In search of the Northern Lights

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your average capital city; it lacks grandiose buildings, a historical city center, or majestic monuments. However, this city offers so much more. Iceland's capital is unique, vibrant, and closely connected to nature. Its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between two fjords and encircled by a lunar-like volcanic landscape, gives the city, whose name translates to "Bay of Smokes," an unparalleled charm. As the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With the sea as its backdrop, whale watching is a favorite tourist activity. The city is abundant with open spaces, including parks, pedestrian zones, a lake adjacent to the city hall, and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach, just a 15-minute journey from the city center. The city boasts seven municipal geothermal pools where locals gather to socialize and unwind after work. Other activities such as cycling, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing can all be enjoyed within the city's vicinity. Beyond its natural wonders, Reykjavik always has something to offer. It's a cosmopolitan and dynamic city filled with museums, art galleries, and quaint coffee shops. Its nightlife is thrilling and wild, with locals seemingly making up for the beer prohibition that lasted until 1989, and venues often staying open until the early morning hours. During the day, the capital exudes a more relaxed vibe, with its neat, colorful houses, litter-free streets, and leisurely pace of life. Reykjavik is recognized as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally. Navigating this city is nearly foolproof: the Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most parts of the city center and serve as key landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cozy, and truly special. Its unique character and captivating surroundings will convince you that there's no better city in the world.

About the destination: Arnarstapi is a small town located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This area is home to several quaint and historic houses, each with their own unique stories, and is well-known for its stunning natural beauty. The beach at Arnarstapi is a particular point of interest. It features a naturally eroded stone arch, known as Gatklettur, where the combination of the sun's light and the crashing waves creates a mesmerizing display. The area is also a nesting ground for large colonies of arctic terns, making it a favorite spot for photographers. A former horse trail that runs through the Hellnahraun lava field is a popular hiking destination due to the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds it.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town located in the northern part of Iceland. It holds the distinction of being Iceland's second largest urban area and the fourth largest municipality. Often referred to as the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri serves as a significant port and fishing hub. Akureyri is a visually appealing town, situated by a picturesque fjord, featuring a mix of architectural styles and streets that meander through gorges. Take some time to explore the town center, where you can see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally "the art canyon"), which houses a variety of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The peaceful municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is also worth a visit, as are the several small museums scattered throughout the town.

About the destination: Egilsstadir, Iceland, is the largest town in the east of the island. Belonging to the Austurland region, it has a population of around 2,300. Egilsstadir sits on a plain along the Lagarfljót River. Its small airport and good hotel and restaurant facilities have made this small Icelandic town a popular tourist destination, both for Icelanders and foreign visitors. One of the main attractions of Egilsstadir is its natural environment, being the gateway to the main fjords of eastern Iceland: Seyðisfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and Vopnafjörður. Very close to Egilsstadir you can visit two spectacular waterfalls: Hengifoss, almost 120 metres high, and Fardagafoss. Its valleys and mountains (including the 1800-metre-high Snæfell Peak) offer the best environment for hikers, especially during the summer. Near Egilsstadir is the Hallormsstadaskógur forest, the largest wooded area on the island. Egilsstadir can also be a good base camp for a trip to the wonderful Vatnajokull National Park.

About the destination: Hofn is the only urban center you'll encounter after passing Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Although it's a rather gray and unattractive town, it's a convenient place to stay overnight due to its close proximity to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (78 km) and the massive Vatnajokull. Hofn is located on a peninsula in the southeast of Iceland and is surrounded by several small islands, with Mikley being the largest, followed by Krókalátur and Hellir to the east of the city. The name Hofn translates to "port" and it's one of the few fishing ports in southern Iceland. Navigation here requires caution due to the formation of sandbanks that need to be frequently dredged to maintain a minimum depth of 7-8 meters. This port can freeze over during the harshest winter months. Hofn also has an airport that only operates domestic flights. It's located on the Ring Road, accessible via route 99. The most significant cultural event in Hofn is the renowned lobster festival, which takes place on the first weekend of July. Hofn is home to several museums, including the Glacier Museum, the Museum of Folklore, and the Nautical Museum, among others. We stayed in Hofn for two nights as we made a round trip to the south of Iceland (Iceland: Organizational Data). During our stay, we took several walks through the streets, visited supermarkets, gas stations, and dined at the port's restaurants, which were very close to our apartment. We couldn't do much more after arriving in the village in the afternoon with almost everything closed. The most striking aspect of Hofn is the wild nature that surrounds it. Here are some examples of the landscapes near this town.

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your average capital city; it lacks grandiose buildings, a historical city center, or majestic monuments. However, this city offers so much more. Iceland's capital is unique, vibrant, and closely connected to nature. Its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between two fjords and encircled by a lunar-like volcanic landscape, gives the city, whose name translates to "Bay of Smokes," an unparalleled charm. As the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With the sea as its backdrop, whale watching is a favorite tourist activity. The city is abundant with open spaces, including parks, pedestrian zones, a lake adjacent to the city hall, and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach, just a 15-minute journey from the city center. The city boasts seven municipal geothermal pools where locals gather to socialize and unwind after work. Other activities such as cycling, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing can all be enjoyed within the city's vicinity. Beyond its natural wonders, Reykjavik always has something to offer. It's a cosmopolitan and dynamic city filled with museums, art galleries, and quaint coffee shops. Its nightlife is thrilling and wild, with locals seemingly making up for the beer prohibition that lasted until 1989, and venues often staying open until the early morning hours. During the day, the capital exudes a more relaxed vibe, with its neat, colorful houses, litter-free streets, and leisurely pace of life. Reykjavik is recognized as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally. Navigating this city is nearly foolproof: the Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most parts of the city center and serve as key landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cozy, and truly special. Its unique character and captivating surroundings will convince you that there's no better city in the world.