Things to do in Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital, is a compact, colourful city of art, music and geothermal pools, crowned by the Hallgrímskirkja church and the glass Harpa concert hall. From there, day trips reach the geysers, waterfalls and rift valley of the Golden Circle.

Along the south coast, the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sands of Reynisfjara and the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift toward the sea, are unforgettable. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the fjords of the north and east, the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn and whale watching from Húsavík reward a full circuit of the Ring Road.

Lamb, fresh fish, skyr and dark rye bread baked in the warm ground are traditional fare. Summer brings near-endless daylight and the best conditions for driving and hiking, while winter, with its short days, is the season for the northern lights and ice caves. The weather changes fast, so warm layers are essential all year.