Jenna Gottlieb - Moon Iceland

fireworks over Akranes.

Scale soaring mountaintops. Dive into some of the clearest water in the world. Explore crystalline ice caves and mineral-rich lava tubes. Hike the rim of a remote volcano that rises from an arctic desert. Witness a rainbow materialize over a thundering waterfall. Iceland is a place not just to see, but to experience.

Iceland is revered for its breathtaking landscapes, unrivaled trekking, and arctic wildlife. Three national parks and a dozen smaller reserves protect these resources. Vatnajkull National Park makes up 13 percent of the country and contains the largest glacier in the world outside the poles. Geothermal pools, like the famous milky waters of the Blue Lagoon, bubble up from beneath the earth and provide a place to soak away your worries.

If city life is more your speed, Reykjavk is waiting for you. Stroll the capitals streets and explore the galleries, coffeehouses, intimate concert venues, and music shopsyou cant help but feel the citys creative energy. Handcrafted local beers replace specialty coffees as the drink of choice come evening time, when low-key daytime hangouts morph into pulsing parties that fuel a thriving nightlife scene.

whale near Hsavk

Reykjavks Parliament House

northern lights appearing in the west

In summer, the days seem endlessthe sun shines for nearly 24 hours around the solstice. And winter tourism is increasing, with visitors lured by the chance to hunt the northern lights, yet another of Icelands spectacular natural wonders. Watching the lights flicker in the sky, changing colors, disappearing and popping up again stronger and brighter, makes braving the wind and rain worth it.

For scenery and adventure, Iceland is unmatched.

Jkulsrln, the Glacier Lagoon

Siglufjrur.

annual Viking Festival in Hafnarfjrur

Northern Lights: Watching the green and white lights dance and flicker in the sky is a magical experience (

Blue Lagoon: Bathe in the famous milky blue waters ().

Hiking: Iceland is a hikers paradise with mountains, volcanoes, lava fields, and valleys begging to be explored ().

Wildlife-Watching: From reindeer to puffins to whales, Iceland is rich with wildlife ().

Road-Tripping the Ring Road: Explore the countrys highlights via this loop road around the island ().

The Golden Circle: Touring this classic route provides a perfect introduction to Icelands natural wonders ().

Waterfalls: Take in wondrous waterfalls like Goafoss ().

National Parks: Icelands three majestic national parks are free to enter and explore ().

Jkulsrln: You wont be able to stop taking photos at the Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs that calve from the glaciers edge drift by ().

Reykjavk Nightlife: The capital city may be small, but its nightlife is legendary ().

Where to Go

Reykjavk

Home to two-thirds of Icelands population, the capital city is the cultural and social hub of the country, with an energy distinct from the rest of the island. Here youll find chic hotels, eclectic restaurants, and top-notch shopping on the main street,