Australian Travellers Flock to Iceland: TripAdvisor Data Reveals a 26% Increase in Interest in Travel to the Country

According to TripAdvisor traffic data*, Australia’s travel interests have shifted significantly toward visits to Iceland, which have increased 26% in the first semester of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. With the best season to see the popular Northern Lights beginning in September until March, it is now the best time to go to Iceland! TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online provider of tours, activities and attractions, has highlighted these top things to do while in Iceland that travellers cannot miss:

See the lights before they dim

The Aurora Borealis is, without a doubt, Iceland´s top attraction and the world’s most famous true light display of nature. Travellers can book a tour on TripAdvisor to admire the polar lights, such as this Unleash Iceland tour, for around $234, including transportation, guide, an Icelandic meal, cocktails and a visit to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tube Cave. If you are on a budget and would only like to see the Lights, more affordable options like the Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik can also be purchased for $58.

Skyr – a culture part of Iceland’s culture

A visit to Skyr Factory is a must for any traveller wanting to discover the flavours of Iceland. Skyr is a unique Icelandic yoghurt and on this tour, you’ll even sample Icelandic delicacies given a modern twist and sip an exclusive Skyr cocktail. The Golden Circle Gourmet Food tasting tour for $341 is a good option, where you will be able to enjoy a farm-to-table meal of fresh dairy, meats, and fish at a local farm, visiting greenhouses, a classic Nordic turf house to feast on regional specialties like dried fish, smoked lamb and rhubarb pancakes, and making scenic stops at Thingvellir National Park and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall.

Cruise and have a whale good time

Iceland is one of the few places in the world where visitors can admire Minke and Humpback whales, as well as other local residents, like white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and puffins. Some boat cruises combine visits to other important attractions, like this Whale Watching Cruise, including a visit to BlueLagoon Spa, bookable on TripAdvisor for $338, or this Whale Watching tour including Gullfoss and Geysir Express Tour from Reykjavik, for $285. Bundle up and enjoy the ride!

Horse around like a warrior

Embark on a great northern adventure with a ride on an Icelandic horse, the same breed imported by Vikings in the 9th century and closely related to ones that were ridden by Norse warriors. Feel like a true explorer as you cross the remote landscape, taking in views of icy peaks in the distance. On these Viking Horse-riding tours tours, you can also have your choice of additional visits, like the Viking Horse-riding and visit to the Blue Lagoon Viking Horse-Riding and Gulfoss and Geysir Express Tour from Reykjavik

Drink like an Icelander… try

Get a taste of Iceland at the country’s oldest brewery, the Olgerdin Brewery, where you can also take in fascinating tales of Iceland’s quirky drinking culture. You can visit the brewery on its own, purchasing this Beer Tasting at Olgerdin Brewery from Reykjavik this jam-packed tourUNESCO-listed Thingvellir Park and see Lake Thingvallavatn, Gullfoss waterfall andGeysir geothermal area, for $193.

Get your dose of adrenaline in the cold

For those who enjoy sports and outdoors activities, Iceland is a definite winner to get your thrill on. From kayaking, to snowmobiling, snorkelling, hiking and ice climbing, or white water rafting… there is an activity of choice for all adrenaline junkies out there. Most of these tours visit emblematic Icelandic treasures like Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall, the Gjábakkahellir cave, Silfra or Solheimajokull Glacier. Just make sure you wear your warmest gear… And enjoy!

Go beyond the Wall

Iceland is one of the most popular filming locations of this popular TV show, where places like Vik have seen increases in searches on TripAdvisor of up to 1300% from the end of 2012 until the beginning of 2016. In fact, this 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour From Reykjavik, bookable on TripAdvisor for $159, is the second most booked Game of Thrones tour in the world! See where the White Walkers roamed in Thingvellir National Park, the waterfall Þórufoss, where a local goat was attacked by one of Daenerys‘ dragons, or Almannagjá Gorge in Thingvellir, used to film scenes depicting the Bloody gate of the Eyrie.

*Unique sessions from users in Australia to Iceland pages on TripAdvisor, comparing the first semester of 2016 and 2017.