Inspirational Iceland
I visited Iceland with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. Big mistake. Visit Iceland to see Iceland - if you happen to catch a glimpse of aurora borealis whilst you're out there doing your thing then count yourself incredibly lucky. It can and does provide an incredible light show but there is so much more to Iceland than the Lights!
Reykjavik is a wonderful small city, full of incredibly friendly people who, rather conveniently, speak impeccable English. Even in the middle of winter it's a fabulous place to visit, with an attention-grabbing church, fabulous shops, stunning concert hall/cultural centre (Harpa) and lovely harbour not to mention the usual museums and art galleries, some of which offer free entry. The food is a true smorgasbord of Icelandic delicacies (reindeer anyone?) including superb seafood, lamb and skyr, a low fat but full flavour dessert. Of course, international fare's readily available - I had some of the best fish and chips at the appropriately named 'Icelandic Fish & Chips' down by the old harbour.
Outside the city the first-time traveller shouldn't miss the opportunity to see some of the fantastic landscape for themselves by following the Golden Circle, a route which takes you to Pingvellir, the site of the world's first parliament and the shifting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; Geysir, the original hot water spout which gave the world the name and Gullfoss, a spectacular waterfall which I saw half frozen over. The route shows off the highlights of Iceland - you can take a guided tour but it's just as easy to hire a car and do this yourself if you'd prefer. Before you head home - in fact, on the way to the airport - you have to stop by the Blue Lagoon. In a surreal thermal setting the experience can only be enhanced by a surreal massage; outside and exposed to the elements, floating face up on a lilo and being dunked like a giant digestive to keep warm - well worth the (rather hefty) price.
And the Northern Lights? Get out into the countryside - extend your Golden Circle tour by staying in a lodge near Hella in the South or follow the Ring Road to find a seclude spot elsewhere. Many hotels offer a wake-up service so you can just roll out of bed in time to see them. Want a guarantee? Consider the Hurtigruten cruises, some of which offer a further free cruise if you weren't lucky enough to see them the first time. Get in touch and I'll happily put the perfect package together for you to visit this wonderful country.