In search of the Northern Lights

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.

About the destination: Arnarstapi is a village on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The area has several old and charming houses with interesting stories to them and is renowned for its beautiful nature. The beach at Arnarstapi holds a particular attraction. It has an eroded circular stone arch, called Gatklettur, and here, the interplay of spectacular waves and the light of the sun create a fascinating spectacle. Large colonies of the arctic tern also nest in the area, and both these features make it very popular amongst photographers. An old horse trail through the lava field Hellnahraun is highly popular for hiking, due to the impressiveness of the surrounding landscape.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest urban area and fourth largest municipality. Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. Akureyri is a very picturesque town with its location by a scenic fjord, eclectic building styles and streets winding their way through gorges. Spend some time walking around the town centre, see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally ""the art canyon""), home to a number of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The tranquil municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is worth visiting, as are the several small museums dotted around 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: Höfn, a small fishing town on Iceland’s southeast coast, is often called the gateway to Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest glacier. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, black-sand shores, and shimmering glacial lagoons, it feels both remote and welcoming. Colorful houses, a working harbor, and views of the vast ice cap give the town a postcard-perfect charm that contrasts beautifully with the wild landscape around it. The main reason many travelers come to Höfn is to explore the nearby glacier region. From town, it’s an easy drive to sights such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where blue icebergs float in a milky-blue lake and wash ashore on black sands. In summer you can take boat tours among the icebergs, while in winter the area becomes a base for ice cave excursions, glacier hikes, and – with clear skies – northern lights watching. Despite its small size, Höfn has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants and cafés, many specializing in local seafood. The town is famous for its Icelandic langoustine (lobster), celebrated every summer during the Höfn Lobster Festival with open-air concerts and food stands. You’ll also find bakeries, cozy coffee shops, and a few bars where locals and visitors mingle after a day of outdoor adventures. Höfn works well either as a one-night stop on the Ring Road or as a longer base to explore Iceland’s southeast. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels, and there are several campsites in the area. Whether you’re driving the full circuit around the island or focusing on the south coast, plan at least a night here to enjoy the harbor views at sunset and wake up to the sight of glaciers glowing on the horizon.

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.