Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Iceland
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| | | Land of myth and magic |  | Why go on holiday to Iceland?
Iceland is a mystical place, filled with strange lava formations, geothermal activity and dramatic, windswept landscapes.
The culture is influenced by a rich Nordic history filled with magical folklore, yet Icelanders are thoroughly modern in their attitudes towards architecture, technology and making the most of the weekend.
With the cleanest air you're likely to ever breathe and almost zero crime, the only thing to watch out for in Iceland is the dent that this destination can make on your wallet.
How much does it cost?
Prices will vary but Iceland is increasingly popular and there are some bargains. As a guide, expect a weekend break in a three-star Reykjavik hotel to cost from £315. There is plenty of budget summer accommodation available but the average price of a mid-range hotel room is £100.
A country cottage can be rented from £300 a week, and an inclusive tour starts at around £600 for a week.
When should I go?
Though the waters of the Gulf Stream keep Iceland relatively warm for its latitude, rain is heavy year-round and the barometer only rises to about 11C (52F) in June and July.
Yet since tourist facilities like bus routes and country hostels doesn't get going until May and close abruptly come September, summer is the time to visit if you want to travel. You'll also be blessed with almost constant daylight.
However, winter city breaks in Reykjavik are becoming more popular, especially in December. Though dark most of the day, Christmas festivities brighten the city. Snow can be expected and the temperature seldom drops much below freezing.
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| | | Natural beauty |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Don't bypass Reykjavik in a rush to get to the great outdoors. The world's most northerly capital is small and clean, famous for neat rows of painted houses and for running on geothermal heat.
The National Museum has exhibits dating from the very earliest days of Icelandic settlement, including an impressive church door from 1200 depicting a Norse battle scene.
The modern architecture of Iceland is best appreciated by a stroll to Hallgrimskirkja. The rather odd church is designed to look like a lava mountain, and there are great views from the tower.
What are the best natural features?
In the south are two of Iceland's most famous sights, Gulfoss and Geysir. Gulfoss is a spectacular, two-tiered waterfall; Geysir has spouting hot springs. Between eruptions visitors marvel at steaming vents, warm streams and multicoloured algae.
In the north-east, Matvin is packed with volcanic and geothermal sites, though most visitors go to see the mesmerising blue lake.
The Jokulsargljufur National Park has Iceland's biggest gorge as well as countless waterfalls, caves, weird rock formations and valleys. Other good trips are to the Kverkfjoll ice caves and the Hverfell crater.
What about those elves?
Hidden creatures are everywhere in Iceland, apparently. The hill at Helgafell has temple ruins on the south-west slope, and legend has it that if you climb it according to certain rules, your wishes will be granted.
Kerlingarskard or "witch pass" is a spooky location once haunted by a female troll; a lake near the pass has yielded occasional sightings of a Nessie-type creature.
Where can I go to chill out?
The Blaa Lonio at Grindavik, or Blue Lagoon, is a pale blue pool of mineral-rich waste water from the Svartsengi power plant, which far from being dangerous, is reputed to have curative powers.
Set in a mysterious steamy landscape dominated by smokestacks and lava formations, with a water temperature of 70C even in mid-winter, few visitors would dispute its healing effect on the weary traveller.
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| | | Summer street parties | | Where's good for nightlife?
Young Icelanders have developed a reputation for their clubs and all-night summer street parties, concentrated around the centre of Reykjavik.
The bars on Tryggvagata and Laugavegur are packed late most nights, with locals out on runtur, the Icelandic pub crawl. Though drinking probably tops the locals' list of things to do of an evening right across the country, there are more sedate options.
Traditional folk music and the reading of historical sagas are still commonly practised and worth seeking out. Check the local papers or tourist office for listings.
What's the food like?
Traditional Icelandic food is, well, interesting. Hakarl is putrefied shark meat which has been buried in sand or gravel for three to six months. Then there's sursaoir hrutspungar, ram's testicles pickled in whey. Yum.
Blander fare along Scandinavian lines of bread, meat, cheese, pickled fish, potatoes and soup is available at cafes and rather pricey Icelandic restaurants, with fast food found at petrol station kiosks.
What should I buy?
Lopapeysa, or the traditional warm and woolly Icelandic jumper, is a favourite with tourists. The most traditional come in white and blue, violet or earth tones.
Good bargains can be found at the street market on Austurstraeti in Reykjavik; check the tightness of knit under the arms for the best indication of quality.
What is there for children to do?
No visit to Iceland is complete without a trip to a bubbling volcano, but if dragging the kids up a mountain filled with lava seems like too much hard work an outing to the Volcano Show in Reykjavik is a safer option.
Little people will enjoy the elf map and Tour of Hidden Worlds at Hafnarfjorour, which is Pixie Central according to locals. Puffins and whales can be spotted during a boat trip to Lundey Island.
Tourist office:
Enquiries in the UK through Iceland Air, 172 Tottenham Court Road, 3rd Floor, London W1P 9LG. Brochure line: 020 8286 8008.
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| | Available rental properties in Iceland |
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