Adventures to Anywhere

Iceland’s landscapes are its biggest draw, and for good reason. The Golden Circle is a classic route that gives you a taste of the island’s highlights. You’ll pass through Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between two tectonic plates. It’s surreal to stand in a spot where the Earth is literally splitting apart. Next up is Geysir, the geothermal area that gave all geysers their name. Here, you can watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. The route finishes at Gullfoss, a breathtaking waterfall where the Hvítá River plunges into a canyon. Mist rises from the falls, often creating rainbows in the sunlight. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the highlands. Landmannalaugar is a hiker’s paradise, with colourful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. The Laugavegur Trail, which takes you through this area, is often considered one of the most stunning treks in the world.

Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes often sit side by side, creating landscapes that feel torn straight from a fantasy novel. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, offers ice caves and glacier hiking. The vivid blue ice caves, carved out by glacial rivers, are a photographer’s dream, but they can only be explored in winter when conditions are safe. If you’re more drawn to fire than ice, Iceland’s volcanic activity is a sight to behold. In recent years, eruptions near Fagradalsfjall have created new lava fields, and when the volcano is active, you can even hike close enough to feel the heat radiating from the fresh lava.

While Iceland’s natural beauty is stunning, its culture is equally fascinating. Reykjavik, the island’s capital, is a small but lively city with colourful houses, cosy cafés, and a thriving arts scene. A visit to Hallgrímskirkja Church, with its striking design inspired by basalt columns, offers incredible views over the city from its tower. For something a bit more traditional, explore Iceland’s literary heritage. Icelanders have a deep love of storytelling, dating back to the Viking sagas. Visit the Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik to learn about Viking history, or dive into one of the local sagas before your trip—it adds a new depth to exploring the land where these stories unfolded.

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous pool, with its milky blue waters set against a backdrop of lava fields. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of adventure. But if you’re after something quieter, there are plenty of other options. The Secret Lagoon, near the Golden Circle, offers a more rustic and intimate experience. If you’re further north, the Mývatn Nature Baths are a fantastic alternative, surrounded by rugged volcanic scenery. Many of Iceland’s smaller towns and villages also have their own geothermal pools, where you can relax alongside locals.

Seeing the aurora borealis is often at the top of travellers’ bucket lists, and Iceland is one of the best places to experience this natural phenomenon. The northern lights are most active from September to March, and you’ll need clear, dark skies for the best chance to see them. To escape the city lights, head to rural areas like Vik or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Even better, stay in a remote cottage or guesthouse where you can watch the lights from your doorstep. There’s nothing quite like the magic of standing under the dancing green and purple waves of the aurora.