Iceland is the perfect destination for every type of traveller. Whether you’re sledding with the kids, enjoying a romantic geothermal dip in the glow of the Northern Lights or looking for an adrenaline filled trip with friends, this unique part of the world has it all.
Iceland’s volcanic landscape makes it one of the most fascinating places to visit. In a single day you could be hiking up a mountainside, enjoying a dip in the geothermal spa, running across a glacier and soaking up the shimmering views of the Northern Lights (officially known as the Aurora Borealis). Sledding is the best way to get about the country, and the black beaches give you a whole new perspective on that tropical paradise fantasy.
And with Reykjavik only a two or three hour flight from the UK, it makes the perfect weekend break. We’ve checked out all the options, depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for.
A romantic retreat
When it comes to romance, Iceland has got you covered in every possible way. Nothing sets the mood better than the Northern Lights, and it’s often the first thing that people associate with Iceland.
You can occasionally see the colours of the Northern Lights from the UK, but you get a much more profound effect in Iceland, as it is much further north. That said, a glimpse is still never guaranteed.
To better your chances of a sighting, visit Iceland between late September and early April, where the country has longer nights during these months, increasing your odds, although September, October, February and March tend to have milder conditions, so you’ll more likely enjoy a clear sky and unobstructed view.
Although the Northern Lights are visible across the country, there are a few viewpoints that are best for sky-gazing. Head to natural sites like Thingvellir National Park, the Asbyrgi Canyon or the Kirkjufell Mountain after 9pm for the best experience. There are a lot of tour options that might be worth a look for the safest and most interesting evening.
And when you’ve finished your awe-inspiring evening, you’ll want to return to the most romantic hotel. You have so many options in Iceland – from transparent igloos to countryside cabins and luxury hotels.
If you choose a transparent igloo, you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed and if you stay somewhere like the Aurora Igloo in Hella, for example, you can enjoy the tranquility and privacy necessary for an amorous connection. Close to Ægissíðufoss waterfall and the Caves of Hella, this is also a great spot for hiking and exploring, sure to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
If you want to squeeze in a visit to the Golden Circle, a 300km tourist route that covers the country’s most beautiful waterfall, Geysir Geothermal area with its natural hot springs and Thingvellir National Park, you’ll enjoy a luxurious stay at Skálakot Manor Hotel. This hotel includes a spa and wellness centre, a sun terrace and an outdoor fireplace, and it receives very favourable reviews from its guests.
And, if you’re looking for a romantic meal that will wow your other half, the Caves of Hella offer an incredible Viking Feast. The three course meal introduces you to traditional Icelandic cuisine, enjoyed by candlelight and surrounded by history.
A family focused vacation
There are plenty of adventures to be had in Iceland with the kids and one thing they’ll definitely want to do, no matter how old they are, is be dragged around on a sled pulled by dogs.
The snowy season lasts from November to April, giving you a long window to enjoy this fun activity. The Langjökull Glacier is one of the most popular places to offer dog sledding, and you’ll also find snowmobile tours too if you’d prefer to be in control as you race across the ice. Remember to wrap up warm – you’ll be out in the cold for a few hours with the huskies.
Perhaps you’d all prefer a whale watching tour with stunning views. There are lots of tour companies that will take you out into the ocean from Húsavík, giving you the chance to see Humpback Whales and Blue Whales. This area is known as the whale watching capital of Europe, so you are almost guaranteed a glimpse of these incredible creatures.
If exploring the landscape is more your style, there are plenty of mini hikes that will take you to see some of the amazing waterfalls in the country. If Skógafoss, the most famous waterfall, sounds too much like hard work with little legs, then you should visit its smaller, more easily accessible neighbour, Kvernufos, perhaps that will inspire your kids to want to find the biggest waterfall.
If your children are more interested in lava than waterfalls, then the Lava Centre Interactive Exhibition is a must-do for your itinerary. They can learn all about the various volcanoes around the country and even check the seismic activity of Hekla, one of the volcanoes in Iceland’s Gateway to Hell. Viking World is also worth a visit, giving you all an insight into the history of this fascinating country.
When it comes to finding accommodation, you could pick a family friendly hotel, like the Fosshotel, Reykjavik, which provides all the mod cons you need to feel comfortable and relaxed with kids in tow, or, you could pick something a little different. Iceland has many working farms which offer comfort in a more stimulating environment.
Árbakki Farmhouse Lodge, for example, offers private bedrooms with a shared kitchen, wonderful views and a hot spring bath. This is a great choice if you want your kids to spend more time outdoors and less time on their screens.
A thrill-seekers paradise
If you’re looking for an action packed adventure that will push your adrenaline to the max, look no further. Iceland’s geographical make-up is so unique that it can offer a wealth of experiences that you just won’t find anywhere else.
You could start with glacier hiking and ice-climbing in Vatnajökull National Park. We recommend doing this as part of a tour, because this is no ordinary walk. You’ll be exploring deep into the crevices of the glaciers and picking your way back to the top, but, as well as keeping you safe and ensuring you have all the necessary equipment, your guide will also fill you in on the history of the area, making this a truly immersive activity.
If that still sounds a little tame for you, perhaps you’d prefer to dive between the tectonic plates in Silfra. This gap is the space between two continents, separating the North American and Eurasian plates and offering some of the clearest waters on earth, and it’s the only place in the world that you can swim between tectonic plates. If you’re a keen diver looking for your next underwater challenge, this could be it.
Of course, Iceland is famous for its volcanoes, and there are plenty of volcano tours on offer. You can walk up, drive up, or take a helicopter ride above to get the most impressive view, and if you are a real daredevil, you can even get inside a volcano, descending from the top, or exploring some of the caves on the side, entering into real lava chambers.
And, because Iceland is an island, there are lots of water sports to enjoy, whether you prefer snorkeling, jet skiing or paragliding, there will be an activity for you. Iceland’s rivers are also perfect for water rafting. And if you prefer your skis to be on snow rather than water, there are resorts for that too, satisfying everyone from beginners to accomplished skiers.
Iceland really is a natural playground for adventure seekers, making it somewhere you’ll want to return to regularly.
Perhaps the best thing about Iceland is that it caters for so many different styles of traveller, so you can adapt your itinerary to suit your style. You’ll want to book most activities in advance, take plenty of clothing so you can withstand the cold temperatures, and remember that although the landscape is exciting and wonderful, it can also be incredibly dangerous. So, follow any safety guidelines in place and check volcanic activity before you book.
The Land of Fire and Ice awaits – are you ready?!