Iceland travel guide
It’s truly cool, but Iceland is not really that icy – well, except for a handful of truly massive glaciers
Iceland is, though, wild – outside the buzzing, artistic capital, Reykjavík, it’s the natural wonders and sweeping empty landscapes that captivate.
Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ captures most visitors’ attention, and no wonder: the steaming thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, thundering waterfall of Gullfoss and spouting geyser of, well, Geysir are pretty awe-inspiring.
But there’s much more to do in Iceland: whalewatching from Reykjavík or Húsavík; exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula; discovering the puffin-speckled Westmann Islands; striking out across the vast Vatnajökull icecap; and sailing around the isolated, silent Westfjords, home to seals, seabirds and Arctic foxes.
Reykjavík itself is a colourful little town, with great bars, museums and hot springs to souse yourself in.
Wanderlust recommends
- Explore the remote Hornstrandir nature reserve - Sail Iceland’s Westfjords region.
- Take the kids to Iceland – Land of the little folk
- Join the annual horse roundup
- Gird your loins for the weekly Runtur bar crawl around Reykjavík’s pubs
- Go whalewatching from Husavík
- Venture onto the vast Vatnajökull icecap
Wanderlust tips
Look out for music festivals – the big names (Björk, Sigur Rós) may play Reykjavík’s Airwaves Festival (October), but consider heading to Isafjor∂ur in the Westfjords for the unique Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (‘Never Went South’), where the likes of Mugison and up-and-coming bands play.
Taking a sleeping bag can save you good chunks of money – bargain sleeping-bag accommodation is available in many guesthouses, not just in hostels.