Iceland Holidays

Rising out of the rough, icy waters of the North Atlantic ocean at the maritime crossroads between Greenland, Norway and Scotland, just beneath the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a country quite literally bursting at the seams with natural splendour. From glistening glaciers and thundering waterfalls to snow-capped volcanoes and lunar-like lava fields, it’s no wonder it has been chosen as the backdrop to countless film and television hits, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars and James Bond.

It’s a place of extraordinary contrasts, both in terms of its diverse landscapes and its perpetually shifting character between seasons. Visit in the summer and you’ll experience the mesmerising (if somewhat disorientating) phenomenon of 24/7 daylight; in winter, gleaming white sheets of snow and ice and the hauntingly beautiful glow of the Northern Lights provide a welcome antidote to the near-constant darkness. No matter how long you spend in Iceland, you’ll almost certainly find yourself yearning to return to explore more of what this endlessly captivating country has to offer.

Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, is far more than just a convenient starting point for a longer Icelandic adventure – it’s a very worthy destination in its own right. Between its cosy cafes, artisan bakeries, trendy craft beer bars and fascinating museums, it’s a remarkably vibrant and cosmopolitan city that lends itself perfectly to being explored on foot at a leisurely pace. It’s also home to an eclectic blend of architectural styles, from the stark, imposing Hallgrímskirkja church and the futuristic, sharp-angled Harpa concert hall to the array of brightly painted townhouses that provide a non-stop stream of photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for murals, too – Reykjavik has a thriving street art scene that gives many of its buildings a totally unique aesthetic. And of course, a trip to a geothermal spa is a must. The Blue Lagoon may be the most renowned, but there are many fabulous alternatives worth considering such as the Sky Lagoon (just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik) and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs (a 45-minute drive north). 

The Golden Circle, meanwhile, is an ideal way to get a taste of Icelandic nature within easy reach of the capital. This 300-kilometre loop takes in three major landmarks – Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area – and can be completed either as a day trip or with overnight stops, allowing you more time to fully appreciate the region’s awe-inspiring scenery. If you’re hiring a car, you might also be tempted to venture along the south coast to visit Skogafoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black sand beach and Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, or north, to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Akureyri and the wild, rugged north

Keen to venture off the beaten track? Consider flying straight into Akureyri, the gateway to North Iceland – a land of majestic fjords, vast canyons, shimmering lakes and rust-coloured geothermal fields blistered by mud pots and fumaroles piercing the Earth’s crust.

The small but happening town of Akureyri makes an excellent base for adventures further afield, including to the Diamond Circle, which encompasses five of the region’s most captivating sights, including Husavik (the whale watching capital of Iceland) and Myvatn (an area humming with volcanic activity). Several of Iceland’s finest geothermal spa complexes are found up north, too: the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri, GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths in Husavik and the Myvatn Nature Baths. With an abundance of opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, whale watching and Northern Lights hunting, Iceland’s far north is an outdoor adventure haven like no other.