with amazing meals.
Trying fermented shark. My face says everything I think…
This restaurant is special diet friendly and offers lunch, dinner, and drinks. The menu includes a variety of Icelandic options, including fermented shark. I'd recommend eating it here because the waiter will explain how you can eat it and answer any queries you may have.
I found this restaurant to be very wheelchair accessible, but I would recommend calling ahead because they will need to provide a ramp to obtain your wheelchair over the front step. Making a reservation is also a wise decision to make sure there's space for you personally in the period you want to dine.
9: See a black sand beach
If you are a fan of visiting the beach, you'll need to make sure you visit a black sand beach and eat the atmosphere while in Iceland. Taking a look at pictures online showcases merely a fraction from the beauty. Being there to see it personally is worth the trip.
The sand is actually black and can be such a treat to experience, since many beaches are white sand. I felt like I had been in a fantasy world at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. And no wonder I felt like that… Bet on Thrones has filmed here.
The sand is black since it is from eroded volcanic rock. Iceland is really a location of more volcanoes than other islands, which gives Iceland's shores black sand.
It's important to note that Reynisfjara is wheelchair accessible to some degree, but doesn't offer beach wheelchairs. There's some harder packed sand near the parking area, which I could easily roll on, but the softer, less packed sand was difficult to maneuver. It is worth the trip though and I'm glad that portions of the beach could be accessed with a wheelchair.
10: Experience Iceland with an accessible tour company
If you are ready about wanting to visit Iceland and experience both the city and the natural landscapes, I highly suggest you tour with Iceland Unlimited. They offer accessible tours with accessible transportation, which helps you to thoroughly enjoy your vacation.
Working by having an accessible tour company helps alleviate a few of the stress of planning an international trip and gives you unique opportunities to exceed the basic tourist stops, including the black sand beaches and hunting the Northern Lights.
Iceland Unlimited provided amazing tours after i was in Iceland and it is an excellent company founded with a wheelchair user. Check out the website to determine their professional services and how they master providing wheelchair accessible tours.
Your tour can be customized towards the destinations and experiences you'd like to include in your trip, which could take your Icelandic vacation to a new level when compared with thinking about your own. Each time I've visited Iceland, I've booked tours with Iceland Unlimited because the experience continues to be truly remarkable every time.
11: Buy an authentic wool sweater
Between your visits to amazing natural landscapes, you might be wondering what can be the best souvenir to create home from Iceland. The reply is an authentic Icelandic wool sweater.
Bringing home a t-shirt from the destination or the airport is typically the number of travelers remember their trip, but Iceland is home to a uniquely knit wool sweater and taking one home can seriously change the way you choose souvenirs later on.
Icelandic wool sweaters aren't your average sweater. They're knit with wool from Icelandic sheep, which supplies a unique and welcome balance of thick warmth and breathability. Past the materials, most Icelandic sweaters have iconic patterns and fashions.
The Icelandic wool sweater is a symbol of effort and resilience, as it takes hours to complete one sweater which same sweater will keep the cold out through most kinds of weather. Icelanders wear their sweaters with an just about every day basis, much like others may wear a hooded sweatshirt or fleece jacket.
Wool sweaters are usually sold in tourist shops but can be also purchased in smaller villages and also at farmer's markets. Keep an eye out for a unique color, pattern, or even the sweater that talks to you and you will have a great souvenir that will last far longer than many traditional options.
12: See Puffins
If you get the chance while you are out exploring the beaches and also the landscapes, concept some puffins! Seeing a puffin have been on my small Icelandic bucket list for a while and I told my tour driver this. He knew just the spot.
I finally saw puffins at Dyrhólaey, which is a peninsula where Puffins nest within the cliffs throughout the summer months. I was really surprised to spot one in a few minutes of arriving at Dyrhólaey.
The puffins were flying, sitting on the cliffs, and it was really quite a show. Obviously, I took photos to help document my experience, but honestly it had been just amazing so that you can complete an event that had been on my small bucket list for quite some time.
The viewing location at Dyrhólaey to determine the puffins was gravel, but my wheelchair did fine. There weren't too many bumps and it was simple to navigate.
I attempted to venture in the hill to another viewing spot, but my wheelchair got stuck. I'd suggest sticking with the low section if you're visiting in a wheelchair, as you'll get to spend more time observing the puffins.
13: Roll in Iceland's tallest church, Hallgrímskirkja
A trip to Reykjavik would not be complete with no visit to the primary landmark, the tallest church in Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja. The church is visible from pretty much all around the city and it's definitely exciting to see up close and explore inside.
The architecture was inspired through the shapes lava takes if this cools and forms into rock. It's pretty to see how Iceland is inspired naturally and brings the landscapes to their cities.
One of the highlights inside Hallgrímskirkja is the impressive pipe organ. It's very tall, almost 50 feet, and weighs upwards of 25 tons. 4 pedals and over 5,000 pipes make the powerful notes that fill the big space.
There are summer and winter hours, so make sure to check out the website before planning your visit. There is a Sunday mass held because well, so take that into account when planning your excursions.
14: The locals are friendly
Traveling abroad can be intimidating for a lot of travelers, but additionally intimidating for wheelchair users because there are so many unknowns about accessibility and accommodations. In my opinion I have found that Icelandic individuals are very friendly and most of times are prepared to help basically need one.
As an example, I remember when i went to a restaurant in Reykjavik and when I got there, there was one step to get inside. The chef/owner saw which i was at the entrance, so he ran outside and lifted my 300+ lb wheelchair up within the step. Similar scenarios have happened a couple times on my small two trips to Iceland.
Of course, you will find situations where it can be helpful to try and plan in advance or make reservations, but honestly in all my travels I have found that simply asking someone, from seeing if a ramp can be installed to if there's another entrance or any other path around goes quite a distance.
Many individuals are pleased to answer my questions or help me get unstuck on the beach, or give directions. Iceland is an especially welcoming place, and that's why I've already visited twice!
15: See a volcanic crater in the land of fireside and ice
There are so many natural destinations to go to in Iceland, which is amazing in terms of the view and the experience, but it is also amazing that a lot of them are wheelchair accessible. Another great spot to visit is the Kerid Volcanic Crater.
This destination is 20 to 30 minutes in the Golden Circle and not too many tourists visit, but it is spectacular compared to some of the other surrounding sights.
Kerid is really a volcanic crater lake that's thousands of years old. The nearby landscape is red, much like the surface of Mars, and also the water is extremely dark blue green. I had been surprised at how beautiful the sight was, as I didn't expect to see such an impressive lake.
Another reason to stop here's it's very wheelchair accessible. The path is smooth and there's a large viewing area. The viewing space is perfect for taking selfies using the crater lake, in addition to documenting the impressive view and area.
Many trips don't have a tendency to lead to the crater lake, but seriously consider it as being a stop on your trip. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
16: The midnight sun
In the summer months, Iceland might have as much as Twenty four hours of daylight, that is a reason in itself to organize a trip to Iceland.
If this is something you'd like to see, I'd definitely suggest doing serious research, because the timing from the sun changes all year round. The ultimate ideal time to visit to determine the state midnight sun is on the summer solstice in June for peak viewing. From May to August, there is light around midnight, however the sun sets right before midnight. May to July is the greatest time for seeing the brightness and the longest days of the entire year.
The midnight sun is visible any place in Iceland. Automobile travel to a particular place to view it, however, many locations may have better views or natural landscapes for optimal photography.
On the other side, Iceland is also the place to find days and months with very little daylight, some days only Four to five hours each. The shortest days in Iceland are from December to January, where the days lengthen a couple of minutes each day from December to June.
17: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world
The final reason why you should visit Iceland as a wheelchair user happens because Iceland is among the safest countries on the planet.
I did my research before traveling to Iceland and located that Iceland is the leading country when it comes to safety, having a 94 from 100, and seated within the # 1 just right the list. For comparison's sake, the United States is number 49 on this list and has a 68 from 100.
I've been to Iceland twice, that ought to let you know something about how exactly my trips went like a wheelchair user. I enjoyed myself a lot the first time which i went again! I did not have any issues with accessibility, when i traveled with Iceland Unlimited, and located plenty of things you can do, places to see, and dining options, all while feeling very safe, comfortable, and excited to explore.
Hopefully these 17 explanations why you need to visit Iceland like a wheelchair user have helped not only convince you to travel to Iceland, but additionally got you excited to plan your own trip.
Using an accessible tour company like Iceland Unlimited will help you get to the amazing destinations I pointed out and can assist you to focus on the experiences and never the transportation.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Iceland and if you're a wheelchair user who's curious about international travel, definitely put Iceland in your bucket listing of destinations to visit. It is a place unlike elsewhere in the world.
*Thank you to Iceland Unlimited for showing me the very best things you can do in Iceland! While my experiences were complimentary or discounted, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.