Amongst the most coveted travel destinations, Iceland is one of the most surreal and magnificent countries in the world. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it offers amazingly dramatic and breath-taking landscapes and exotic natural phenomena.

Aside from the modern and cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík, population centres are small, with diminutive towns, fishing villages, farms and minute hamlets clustered along the coastal fringes. The interior of the country, meanwhile, is a starkly beautiful wilderness of ice fields, windswept upland plateaux, infertile lava and ash deserts, and the frigid vastness of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.

Summers from June – August is the best time to visit Iceland because of the warm, balmy weather and the phenomenal Midnight Sun. It is indeed a spectacular time, with pleasant temperatures and prolonged daylight hours that enable you to see as much as you can.

If you’re looking for a combination of moderately good weather and lesser crowds, then you can consider early spring or late fall. The best time to catch the Northern Lights would be from late September through late March.

Icelandic food is known for its fresh ingredients and unique dishes. Foodies across the world come to the island to try out iconic Icelandic cuisine such as fermented shark and tasty skyr yogurt. The pillars of Icelandic cuisine are meat, dairy, and fish. For a long time, Icelandic people didn’t grow green vegetables or fruit. Apples and oranges were luxury items only shipped to the country during big celebrations such as Christmas.

Iceland is a country of high-quality fish. You can’t get much better fish than in Iceland. You can try any type of fish to have the most typical Icelandic food experience. If you have a sweet tooth, then you’re in luck! Kleinur is an Icelandic fried donut that’s fluffy and light on the inside and crispy on the outside. Iceland’s traditional sweet donut is available at most bakeries and grocery stores around the country. Kjötsúpa is the traditional dish of hot lamb meat soup that’s a sign of fall or winter for many Icelanders. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a day out adventuring. There’s also been a shift towards sustainability, with organic farming and foraging gaining popularity.

Shopping in Iceland offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern goods that not only takes you on a delightful experience but also gives a gist of the culture and history of the country. From locally made woollen products to stylish clothing from international brands, Iceland has something for every shopaholic. Reykjavik’s Laugavegur Street (supposedly the coolest street in Iceland) is home to a vibrant array of shops and boutiques, each offering one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. With local fashion designers, artisanal craft boutiques and bustling cafes lining the street, you won’t find it hard to drop a few Króna on anything from handcrafted clothes to delicious freshly baked rye bread. But the true magic of shopping in Iceland lies in the country’s natural wonders. As you venture out into the countryside, you’ll come across charming small towns and villages, home to quaint shops and markets selling handmade goods and traditional Icelandic delicacies.

Icelandic is the official language of Iceland, spoken by the majority of the population. However, English is widely spoken and understood, making it easy for visitors to communicate.

1. REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city of the world and serves as the gateway and focal point of tourism in Iceland. Known for its hip music, indigenous art, rich history, funky culinary choices and breath-taking beauty, Reykjavik offers the best of modern taste and natural beauty to its tourists.

Reykjavik is the perfect blend of modern and medieval times with its rich viking history and centres of modern culture. Iceland is known as the land of ice and fire with its location in the northern hemisphere close to the north pole, the land is riddled with volcanic and geothermal activity. Reykjavik has natural views of breath-taking beauty and the cityscape is a sight to behold. The northern lights are a spectacle that all travellers come to watch.

Places to visit in Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Sun Voyager, Lake Tjornin, National Museum, Aurora Reykjavik Museum, Arbaer Open Air Museum, Laugardalslaug, Einar Jonsson Museum, Videy Island, Grotta Lighthouse, Northern Lights

2. AKUREYRI

Akureyri, the “Capital of the North,” is a charming city in Iceland that offers a variety of outdoor activities, attractions, and cultural experiences. Situated in the Eyjafjörður fjord in northern Iceland, Akureyri is the second-largest city in the country and a popular tourist destination.

The main reason why visitors should come to Akureyri is for its breathtaking natural beauty. From the stunning landscapes of the fjords to the majestic mountains and glaciers, there is something for everyone to explore.

Places to visit in Akureyri: Akureyri Church, Botanical Garden, Akureyri Art Museum, Goðafoss Waterfall, Arctic Coast Way, Laufás Rectory, Dettifoss waterfall, Akureyri Countryside

3. KEFLAVIK

Keflavik, Iceland is a small fishing village located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-western Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and plethora of activities for travellers to enjoy.

The main reason to visit Keflavik is to explore its unique landscape and its vibrant culture. From its towering mountains to its towering lava rocks, the scenery is breathtaking. The town also offers a variety of activities such as whale watching, geothermal spas, and outdoor activities like hiking.

Places to visit in Keflavik: Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, The Reykjanes Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Viking World Museum, Northern Lights Observatory, a great place to watch the Northern Lights in the night sky

4. HOFN

Hofn is located in the south-east of Iceland and is a great place to visit for travellers. It is known for its magnificent mountain views, stunning glaciers, and rich wildlife. The town is also close to the stunning Jökulsárlón Lagoon, which is home to some of the best icebergs in the world.

The main reason why anyone should visit Hofn is for the amazing landscape. Its glaciers, mountains, and valleys offer breathtaking views. There are various activities that can be enjoyed such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier walks.

Places to visit in Hofn: Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Glacier Museum, Vatnsnes Peninsula, Hoffellsjokull Glacier

5. SELFOSS

Selfoss is a small and vibrant town located in southern Iceland, surrounded by stunningly beautiful landscapes and nature. It is a great place for travellers who want to experience the best of Iceland’s rural and natural attractions.

Selfoss is known for its scenic and picturesque views, beautiful mountains, rivers, and glaciers. It is a great destination for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The area is also home to numerous waterfalls and hot springs, making it a great place for relaxation. The area is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with many museums and monuments. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the town and its surroundings, as well as exploring nearby attractions like the Geysir and Gullfoss waterfalls.

Places to visit in Selfoss: Geysir and Gullfoss waterfalls, Strokkur, Kerid Crater, Skálholt Cathedral, Volcano Eyjafjallajokull, Skyrland, Nupshestar

6. HELLA

Hella is a small town in Southern Iceland, located on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá River. It is an ideal spot for travellers looking for a peaceful, rural getaway. The town is surrounded by natural beauty that includes glaciers, mountains, and valleys. There are many activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, horseback riding, glacier walking, and bird-watching.

Places to visit in Hella: Hellisheiði Power Plant, The Hella Church, Hella Folk Museum, Viking Museum

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