The small country of Iceland is turning up the heat. From just under one million visitors in 2012, numbers have more than doubled, and that trend looks set to continue.
As travellers continue to seek new and exciting places to visit, this tiny but spectacular north Atlantic country has plenty to offer.
With its relatively remote sub-Arctic location, pristine environment and the allure of the Northern Lights, this cool weather nation and the ‘land of the midnight sun’ has become a bucket list hotspot.
Revel in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland’s colourful capital, is home to just 123,000 residents and best enjoyed on foot.
City and waterfront views can be enjoyed from the 30-plus-kilometres of hiking and biking trails that surround the city. Take a stroll to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, the volcanic landscape and woods of Heidmork Nature reserve, or along the scenic riverfront and seaside parks.
Along the way, you’ll discover brilliantly coloured houses, innovative architecture and public sculptures, cool cafes and many places of historical interest.
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Snaefellsjokull National Park
Around two hours’ drive north of Reykjavik lies the stunning Snaefellsjokull National Park, where you’ll discover some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. At times, the landscape looks other-worldly, with its deserted coastline and pock-marked volcano cliffs and icy Snaefellsjokull Glacier.
Day trips from Reykjavik are popular as they include visits to local fishing villages, lighthouses and rocky coastal outcrops found throughout the National Park.
Geothermal attractions
With earthly energy in abundance, Iceland has a mystical quality about it. The geothermal activity bubbling to the surface creates one of the country’s most appealing features – natural spa pools.
Known for their rejuvenating qualities, these hot baths are popular with tourists and locals alike. One of the best is the Blue Lagoon which also offers an upscale retreat where you can enjoy everything from in-water massages and mud masks to saunas and natural steam rooms.
Just 10-kilometres from Reykjavik, the lava landscape surrounds of the Blue Lagoon and its fine dining makes it a destination unto itself.
Trip the light fantastic
The shimmering atmosphere of the Aurora Borealis makes for a dazzling light show in the northern sky. Best seen between September and March, the bewitching natural phenomenon is yet another out-of-this-world experience in Iceland.
The ghostly light formations are caused by electrically charged particles colliding as they enter the earth’s atmosphere at the poles where the magnetic field is weakest.
Visit Iceland with Back-Roads Touring
A small yet incredibly diverse country, Iceland boasts dramatic landscapes and a plethora of options to explore. Gorgeous unique cities, stunning breath-taking hot springs, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of bathing in the Secret Lagoon are certain to leave a lasting impression.
Tour inclusions on this unique five-day tour include:
- 4 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- European breakfast daily (B), 4 evening meals (D)
- Swim in the Secret Lagoon
- Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógar Waterfalls and Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Museum
- Viking sushi boat tour from Stykkisholmur Harbor
- Tour of the Thingvellir National Park
- Visit the ice caves and ice tunnel at Langjökull glacier
DAY 1 REYKJAVIK – SELJALANDSFOSS – SKÓGAR – FLÚDIR
Prepare for a visual treat on this Icelandic adventure. A once-in-a-lifetime destination for most, you will be spoilt with unmissable sights and natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world.
Departing from the capital, the day starts with a scenic drive to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, before travelling onwards to the awe-inspiring Skógar Waterfall.
After a full day of sightseeing, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Accommodation: (Hotel Litli Geysir)
DAY 2 FLÚDIR – SKEIÐD OG GNÚPVERJAHREPPUR – FLÚDIR
After a delicious breakfast, head to Vorsabær where you will be able to meet with the locals and learn about life on an Icelandic farm. Next, pay a visit to the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue and discover about the exceptional knowledge of the local rescue team.
After an informative session, you will visit the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring, and later enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Accommodation: (Hotel Litli Geysir)
DAY 3 FLÚDIR – GULLFOSS – THINGVELLIR – STÓRARJÓDUR
Enjoy a scenic journey across the impressive Golden Circle, ticking off the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Next, make a stop at a cow farm in Efstidalur and taste home-made ice cream before continuing through the Thingvellir National Park – the epitome of heart-stopping beauty.
In the afternoon, drive to west Iceland to your hotel before retiring for the night. (B,D)
Accommodation: (Hotel Húsafell)
DAY 4 STÓRARJÓDUR – LANGJÖKULL GLACIER – STÓRARJÓDUR
After breakfast, drive to Víðgelmir Lava Cave, the longest lava cave in Iceland before driving to the village of Reykholt, and the nearby Deildartunguhver hot springs.
After, indulge your taste buds with a beer tasting at Steðji Brewery before transfering to Langjökull glacier and climbing aboard a customised 4WD vehicle to experience the infamous ice tunnel and surrounding caves.
After this activity-filled day, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Accommodation: (Hotel Húsafell)
DAY 5 STÓRARJÓDUR – SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA – REYKJAVIK
It may be the last day of the tour, but it will also be one of the most memorable. Drive to Stykkisholmur Village where you will embark on a Viking sushi boat tour to learn about the local environment. In the afternoon, return to the charming capital of Reykjavik where the tour ends. (B)
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