Akureyri in northern Iceland is as pretty as a picture, with scenery that includes wilderness areas, lava fields, ice caves, steaming hot springs and magnificent volcanic peaks. The town also boasts the best sightings of the colourful ‘northern lights’ in the country. Tourists make use of the surprisingly moderate weather conditions to explore nearby Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Húsavík, and Lake Mývatn. Hlíðarfjall Mountain is a wonderful skiing destination, covered in snow for around 180 days a year. There are many museums to explore in the town, but the cultural highlight of the region is arguably the collection of traditional turf homes built into the mountainside, which allow a sneak-peek into Icelandic history.