The Blue Lagoon
Bathe in the aquamarine waters of this man-made geothermal spa near Reykjavik, maintained at 40 degrees C year-round.  Even more spectacular when surrounded by ice and snow, the lagoon’s rich mineral content is said to have healing qualities.

Gullfoss Waterfall
Located in a canyon, the river Hvítá plunges down three stepped terraces to spectacular effect. The ‘untouched’ feeling extends to the fact that there are no guard rails to be seen – just natural surroundings.

Akureyri
This bustling northern port town boasts some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.

The Westfjords Region
Hike along red sands, sail the fjords to deserted villages teeming in wildlife.  See puffins on Latrabjarg cliffs, and soak in hot springs under the Midnight Sun.

Landmannalaugar
Multi-coloured mountains, vast lava fields and the Hekla volcano join forces to create an ‘other planet’ landscape.  No wonder it’s popular with those keen on hiking and horse-riding.

The question of when to go is quite a pertinent one, as winter in Reykjavik hovers between minus 3 degrees C by night and an edgy 2 degrees C by day.  Many sights in remote areas can be rendered inaccessible in winter.

June to August are the most popular months, with lower rainfall. However Iceland’s weather is very unpredictable – think Auckland, but with far more dramatic changes in temperature!  Have at least four layers of clothing on hand at any time!

The phenomenon of Northern Lights are best viewed in remote places, so Iceland is ideal, and the best time for viewing is from mid-September to mid-April.

In Iceland, I was able to explore some of the country’s more remote destinations on a self-drive journey, taking in some incredible views along the way. Highlights included the famous puffin colony in Borgarfjörður Eystri, passing by a field of Icelandic horses with their foals, and heading out for a day walk in Landmannalaugar, with its multi-coloured mountains and geothermal activity. Sparkling water in the harbour at Husavik and watching an Icelandic football game with the locals during their magical Euro tournament run was also a real treat.

Dorothy Chambers, Travel Designer

Currency Krona

Language  Icelandic; English widely spoken

Why we love it We love the natural drama of the land! From volcanoes and glaciers, to waterfalls, remote islands, red and black sand beaches to fjords and towering cliffs teeming with Puffins, this is nature on steroids! It’s perfect for the traveller seeking to extend their horizons and find the ‘next new thing’.

Weather During October to April there are brief spurts of daylight and long nights. Winter activities on offer include skiing, snowshoeing, visiting ice caves and of course the spectacular Northern Lights.  If you prefer fewer crowds visit in May or September. You’ll experience breezier weather, cloudless days and occasional snows in the interior.  The high season is June through to August and it can be quite busy as visitors flock to Iceland, especially to Reykjavík and the south. Enjoy endless daylight, plentiful festivals, and a multitude of activities on offer.

Festivals & events There are many festivals in Iceland and they are all over the country, all throughout the year.

Health* There are currently no health requirements to enter Iceland.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.