Flights to Iceland | Hotels in Iceland

Top 10 for 2010 

1    Strokkur

Iceland is famed for its geysers, and Strokkur, east of Reykjavik in the Geysir area, is one of the best to visit due to its willingness to perform. It reaches heights of around 30m (100ft) and you should see it blow within 10 minutes of excitable waiting. Strokkur’s neighbour Geysir (from where the world’s hot springs borrow their name) is much bigger but its activity far less reliable.  

2    Dettifoss

The biggest waterfall in Europe in terms of water flow, Dettifoss stands 44m (144ft) high by 100m (328ft) across, in the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, north-east Iceland. The east bank path gives the best – and driest – viewpoint, but all routes on either side are best suited to off-road vehicles. Its smaller but horseshoe-shaped neighbour Selfoss is about a mile away and well-worth a visit.  

3    Whale-watching

Iceland’s seas are home to several species of whale, including the humpback, sperm, minke and blue. Whale-watching tours can be found around the country, from Old Reykjavik harbour to Raufarhofn, Iceland’s most northern town, which is also where the midnight sun is best experienced, and one of the finest spots for birdwatching. 

4    Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

A reaction between Earth’s magnetic rays and the Sun’s solar winds, or a vision of the gods at war? Either way, witnessing Aurora Borealis is a must. Darkness, a clear sky, and a close proximity to the Arctic Circle are essential factors in viewing the Lights, and the period between September and April gives the surest chance. Whilst the Northern Lights can be seen from Reykjavik, a better view is found further north. For the best chance choose a place as far away from artificial light as possible – no two nights give the same display!

5    Blue Lagoon

One of the most visited attractions in Iceland, this hot spa has a water temperature of around 40̊ C, and is used all year round by tourists and locals alike. The lagoon is in Grindavik, on a lava field 50km (30miles) from Reykjavik and 15km (8miles) from Keflavik airport, and is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Be aware that for reasons of hygiene, all bathers must wash in communal showers before and after bathing. 

6    Summer Festivals

Iceland has her fair share of festivals and those in the summer months are amongst the most diverse you’ll find in any country. Reykjavik is probably the best place to catch the most action. Sailors’ Day, on the first Sunday in June, sees every ship in harbour with rescue demonstrations and endurance competitions between crews. Iceland’s National Day, celebrating her independence from Denmark, is on the 17th, with parades and open-air shows throughout the city. August’s Cultural Night is a big date in Iceland’s calendar, with both traditional and modern shows and exhibits relating to the country’s cultural past and present, with thousands of people staying up all night. 

7    National Museum

Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík

For Iceland’s heritage and history, look no further. Iceland’s National Museum is a cultural history with artefacts through the ages, dressing-up for children, a full-scale model of a traditional Icelandic home, and plenty about the Vikings. Browse at leisure or take in a tour, included in the admission fee. Free on Wednesdays. 

8    Thingvellir National Park

A national park since 1930, Thingvellir is rightly held in high esteem by Icelanders, not just for its intense beauty but its place in history, gaining World Heritage status in the 1970s. The first Althing was established here, and the area is part of a fissure zone running through the country, making it a fascinating place to search for new specimens of plant and wildlife.

9    Volcanoes & Eyjafjallajökull Glacier   

Eyjafjallajökull is only Iceland’s 6th biggest glacier, but eruptions from a volcano under the ice cap in March 2010 (the first for nearly 200 years) has seen a surge of interest on an international scale. After all, it isn’t every day that one can see an erupting volcano up close, and tourism has boomed as a result. The site is 75 miles from Reykjavik and can be visited a number of ways: on foot, via a 4X4 tour, or even by helicopter. It’s best to decide what kind of trip you’re looking for and shop around for the best deals. Important note: an eruption in April means that tours and visits may be limited or temporarily suspended, so please check before travelling.  

10    Phallological Museum

Hedinsbraut 3a, 640 Húsavík

There’s nothing perverse about Iceland’s Phallological Museum, and tourists from all around the world come to see it – it’s the only one of its kind. The museum contains a mounted phallus for every mammal found in Iceland, and the collection runs into the hundreds. Check ahead for opening times – they change according to season.