Iceland trip | Self drive South Iceland boutique

Situated on a bay presided over by the mighty Mount Esja, Iceland's sprawling capital stands in stark contrast to the quiet fishing villages and small hamlets that can be found in this remarkable island state. It is extremely progressive, yet proudly traditional; extremely remote, yet surprisingly cosmopolitan; inseparable from the natural landscape, but with modern technology. The small town centre is characterised by an eclectic mix of brightly coloured houses, elegant shops, stylish bars and sophisticated museums. A host of restaurants serve a delicious array of culinary delights, as well as an array of exotic delicacies such as sour ram testicles and rotten shark meat! Whether you plan to spend your holiday gallery-hopping while repeatedly listening to Bjork, diving between tectonic plates or relaxing in the numerous geothermal baths, Reykjavik is the ultimate destination for pleasure seekers and adventure junkies alike.

No matter how much you hear about the awe-inspiring natural phenomena on this island at the edge of the Arctic Circle, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking spectacle of Iceland. Also known as 'the land of fire and ice', this small island state is characterised by contrasts and contradictions. It is a place where steaming geysers emerge from icy glaciers, where molten hot lava sprays from icy, snow-capped peaks, where the astonishing aurora borealis shines across the night sky, and where perpetually dark winters are offset by summer's beautiful midnight sun. With the exception of Reykjavik, the country's population centres are small, with small towns, fishing villages, farms and small hamlets along the coastal fringes. The centre of the country, meanwhile, remains totally uninhabited. What Icelanders lack in numbers, they certainly make up for in warmth, individuality and boundless creativity. Add to that one of the highest standards of living on earth and you simply have one of the world's most intriguing destinations.

South Iceland is a beautifully scenic region of 'The Land of Fire and Ice'. This volcanic paradise has breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and picturesque Icelandic villages. Southern Iceland is home to the country's most popular natural attractions, including numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls and glaciers. Explore Europe's largest glacier in Vatnajokull National Park, take a boat trip past floating icebergs in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and catch a glimpse of the magical northern lights. Visitors can also look forward to exploring other spectacular locations, including: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of the popular 'Golden Circle' route; the Great Geysir, one of Iceland's main attractions; and Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall.

Blaskogabyggo, located in western Iceland, is a popular destination on the famous Golden Circle route. The area is known for its incredible landscapes of fire and ice. Visitors can look forward to visiting Laugaras and Laugarvatn, the two main settlements of the area. However, visitors flock to this remote region to enjoy its spectacular landscapes. It is every photographer's dream with steaming geysers, azure waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. Some highlights include: Bruarfoss waterfall, a remote destination with a series of small, creeping waterfalls with a bright blue colour; and Stokkur, Iceland's most visited active geyser and one of the three main attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. Other popular activities include golfing, hiking and viewing Faxi or Vatnsleysufoss, the waterfall on the nearby Tungufljot River.

The Golden Circle is a popular 300-kilometre route in south-western Iceland which takes you from the capital, Reykjavik, past several of the country’s highlights, such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal field.
The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. The park is renowned for its remarkable geology; it lies directly above the rift line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which is clearly visible in the landscape. The Sifra Gorge offers visitors the chance to dive or snorkel in crystal-clear glacial water right between the two continents.
The Geysir geothermal field near Haukadalur consists mainly of bubbling hot springs, fumaroles and two geysers, one of which is extremely active, spouting steaming water up to 40 metres high every 5 to 10 minutes.
Gullfoss waterfall is a place of exceptional beauty, where you’ll be amazed by the power and volume of the water as it plunges 36 metres to the ground.

The Reykjanes (or Southern) Peninsula is located in the southwest corner of Iceland. The Keflavík International Airport is located in this region, making almost all visitors to Iceland familiar with this area. The Reykjanes Peninsula boasts beautiful sights worth visiting. Don't miss the Blue Lagoon, a world-famous geothermal spa; the bubbling mud pools of Gunnuhver; or the 'Bridge Between Continents' at Sandvik (a structure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet).