No matter how much you hear about the awe-inspiring natural phenomena on this island on the edge of the Arctic circle, nothing can prepare you for the jaw-dropping spectacle that is Iceland. Dubbed “the Land of Fire and Ice”, this small island nation is characterised by contrasts and contradictions. It is a place where steaming geysers burst forth from icy glaciers, where molten hot lava spews out of icy snow-capped peaks, where the astonishing aurora borealis blaze across the night sky and where continuously dark winters are offset by summer’s magnificent midnight sun. With the exception of Reykjavik, the country’s population centres are small, with diminutive towns, fishing villages, farms and minute hamlets clustered along the coastal fringes. The interior, meanwhile, remains totally uninhabited. What the Icelanders lack in numbers, they certainly make up for in warmth, quirkiness, and boundless creativity. Add to this, one of the highest standards of living on earth and you have, quite simply, one of the world’s most intriguing destinations.
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.
Located in West Iceland, the picturesque town of Borgarnes serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Snaefellsnes National Park. This little town boasts an authentic atmosphere, rich history, and spectacular scenery. Explore the old quarter, which is filled with heritage buildings; visit Borgarfjörður Museum, one of Iceland’s best; and stroll through the beautiful Skallagrimsgaraur Public Park. Nature-lovers should not miss the chance to hike in the Einkunnir Country Park or climb the nearby Hafnarfjall Mountain. Other highlights include taking a swim in an indoor or outdoor geothermal pool or photographing the spectacular views of the rugged peninsula, the Snaefellsjokull, and Eiríksjokull glaciers on a clear day.
The Ranga River flows through the quaint village of Hella in southern Iceland, just a short distance from the well-known Mount Hekla volcano and the hot springs of Landmannalaugar. Hella is an ideal base from which to take day trips to nearby Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Landmannalaugar, Þorsmork, Vestmannaeyjar islands and other places of interest. Also close by is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, which drops 60 metres over the cliffs believed to have once formed part of the coastline. Hella is also renowned as one of the best skydiving spots in Iceland, and is a natural magnet for adventure junkies looking to try out this daredevil sport.
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.
Selfoss is sometimes referred to as the capital of southern Iceland, serving as its centre of commerce, farming, and horticulture, with shops, restaurants, and hotels dotted around the centre of town. It is part of the administrative area known as Arborg, located roughly an hour's drive from the capital, Reykjavik, on the famous Ring Road. A drive along Austurvegur road lined with colourful buildings leads out of town along the riverbanks of the glacial river. The town is an excellent kick-off point for day tours to places of interest in the area, such as the geysers and hot springs of Gullfoss Waterfall and the canyons, black sand beaches, volcanoes, and glacier lagoons of the South Coast.
As previously described
