Our red hot tip for 2015: the isle of fire and ice
ICELAND is a glorious surprise that charms and delights. Just over two hours away, this is one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations and a four-day jaunt there quickly explains why.
Here adventure experiences are on your doorstep – from volcano helicopter rides to snowmobiling on glaciers, all just a short hop from your central Reykjavik hotel.
And never has it been easier or cheaper to dash to this Atlantic island of fire and ice. I travelled on WOW, Iceland’s budget airline, for a midweek break and the short flight time also makes it a viable weekend destination.
There are a number of must-dos while you are here, and nearly 75 per cent of all visitors go to the rich thermal baths of the Blue Lagoon 20 minutes from Reykjavik airport.
After our flight from Gatwick, my wife Ameera and I decided to make a pitstop in the smoky waters on our way to the capital. Under open skies and with the stars glistening in the northern sky, I floated in gloriously warm, mineral-rich waters and was enveloped by its magic. It is a fantastic experience.
Iceland’s geysers, volcanoes, stunning vistas and scenery are so out of this world that many sci-fi movies have been filmed here.
The Golden Circle tour is the immersion into these natural wonders. The 200-mile trip takes in the stunning Guilfoss waterfalls and the Strokkur geyser that erupts every five minutes or so.
The geothermal active landscape across this part of southern Iceland
By Donal MacIntyre is stunning and humbling. For the more adventurous there is snowmobiling on the Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Travel at up to 50mph in an Arctic adventure you can use as dinner table collateral for years to come.
Local operator Mountaineers of Iceland provides snowmobiles and extreme weather clothing, so just turn up with your driving licence and you’re ready to go.
Perhaps Iceland’s greatest surprise is its cuisine, with Reykjavik’s restaurants putting a mid-Atlantic twist on the Nordic food revolution. The abundance of quality seafood ingredients makes the fare heavenly.
A helicopter ride with Nordurflug around the volcanic island was our perfect end to a near-perfect trip. From steam spouts, thermal springs and spewing live volcanoes, the view from the sky is unforgettable.
Iceland is the adventure playground on your doorstep. Take the plunge and you will not be disappointed.
GETTING THERE
WOW (wowair.co.uk, 0118 321 8384) offers one-way flights from Gatwick to Reykjavik from £49pp. Double rooms at the Center Hotel Thingholt (centerhotels.com) cost from £80 per night. Entry to the Blue Lagoon (bluelagoon.com) costs from £28pp. For information on Mountaineers of
Iceland, visit mountaineers.is.