Iceland

VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK with an area of 12,000 sq km, this is Europe’s largest national park, encompassing some of Iceland’s most outstanding and diverse areas of natural beauty as well as the island's biggest ice cap. About a dozen glaciers spill down from its icy domed plateau to a vast flood plain formed by volcanic debris from successive sub-glacial eruptions. The glacier snouts of Svinafellsjokull and Flaajokull can be approached with care by road but to walk on the ice you'll need proper equipment, for safety reasons. Road 1 winds along the base of Vatnajokull; in our view one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. Allow plenty of time as you’ll want to stop time and again for yet another photo opportunity!

SKAFTAFELL the island’s most popular wilderness area – 1,600 sq km of exceptional natural beauty, offering adventurous glacier excursions as well as easy walks on terra firma. Take a short hike to the snout of the glacier or visit enchanting Svartifoss. This waterfall emerges through the trees and is set in its own little canyon of black basalt columns, a wonderful backdrop to the narrow curtain of water which plunges into a deep, dark pool. It is easy to imagine this as a place of ‘otherworldly’ beings…

JOKULSARLON to the east of Skaftafell, is Jokulsarlon, where enormous icebergs calve off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier tongue as it retreats, falling into one of Iceland’s deepest lakes. In white and various hues of blue, some layered with black and grey scree, the icebergs can be photographed from the shoreline and between May and September get even closer to the bergs in an amphibious craft. This amazing lagoon has been the backdrop for such movie characters as Lara Croft, James Bond and Batman and it has also appeared in Top Gear. Don’t forget to cross over the road and head down to the sea as walking amongst icebergs washed up on the black sand beach is not to be missed. Just west of this popular site is Fjallsarlon, where an impressive ice-cliff is the backdrop to a second, smaller lagoon which in the height of summer may be a little less busy.

KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR you will find this village (population 300) in a dramatic setting of lofty cliffs, gorges, waterfalls and basalt features. Excursions run from here inland to Laki, a chain of around 100 craters formed in the powerful 1783 eruption, which produced the vast Eldhraun lava flow just west of the village.

HOFN with a population of around 1,800 Hofn is the only fishing port in the region and one of the most beautifully located of all towns in Iceland. It is an ideal base for glacier excursions and exploring the surrounding area of colourful mountains and abundant bird life. Be sure to visit the excellent Glacier Exhibition.