Iceland trip | Undiscovered Faroe Islands and self-drive Iceland

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) is a vast lava field on the shores of Iceland's largest natural lake - Pingvallavatn. It lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly sliding away from each other. It is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The area around Pingvellir is of great geological value as its unique mineral-rich landscape is combined with an abundance of diverse animal and plant species.

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.

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.

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).

Keflavik is one of Iceland's larger fishing villages and contemporary part of the larger community of Reykanesbaer. Iceland's international airport is located just outside the village, making it a hub for travellers arriving or leaving the country. Cultural and recreational activities in the area are formed by an indoor swimming pool, a number of pubs, a cinema and a number of museums, including Vikingaheimar (Viking World); a Norwegian exhibition with the main attraction being a Viking boat to built in original style.

Located at the foot of the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the remote village of Vik, also known as Vík í Mýrdal is a beautiful spot on the south coast of Iceland. The village is a popular base to explore the natural wonders in the area. Close to the village is the majestic Katla volcano and the Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can also find black pebble beaches and intriguing rock formations here. You can swim here in Seljavallalaug, Iceland's oldest hot spring bath, visit Reynisfjall mountain (known for its many bird species), or admire the iconic Reynisdrangar - black balzant pillars formed by the sea.

More than a century ago, the town of Faskrudsfjordur in eastern Iceland became known as a hub for French fishermen, who came here every winter in sailing ships to fish the Icelandic shores. Faskrudsfjordur is dedicated to keeping this connection alive and organises French Days, held over a weekend to celebrate and commemorate this annual migration of days gone by. Those who want to know the full story of the sailors can go to the French Hospital Museum, where a reconstructed hospital room gives an insight into the medical history of the time. On a more chilling note, the cemetery of 46 French sailors lies just outside the city. For active travellers and nature lovers, there are many trails around the village where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Arctic forests and catch a glimpse of the various wildlife it protects.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located on the west coast of Iceland. Also called 'Iceland in miniature', this beautiful region offers glaciers, fjords, hot springs, volcanoes and lava fields to admire. Generally, it is less crowded here than Iceland's famous Golden Circle route. Real highlights include the impressive Gerduberg cliffs; the Ytri Tunga seal beach, which is best visited in summer; the beautiful Bjarnarfoss waterfall; and the picturesque Budakirkja black church, a wooden structure from the 19th century. The extreme west of the peninsula is made up of the Snaefellsjokull National Park, which contains a glacier of the same name, the interesting Djupalonssandur black beach, and the Saxholar crater. Active travellers can take the Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike, which winds its way through lava fields with spectacular rock formations and sea caves.

The tiny town of Reykholt lies in the wide open space of the Reykholtsdalur valley, a forty-minute drive from Borgarnes. The tiny hamlet of Reykholt is the cultural highlight of any trip along Iceland's west coast. Visitors can look forward to the breathtaking natural beauty of the area and enjoy stunning views of dusky mountains and the tranquil Reykjadalsá River. Don't miss the chance to learn more about local history at the Reykholt Museum, sample summer produce at roadside stalls and visit Deildartunguhver - Europe's largest hot spring. Visitors can also see the statue of Snorri Sturluson, the most famous figure in Icelandic literature, who lived here in the Middle Ages and is famous as a politician and poet of Norse mythology. Don't miss the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and the caves of Surtshellir in the lava field of Hallmundarhraun.

The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway and fall under the Kingdom of Denmark. They consist of almost 20 volcanic islands connected by tunnels, ferries and bridges. Visitors can look forward to exploring the incredibly picturesque landscapes, including: vast valleys, grasslands and dramatic cliffs along the coast. Taste traditional Faroese food, such as langoustines and fermented lamb and fish; visit Torshavn, Europe's smallest capital; hike over the towering peak of Slaettaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroes; and see the puffin colony and roofed houses of Mykines.

The Eastfjords is a 120-kilometre coastline in eastern Iceland, stretching from the fishing village of Borgarfjorour Eystri in the north, to the town of Berufjorour in the south. The region boasts spectacular landscapes, shimmering lakes, charming fishing villages, beautiful waterfalls and lush forests and is inhabited by Iceland's most famous wildlife; reindeer. The region is known for the sunniest weather in the country and remote areas, silence and herds of wild reindeer set the mood here. Don't miss the opportunity to explore remote villages along the coast, relax at a colourful local café, and explore at the many huge fjords that dot the coast, such as Borgarfjorour, Seyoisfjorour and Faskruosfjorour.

Located on the island of Streymoy, Torshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands. It is said to be the smallest capital in the world and is known for its quaint charm, historic buildings and spectacular surrounding landscapes. This charming town has a collection of traditional wooden houses with grass roofs, some of which are more than 100 years old. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities and attractions. See Torshavn's 19th-century cathedral, browse local independent boutiques, visit the Nordic House Cultural Centre and explore Torshavn's Old Town, with narrow cobbled streets, an old fortress and enchanting fairytale houses. Other highlights include sampling traditional Faroese cuisine, enjoying panoramic views from Torshavn's waterfront, exploring the rugged cliffs of Vestmanna and Lake Sorvagsvatn, and the beautiful Gasadalur waterfall.

Hof is a picturesque rural settlement between the ocean and the huge Öræfajökull glacier, in the Öræfi region of Iceland. Here, visitors will find the country's youngest peat church, a beautiful and intriguing building that seems to emerge from the grassy landscape. The town was transformed from a collection of farms to a small village in the 2000s and now offers more services, allowing explorers to stock up on supplies for their next adventures, or simply relax and enjoy the view at their leisure.

Stretching north from Reykjavik, West Iceland (or Vesturland) is a beautiful region where nature takes centre stage. With a stunning patchwork of volcanoes, hot springs, steep cliffs, rolling green hills, amazing waterfalls and beautiful bays, this area is a paradise of discovery inextricably linked to local folklore. Highlights include the dramatic Djúpalón beach, the Glymur waterfall, accessible via an exciting path with diverse landscapes and the spectacular Snæfellsjökull National Park, where the Snæfellsjökull glacier has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Delve into the area's rich heritage with a visit to unique and varied museums; be sure to stop by the living museum Eiríksstaðir to see how Vikings once lived. Animal lovers can enjoy Icelandic goats at Háafell and Icelandic horses at Sturlu Reykir.

Hellnar lies on a dramatic coastline with spectacular cliffs rising from the sea. It is an enchanting old fishing village nestled on the westernmost part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, once a bustling fishing station with the oldest recorded seafaring history dating back to 1560. Although fishing and trading industries have since declined, this idyllic town, characterised by a quaint cluster of wooden houses, is making a name for itself, with outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the surrounding awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visitors can explore the nearby village of Arnarstapi, Snӕfellsnes National Park and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier. The iconic sea mountains of Lóndrangar, the imposing mountain Kirkjufell and the tranquil seal beach Ytri Tunga offer breathtaking views. For the adventurous, the volcanic crater Eldborg and the fascinating cave Vatnshellir offer unique exploration opportunities.

Dotting the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands offer a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and untouched natural beauty. This remote archipelago, located between Iceland and Norway, boasts dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, pristine waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces, and picturesque villages tucked into verdant valleys. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Faroese way of life, sampling local delicacies like wind-dried mutton and freshly caught seafood. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for exploration, from hiking scenic trails with breathtaking vistas to birdwatching along steep coastal cliffs. With its temperamental yet enchanting weather and warm, hospitable locals, the Faroe Islands promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of unspoiled Nordic charm. Whether seeking solitude in nature or a cultural adventure off the beaten path, this hidden gem invites travellers to discover its unique allure year-round.