Just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland lies in the North Atlantic between Europe and North America, and offers a culture that is very different and one that has been forged by a people who have to work very hard to survive in this part of the world. However, over recent years there have been some significant developments in the tourist industry on the island, and the rugged landscapes and the oceans around the island have been exploited to provide some amazing backdrops for spectacular activities on the island.


 

Go Hiking On A Glacier

Finding a glacier is definitely not a problem as around ten per cent of the country's territory is covered in glaciers, and walking on the ice is one of the most magical experiences and is unlike any other kind of exploration. Because the ice can be of varying levels of thickness it is important to take a guide who is familiar with the area, with the superb surroundings of the Vatnajokull National Park being one of the best places to do this.

 

Take A Whale Watching Tour

One of the animals to be found in the waters around Iceland is the whale, and there are several species often found in the waters including blue whales, humpback whales and minke whales among others. The town of Husavik in the north of the country is your best bet for this activity, and while you can enjoy the wonderful scenery of the snow covered mountain tops from the water, 95 per cent of trips also include sightings of some of the majestic whales that live in the region, drawing your focus to the water.

Find Hotels & Activities in Husavik

 

Go Swimming In The Blue Lagoon

A geothermal pool that has startling blue waters, this is one of the most popular destinations on the island and is around a forty five minute drive from the capital Reykjavik. The waters are said to have wonderful healing powers and are pleasantly warm throughout the year, while there is also a spa on site for those looking for a few more luxurious treatments.

 

Scuba Diving In Thingvellir National Park

There are few scuba diving spots in the world that can rival the scenes beneath the waters in Thingvellir National Park, as here you will find the location where two continents meet. The fissure beneath the surface has some of the clearest water on earth, and you can even sea the bubbles of hot air escaping from the fissure, as well as enjoy some of the most dramatic and almost unbelievable scenes beneath the water here.

 

Party At The Iceland Airwaves Festival

This five day festival is held annually in November, and has become world famous as one of the launching pads for new bands and singers for the coming year. Founded in 1999, this Reykjavik event really has a great party atmosphere, and has featured artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club, The Flaming Lips, Robyn and Sigur Ros among many big names who went on to achieve international acclaim.

 

See The Amazing Natural Species Of Latrabjarg

For the avid bird watcher, this is one of the most interesting spots in the whole country, and is at the western tip of the island, and is a promontory of steep cliffs that are home to millions of birds. From puffins and razorbills to guillemots, the range of birds here is impressive, while the scenery adds to the superb surroundings that make this a great place to visit.

 

Watch The Northern Lights In The Night Sky

There are few natural sights that are as awe inspiring as the light show provided in the night sky by Aurora Borealis, and Iceland is a great place to see these lights, particularly if you head out of the towns and cities into rural areas with lower levels of light pollution. While the northern lights aren't always visible, a trip to Iceland certainly offers a good chance to spot them, particularly in the winter months.

Find Hotels in Reykjavik