Iceland

Iceland, an island in North Atlantic Ocean, has captured the imagination of travelers wholeheartedly. The volcanic isle, with its glaciers, hot springs, puffins, and buzzing capital has long been the source of dreams for many travelers. Stunning landscapes are just the tip of the iceberg of Iceland travel, and luckily for travelers, visiting has never been more affordable. A banking crisis in 2007 left the country in a very difficult place financially, and almost immediately afterwards, offers for holidays in Iceland were advertised at never-before-seen prices. Airfare, accommodation, and entertainment are within reach of even budget travelers.

Most travelers arrive to Iceland via air, at the main airport located outside the capital city of Reykjavik, called Keflavik Airport. British Airways, Icelandair, and SAS all fly to this airport and connect Reykjavik to cities in Europe such as Amsterdam, Oslo, Paris, and Berlin. The best deals can be found in the low season, or if the dates of your trip are flexible. Some visitors make Iceland travel exciting by arriving via the sea. If you’re exploring Norway, you can catch a ferry from Bergen to Iceland. The high season in Iceland lasts from mid-June through August, while May, June, and July are known to be the driest months of the year. While the capital city has a reputation for a mild climate, this can quickly turn to rain and biting wind in the low season.

Much of Iceland tourism is nature-based. Travelers make the journey on the search for spewing geysers, hot springs, and glaciers. The landscape offers visitors the chance to get involved, and whether it's bathing in the mineral waters or trekking across a glacier, the sheer wonder of Icelandic nature will impress. Animal-lovers make the best of holidays in Iceland, often heading to sea-cliffs to see puffins by the thousands. Husavik is one of the best locations in the world for whale-watching, and it brings travelers spectacularly close to the spouting beasts.

Many holidays in Iceland are planned around seeing the incredible Gullfoss, or Golden Falls. Water plunges over a staircase-shaped terrain amidst spectacular landscapes. Other popular attractions in the area include the Pingvellir National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the geysers of Haukadalur. Together these three attractions are called the Golden Circle, and they are very popular with tourists. While Iceland travel is sure to include time standing in awe of the landscape, it is also essential to visit the cultural city of Reykjavik.

The world’s most northerly capital is full of charm. Known for being the home of many artists and writers, Reykjavik has a palpable energy. In the summer, 22 hours of daylight doesn’t stop the nightlife, and the always dark days of winter are kept interesting by the local people. A Friday night pub crawl is a favorite for travelers, and cafés, restaurants, and galleries are all of a high-quality. The volcanic surroundings, colorful buildings, and energy of the local people all add up to a spectacular destination for travelers, and taking a trip to Iceland is sure to be a memorable opportunity.