Iceland: Overview

Why go?

Set just below the Arctic circle, Iceland is on Europe's furthermost limits: it's often left off the map completely much to the annoyance of its people. But who could ever forget this country with its vast expanses of some of the world's most beautiful terrain. Here is where to enjoy uninterrupted nature from ice capped glaciers to gushing turquoise rivers and powerful waterfalls, from volcanoes to geothermal hot springs and geysirs.

With endlesss summer daylight and winter's Northern Lights, Iceland's magic has not left its people untouched - most still believe in elves. But you needn't rely on the little people for somewhere nice to stay. Iceland is now opening some new chic hotels so we've hand picked the best from happening Reykjavik to the more isolated and dreamlike Western Peninsular. It's also easy to get to (a 3-hour direct flight from the UK on a no-frills airline or a stopover between the US and Europe).

Any Downsides?
Iceland's not famed for its tropical weather. Although in summer temperatures can reach 18C, bright days can be interspersed with wet spells and temperatures dropping to 10C. It's winters are long and dark (daylight in midwinter is limited to a few hours) and while you can emerse yourself in Reykjavik's nightlife, Iceland is legendarily expensive - you might want to bring your own alcohol. Don't come for the pretty colonial architecture - more like a grey frontier town.

Current weather/time:

Reykjavik

Activities

* The Blue Lagoon: start your trip with a soak in these warm geothermal waters, just 20 minutes’ drive across the lava fields from the airport. It’s a surreal experience, even if a bit touristy.

* The Golden Circle: Gullfoss (Iceland’s most famous waterfall), Geysir (the spouting hot springs which gave its name to all others) and Thingvellir (the site of both Iceland’s first parliament and of shifting continental plates) are an easy day trip from Reykjavik and offer a great introduction to Iceland’s stunning volcanic beauty.

* Horse riding: even beginners can ride the small, sturdy Icelandic horses, which have a unique extra gait. Horses are available for hire from farms all over Iceland

* Snowmobiling: spend an exhilarating couple of hours whizzing around on top of one of Iceland’s ice caps. On a clear day the view from Snaefellsnes glacier on the Western Peninsula is spectacular (snowsuits and helmets are provided by the operators).

* Whale Watching: take a boat trip from Reykjavik or Husavik on the north coast to see dolphins, purpoises, minke whales and orca. Olafsvik on the Western Peninsula is probably the best place in Europe for spotting the huge blue whale. Boats depart daily in summer.

* Nightlife in Reykjavik: join the locals on the ‘Runtur’, non-stop partying on Friday night in the trendy bars of Reykjavik.

* Jokulsarlon: take a boat amongst the icebergs of this glacial lagoon in southern Iceland.

* Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall is in the northeastern Jokulsargljufur National Park which offers spectacular hiking.

* Birdwatching: head to Lake Myvtan in northeast Iceland for the country’s best birdlife, extraordinary volcanic features, bubbling mud and stem vents. In summer take a boat tour to the islands off the Western Pensinsula where puffins breed.

* Fly-fishing: Iceland is famous for its rich salmon and trout rivers.

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Reykjavik
	Western Peninsula
	Background Info
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around