Population
346,999
capital
Reykjavík
Language
Icelandic
currency
Icelandic Króna
Flight time
3 hours and 15 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +0 hours
best time to go
Jul, Aug
Introducing Iceland
This Nordic island nation is out of this world beautiful. Dramatic, surreal and completely feral, Iceland’s bizarre and interesting landscape resembles something rather alien. From the moment you step foot on land, the eerie backdrop will have you feeling like you’ve flown to another planet. Keep your eyes fixed at the window from your transfer bus and you’ll get the chance to catch sight of the barren hills to which the roads have been uncannily carved into, with their incredible lava fields coursing endlessly into the horizon. Defined by its 30 active volcano systems, steaming geysers and hot springs, glistening glaciers and ice formations, tumbling waterfalls and lakes, and the famous Blue Lagoon spa which epitomises luxury in the most exotic form, a journey to Iceland is one that is most intrepid. So if you’re looking for off the beaten track travel for you and your family in Europe, make Iceland the next destination on your bucket list.
If the jumbled juxtaposition of this lonely island’s cool winter landscapes and boiling hot springs isn’t enough to lure you in, the temptation of the Northern Lights sure will. The mind-blowingly beautiful Aurora Borealis doesn’t guarantee sightings and that’s exactly what makes spotting them even more beautiful. The lucky few might be able to catch a midnight glimpse from the pretty city of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and cultural centre but most will need to book an excursion out into the remote plains just to stand a chance of spotting the mysterious lightshow. And once you do, the search will be totally worth it. Wherever you find yourself in this sparsely populated world of fire and ice, you’ll likely find yourself utterly seduced with the Icelanders’ love of legends and myths, their unique sense of pride and patriotism, and their slow-paced way of life that inspires a laidback attitude.
Explore romantic Reykjavik for its cool, chilled out nightlife and restaurant scene, witness the drama and natural wonder of the gushing Gullfoss falls, go hiking around Vatnajökull National Park with its snow-capped mountains, or take a tour of Iceland’s south coast and finish your journey at the incredible Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Guaranteed, you will find something spectacular to see and do every day.
Family
Iceland is a wonderful destination for families because there is so much to do and so much to see. Whilst some Icelandic adventures may seem a little too intrepid for the little ones, there are plenty of things which are kid friendly in and around the capital – and beyond. In the Reykjavik area alone, there are 18 thermal pools suitable for children plus there are countless museums so that families can learn more about the country’s Viking past. There are numerous organised tours including Gullfoss tours and Golden Circle tours which come complete with an experienced guide and pick-up from your hotel, so getting around is extremely convenient.
Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine is best known for using lamb, Skyr dairy products (the Icelandic version of yogurt) and various fish and seafood. Preservation using salt is also very popular due to the country’s long history with fishing, and cheese is often made from goat or sheep’s milk. Fish restaurants are extremely popular in the capital but you will also find many pubs, burger bars and modern restaurants serving up international cuisine. Eating out can be expensive in Iceland but a few places in the capital have started offering free children’s meals so look out for the local offers. For cheap eats, you have to head to Krás street food market or pick up a famous Pylsur hot dog from the city’s number one street food van.
History and Culture
Iceland has a Viking past, of which was the first piece of recorded settlement on the island – and you can learn more about the country’s Viking roots at the capital’s Viking Village in Hafnarfjordur. Today, Iceland’s culture is rich and varied and some of the old Icelandic traditions continue into modern life such as weaving, silver-smithing and wood carving.
Recommended Iceland Specialists
Recommended Experiences in Iceland
From
£3,695pp
£3,695pp
Top Locations in Iceland
Reykjavik
The capital is an unmissable part of your journey – this eclectic city has a lively buzz at night but the vibe is always cool, laidback and never too rowdy. Nightlife is fantastic here but so is exploring the city by day. Browse the traditional gift shops, see the famous sights such as the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the futuristic Perlan or the impressive Harpa concert hall with its mind-blowing rooftop views.
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Blue Lagoon
For total relaxation, spend a day winding down at the Blue Lagoon spa. The warm outdoor pool is set in spectacular surroundings and is warmed with natural water from the volcanic springs. Various spa packages are available for visitors and food and drink wristbands will be provided for all guests so that getting refreshments throughout the day is easy. Armbands can also be provided for babies, toddlers and young kids.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The Gullfoss waterfalls are located less than 2 hours from the capital and can be accessed by car or by tour bus. There are tours leaving Reykjavik daily and the official tour operator will offer pick-up from some of the city’s main hotels. Because the Gullfoss area is a public site, it’s open 24 hours a day and offers an on-site restaurant serving a selection of sandwiches, soups and salad plus hot and cold drink refreshments.
Jokulsarlon
This incredible glacier lagoon is a stunning sight to behold and a fantastic spot for photography. There are also hourly lagoon boat tours available, suitable also for kids – with life jackets and an experienced tour guide included in the ticket price. Additionally, there’s a handy café close to the site so you can stop off to refuel after a long walk around the lagoon area.
Thrihnukagigur
The dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano, which last erupted 4,000 years ago, is now open to the public and is known to the locals as the “Three Peaks Crater”. The total depth is 700 ft. which can easily fit the entire height of the Statue of Liberty and it only takes 6 minutes to lower all the way down to the bottom through the open elevator system. Kids over 12 are welcome and tour packages will include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel plus all the necessary safety equipment.