With a population of over 300,000 and an area of twice the size of Ireland, who would have thought such a small country could wreak so much havoc on Europe’s aviation industry. The ash cloud caused by the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull has made this place most unpopular for inconvenienced travelers, but let’s not be too harsh. Now that the ash cloud has passed, here are six reasons why you should consider checking Iceland out for yourself.

The Blue Lagoon

Only 20kms from Keflavik airport, it is possible to visit the Blue Lagoon during a trans-Atlantic stopover. This is Iceland’s most famous tourist attraction and also a swimming centre for locals too. Enjoy the day spa, saunas or any of the restaurants and bars with a view over the many thermal pools. Be sure to reach down and scoop a handful of silica for a cleansing facial mask. Don’t worry about looking silly, you’re certainly not the only one applying this smelly mud on your face in the name of beauty.

Photo courtesy Peta Rake

Stykkishólmur

Only 2 hours northwest of Reykjavik, Stykkishólmur is home to an amazing installation by American artist, Roni Horn.

Known as the ‘Library of Water’, this unique place features 24 tubes of glacial ice, cored from all over Iceland, which has melted to produce pure luminescent samples of water. Light is reflected and refracted through these cylinders to produce beautiful images of the village outside. The drive up takes you past many farms and amazing scenery, so it is worth the detour.

Photo courtesy Peta Rake

Vik

This tiny little town of only 300 people, has been ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Only 280kms from Reykjavik, you could be forgiven for driving right past along the national highway; but you’d certainly kick yourself for doing so. There may not be much to hold your interest for too long, but this is an essential photo opportunity at the very least. A quaint church on top of the hill or to the south, towering basalt sea stacks, thought to be petrified trolls caught out at sea, according to local folklore.

Vik, Icelandic for harbour, is the wettest place in Iceland and one most travelers never manage to see for themselves. This tiny place lies in the shadow of Katla, a volcano located underneath a nearby glacier which last erupted in 1918.

Photo courtesy Peta Rake

Gullfoss

Niagara Falls may be the world’s most famous waterfall, but Gullfoss offers as much intensity without the masses of tacky tourist shops and fast-food restaurants to spoil the experience. The falls are spectacular and nestled in a valley that makes you feel like you are lost in the wilderness. The mist sprays a rainbow curtain offering a truly wonderful sight. On your walk back to the car park, be sure to stop by the visitor’s centre for lunch – try the Icelandic lamb soup.

Photo courtesy Peta Rake

Hvergardi

Only a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik, this town is a stopover point for tourists heading up to Gullfoss. Geyser, situated in the same geothermal field, also attracts visitors looking to witness it spurt boiling water into the air several times an hour. After a long day of sightseeing (and in the summertime, the days can be very long), you can unwind in your hotel or cabin’s hot tub with an ice-cold beer in hand.

Skaftafell National Park

The second largest National Park in Europe, Skaftafell comprises 4,807 square kilometres. It also includes half of Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Skaftafell is located along the southeastern coast of Iceland and includes many outdoor attractions for adventurous travelers.

Photo courtesy Peta Rake

Svartifoss (Black Falls), is a short walk from the visitor’s centre and features black, hexagonal basalt columns resembling church organ pipes. Also nearby is Jokulsarlon, a lagoon at the edge of the glacier. This amazing place will have you staring in awe as huge chunks of glacial ice crash down into the still water below. You may be able to reach into the lagoon and grab a piece of thousand-year old ice to drink from as it melts away.

Iceland is truly a unique and breathtaking country. Small, pristine, remote and unspoiled…well, at least until the next volcanic eruption forces you to change your travel plans.

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