Why Iceland
Iceland packs glaciers, volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls into an island the size of a small country. Almost everything is within a day's drive of Reykjavik, and the Ring Road (Route 1) links the highlights in one loop. Here are the places worth planning your trip around.
The Golden Circle
The classic day trip from Reykjavik covers three sights: Thingvellir National Park, where you walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; Geysir, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes; and Gullfoss, a thunderous two-tier waterfall on the Hvita river.
The Blue Lagoon
This milky-blue geothermal spa sits in a lava field near Keflavik airport, making it an easy first or last stop. Book ahead, as entry is timed and sells out. Tickets start around 90 EUR.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Icebergs calved from Breidamerkurjokull drift across this lagoon in the southeast before washing up on neighbouring Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter on black sand.
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss
Two of the south coast's most famous waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the curtain of water; Skogafoss is a wide 60-metre drop that often frames a rainbow.
Reykjavik
The world's northernmost capital is small and walkable. Climb the Hallgrimskirkja church tower for rooftop views, browse Laugavegur's shops and cafes, and try lamb soup or a famous hot dog.
The Northern Lights
From roughly September to April, dark clear skies away from city lights can reveal the aurora. Thingvellir, the south coast and the highlands are popular vantage points.
Whale watching from Husavik
This northern town is one of Europe's best whale-watching spots, with humpbacks, minke and sometimes blue whales in Skjalfandi Bay.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Often called Iceland in miniature, it offers the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain, black-sand beaches, lava fields and a glacier-capped volcano, all within a couple of hours of Reykjavik.
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