Iceland

Iceland sits in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Europe as a volcanic island with glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, and otherworldly landscapes that look like another planet. It’s one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth with most of the 380000 people living in Reykjavik. The island sits on the mid-Atlantic ridge where tectonic plates pull apart creating constant volcanic and geothermal activity. Hot springs bubble everywhere and locals pipe the hot water to heat houses. One to two weeks covers the main sights on the ring road circling the island. Summer has midnight sun with 24 hour daylight while winter brings northern lights and darkness. It’s expensive with everything imported except fish and lamb. Rent a car to explore properly because public transit barely exists outside the capital.

Reykjavik and Golden Circle

Reykjavik hugs the coast as a small capital with colorful houses, Hallgrimskirkja church tower dominating the skyline, and a lively weekend nightlife scene. The old harbor has whale watching tours and seafood restaurants. The city stays walkable with most attractions clustered downtown. Harpa concert hall on the waterfront has geometric glass facade. The Golden Circle route from Reykjavik hits three major sites in a day trip. Thingvellir National Park has the rift valley where North American and Eurasian plates separate visibly with a path between continental edges. The original Icelandic parliament met here in 930 AD. Geysir geothermal area has Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes shooting water 30 meters high. Gullfoss waterfall drops in two tiers into a canyon with mist rising. The route gets packed with tour buses but going early helps.

South Coast and Glacier Lagoons

The south coast from Reykjavik toward Vik has the most concentrated attractions. Seljalandsfoss waterfall has a path behind the curtain of water. Skogafoss drops 60 meters wide and powerful with stairs climbing beside it. Black sand beaches at Vik have basalt columns and rock formations jutting from the ocean. Puffins nest on cliffs in summer. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon has icebergs floating in blue water calved from Vatnajokull glacier. Seals swim between the ice. Diamond Beach across the road has ice chunks washed up on black sand sparkling in sun. The south coast road continues east past more glaciers and lava fields.

North Iceland and Ring Road

Akureyri in the north is the second city much smaller and quieter. Lake Myvatn area has volcanic craters, lava formations, and Myvatn Nature Baths like a less crowded Blue Lagoon. Dettifoss waterfall in the northeast is the most powerful in Europe. The ring road takes a week driving around the entire island passing through empty landscapes with sheep and horses. Weather changes fast so check forecasts constantly.

Food is lamb in every form, fresh fish, fermented shark tourists try once, hot dogs with toppings, skyr yogurt, rye bread, expensive imported everything, brennivín schnapps.