Iceland Travel Guide.

Visit the stunning Blue Lagoon and spend a day relaxing at this natural thermal spa or perhaps head to the coast and get to know the gentle giants of the sea with a spot of whale watching. From outdoor adventure to city living, Iceland has something for everyone and car hire in Iceland makes it accessible for all.

Iceland Tourist Board: The official website for the Iceland National Tourist Office – a useful resource for planning your trip to Iceland.

Know Before You Go: Travel advice from the FCO for Iceland.

Things to see and do

• Iceland is widely regarded as one of the best places in Europe to go whale watching so no holiday here would be complete without a boat trip to spot some of the 23 different varieties.
• Explore the streets of capital city Reykjavik; with multi coloured buildings to bring a smile to your face and an assortment of shops, cafes, clubs and pubs there is plenty to keep you entertained.
• Relax in the milky blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, the world’s largest geothermal spa. The heated sea water packed with minerals will provide all the rejuvenation you need.
• Journey to Gullfoss, the largest waterfall in the country which takes a tumble of 105ft down a steep canyon face. Come on a sunny day and see the rainbows form over the gorge.
• Embark on an arctic tour across Iceland’s glaciers – there’s no better way to experience these staggering works of nature.
• If you only go hiking once in your life, do it in Iceland! The country is vastly untouched by man so take a deep breath and soak up the natural beauty and staggering landscapes.
• Iceland is widely known as one of the best places to view nature’s greatest performance, the often elusive Northern Lights. Go in search and watch in awe as the famous green hue dances across the sky!
• Book a ticket and enjoy a tour of Puffin Island; not only can you get up close to the most affluent bird on the country’s shores but also spot all manner of other sea birds too in their natural habitat.
• The ski season in Iceland runs from November through to April so strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard if you prefer and feel the wind in your hair as you tackle the slopes at one of the three major ski areas.
• Enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience and tour Iceland’s lava fields. Journey through these other worldly landscapes beneath the midnight sun on horseback!

Festivals and events

• The year’s festivities kick off with the Food and Fun Festival which is hosted in the capital every year at the end of February and early March. World acclaimed chefs and the country’s best restaurants collaborate to prepare special menus which the public can sample. (February / March)
• See the work of Iceland’s best designers and new kids on the block to the sound of local musicians at the Reykjavik Fashion Festival which is held in March. (March)
• Beer Day is fairly self-explanatory and sees Icelanders celebrate the day that beer was legalised in 1989. It is celebrated every year on 1st March. (March)
• Reykjavik Art Festival sees the city overcome with fantastic local and international theatre, dance and musical productions as well as visual art. It takes place a number of days at the end of May and sometimes into early June. (May / June)
• Celebrate the world’s thriving film industry at the Reykjavik International Film Festival during September. With more than 25,000 guests every year, it’s one not to be missed. (September)
• August sees the celebration of Culture Night where there is all number of free events available for one night only. Choose from outdoor musical performances, film screenings, fireworks, art exhibitions and more. (August)
• Iceland Airwaves is arguably Iceland’s premier music festival and it takes place during October and November. Bands and DJ’s from around the world ensure that the various venues are packed to the rafters. (October / November)