Just a little bit about some of the more common birds we have discovered, and grown to love out here in Iceland. Despite the fact that only some 85 or so species of birds regarlarly are spotted in Iceland the number of individuals more than compensates for this. In the summer the sky is often thick with avian life and Iceland becomes a birdwatchers’ paradise. These are just a few of our favourites….

Bathing in a geothermal pool in Iceland is pretty much a national pastime, and the origin of the activity dates back to the settlement times. Wherever you go in Iceland there will be somewhere to swim or just soak in warm geothermal water. From luxury spas and public pools to tiny naturally occurring hot spots in the middle of the countryside, here are a few of our favourites….

Réttir, one of Iceland´s oldest cultural practices, takes place in September. Over the weekends, farmers, families and friends gather across the whole country to retrieve the sheep from the mountains. It´s not all hard work though as the day is followed by evening festivities of singing and dancing, known as Réttirball. I was lucky enough to experience réttir for the first time this year and it was quite an experience….

A stunning canyon overlooking Vatnajökull glacier, Múlagljúfur is one of the most impressive and dramatic hikes we have experienced.

Located near Iceland’s Golden Circle, Kerið is a stunning volcanic crater lake with vivid colours and is well worth a visit.

Opened in 2022, Forest Lagoon is a new geothermal spa overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord and the town of Akureyri. In a country that is famous for its lack of trees, this spa is uniquely set in a forest which is perhaps what makes it so very special….

Sigöldugljúfur is an extraordinary natural wonder in an otherwise barren landscape in the Central Highlands. With its bright blue water and many waterfalls it is unlike any other place we´ve visited in Iceland so far.

A green and tranquil oasis in the heart of Reykjavík, Elliðaárdalur has everything; rivers, waterfalls, woodland, flowers, abundant birdlife and is even the home to many wild rabbits. You would never know you were in a city…..

The Laugavegur trail is a renowned trek that might just be the best hike in Iceland. Taking the traveller on a surreal journey through the Icelandic central highlands, you will see multicoloured rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, glaciers, deserts and lush forest…. a hiker´s paradise!

Within the Golden Circle area but rarely visited, this is a lovely place to stop and spend a while enjoying the otherworldly milky-green water and strange rock formations.

The stunning Dynjandi waterfall - jewel of the Westfjords. This place has to be seen to be believed and is beautiful in any season.

Just a short way from the capital city, Hvammsvík is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Our favourite geothermal hot springs, this place is all about simple luxury in the most stunningly beautiful surroundings. Absolute perfection! A treat for the body and the soul!

The first weekend of 2023 when the weather was decent enough to allow a trip away, we decided to have a quiet couple of days in the beautiful Flótshlið area, staying on a working farm and enjoying a couple of not-too-challenging hikes. With waterfalls, farm animals and rainbows it was a fantastic couple of days.

Far from the tourist trails, Kolugljúfur canyon with its stunning waterfalls is well worth a detour from the ring road when in the north of iceland.

Goðafoss - or the Waterfall of the Gods - is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen so far in Iceland. Steeped in history and legend, it is a must-see stop on any trip to the North of Iceland.

The most voluminous waterfall in Iceland and the most powerful in all of Europe, Dettifoss is an incredible sight (and sound!) to behold. The sheer scale and power of Dettifoss is staggering and slightly scary!

A wonderful weekend away in the south of Iceland, seeing many new and beautiful places, at almost all times dominated by the incredible sight of Hekla, this unpredictable active volcano.

The arctic tern (or kría) - one of the most elegant and pretty little birds in Iceland. Yet despite its diminutive size and pretty plumage it is seen as a nuisance by many and feared by those who get too close!

This canyon in the north of Iceland is just stunning - one of the most peaceful, serene places and very unlike anywhere else I’ve been to in Iceland.

One of the more unusual waterfalls in Iceland with a very enjoyable hike thrown in, Hengifoss in the East of Iceland is well worth a visit.