Our Guide to Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland at a glance: vast volcanoes and exploding geysers

Surrounded by the bracing waters of the Nordic Sea, Iceland may be remote but it is definitely worth a visit (or two). Just one look at Iceland’s dramatic landscapes; blanketed with snow during the winter and basked in nearly 24-hour sunlight in summer; and you’ll immediately be dreaming of gothic fairy tales and cinematic grandeur. Journey into the magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur Volcano, snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra Fissure and sink into the bubbling pools at the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik.

Experience this: And burrow right under Iceland’s skin on our epic six-night volcano adventure.

What to see in Iceland

Chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile

Whilst in this enigmatic country, a hunt for the Northern Lights is a given. The Aurora Borealis makes some of its most beautiful light dancing over the Icelandic snowscape. Go by quad bike, snowmobile or cross-country ski to chase down this ethereal wonder in the depths of winter. Head out into the glittering darkness of nightfall to unperturbed rural landscapes where the lights will be at their most beautiful.

Experience this: Whilst on our weekend tour through Iceland, exploring the wonders of the Golden Circle.

A glacial wonderland and thundering waterfalls

Iceland is a land of incredible natural wonders, from the glacial utopia of Sólheimajökull, where you can try your hand at climbing vertical ice walls; to Jokulsarlon, the glacier lagoon peppered with icebergs and native Icelandic wildlife. The geological spectacles of the Skógafoss and Sejalanfoss waterfalls are also a must-visit, be sure to take the tripod and camera kit to catch some otherworldly wonders on film.

Experience this: On our glacier hiking, geyser exploding and whale watching Iceland itinerary; from land to sea.

Snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra Fissure

From icy heights to watery depths, we’ll hook you up with our expert guide Sven as you slip into a wetsuit for a diving experience like no other. You’ll get a close-up view of the earth’s most basic building blocks as you dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After all that icy adventure, we’ll drop you on Reykjanes Peninsula for an afternoon of pampering in the soothing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Here you’ll forget about all your worries as you float around the warm waters and slather yourself in silica – it’s said to have incredible healing properties. But more about this later.

Experience this: On our itinerary dedicated to the adventure-lovers. Magma chambers, the midnight sun and more.

A journey to Iceland’s addictive capital: Reykavik

No trip to Iceland would be complete without getting under the skin of its eccentric and wild capital; Reykjavik. By day, delve into quirky Icelandic boutiques, vintage stores (we love Sputnik), and off-beat cafes alive with the capital’s famously creative sorts. At night, Reykjavik comes alive, as cafes turn into bars and DJ’s take to the decks.

The Icelandic people can teach us a thing or two about how to party. Most locals will only head out on Friday or Saturday night after midnight, when many of the bars and clubs open, and stay out till the early hours of the morning. They don’t call Reykjavik the ‘nightlife capital of the north’ for nothing.

Stay at: The gorgeous Canopy By Hilton Hotel, just minutes from the buzz of the best bars in Reykjavik.

So, why do we love Iceland so?

Iceland strikes the perfect balance with its urban charm, creative culture and rural landscapes, which all combine to create a destination that has something to captivate every traveller. Beautiful all year round—however, read our when to visit Iceland guide here for Northern Lights and Ice climbing specifics—Iceland has truly stolen our hearts.