An island just below the Arctic Circle, is one of the wildest places on the planet. The geology of Iceland is astonishingly dramatic: vast ice caps and glittering iceberg-studded lakes contrast with soaring snow-covered mountains and solidified lava fields, powerful waterfalls roar down cliffs and waves crash on black beaches, while turquoise ponds, steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools dot starkly empty plains. And every now and then a volcano explodes.
 In short – it’s a nature lover’s dream.
The unique landscapes are one huge draw to Iceland, but there are many more reasons to travel to this bucket list destination.
Adventurous activities abound, and you can fill your days doing things like scuba diving in a glacial lake between the continental plates, trekking over and climbing up glaciers, exploring ice caves, riding beautiful Icelandic ponies, surfing, doing scenic flights in tiny planes, and hiking – the island is criss-crossed with hiking trails that take you to the untouched rugged highlands.
And after all that, there are many natural hot pools scattered across the island where you can soak your weary limbs.
The reason that many people make the trip to Iceland is to see the famous Northern Lights. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the magical show of colours streaking the night skies.
During the winter months (September to April) the Northern Lights are often on display, and it’s easy to spot them: just stay in a dark area outside of a town, and try to stay awake!
If that wasn’t enough to lure you in, Iceland also has some wonderful wildlife. In terms of marine animals, there are humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and porpoises to spot on sailing trips on the chilly waters of the Atlantic from Reykjavik and Husavik in the north, while back on land you can see wild reindeer, Arctic foxes and puffins.
Reykjavik, Iceland’s southwestern capital city, is where you’re likely to start your trip. While it’s a small city, it offers a surprising number of attractions, from quirky museums and themed bars to the Blue Lagoon. Situated a quick drive from the international airport, this steaming silica-infused pastel blue lagoon is a must do if you’re just arriving or leaving Iceland.
Some people base themselves in Reykjavik and do day trips to places like Thingvellir National Park close by, but if you really want to get a taste of Iceland, you need to head out further. Route 1 – Iceland’s 1332-kilometre single paved Ring Road, encircles the rugged perimeter.
There are countless attractions close by to the road as you drive around the island such as the mighty Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black beaches of Vik, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, which is filled with crackling icebergs, and glaciers like SvÃnafellsjökull, which forms part of Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest ice cap – in the south of Iceland and was the set location for the hit TV show Game of Thrones as well as other movies.
Adventurous activities abound, and you can fill your days doing things like scuba diving in a glacial lake between the continental plates, trekking over and climbing up glaciers, exploring ice caves, riding beautiful Icelandic ponies, surfing, doing scenic flights in tiny planes, and hiking – the island is criss-crossed with hiking trails that take you to the untouched rugged highlands.
And after all that, there are many natural hot pools scattered across the island where you can soak your weary limbs.
In the central northern part of the island, the area around Lake Mývatn is a highlight: here you’ll find a lunar-like world of steaming vents spewing warm clouds of boiled eggs, huge volcanic craters and rolling hills concealing bubbling sulphurous pools and an open-air natural hot pool on a hill overlooking it all.
There aren’t many places that can beat Iceland in terms of landscapes, adventures and sheer diversity in a place that can be driven around in just a few hours.
When it comes to travel destinations, Iceland is anything but ordinary.