From gazing on the northern lights to soaking in a geothermal pool surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Iceland demonstrates the incredible power of nature at every turn.
With glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, wildlife-watching and the midnight sun, it's no surprise Iceland is near the top of so many people's bucket lists. Here are 15 highlights of a visit to Iceland.
The Ring Road (Route 1)
There’s no better way to explore Iceland than to hire a set of wheels and road-trip Route 1, affectionately known as the Ring Road, which creates a 832-mile (1340km) tarmac trail around the island.
The Ring Road (Route 1)
It passes through verdant dales decked with waterfalls (be sure to stop at Goðafoss), glacier tongues dripping from ice caps, desert-like plains of grey outwash sands, and moss-covered lava fields.
The Ring Road (Route 1)
It's supremely spectacular – but don’t forget to follow other roads as they splinter off into the wilderness. Allow around ten days to take it all in, longer to make the most of those detours.
The Ring Road (Route 1)
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
With its cache of wild beaches, bird sanctuaries, horse farms and lava fields, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s best escapes – either as a day trip from the capital or as a long weekend.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
It's little wonder it's called "Iceland in miniature" – it even hosts a national park and glacier-topped stratovolcano.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Visit the black sands at Djúpalón Beach, where a series of rocky sea stacks emerge from the ocean. Stykkishólmur, on the populated northern coast, is the region’s largest town and a logical base.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s unofficial pastime is splashing around in its surplus of geothermal water. You'll find "hot-pots" everywhere, from downtown Reykjavík to the isolated peninsular tips of the Westfjords.
Blue Lagoon
Not only are they incredibly relaxing, they're the perfect antidote to a hangover and a great way to meet the locals (this is their social hub, the equivalent of the local pub or town square).
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the big cheese: in a magnificent black-lava field, the cyan Blue Lagoon spa is fed water from the futuristic Svartsengi geothermal plant; it's an otherworldly place.
Blue Lagoon
Those who say it’s too commercial and too crowded aren't wrong, but you’ll be missing something special if you don’t go. Pre-booking is essential.