There is a mystic isle located in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the Arctic circle that is known as the land of fire and ice. Although it sounds like a Game of Thrones title, it actually refers to Iceland, one of the most diverse, dramatic and geologically active landscapes on earth. Where ice literally meets fire with lava floes and glaciers (including Europe’s largest ice field) stunning waterfalls and geysers, beautiful fjords and active volcanoes. It’s a country that transports you to another world and you’ll believe you’ve walked onto a film set. And indeed, you might have, as Iceland’s diverse scenery has attracted the attention of many Hollywood locations scouts recently – including Star Wars, Prometheus and Interstellar.
Buzzing Reykjavik is a vibrant city that is run by its youth, and the island is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise – with endless hiking and biking options, and dreamy vistas to delight even the most amateur photographer. In short – it’s got everything. But as it’s difficult to choose, thus we’re giving you an easy guide to the top 7 sights you really shouldn’t miss.
1. Reykjavík
Let’s start nice and easy in the world’s most northerly capital city – which will most likely be your jumping off point to the rest of the island. Located on the west coast, Reykjavík is teeming with life, much of which comes out a night, but there are plenty of other attractions should you not be into the raucous party scene.
There’s an ancient history here too, as the settlement is believed to have been established in AD 874, with Viking and Gaelic ancestry. Don’t miss the Hallgrímskirkja (a Lutheran parish church and number one tourist attraction in the city – possibly because it looks like it was built out of Lego) and the Northern Lights in Reykjavik.
The National Museum of Iceland will tell you all you everything you need to know about the island and its inhabitants, and for those who like to stay fit while travelling – Iceland is famous for regularly producing the world’s strongest man – so a visit to a gym here