Travelling through Iceland unlocks a world of natural splendours, adventurous pursuits, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes, seeking exhilarating outdoor adventures, or immersing yourself in Reykjavik’s rich culture, thriving arts scene, literary heritage, and indulge in the unique flavours of Icelandic cuisine.
The south of Iceland is also the best place to visit if you are short on time and want to see what Iceland is all about. With easy links to Reykjavík, you can explore the famous Golden Circle Route, Þingvellir National Park, and, if you’re willing to go a bit further, Vatnajökull.
Where to Stay in Iceland
The Edition Reykjavik
Edition Hotels aims to provide a unique sense of place in each location, focusing on creating a stylish and immersive environment with exceptional hospitality, luxury amenities, thoughtfully designed spaces, superb dining options, and excellent service. The Edition brand chooses prime locations, ensuring easy access to local attractions, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighbourhoods that enrich the stay with a sense of immersion in the local culture and surroundings. The Reykjavik Edition’s distinctive architecture and design have a harmonious blend of modern elegance and local cultural elements, and the location is perfect: the Old Harbour next to Harpa.
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels
Nestled amidst the dramatic landscape of Thingvellir National Park, The Ion Adventure Hotel is a haven for adventure seekers. The eco-friendly hotel combines contemporary design with nature-inspired elements to capture the essence of Iceland’s untamed beauty. It enjoys panoramic views over hot springs and has access to unique snorkelling in the Silfra fissure and the Northern Lights. In a stilted modernist structure set against a glacial backdrop, this contemporary hotel is 1 km from Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station, 18 km from the Hengill volcano and 20 km from Thingvellir National Park.
Things to do in Iceland
Iceland’s Natural Wonders
Iceland is full of natural wonders, with a raw natural allure that captivates with a stunning blend of icy glaciers and fiery volcanoes. It is the land of fire and ice. Embark on a glacial adventure to experience adrenaline-pumping activities amidst Iceland’s spectacular landscapes and discover magnificent ice formations and ice caves like the stunning Crystal Ice Cave at Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, and journey through the renowned Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula that showcase Iceland’s unparalleled natural beauty and the raw force of nature.
Alternatively, you can take a thrilling glacier hike or ice climbing tour to witness the grandeur of ice caps and feel the rush of glacier trekking and ice climbing on Sólheimajökull, Langjökull or Svínafellsjökull glaciers. Or navigate the icy terrain on a snowmobile, ride Icelandic horses through rugged terrain, visit iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and embark on a mesmerising whale-watching and puffin voyage
Visit Waterfalls and Dramatic Coastlines
Iceland boasts an array of awe-inspiring waterfalls and dramatic coastlines. Witness the thundering power of Gullfoss, the majestic cascade of Seljalandsfoss, or the beautiful Skógafoss, usually enveloped in an ethereal mist. Additionally, explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara or marvel at the basalt columns at the otherworldly Dyrhólaey peninsula.
The Staggering Northern Lights
Iceland’s northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, are a celestial spectacle of vibrant colours lighting up the night sky. Head to remote areas, such as Reykjanes Peninsula or the Westfjords, during the winter months, to increase your chances of experiencing this ethereal phenomenon of the green, purple, and pink ribbons dancing across a velvety backdrop.
Geothermal Wonders and Hot Springs
Iceland is a geothermal paradise, and hot springs and geothermal pool bathing are integral to Icelandic culture. Iceland has them in abundance. A surreal volcanic landscape surrounds the Blue Lagoon. The hot springs in the Hveravellir Nature Reserve and the secluded Mývatn Nature Baths offer an authentic Icelandic experience.
The most popular is the Laugardalslaug swimming pool complex, which offers various hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Another notable choice is the Vesturbæjarlaug pool, known for its tranquil atmosphere. The lavish Rekjavik Sky Lagoon has one of Iceland’s only ocean-side infinity pools, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you as you unwind before or after a day of exploring in Iceland.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Iceland offers unique encounters with various wildlife species, including whale-watching tours from Reykjavík or Húsavík to see the majestic humpback whales and orcas as they gracefully navigate the pristine Arctic waters, or take a puffin-watching boat tour to remote islands like the Westman Islands to see charming birds? Nesting in their natural
Admire Iceland’s Architectural Wonders
Iceland’s architecture blends with its dramatic environment. Perhaps the most iconic example is the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, which takes inspiration from Iceland’s basalt formations. Harpa, Reykjavík’s renowned concert hall and cultural centre, is a striking architectural masterpiece, a shimmering glass structure that mesmerises with its colours and reflection. Its design evokes Iceland’s unique geology, resembling giant, interlocking basalt crystals.
Discover Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital
Iceland embraces its rich heritage across traditional and contemporary art forms, reflecting the nation’s landscapes, folklore, and history. Reykjavik is a captivating cosmopolitan city of contrasts, with a diverse population and vibrant cultural energy that effortlessly blends culture, history, and charm, showcasing a rich tapestry of art, music, and performance venues. This walkable, picturesque city has a fabulous selection of cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife with bars, clubs, and music venues.
Downtown Reykjavík boasts a dynamic street art scene, especially on Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, where colourful murals embody the city’s rebellious and youthful spirit. The city’s many museums, galleries, and festivals, such as Iceland Airwaves and the Reykjavik Arts Festival, the Icelandic Sagas Festival and Design March, celebrate the country’s music, literary and design traditions, offering unique insights into Icelandic culture.
Whale and Puffin Watching From Reykjavík
Go whale watching from the old harbour in Reykjavík and see whales, mostly minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises in Faxafloi Bay. You can also see many species of seabirds, such as the gannet, puffin, guillemot razorbill, cormorant, gulls, kittiwake, terns and others, depending on the time of year.
Leaving from Reykjavík’s old harbour in a specially designed boat, Old Skuli, you can sail to the puffin island of Akurey, only 15 minutes away, where there are around 30,000 puffins that nest on the islands off Reykjavík. It takes you as close as possible to the island. A bonus of this activity is being able to take in the view of Reykjavík from the seaside. You’ll get a different perspective on Iceland’s capital city and its stunning surroundings.
Icelandic Cuisine
Reykjavík is a haven for foodie heaven, its culinary offerings renowned for their freshness and sustainability. Its many restaurants showcase the best of Icelandic and international cuisine. Visit Reykjavik’s bustling food markets, the Old Harbour Grandi and Kolaportið—the Reykjavik Flea Market, to uncover a wealth of local treats and crafts, and sample unique dishes like fermented shark, and Artic char, Icelandic lamb, as well as the abundant fresh seafood. Dill, Fish Market, or Apotek restaurants blend traditional Icelandic ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Experience the innovative twists on traditional Icelandic dishes at renowned restaurants Dill and Matur og Drykkur.
This captivating destination offers experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your memories.
An internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, she has worked on numerous projects around the world. An eye for detail and love of all things art, architecture, travel and design have led to a nomadic lifestyle resulting in a greater focus on travel and lifestyle feature writing. She is a contributor for a range of international print publications. Living between Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, traveling anywhere.
