The spectacular country of Iceland is unlike anywhere in the world. Formed when the North American and European continents collided, the result is a landscape that appears warped, contorted and bulging with jagged mountains and volcanoes. Mother Nature has provided Iceland with its biggest tourist attraction – its unspoiled and otherworldly scenery. All over the country, you will find active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, steaming hot springs, vast lava fields, desert plateaus, ice-caps and glistening iceberg-filled lagoons.
The second largest island in Europe, what Iceland lacks in flora and land animals, it makes up for with rich marine fauna and a large variety of birdlife. Known as the land of fire and ice, stunning National Parks and Nature Reserves can be found all over Iceland and feature magnificent glacier fields, mystical fjords, sweeping highlands, bubbling geysers and plenty of hot springs to warm up in. In contrast to summer’s midnight sun, visit between October and April and you’ll be rewarded with an enchanting kaleidoscope in the sky with the Northern Lights – the upside to Iceland’s long, dark winter’s days.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and home to more than half of the country’s population. In English it translates to Smoky Bay, representing the steam seen billowing from the geothermal features when it was discovered it in 874AD. A compact city, it’s easily explored on foot. Its highlights include the Old Town; Tjörnin – a pleasant lake in the centre of town with a park, bike trails and colourful flower gardens; the National Gallery and the imposing Lutheran church called Hallgrímskirkja, built to resemble a mountain of basaltic lava.
Affectionately known as the ‘Golden Circle’, Iceland’s big three attractions are all accessible on a day trip from Reykjavik. Covering around 300km, it includes Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park. The majestic Gullfoss waterfall is where the River Hvítá drops 32m into two falls. The sound is thunderous, the view is magnificent and you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the power of its cascade. The Geyser fields are a stunning example of Iceland’s geothermal power. Though temperamental at times, you will usually find one of the geysers performing impressively, particularly Strokkur which is said to go off every five to eight minutes, spurting sulfurous water to heights of around 35m.
Þingvellir National Park is one of the most significant historical sites in all of Iceland when it became home to the world’s oldest parliament in 903AD. In 1928 however, it became Iceland’s first National Park because of its breathtaking beauty. Straddling the divide between the European and North American tectonic plates that are moving at a rate of 2cm per year, you can stand in the chasm between the two continents. The park also features Iceland’s largest lake. An hour outside of Reykjavik, you’ll find a primordial paradise – The Blue Lagoon; a vast pool of geothermally heated water hidden in the middle of a lava field. The hot, milky blue waters are rich in silica, minerals and algae and are known for their healing powers.
