ICELAND

Aland apart, with striking scenery enlivened by the colourful histories and legends written by its people, Iceland deserves its current status as one of the world’s hottest destinations. Heralded as a natural wonderland of

geothermal springs, volcanoes and snow-covered mountains, there is much here for the traveller looking to explore the past.

The history of Iceland’s settlements is well documented and celebrated, both through national treasures like the Íslendingabók, the remarkable story of its settlement, a copy of which is to be found in the National Museum in Reykja

vik. That said, getting out of the capital is the best way to leave the crowds behind and see what makes Iceland so unique. Nearby Borgar

nes’ Settlement Centre is an excellent place to learn more about the origins of the Icelanders.

Then, of course there are the famous Icelandic Sagas. These legendary tales can form the basis of a tour around Iceland, and the fantastical characters found in them still seem oddly plausible as you make your way around this mysterious landscape. In more recent times, Jules Verne set the entrance to the centre of the Earth in the Snæfell

sjökull volcano, and a pilgrimage here is a rewarding and beautiful journey. Iceland remains dotted with traditional fishing villages and small towns where you can get a sense of how traditional life has been lived here. Stykkishólmur and

Grundarfjörður on Snaefellsnes Peninsula are good examples, but you’ll find many more as you’re travelling round.

The Northern Lights spectacularly illuminate Mount Kirkjufell on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula