Located on a bay, presided over by mighty mount Esja, Iceland’s sprawling capital city stands in stark contrast to the quiet fishing villages and minute hamlets of the remarkable island nation. The hub is progressive, yet proudly traditional; remote, yet surprisingly cosmopolitan; inextricably tied to its natural landscape, yet embracing modern technology. The tiny city centre is characterised by an eclectic mix of brightly painted houses, elegant shops, stylish bars, and highbrow museums. A slew of restaurants serves up a delicious range of culinary delights as well as an array of exotic treats (try the pickled ram’s testicles and putrefied shark meat). Whether you plan on spending your vacation gallery-hopping while listening to Bjork on repeat, scuba diving between tectonic plates, or relaxing in the myriad geothermal pools, Reykjavik is the ultimate destination for pleasure seekers and adventure junkies alike.
South Iceland is an exquisitely scenic region known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’. This volcanic paradise boasts breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and picturesque Icelandic villages. The south of Iceland is home to the country's most popular natural attractions including numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers. Explore Europe’s largest glacier at Vatnajokull National Park, take a boat cruise past floating icebergs in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, and catch a glimpse of the enthralling Northern Lights. Other spectacular sites include Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a highlight of the popular ‘Golden Circle’ route; the Great Geysir, a phenomenal, enormous geyser which is one of Iceland’s main attractions; and Gullfoss, a powerful cascading, two-tier waterfall.
Hof is a picturesque rural settlement set between the ocean and the enormous Öræfajökull glacier, in the Öræfi region of Iceland. Here, visitors will find the youngest turf church in the country, a pretty and intriguing building appearing to emerge from the grassy landscape. Transformed from a collection of farmhouses into a little village in the 2000s, the town now provides more services, allowing explorers to stock up before their next adventures, or simply relax and soak up the views at leisure.
Egilsstadir is known as east Iceland’s capital and an optimal destination from which to take day trips to the numerous attractions in the eastern districts – including Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, Gufufoss waterfall, the Laki craters, the town of Seyðisfjörður and Stafdal ski resort. While you’re in town, it’s worth checking out the Slaughterhouse Culture Center, which is the heart of culture and arts in Egilsstadir, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, art exhibitions and plays. The East Iceland Heritage Museum showcases Icelandic traditions from the past and there is a 25 metre-long, warm public pool that has two hot tubs and a water slide.
Set in northern Iceland and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, Mývatn is a eutrophic lake in a geothermal valley. Here, boiling mud pots and hissing fumaroles are surrounded by magnificent mountains of sulphur-streaked rock contrasted with snow and ice. The valley hides a collection of caves containing surreal rock formations and is dotted with sweeping wetlands teeming with plant and birdlife. The Mývatn Nature Baths is a bathing lagoon that contains around 3.5 million litres of water with a temperature of between 3 - 40 °C. Places not to be missed include Hverfjall, Leirhnjúkur, Dimmuborgir, Höfdir, Grjótagjá, Skútustadagígar, Lofthellir, Krafla and the hot springs east of Námskardur.
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.
As previously described
Located on Streymoy Island, Torshavn is the capital city of the Faroe Islands. It is said to be the smallest capital city in the world and is known for its quaint charm, historical buildings and spectacularly scenic surrounding landscapes. This charming town boasts a collection of traditional turf-roofed wooden houses, some of which are over 100 years old. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities and attractions. View the 19th century Torshavn Cathedral, browse the local independent boutiques, visit the Nordic House Cultural Centre, and explore the Old Town of Torshavn, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, an old fortress, and enchanting storybook houses. Other highlights include sampling traditional Faroese cuisine, soaking up the panoramic views from the Torshavn waterfront, exploring the rugged cliffs of Vestmanna as well as Sorvagsvatn Lake, and the magnificent Gasadalur Waterfall.
Located in Lothian, the Scottish capital lies among a series of volcanic hills and is presided over by an iconic castle. Edinburgh is an architectural treasure trove with enough neoclassical terraces, Georgian grandeur, and late-medieval monuments to thrill even the most avid architecture enthusiast. Visitors can explore the renowned Royal Mile, with its numerous tourist attractions including the beautiful, hidden Dunbar’s Close Garden, and a Camera Obscura with five floors of holograms and optical illusions. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-see for fans of the golden liquid, while incredible theatres, fascinating museums, excellent pubs and restaurants, and a flourishing nightlife completes the picture. Make sure to head over to Calton Hill to admire the incredible skyline of spires, towers, domes, and steeples.
Surrounded by rugged purple mountains and lush farmlands, between Scotland's Loch Linnhe and Loch Lochy, Torlundy is a small village known for its scenic trails and proximity to many beautiful towns rich in history and attractions. A playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, the area's diverse terrain offers remarkable opportunities for mountaineering, scrambling, rock climbing, canyoning and mountain biking with expert guides through the stunning landscape in Corpach. Among the most famous expeditions is the hike up Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles and the Witches Trail, comprising of 45 kilometres of excellent mountain biking trails. History buffs can visit the West Highland Museum, where they can learn about everything from a shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon to the history of mountain rescue. Don't miss the opportunity to go Crombie Clay shooting in neighbouring North Ballachulish.
Resting on the banks of Loch Portree in the Isle of Skye, Portree is the largest village in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Overlooking the sparkling bay, this lively village boasts spectacular views and serves as the capital of the island. The surrounding landscape boasts scenic hills such as Ben Chrachaig, Ben Tianavaig, and Suidh Fhinn. Portree features a host of amenities including excellent restaurants and cafes, a collection of book and gift shops, and a wide range of accommodation options offering everything from hotels to self-catering cottages. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the famous Old Man of Storr Route, hop on a sightseeing bus or boat that takes a scenic tour around the island, and soak up the beautiful views of the surrounding hills as well as the picturesque harbour lined with colourful buildings.
In the northwestern corner of the majestic Scottish Highlands, Wester Ross is located along the western seaboard of the historic county of Ross-shire. The area is best known for its stark beauty, characterised by stunning glens, remote lochs, and spectacular mountains. The charming, idyllic villages of Wester Ross offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the Scottish Highland experience. The main attractions in this area are Loch Maree, the largest loch in the northwest Highlands, and the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, home to the ancient Caledonian pine forest. Visitors can look forward to an array of outdoor activities, including hiking in the mountains, exploring the sandy beaches and boating around the picturesque little islands which dot the coast.
Idyllically located on the banks of the mighty River Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city is continually in flux. Glasgow has been in the midst of a renaissance with its chic shopping centres, the striking architecture of the new multi-million-pound Riverside Museum of Transport, as well as its beautifully preserved mix of historical Victorian, Georgian, Venetian, and Art Deco architecture. Must-sees include the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the immaculately kept grounds of the Pollok Estate Country Park. Glasgow is well known for its top-notch restaurants, lively nightlife, its popular and diverse live music and comedy scene as well as its many authentic traditional pubs. This flourishing Scottish city features a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere yet retains a charming down to earth, genuine feel.
