Whether you want to go sightseeing in Iceland, soak up some fascinating culture or go horse-riding, our mini travel guides to Iceland will help you find out more about the range of things you can see and do. Whether you fancy a city break in the capital Reykjavik or want to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, we here at the Travellers Club can give you a hand deciding which of the European country's various attractions you want to take in first. From spa holidays in Iceland to pony-trekking in Iceland, holidays to the European country have a lot of offer.
Capital city
If you're into your arts and culture maybe you might consider Reykjavik. Not only is it Iceland's capital, it is also its largest city. Reykjavik offers a notoriously raucous nightlife scene and some enjoyable sightseeing in its old city centre. The city has crisp, clean air and natural hot springs, its centre is easily explored on foot with quaint wooden buildings and colourful houses interspersed in plenty of open space. The warm summer months when the sun barely sets are the best time to visit Reykjavik.
Read our Reykjavik holiday guide to learn more about places which showcase the country's Viking origins - such as the Saga Museum. You also have the option of visiting the Reykjavik 871 +/- 2 Settlement Exhibition, which contains a longhouse boat from Viking times. But, if you want something more contemporary, there are a variety of modern art galleries to visit such as the ASI ART Museum and the Hafnarborg, which features works by both Icelandic and international artists. Whatever your cultural preferences are, Reykjavik is sure to please.
However, if you're something of a foodie you will find fresh fish and seafood is in abundance, while you can also try local delicacies like smoked lamb and wild game. But if you fancy some international cuisine - perhaps Thai or Italian - you will find restaurants, bars and bistros in the city that cater to this.
Get back to nature with our holiday guide to Iceland
On some holidays you may be used to hopping onboard a train or bus or hiring a car as a means of getting around. However, if you're looking for a more natural form of transportation you might consider pony-trekking or horse-riding tours? Icelandic horses have been used as a means of getting around on the island since the Vikings settled hundreds of years ago. Doing so can be a fantastic way of getting back to nature and taking in the country's dramatic landscapes.
Of course if you prefer to travel on your own two feet there is the option of doing this. Why not consider walking holidays in Iceland? This is a particularly popular activity in the European country, so why not strap on your hiking boots and take a stroll through the Snaefellsjokull National Park? You will be able to take in the park's stunning natural beauty, you can even take a trip to the coast - it is the only national park that reaches the seashore. Another national park you may want to visit Thingvellir, with its dramatic scenery from lakes to mountains there will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing in Iceland.
One natural sight you should be sure to take in are the geysers in Iceland. There are several geysers in the country, the most famous of which is the suitably-titled Great Geysir in the Haukadalur valley.
At night you can see the majestic Aurora Borealis - better known as the Northern Lights. Taking in the Northern Lights in Iceland could be a fantastic activity on your break and is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Relax with Iceland spa holidays
Whether you've been horse-riding in Iceland or spending time seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, taking in all the activities and sightseeing in Iceland opportunities that are on offer can leave you feeling tuckered out. And if you're looking to relax at the end of a busy day of sightseeing, why not incorporate Iceland spa holidays into your trip? Such facilities are offered throughout the country, meaning that even if you've been spending the entire day on your feet, after a steam and a massage you will feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to take in more of what this fantastic country has to offer.
Location & geography
Iceland is in northern Europe, comprising the island of Iceland and its outlying islets in the North Atlantic Ocean between the rest of Europe and Greenland. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is volcanically and geologically active on a large scale; this defines the landscape in various ways. It consists of a plateau characterized by sand fields, mountains and glaciers, while many big glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a temperate climate relative to its latitude and provides a habitable environment and nature.
Natural world
The short time since the last ice age, left little time for plants and animals to migrate from elsewhere or evolve locally. There are around 1,300 known species of insects in Iceland, which is rather low compared with other countries, The only native land mammal when humans arrived was the arctic fox, which came to the island at the end of the ice age, walking over the frozen sea. There are no native reptiles or amphibians on the island. Approximately three-quarters of the island are barren of vegetation; plant life consists mainly of grassland which is regularly grazed by livestock. The only tree native to Iceland is the northern birch ‘Betula pubescens’.
Food & drink
The modern Icelandic diet is very diverse, and includes cuisines from all over the world. Like in other Western societies, fast food restaurants are widespread.Most national Icelandic foods are based around fish, lamb and dairy products. Traditional dishes include; * Skyr (a type of fresh cheese that has been strained) * Harðfiskur (dried fish often cod, haddock or seawolf with butter) be warned – some of the dishes are not for the faint hearted (ram's testicles pickled in whey, or a sheep's head eaten fresh) - or slátur (sheep innards tied up in sheep's stomach and cooked). Try them if you feel adventurous!
Health & safety
Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, so check if you are on the road. There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry. An influenza vaccination is recommended to those travelling the country from November through April. For a list of relevant vaccinations and other health precautions click here.
Travelling
British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required. There is no time difference in Iceland and flight time from the UK takes approximately three hours.
