DON’T MISS…

The Blue Lagoon

Around 50 minutes south of the capital by car, you can swim in the milky blue, almost-40º geothermal water and slather yourself in skin-boosting silica mud. Go early or late to avoid crowds. From £42pp, bluelagoon.com.

Laugarvatn Fontana

An hour east of Reykjavík, on the Golden Circle, the Fontana spa gives you a much less frenetic chance to bathe in geothermal waters. At its geothermal bakery, they pop dough into a pan, dig a hole in the steaming ground and, after 24 hours, the loaf is ready. Entrance costs £9pp, fontana.is.

Thingvellir National Park

Situated 47km north-east of Reykjavík, this magnificent national park is home to the country’s largest natural lake and the Mid-atlantic Ridge, where the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Fans of Game Of Thrones will recognise the dramatic Almannagjá gorge as the Gates of the Moon.

Snowmobiling with Mountaineers of Iceland

Want to channel your inner James Bond? Sign up for snowmobiling on the Langjökull Glacier in the Golden Circle. Half day costs from £151pp, mountaineers.is.

Skálakot

At Skálakot Manor House stables, 49km west of Vik, learn the five gaits of Icelandic horses: walk, trot, gallop, tolt (a trot-like run) and pace (between a canter and a trot). Come for a hack or stay the night. Doubles from £280, room only, skalakot.is.

Reynisfjara

Situated 178km south of Reykjavík, next to the fishing village of Vik, this spectacular black beach is famous for its Reynisdrangar pillars: three giant basalt sea stacks standing in the waves.

Mýrdalsjökull glacier

Trek and explore caves in Iceland’s fourth largest (600 sq km) ice cap, covering an active volcano in the highlands, 26km north of Vik.

Selfoss

There is more waterfall drama at Selfoss, where you can walk behind the torrents of water cascading over the rocks.

Kerid Crater lake

Just 15 minutes from Selfoss is Kerid Crater lake, which is surrounded by steep volcanic slopes.

Whale-watching in Reykjavik

Get kitted out in waterproof suits for the three-hour blustery trip from Reykjavik Old Harbour. Dolphins usually make an appearance, even if the whales don’t. Midnight sun trips (June to August) are especially magical. From £66pp, elding.is.