Neatly sandwiched in between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, Iceland is one of Europe’s least inhabited countries which makes it a must for anyone looking to get away from it all on their next travel adventure.
Although the country has a fairly cool climate, with average winter temperatures dipping below freezing, it’s also well-known for its fabulous thermal activity which tends to heat things up a bit with geysers, volcanoes and hot springs all adding to an exciting blend of fire and ice.
Most visitors will initially touch down in or around the capital city of Reykjavik which, in itself, is a pretty hot centre of activity with numerous bars, clubs and cool cafés providing a warm welcome as well as a great base to get acclimatised.
Once you’ve had your fill of Iceland’s city scene then there’s only one thing left to do and that’s explore and if you’re looking for excuses to find out what the fuss is all about then read on and don’t forget your thermals or expect to see any Eskimos.
“People are always asking me about Eskimos, but there are no Eskimos in Iceland.” Bjork
Whale watching
The marine life off the coast of Iceland is simply stunning and if you get the chance to go on a cruise or even a ferry ride then jump on-board and don’t forget your camera. The best time to go is over the summer months as you’ll find an abundance of whales, seals and dolphins making their way through the wild waters of the Arctic Ocean.
Geothermal activity
Hot water pools, spurting geysers and steaming underground springs can all, quite literally, take your breath away on a visit to Iceland with the south of the country being one of the best places to experience the most intense geothermal activity. The Blue Lagoon at Grindavik is a great example of Iceland’s natural propensity for using the power of the planet and if you’re looking for an almost 40C outdoor spa bath then you know where to come.
Vatnajökull National Park
This is one of three national parks contained within the borders of Iceland and definitely worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for ice caves and shimmering landscapes. Covering around 15% of the entirety of the country, Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe and contains numerous waterfalls, melt-water rivers and volcanoes which are simply stunning no matter what time of year you’re thinking of visiting.
The Northern Lights
Known to be one of the most incredibly alluring natural spectacles on the planet, the Aurora Borealis display that you’ll find in Iceland is thought to be one of the best. Definitely worth being patient for, especially if you’re visiting from Autumn until early spring, watching the northern lights in Iceland is an amazing experience and definitely not to be missed if you get the chance.
Reykjavivk
From the fabulous architecture of Hallgrímskirkja to the Icelandic heritage stored within the Culture House, a trip to the most northerly capital on the planet is an intoxicating blend of good times and cultural highlights with numerous spas, art installations and shopping centres adding to the appeal. If you’re looking for after dark action then Iceland’s capital is where it’s at with a wide choice of bars and clubs that stay open until the wee small hours and often don’t get started until after midnight.