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.
Stretching from the fishing village of Borgarfjorour Eystri in the north, to Berufjorour in the south, Eastfjords is a long 120-kilometre stretch of coastline on the eastern coast of Iceland. Home to breathtaking scenes of glittering lakes, charming fishing villages, gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests, this stunning area is inhabited by some of Iceland’s best-known wildlife and is known for having the sunniest weather in the country. Visitors can enjoy the remote landscapes, spot herds of wild reindeer and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to meander through the remote villages dotting the coast, relax at a quaint and colourful local cafe and explore the numerous deep fjords, carved into the coast, namely: Borgarfjorour, Seyoisfjorour, and Faskruosfjorour.
Husavik has become known as Iceland’s leading whale watching destination due to the various species of whales that frequently enter the bay. Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn more about these gentle giants of the deep, the history of whaling, and the impact that man has had on these creatures. The town lies on the edge of the Arctic Ocean’s chilly waters and is framed by ice-capped mountains. The Culture House (Safnahusid) is a local cultural museum, nautical museum and an art gallery that displays interesting historical artefacts, while the Exploration Museum is dedicated to explorers throughout history.
Set on a dramatic coastline of spectacular cliffs rising from the sea, Hellnar is an enchanting old fishing village nestled on the westernmost part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, once a bustling fishing station boasting the oldest recorded seafaring history dating back to 1560. Although its fishing and trading industry has since waned, this idyllic town marked by a quaint cluster of wooden houses is making a name for itself, with outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the surrounding awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visitors can explore the nearby Arnarstapi village, Snӕfellsnes National Park, and the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier. The iconic Lóndrangar sea stacks, the imposing mountain Kirkjufell, and the tranquil Ytri Tunga seal-watching beach provide breathtaking sights. For the adventurous, the Eldborg volcano crater and the fascinating Vatnshellir Cave offer unique exploration opportunities.
The Reykjanes (or Southern) Peninsula is located in the southwestern corner of Iceland. Home to Keflavík International Airport, the major point-of-entry for most visitors to the country, the Reykjanes Peninsula is far more than just a transit hub, boasting some stunning sights and attractions to explore. Don’t miss The Blue Lagoon, a world-famous geothermal health spa; the bubbling mud pools of Gunnuhver; or the Bridge Between Continents at Sandvik (a structure which straddles the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates). Other key sights include Viking World (near Reykjanesbaer), a fascinating museum with a full-size replica ship on display, and Keflavik’s Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a beautifully-designed exhibition space with funky, modern installations first opened in 2014.
