6 Awesome places to visit in Dublin

In our previous blog we have looked at some mesmerising cities to visit in Ireland, let’s now look at what you can do in each of those cities, starting with the capital- Dublin. As one of Europe’s most historically important cities, Ireland’s capital packs enough art, culture and character to fill a month-long itinerary and still leave you wanting more. Plus, the city’s almost entirely walkable. Despite its wealth and diversity, Dublin retains a small-town feel that never fails to charm visitors. Dublin has so many attractions that it’s sometimes hard to decide what to visit and we at XcelTrip have made it easy for you, with a list of places that you cannot miss on your vacation in Ireland.

Dublin Castle

Built in 1204, Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British rule for over 700 years. In April 1684, a fire ripped through the castle, destroying much of the structure. A stunning Georgian palace was built in its place. Since 1938, all of Ireland’s presidents have been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall, one of the many grand State Apartments. The manicured castle gardens are a highlight, with this guided tour explaining their history. The tour also includes an excursion to Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head. The castle regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, which it advertises on its website.

Christ Church Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral was founded in 1030 as a wooden Viking church. While Romanesque and Gothic elements were added over the next few centuries, the Christ Church Cathedral underwent a major renovation during the Victorian era. This standard ticket is for a self-guided tour of the cathedral crypt (among the largest in the British Isles) and the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition. The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral has been enchanting visitors since 1493. Check the website for the full programme of events.

The Book of Kells

Possibly Ireland’s most important artefact, this remarkable ninth-century manuscript details the four gospels of the life of Jesus Christ in astounding calligraphy. The book’s 340 folios are made from prepared calfskin (vellum). Artists used mineral pigments such as red lead, lapis lazuli and copper to create symbols representing the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This guided tour leads you into Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library to see the manuscript before everyone else arrives. Afterwards, your guide will take you to tour the grounds of Dublin Castle.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Legend has it that a well once stood on this site, where Saint Patrick baptised people into Christianity. Today, baptisms still take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, constructed between 1220 and 1260. Archbishop Luke, the building’s architect, was blind by the time of its completion, so he tragically never saw his idea come to fruition. Famous deans of the cathedral include Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. His grave is here, as well as a collection of his early works. Visits to the cathedral are self-guided; book your tickets in here.

Abbey Theatre

The Abbey’s cutting-edge shows often tackle controversial subjects, which is unusual for a national state theatre. WB Yeats and dramatist Lady Gregory opened the theatre in 1904, with the manifesto “to bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland”. It certainly did that. Abbey productions triggered riots in 1907 and 1926. In the second instance, Yeats leapt onto the stage to scold the audience. Things have calmed down these days, but you can still enjoy top-class Irish theatre or a backstage tour.

Jameson Distillery Bow St

Founded in 1780, Jameson makes the biggest-selling Irish whiskey on the planet. Although distilling no longer takes place at this Bow Street building, the slick and interactive tour more than compensates for the lack of working stills. There are videos on the founder, John Jameson, and lab benches showing the progress from barley to bottle. The tour also includes a tasting where you will finally understand the difference between bourbon, scotch and Irish whiskey. Head to the classy downstairs bar for a post-tour cocktail. Whiskey-blending and cocktail-making classes are also available.

Where to stay?

Budget– Times Hostel — Camden Place

Price- 0.00565 BTC per night

Property Location: A stay at Times Hostel — Camden Place places you in the heart of Dublin, within a 10-minute walk of St. Stephen’s Green and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This hostel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Trinity College and 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Dublin Castle.

Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and tour/ticket assistance.

Dining: Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7 AM to 10 AM.

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include a computer station, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk.

Luxury– Luttrellstown Castle Resort

Price- 0.59377 BTC per night

Property Location: With a stay at this castle in Dublin (Ongar), you’ll be 12 minutes by car from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. This 5-star castle is 7.7 mi (12.4 km) from War Memorial Gardens and 8.1 mi (13 km) from Guinness Storehouse.

Amenities: Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a golf course or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. This castle also features complimentary wireless Internet access, babysitting/childcare (surcharge), and barbecue grills.

Dining: Take advantage of the castle’s room service (during limited hours). A complimentary full breakfast is served daily.

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.

XcelTrip Partner With Manny Pacquiao Foundation!

XcelTrip and XcelPay on the 29th of October, 2019 at 11:00 AM joined hands with Manny Pacquiao Foundation (MPF) as their official travel and transaction partners.

Since conception, the Manny Pacquiao Foundation (MPF) has played a very important role in the lives of the less fortunate in society, food, housing, but most of all, hope. Now, they are taking a step further by joining in the blockchain/cryptocurrency revolution.

The foundation is announcing a partnership with blockchain/cryptocurrency partners that they will start accepting cryptocurrency donations as a way to help more people globally.

“XcelTrip and XcelPay are happy to join Manny Pacquiao Foundation as their Official Travel and Transaction Partners, we are honoured to participate and contribute to the amazing work the foundation is doing”, quoted Gyanadra Khadka the CEO of XcelTrip and XcelPay

XcelTrip a Next- Generation travel platform powered by the blockchain technology, has been built solely to disrupt the ever-growing trillion-dollar travel industry. The features are scrupulously created to democratize crypto use-cases, that challenges the monopoly of the ecosystem by giving the power back to the users by providing the users full control over their bookings and their anonymity.

Book your flight tickets now with over 400 airlines and check-in to more than 1.5 million hotels using not just XcelToken Plus but also using Ethereum, Bitcoin, Binance coin, Dash, Litecoinh and VERGE. XcelTrip is actively looking to adopt other utility tokens on their platforms.

Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao (Founders of the MPF) are known all over the world as individuals who cater to the welfare of many underprivileged people. Some of the activities and projects they’ve embarked on in the last few years include scholarships, paying hospital bills, and providing basic needs like clothing and food.

However, their biggest project was building 1,000 homes for families in need, which has been praised all over the world as a positive, effective, and tangible social impact. Through the project, poor families living in slums or those who couldn’t afford a place to lay their heads are able to get access to living quarters at no cost.

MPF integrating blockchain/cryptocurrency is a way of furthering their charitable projects, by making it modern-technology compliant. Now, the company is accepting donations via cryptocurrency with the aim of improving revenue so they can initiate and execute even more projects. Verge will be the official accepted Cryptocurrency for the MPF as the partnership was spear-headed by the Verge Currency Team.

Blockchain/cryptocurrency is beneficial in so many ways, especially for charities who require financial support and donations from every possible and genuine angle. With cryptocurrency, charities like MPF will be able to raise more funds since donors can transfer cash without having to pass through rigorous scrutiny that is common with regular bank transfers.

Also, cryptocurrency is highly confidential so that no one knows the identity of the person that is sending the money. There are almost no transaction fees, and anyone can send funds from any part of the world without hassle.

To make this into a reality XcelPay Wallet along with Verge and Paycent, has partnered with them to Make crypto transactions simple.

XcelPay Wallet is a merchant POS, digital payment wallet and crypto payment gateway. XcelPay Wallet is integrated into an easy to use, crypto wallet that is enabled for both mobile and tablet use, makes sure that sending and receiving payments in crypto is a secure process.

XcelPay Wallet aims to cut out unwanted middle men, bank/card transaction fees, currency conversion fees that produce a damaging effect on the retailer’s and consumer’s margins, making this a shopaholic’s ultimate companion.

Through XcelPay Wallet, users can now top up their mobile phone plans with 900 different carrier services and in 160 countries, with Ethereum, Bitcoin and XcelToken Plus.

To learn more about the foundation and donate click here.

Visit Ireland- 5 Must Visit Cities in Ireland

There are many places to visit in Ireland. It is a country that has a lot to offer to its visitors — from the stunning unspoilt nature and dramatic coastline to bustling cities and traces of the ancient past. Here is the list of 5 must Visit cities in Ireland, however you will find much more in this green island.

Dublin

Dublinis known for many as a city where you can experience long nights in the famous Temple Bar district. It is the capital of Ireland, and therefore offers a lot to explore. Do remember to visit its castle, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, or to enjoy its streets during some of the main festivals and events.

Galway

Right on the opposite (western) end of the country you can find a medieval city of Galway. With its architecture and a vibrant cultural scene, it has been voted one of the sexiest cities in the world. The city is crisscrossed with picturesque streets decorated with colourful portals, pubs and shops. Here you cannot miss medieval city walls with its Spanish Arch or huge and impressive Cathedral. Nearby Galway you can then explore Connemara National Park, which boasts the beautiful mountains, vast marshes, forests and heaths.

Cork

Cork is the 2nd largest city of Ireland situated on its southern part. There are approximately 120,000 inhabitants living permanently in the city and has a port and one of the largest international airports in the country. In combination with mild climate, rich history, and a developed cultural life, Cork became very popular and is always full of tourists.

Dingle

Beautiful and mystical Dingle Peninsula, which is part of Ireland, is (apart from Iceland) considered the westernmost point of Europe. Its rocky coastline, alternating with kilometres of beaches is washed by the cold Atlantic Ocean. Together with its wonderful nature, rich culture and history, this place is a heaven just waiting to be explored. Its capital is Dingle which is, at the same time, the starting point for all hiking trails. You can visit its Ocean world Aquarium or just stroll through its colourful streets.

Kilkenny

Somewhere in the middle of the way between Dublin and Cork you will find a city of Kilkenny. It is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Ireland. The castle, standing above the bend of the River Nore is one of the most impressive sights. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when the city was colonized by the Normans and at the site of today’s castle, they built a fort. The castle was gradually expanded and fortified. But there are many other medieval sights that are worth a visit!

Use XcelTrip to Plan your vacation to Ireland to tour these must visit cities and receive a cool 15% off on all your bookings.

4 Awesome Places to Visit in Akranes.

On a clear day in Reykjavík, a town named Akranes can often be seen from the old harbour area. The town is located just across the bay, about 50 minutes driving from Reykjavík and just a bit longer with bus 57. Akranes is located not far from the ring road but is often a forgotten tourist destination, despite the many things you can do there. In this article, you can read our recommendations on how to spend a day in Akranes.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Akranes used to be a big fishing village. You can visit theAkranes Folk Museum to learn all about Akranes and its fishing industry. The exhibition includes displays of rowing boats from the late 1800s, old cars, and three fully furnished old houses which are open to public. After a tour of the museum, Garðakaffi, located on the premise, is the perfect place for a cup of coffee.

VISIT BREIÐIN LIGHTHOUSE

If you like lighthouses, then Akranes lighthouse is the place for you. Built in 1944, Akranes lighthouse is today the home of art exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours. The view from the top is picturesque on a nice day and the lighthouse is a popular destination in winter for northern lights hunters.

GO FOR A SWIM

Just like most towns in Iceland, Akranes is home to a thermal swimming pool. The Jaðarsbakkar swimming pool is one of the local hang-outs of swimming team ÍA. It has hot tubs, a 25m pool, and a waterslide. For those who dare, go sea swimming! Sea swimming is a popular sport amongst locals and on weekends, you can see people swim from the beach Langisandur. Unlike most beaches in Iceland, Langisandur does not have black but yellow sand, which makes it unique. If you are not one of the brave, you can still enjoy a nice warm bath in the recently opened hot pool Guðlaug, located right on the beach. You will have a stunning view over Faxaflói bay while soaking in the warm water.

EAT OUT

Akranes might be small, but it is home to a couple good restaurants such as Galito and Gamla Kaupfélagið. Go to Galito if you are craving high-quality pizza, and to Gamla Kaupfélagið for juicy stakes. Coffee lovers should head to Lesbókin Café, a cosy place located by Akranes’ main square.

Places to Stay-

Budget- Akranes HI Hostel — 0.00716 BTC per night

Property Location: When you stay at Akranes HI Hostel in Akranes, you’ll be next to a golf course and 12 minutes by foot from Akranes Lighthouse. This guesthouse is 30.1 mi (48.5 km) from Hallgrimskirkja and 30.1 mi (48.4 km) from Perlan.

Amenities: Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and a television in a common area. Additional amenities at this guesthouse include tour/ticket assistance and a picnic area.

Dining: Continental breakfasts are available daily from 8 AM to 10 AM for a fee.

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and microwave in a common area. Free parking is available.

Luxury- Hotel Laxarbakki — 0.00942 BTC per night

Property Location: When you stay at Hotel Laxarbakki in Akranes, you’ll be on a river and 15 minutes by car from Leynir Golf Club. This apartment is 31.5 mi (50.6 km) from Hallgrimskirkja and 31.4 mi (50.5 km) from Perlan.

Amenities: Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a spa tub or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. This apartment also features complimentary wireless Internet access, tour/ticket assistance, and a picnic area.

Dining: Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the apartment’s coffee shop/cafe. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include multilingual staff, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free parking is available.

Use XcelTrip to visit Akranes to make memories that last a lifetime and receive a cool 15% off on all your bookings.

5 Awesome Things To Do At Hafnarfjordur

Whether you’re visiting Hafnarfjordur for a few days or are a localite, Hafnarfjordur is sure to have something new for you. Explore our guide that tells you about the best tourist places to visit and things to do in Hafnarfjordur. This guide will give you an idea about the popular attractions, upcoming tourist spots, and off-beat things to do in Hafnarfjordur. This makes it easy to plan weekends or long vacations in Hafnarfjordur. We have compiled this cool stuff to do in Hafnarfjordur keeping in mind the points of interest for families, groups, and romantic couples. Looking at the activities for adventure junkies in Hafnarfjordur listed here will get the blood rushing and adrenaline pumping through your veins.

Sóley Organics

Sóley brings together powerful, organic Icelandic herbs and generations of expertise to create bath and beauty products that are used in many upscale hotels and spas. This is their main shop, but you’ll also find their products at Heilsuhúsið health stores, Lyfja pharmacies, Hagkaup in the Kringlan or Smáralind shopping centres, and at Keflavík International Airport Duty Free.

Hafnarfjörður Museum — Pakkhúsið

Hafnarfjörður Museum is divided over several buildings. Start at the main building, Pakkhúsið, for three floors of displays on the history of Hafnarfjörður, and a small toy museum.

Súfistinn

This little cafe-bar is the most cheerful place to eat in town — ladies lunch, kids play chess and half of Hafnarfjörður gathers to gossip about the other half. There’s a satisfying selection of salads, sandwiches, burritos, crêpes, quiches and coffee, and an outside seating area.

Hellisgerði

This peaceful park is filled with lava grottoes and is apparently one of the favourite places of the huldufólk (hidden people) — the álfar (elves), ljósálfar (fairies) and dvergar (dwarves) purported to live in parallel worlds to ours.

Bookless Bungalow

No, not a house without books, but the former home of Harry and Douglas Bookless, Scottish brothers who ran a fisheries operation here in the early 1900s. Inside you’ll find displays on the history of fishing and the brothers’ restored drawing room.

Sívertsen Húsið

In the 19th-century, merchant Bjarni Sívertsen lived in this beautiful home. He was the most important man in Hafnarfjörður and the house is decked out with period pieces — a piano, rich drapes, woven wallpaper, mahogany furniture, delicate crockery and silver spoons.

Where to Stay?

Hotel Vellir- 0.01048 BTC per night

Property Location: Located in Hafnarfjordur, Hotel Vellir is connected to the convention center, a 3-minute drive from Sudurbaejarlaug and 5 minutes from Hafnarborg. This hotel is 8.3 mi (13.3 km) from Hallgrimskirkja and 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Perlan.

Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.

Dining: Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/cafe. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Hotel Viking- 0.01331 BTC per night

Property Location: With a stay at Hotel Viking in Hafnarfjordur, you’ll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Perlan and Hafnarborg. This hotel is 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Hallgrimskirkja and 7.5 mi (12.1 km) from Reykjavik City Hall.

Amenities: Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

Dining: Satisfy your appetite with local cuisine at Fjaran Restaurant, one of the hotel’s 2 restaurants. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10 AM.

Other Amenities: Featured amenities include a computer station, dry cleaning/laundry services, and multilingual staff. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free parking is available.

Plan your vacation to Hafnarfjordur, with XcelTrip and receive a cool 15% off on all your bookings.

5 Awesome Things To Do In Akureyri

Iceland’s second largest town, Akureyri is considered by many to be the capital of the country’s North. Some 18,000 people live here, so by most European standards it is hardly a city and more of a town, but it has some exciting sightseeing options and beautiful natural surroundings.

Whale watching

Whale-watching is one of the most important tourist activities on this part of the island, as the proximity to Arctic waters means that a lot of different whale species are swimming in the area, from the hunchback to majestic blue whales. Going on a whale-watching trip can take up a pretty large part of the day, since most tours last for around three hours. Most companies also provide extra clothing for their clients, meaning that they can sit back and enjoy the trip without having to worry about the rain or the cold winds.

Arctic Botanical Gardens

These are the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, founded in 1912, and one of Akureyri’s gems. The gardens are known for their extensive plant collection, encompassing almost every known species in Iceland as well as thousands from overseas. Beautiful paths lead visitors around it and provide for wonderful scenery. The gardens are free to visit; a great plan for one of Iceland’s sunnier days.

Godafoss

Godafoss, or ‘the Gods’ waterfall’, is a beautiful natural creation close to Akureyri. Its name derives from an historical episode in which the ruler of the region decided to dump all of the Icelandic pagan statuettes and symbols into the waterfall to symbolize the fact that they were leaving behind that faith and turning to Christianity. The waterfall is easily accessible from a nearby car park, so not much walking is necessary to enjoy the magnificent views.

Northern Lights tour

The Northern Lights are one of the major reasons behind tourism in Iceland, since tourists flock here to observe this natural wonder throughout the winter months, despite the harsh weather conditions. Taking a tour to see them in Akureyri is a great and safe way of trying to see this phenomenon, since Akureyri is very far north and does not have a huge population, the probability of seeing them from here is higher than in other areas around Reykjavik.

Akureyri Museum

This museum is quite small, but it is nevertheless fascinating. It hosts different exhibitions which change relatively often, so visitors never know what to expect, as the work on show can vary from contemporary art to fashion exhibits. The permanent collection has a variety of Icelandic maps, and some objects explaining Akureyri’s history, with English explanations for the most part, so visitors will be able to get some background information on this part of the island.

Where to stay?

Luxury- Akureyri Luxury Villa– 0.03134 BTC

Property Location: Located in Akureyri, this apartment is within a 10-minute drive of Jon Sveinsson Museum and Akureyri Botanical Garden. This 4.5-star apartment is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from the University of Akureyri and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Akureyri Church.

Amenities: Enjoy recreation amenities such as a spa tub or take in the view from the terrace. Additional features at this apartment include complimentary wireless Internet access and barbecue grills. Other Amenities: Free parking is available.

Budget- Brekkugata 33 Guesthouse– 0.00612 BTC

Property Location: Located in Akureyri, Brekkugata 33 Guesthouse is a 5-minute drive from Akureyri Church and 5 minutes from Akureyri Botanical Garden. This guesthouse is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from the University of Akureyri and 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from Sulur. Other Amenities: Free parking is available.

Book Hotel and Flights using Bitcoin at XcelTrip and visit Iceland Askja, Fjaðrárgljúfur.

Askja.

gAskja is a 50 km3 caldera, located in the remote part of the Icelandic central highlands. Askja was formed during a major ash eruption during the late end of the Ice Age which caused the roof of a magma chamber to subside.

Víti is an explosive volcanic crater but water has accumulated in the crater and the temperature of the water is around 30°C or 86ºF. This makes the volcanic crater a popular bathing site but we only recommend it for those who have done their research on the water temperature and the location’s conditions before. Also, the path down is often very slippery, especially in wet weather.

Askja and its blue lake, Öskjuvatn

Öskjuvatn basically just means the lake of Askja. Its surface area is about 11 square km and the depth around 217 m2 or 712 ft which makes it the second largest lake in Iceland after Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The lake is situated in the middle of the crater of the volcano that we call Askja and its water is extremely turquoise blue making it quite mesmerizing and very photogenic.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjadrargljufur is a 2 km (1.24 mi) long canyon in the South-East Region of Iceland. The canyon is about 100 meters deep and through it runs a small freshwater stream. It is known to be one of the most picturesque places in Iceland and has quickly become one of the most sought-after locations, especially after appearing Justin Bieber’s video — I’ll Show You.

The Fjaðrárgjúfur Canyon was formed during the last ice age when a glacial river carved its way through soil creating a massive canyon about 100 meters down. Even though the canyon was created at a cold period it is today a very fertile place, known for beautiful and colorful vegetation.

The fairytale-like Fjaðrárgljúfur has steep tuff walls on both sides which are believed to be about 2 million years old. The river Fjaðrá that runs like a snake in between the palagonite walls originates in the Geirland Shaun lava field and falls from a cliff into the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon creating quite the scene. The river then joined the powerful Skaftá river.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur is located in Skaftárhreppur county in the South Eastern part of Iceland.

The distance between Reykjavík and Fjaðrárgljúfur is about 248 kilometers (154.1 mi) and the drive takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes without stops.

Fjaðrárgljúfur is very close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur only about 11.9 km (7.39 mi) and about 20 minutes of driving.

The Great Fjadrargljufur Canyon

The turn to Fjaðrárgljúfur is right off Ring Road 1 so about 20 minutes before reaching Kirkjubæjarklaustur (if you are driving the Ring Road counterclockwise) look for a sign pointing to Road Nr. 206 called Holtsvegur. There you will drive for about 3 km (1.86 mi) before finding the parking lot.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a relatively safe place, especially on an Icelandic standard. Still, like when visiting new places, it is best to be prepared. Keep this in mind:

If the water levels are high you might want to consider skipping going into the canyon itself. Wading the river is necessary and at this point, it might not be smart.

If the water levels are low and you are planning on wading, bring sandals or wading shoes it helps a lot.

Enjoy your trip to Iceland with our online travel booking platform XcelTrip where you can check-in at over 1,500,000 hotels and book tickets with over 400 airlines. Download XcelPay Wallet– a merchant POS and digital payment wallet through which you can now recharge your phones with 900 different carrier services and in 160 countries, with cryptocurrency.

Travel Booking by crypto at XcelTrip and enjoy Blue Lagoon and Hallgrimskirkja.

The Blue Lagoon, just a few minutes from KeflavikInternational Airport, is a highly popular destination for visitors to Iceland. Mineral-rich hot water from far beneath the earth forms the spectacular lagoon, where a luxurious health spa has been developed in the rugged lava landscape. The lagoon’s geothermal seawater is known for its positive effects on the skin.

Through nature and science, Blue Lagoon spa treatments and massages provide you with the energy of the geothermal seawater and its active ingredients: minerals, silica and algae.

The outdoor spa area is spacious and more than one treatment can take place simultaneously, making it possible for couples to have a treatment at the same time. In-water spa treatments take place on a specially designed wooden bench and massages are performed on a mattress in the lagoon. Special blankets are used to keep guests warm. Floating in the mineral-rich water, in close proximity to the Blue Lagoon extraordinary environment, surrounded by the natural elements and pure Icelandic air, is a unique experience for body and mind.

Hallgrimskirkja

Visible from almost any point in the city, Hallgrimskirkja Church sits at the top of Skolavordustigur Street, the central art and design shopping street in the capital. The iconic building is 74,5 meters (240 ft) high, and a visit to the top will reward you with awe-inspiring views of Reykjavik and even Snaefellsjokull glacier on a clear day. For a modest fee visitor can enter the church tower and enjoy the majestic view.

Completed in 1986, the concrete structure took over 40 years to build. The tower was renovated in 2009. The soaring modernist church was designed to resemble the basalt lava flows found in Iceland ‘s natural landscape, especially the basalt columns around Svartifoss waterfall.

How high is the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church?

It is over 74 meters (240 ft) high and offers a singular view of Reykjavik. We fully recommend going up there, since the view is breathtaking and it is also fun and interesting to see Reykjavik from that high up.

At XcelTrip you could book “100 Iceland Hotel” at a price a s low as 0.00953 BTC per night and explore Iceland. With a stay at 100 Iceland Hotel in Reykjavik (Reykjavik 101), you’ll be a 4-minute drive from Hallgrimskirkja and 7 minutes from Perlan. This hotel is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Reykjavik City Hall and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from National Museum of Iceland.

Book your travel with cryptocurrency and visit Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice cap with two previously established national parks: Skaftafell in southeast Iceland and Jökulsárgljúfur in the northeast. The park measures over 14,100 sq km, occupying approximately 14% of the entire country, and its boundaries encircle a staggering richness of landscapes and some of Iceland’s greatest natural treasures, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity.

The entirety of the Vatnajökull ice cap is protected, including countless outlet glaciers and glacial rivers. There are incredible rock formations around Ásbyrgi canyon, waterfalls such as Dettifoss and Svartifoss, the storied Lakagígar crater row, Askja and other volcanoes of the highlands, and an unending variety of areas where geology, ecology and history lessons spring to life. Vatnajökull National Park has been nominated for inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage list.

Hiking trails and 4WD routes can get you to remote gems, but you don’t have to go far to sample some of the park’s highlights — worthy diversions (and awesome vistas) can be accessed from a standard Ring Road journey of the country, and there’s a smorgasbord of tour offerings. The park operates five major visitor centres at Skaftafell Stofa, Gamlabúð, Skaftárstofa, Snæfellsstofa and Gljúfrastofa; and there are camping grounds within the park.

What to see in Vatnajokull National Park?

The scenery encircling the glacier is extremely varied. Towards the north, glacial rivers divide the highlands, with powerful flows in summer. The volcano Askja, Kverkfjoll and Snaefell tower over this region, together with the volcanic Table Mountain Herdubreid, which Icelanders call the Queen of the Mountains. Long ago, huge glacial floods carved out the canyon of Jokulsargljufur in the northern reaches of this plateau. The mighty Dettifoss waterfall still thunders into the upper end of this canyon, while the scenic formations at Hljodaklettar and the horseshoe-curved cliffs of Asbyrgi are found farther north.

The park offers visitors an up-close opportunity to experience the interaction between glacial forces and volcanic activities. There are a great variety of hiking trails within the park as well as the possibility for ice climbing, ATV rides and snowmobiling.

One could rather agreeably state that the whole of Iceland is a makeshift national park. After all, the landscapes are ostensibly untouched and undeveloped, often leaving wild open space from horizon line to horizon line. To pick out only a handful of attractions to officially recognise seems somewhat arbitrary, but there are good reasons behind it, of which we will explore in this article.

Enjoy your trip to Vatnajökull National Park with our online travel booking platform XcelTrip where you can check-in at over 1,500,000 hotels and book tickets with over 400 airlines. Download XcelPay Wallet– a merchant POS and digital payment wallet through which you can now recharge your phones with 900 different carrier services and in 160 countries, with cryptocurrency.

Book Hotel and Flights using Bitcoin at XcelTrip and visit Iceland, Reykjavík.

The world’s most northerly capital combines colorful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design, wild nightlife and a capricious soul.

Reykjavík has a vibrant cultural and design scene, with plenty of exciting adventure tours, vivid nightlife, modern museums, world-class restaurants, galleries, shops, bars and clubs for you to explore throughout your stay.

Iceland’s capital city is also a terrific base from which to experience some of the island’s breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders, such as the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, The Northern Lights or The Golden Circle; where you’ll witness spouting geysers, waterfalls, rift valleys and more. Whatever way you choose to spend your time in Reykjavík, this is one city break that is truly unique.

In our detailed guide, you will learn everything that is important and useful for planning your stay in Reykjavík. After a brief history lesson, we’ll set you up with tips of must-see places and must-do activities, including all of the things you can do for free. We’ve also listed a bunch of helpful recommendations on where to eat and drink in the capital area. Welcome to our lovely capital of Reykjavík!

Food & Nightlife

Reykjavík is strikingly cosmopolitan for its size. It’s merely a town by international standards, compared with London or Paris, yet it’s loaded with captivating art, rich culinary choices, and cool cafes and bars. The capital has seen a recent surge in restaurant openings, many of the highest standard, and expressing all manner of culinary creativity.

Art & Design

The capital’s art museums, shops and galleries are a perfect insight into contemporary city life. They include outstanding exhibition spaces, such as the Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery, as well as shops featuring cutting-edge Icelandic design. Edgy contemporary art galleries such as those in the Marshall House showcase emerging and internationally famous Icelandic artists. Reykjavík also presents the chance to see Icelandic cinema with English subtitles. Or, wander the streets photographing creative graffiti and public art installations, like the ever-popular seaside Sun Voyager sculpture, which changes guises along with the light.

The Great Outdoors

Even if you come to Reykjavík for a short visit, be sure to take a trip to the countryside. Tours and services abound, and understanding Reykjavík and its people is helped by understanding the vast, raw land they anchor. The majority of Icelanders live in the capital, but you can guarantee their spirits also roam free across the land. Absorb what you see, hear, taste, smell — all part of Iceland’s rich heritage.

From a vibrant art and music scene to a treasure trove of world renowned cultural and historical attractions, Reykjavík boasts endless opportunities for fun and adventure.

At XcelTrip you could book “100 Iceland Hotel” at a price a s low as 0.00953 BTC per night and explore Iceland. With a stay at 100 Iceland Hotel in Reykjavik (Reykjavik 101), you’ll be a 4-minute drive fromHallgrimskirkja and 7 minutes from Perlan. This hotel is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Reykjavik City Hall and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from National Museum of Iceland.