Just under 3 hours from the UK, Iceland has a unique charm and a cultural identity like no other. It boasts some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world creating one of Europe’s biggest adventure playgrounds. From the first view of its dramatic lava fields as you land at Keflavik Airport to its abundant waterfalls, too numerous to count, this mid-Atlantic island is somewhere that gets under your skin and one visit is never enough.
Perhaps that’s why there is a term to describe those who visit Iceland more than once, Islandsvinir, or Friend of Iceland. Once a title bestowed on celebrities who set foot in the country – think Barack Obama and Beyonce – these days it’s applied to anyone who visits more than once.
If you loved your first brush with the Land of Fire and Ice, here are eight more reasons why you should go again – from remote fjords and way-out waterfalls to lonely peninsulas and little-visited fishing villages.
1) The Westman Islands, South Iceland
This craggy collection of 15 islands and around 30 sea stacks and skerries, this explosive archipelago has been fighting its way above the surface of the Atlantic for some 10-20,000 years. Its most recent progeny – Surtsey – was born in 1963.
The 1973 eruption on the main island of Heimaey caused a mass evacuation. While a fifth of the town was destroyed, the harbour was saved by dousing the lava with seawater. Since then, Heimaey has thrived and is an example of Icelanders’ adaptable coexistence with volcanoes. The Eldfell crater features on the Volcanic Way touring route.
Easily visited on a day trip, Vestmannaeyjar as it’s called in Icelandic really deserves a longer visit to take in the volcanic legacy and encounter Iceland’s largest puffin population.
2) Breiddalur valley, East Fjords
Gilded with rivers and framed by towering basalt ramparts, this broad valley in the East Fjords is a fine spot for hiking and horse riding. The waterfall of Flogufoss looks straight out of Middle Earth, while Breiddalsvik has a quirky geology museum.
3) Mjoifjordur, East Fjords
A haven of tranquillity, only around 40 people live around this narrow fjord, a hidden gem of the East Fjords, and fewer than 15 in the tiny village of Brekkuþorp. Reached on a gravel road that snakes past tumbling waterfalls and secret ravines on its way to lonely Dalatangi lighthouse (and its older counterpart, Dalatangaviti), this could well be Iceland’s most beautiful and remote fjord.
4) Siglufjordur, North Iceland
Head north from Akureyri to the tip of Eyjafjordur and you’ll reach the brightly coloured houses that huddle round the harbour of this historic fishing town in North Iceland. Siglufjordur is renowned for its Herring Era Museum and vibrant arts and crafts scene. The waterfront Hotel Sigló makes a fine base for exploring the fjord and surrounding mountains, while the harbour-side hot tub offers the perfect relaxation spot.
5) Hvitserkur, North Iceland
Rhino, dragon or petrified troll – whatever your take on this 15m-tall basalt sea stack, it’s well worth tracking down on North Iceland’s Vatnsnes Peninsula. Keep an eye out for seals and feisty Arctic terns.
6) Latrabjarg, West Fjords
Iceland’s westernmost point reaches a dizzying climax at Latrabjarg where cliffs tower more than 400m above the sea and provide high-rise dwellings for millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills. Europe’s largest seabird city is located just 12km from the West Fjords settlement of Breidavik.
7) Flatey, West Iceland
This small island in Breidafjordur is like a time capsule. Its 19th century buldings include a beautifully renovated hotel and a church adorned with seafaring scenes. The Baldur ferry connects Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula with Brjanslaekur in the West Fjords, calling in at Flatey along the way.
8) Hveravellir, Highlands
A hot-water oasis in the arid Highlands of Iceland, Hveravellir Nature Reserve is a short detour off route 35 on the Kjolur route – what was once a horse trail through the highlands connecting the north with the assembly at Thingvellir. As well as fumaroles and multicoloured hot springs, there’s a geothermal bathing pool with views of the Kjalhraun lava field and Langjokull icecap.
Ready to return?
Our tailored self-drive holidays are the perfect way to explore Iceland’s less-visited highlights.
Browse our wide collection of imaginative itineraries or get in touch with our specialists for suggestions and let them tailor something bespoke. From your first idea through to your return, we’ll handle the details. Call on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.