Iceland

---

TRAVEL GUIDE

Reykjavik

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt

Akureyri

Akureyri—called the Capital of the North—is the second-largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile

Mývatn

You could spend at least a day exploring this superbly natural area influenced by active geology; a fissure eruption occurred here in 1984.

Hafnarfjorður

Harbor fjord" had an important commercial port centuries before Reykjavík did, and today there's still healthy competition between the two.

Þingvellir

After a little less than an hour-long drive from Reykjavík along Route 36 across the Mosfellsheiði heath, the broad lava plain of Þingvellir

Eyrarbakki

Essentially a small bundle of old houses, Eyrarbakki is tiny but cute. It contains the oldest timber house in Iceland, imported from Norway

Seltjarnarnes

Surrounded by unending views and the wild and sometimes shimmering Atlantic Ocean, this gorgeous district of Reykjavík has always been a popular

Stokkseyri

With its wide, black, sandy beach covered in driftwood, tiny Stokkseyri (population 445) is popular in summer. It offers a small museum and

Jokulsarlon

Viðey Island

An interesting slice of Iceland's past has been well preserved on Viðey Island—a popular destination for people seeking peace, solitude, and

Husavik

Home to just over 2,000 souls, Húsavík is a small but atmospheric village with great opportunities for whale-watching tours. It’s also convenient

Blue Lagoon

Dubbed a wonder of the modern world, The Blue Lagoon has become so popular it’s necessary to book well in advance to reserve a luxury soak in

Haukadalur

The geothermal field in Haukadalur, home of the Geysir and Strokkur geysers, is one of Iceland's classic tourist spots. The famous Geysir hot

Gullfoss

Measuring 105 feet high, thundering Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a double cascade in the Hvítá River, turning at right angles in mid-drop. Gullfoss

Reykjavik

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt

Akureyri

Akureyri—called the Capital of the North—is the second-largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile

Mývatn

You could spend at least a day exploring this superbly natural area influenced by active geology; a fissure eruption occurred here in 1984.

Hafnarfjorður

Harbor fjord" had an important commercial port centuries before Reykjavík did, and today there's still healthy competition between the two.

Þingvellir

After a little less than an hour-long drive from Reykjavík along Route 36 across the Mosfellsheiði heath, the broad lava plain of Þingvellir

Eyrarbakki

Essentially a small bundle of old houses, Eyrarbakki is tiny but cute. It contains the oldest timber house in Iceland, imported from Norway

Seltjarnarnes

Surrounded by unending views and the wild and sometimes shimmering Atlantic Ocean, this gorgeous district of Reykjavík has always been a popular

Stokkseyri

With its wide, black, sandy beach covered in driftwood, tiny Stokkseyri (population 445) is popular in summer. It offers a small museum and

Jokulsarlon

Viðey Island

An interesting slice of Iceland's past has been well preserved on Viðey Island—a popular destination for people seeking peace, solitude, and

Husavik

Home to just over 2,000 souls, Húsavík is a small but atmospheric village with great opportunities for whale-watching tours. It’s also convenient

Blue Lagoon

Dubbed a wonder of the modern world, The Blue Lagoon has become so popular it’s necessary to book well in advance to reserve a luxury soak in

Haukadalur

The geothermal field in Haukadalur, home of the Geysir and Strokkur geysers, is one of Iceland's classic tourist spots. The famous Geysir hot

Gullfoss

Measuring 105 feet high, thundering Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a double cascade in the Hvítá River, turning at right angles in mid-drop. Gullfoss

The North

From the Hrútafjörður (Rams' Fjord), which gouges deeply into the western end of the coast, to Vopnafjörður in the east, Iceland's north is

The South Coast and the South

Most people traveling around Iceland take the Ring Road (Rte. 1) heading east of Reykjavík, through the southwest central area, before hitting

Side Trips from Reykjavik

You don't have to venture far beyond Reykjavik to experience some of Iceland's most incredible scenery and natural wonders. Take a drive or

Golden Circle

If you make only one foray outside Reykjavík, take this popular trip, offered by many tour operators, to the lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs