Iceland Holidays

Rising from the North Atlantic Ocean just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a country of powerful natural beauty. It's a landscape defined by sharp contrasts, where glistening glaciers meet snow-capped volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls carve through lunar-like lava fields. Holidays in Iceland offer a different character with each season.

Visit in summer and you'll find the land bathed in 24-hour daylight under the midnight sun. In winter, the days are short, but the country is transformed by gleaming snow and the dancing colours of the Northern Lights in the night sky.

Reykjavik and the famous Golden Circle

Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city, is much more than just a starting point for your Icelandic adventure. It's a compact and welcoming city, perfect for exploring on foot. You'll find a vibrant hub of cosy cafes, artisan bakeries, and craft beer bars. The architecture is a striking mix, from the imposing Hallgrímskirkja church to the futuristic Harpa concert hall and the brightly painted townhouses that line the streets.

Keep an eye out for the city's impressive street art. For shopping, head to the main streets of Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, or check out the Kolaportid Flea Market by the Old Harbour for some quirky finds.

Geothermal spas

A trip to a geothermal spa is a key part of any visit. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, with its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters set in a black-lava field. For something closer to the capital, the Sky Lagoon is just a short taxi ride from downtown Reykjavik and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic. Further afield, the Hvammsvik Hot Springs provide a series of eight natural hot springs that flow into the ocean, offering a unique bathing opportunity just a 45-minute drive north of the city.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route and an ideal way to see some of the country's most famous landmarks in a single day trip from Reykjavik. This 300-kilometre loop connects three major sites:

• Thingvellir National Park: a place of great historical significance and the visible meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• The mighty Gullfoss Waterfall: where water cascades in two stages into a deep canyon.
• The Geysir Geothermal Area: home to bubbling hot springs and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts spectacularly every few minutes.

Exploring the south coast

If you have more time, the south coast holds even more natural wonders. You can visit the dramatic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss – which you can walk behind – and Skogafoss. Further along the coast, you'll find the famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach with its basalt columns. A longer trip could take you all the way to the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, where icebergs break away from a glacier and drift serenely out to sea.

Akureyri and the wild north

For a different perspective on Iceland, head to Akureyri. Known as the 'Capital of the North', this charming town sits at the head of the impressive Eyjafjörður fjord. It's a fantastic base for exploring a region of majestic fjords, vast canyons, and shimmering lakes. The town itself has a relaxed feel, with plenty of shops and cafes along Hafnarstræti street.

Whale watching in Husavik

A short journey from Akureyri is the town of Husavik, celebrated as the whale watching capital of Iceland. From here, you can join boat tours into Skjálfandi Bay for a chance to see a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. It's an unforgettable highlight of any trip to the north.

The Diamond Circle

The north's answer to the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle, a route that covers some of the region's most captivating sights. Key stops include the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe, and the Lake Mývatn area. Mývatn is a hub of geothermal activity, with rust-coloured landscapes and bubbling mud pots. Plus, the tranquil Mývatn Nature Baths were practically made for a relaxing soak.

Iconic Icelandic activities

Beyond the main sightseeing routes, there are many activities that define a trip to Iceland. The country's unique geography and climate offer opportunities you won't find anywhere else.

Hunt for the Northern Lights

If you're visiting between September and April, trying your luck at seeing the Aurora Borealis is a must. While it is possible to see them from Reykjavik on a clear night, your best chance is to head away from the city's light pollution. Joining a guided tour can help maximise your chances, as guides use forecasts to find the best viewing spots.

Glacier adventures and ice caves

Iceland is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and its ice caps offer a playground for adventure. In winter, you can join guided tours for glacier hiking or to explore naturally formed ice caves, with their brilliant blue ice. For a taste of this year-round, visit the Perlan museum in Reykjavik, which features a realistic indoor glacier and ice cave exhibit made from real Icelandic snow.

Discover Icelandic food

Icelandic cuisine is focused on fresh, local ingredients. You'll find fresh fish like cod, haddock, and Arctic char on menus everywhere. A traditional favourite is kjotsupa, a hearty lamb soup. And if you're feeling adventurous, traditional fermented shark, or hákarl, offers an intense and pungent flavour profile. You'll find that Reykjavik and Akureyri offer a huge range of international foods too, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

From its dramatic natural wonders to its vibrant city culture, Iceland offers a unique adventure in every season.