Warming to Iceland
In recent years Iceland's cool capital Reykjavik has become a hip city break destination and now intrepid visitors are exploring more of the country's dramatic landscapes.
Iceland is one of the least populated countries on Earth, with most of its 300,000 inhabitants clustered in the capital, the south west of the island and the coast.
Formed by volcanic eruptions and carved out by glaciers, there is a lot more to the country than a quick dip in the Blue Lagoon thermal spa. The east and north east coasts of Iceland are now attracting foreign visitors looking for a real wilderness experience and total escape from normal life.
Icelandic travel specialists, FA Travel, offer a range of tours in this region. These include horse riding and walking holidays with stays in isolated farmhouses, taking in natural treasures such as Snæfell, Vatnajökull and Askja.
The highland interior of the island is uninhabitable, with visits to the area limited to July and August with the exception of some special winter tours. In winter, travellers can take a glacier tour on a snowmobile, go skiing or try their hand at ice-fishing.
Being located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a volcanic and geothermal hot spot. The awesome, volcanic landscape allows hiking, river rafting, fishing, horseback riding, boat tours, whale watching and swimming.
It also means that natural hot water and the rivers can be used to supply cheap, pollution-free heating and inexpensive hydroelectric power, making the island a top eco-destination.
Iceland's international airport, Keflavík, is located around 50 km from the capital. Iceland Express, Icelandair and SAS all fly from the UK, with the flight from London taking three hours.
Iceland can also be reached by ferry. Smyril Line runs a regular scheduled service from Scrabster in Scotland.
Written by: Maxine Clarke
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