Iceland is breathtaking

When I mentioned I was heading to Iceland last week, most people wished me luck with seeing the Northern Lights, and the tour I was joining was called “Northern Lights Escape” – when did Iceland become all about the lights, I wonder? Don’t get me wrong, the lights are incredible if you’re lucky enough to experience them but in my humble opinion if you’re only going to Iceland to see the lights, you’re missing a very big trick.

I knew Iceland would be beautiful, I’d seen the pictures and heard the tales of friends that have visited before, but Iceland is a different world and it’s a spectacular one at that. My expectations were exceeded, and it’s not often I get to say that!

Arriving mid-afternoon, the view below was of a frozen, dusty landscape with very few signs of life. Honestly, I thought we may have diverted to the moon. As we approached the airport a few roads and houses came into view along with a few jets of steam from what I think was a thermal power station but don’t quote me on that. Even with more signs of life it still looked very ethereal!

The drive from the airport to Reykjavik gave a better hint of what was to come with the first of many beautiful sunsets across an untouched icy landscape. Over the next five days we would be spoiled with similar picture postcard views at every turn: a frozen wilderness with snow capped mountains and huge boulders lining the open roads; raging waterfalls with icicles framing their edges; steaming, bubbling pools with explosive geysers reminding you that this is an island of volcanoes after all; gigantic glaciers with the most beautiful ice blue caves and glacial lakes, and giant, sparkling icebergs making a break for freedom to the sea beyond only to crash back to the black sand shore amidst the power of the waves.

At this time of year when conditions are right the light is perfect. Shorter days make it essential to get the timing right and if you do you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful landscapes framed by a stunning sunrise or sunset. Vivid pinks, oranges and reds lighting up the sky and making the icy landscape sparkle – perfection!

A quick top tip: Diamond Beach is beautiful as the sun starts to dip but it’s also full of coachloads of tourists competing to get the best possible selfie. For a more tranquil sunset head across to the lagoon and watch the sun dip behind the floating icebergs and sea beyond – if you’re lucky you might spot a seal ducking and diving too.

For me the essence of Iceland lies in its nature and untouched wilderness but cute towns like Vik are also well worth a stop (head to the microbrewery for some interesting beer tasters and tempting bites), and buzzing Reykjavik is about as cool as they come. Brightly coloured streets, cool graffiti, public art dotted around; an array of bars, restaurants and eateries with a cool but casual vibe – everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Even the karaoke bar was hip, with a barman host moonlighting as veritable rock god, and a diverse crowd, some of whom are surely Bjork’s best mates!

All in all, Iceland is one of my new favourite places. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny! Oh, and we saw a few wisps of the lights too.