If you loved your first brush with the Land of Fire & Ice, here are eight more reasons why you should go again – from remote fjords and way-out waterfalls to lonely peninsulas and little-visited fishing villages. Our self-drive holidays are the perfect way to explore Iceland’s less-visited highlights accompanied by iDiscover, our exclusive digital travel companion.
1. Dynjandi
Seven waterfalls for the price of one, this West Fjords beauty (below) starts as a great fan-shaped cascade as it tumbles 100m down a mountainside. Lit by summer evening light it’s mesmerising.
2. Breiddalur
Gilded with rivers and framed by towering basalt ramparts, this broad valley in the East Fjords is a fine spot for hiking and horse riding. The waterfall of Flogufoss looks straight out of Middle Earth, while Breiddalsvik has a quirky geology museum.
3. Langjokull
Rising to about 1,450m, Iceland’s second largest icecap squats on the western edge of the Highlands. You can pass it on the Kjolur mountain road, over it on a snowmobiling safari or inside it on the extraordinary Into the Glacier tour, walking along a 500m tunnel deep into a surreal subterranean world of blue ice.
4. Mjoifjordur
A haven of tranquillity, only 40 people live in this hidden gem of the East Fjords (above). Reached on a gravel road that snakes past tumbling waterfalls and secret ravines on its way to lonely Dalatangi lighthouse, this could well be Iceland’s most beautiful fjord.
5. Hesteyri
Only accessible by boat from Isafjordur, this fishing village was abandoned in the 1940s, but now comes back to life each summer. Steeped in history, it’s also the arrival point for hikers heading to the the West Fjords’ far-flung Hornstrandir peninsula.
6. Hveravellir
A hot-water oasis in the arid Highlands of Iceland, Hveravellir can be reached on the Kjolur route. As well as fumaroles and multicoloured hot springs, there’s a geothermal bathing pool with views of the Kjalhraun lava field and Langjokull icecap.
7. Siglufjordur
Brightly coloured houses huddle round the harbour of this historic fishing village in North Iceland, renowned for its Herring Era Museum and vibrant arts and crafts scene. The waterfront Hotel Sigló makes a fine base for exploring the fjord and surrounding mountains.
8. Latrabjarg
Iceland’s westernmost point reaches a dizzying climax at Latrabjarg where cliffs tower more than 400m above the sea and provide high-rise dwellings for millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills. Europe’s largest seabird city is located just 12km from the West Fjords settlement of Breidavik.
Feeling inspired?
Send us an enquiry of call one of our dedicated Travel Specialists on 01737 214 250 for help in planning your next Iceland holiday.
Discover the World have been Iceland holiday experts for 35 years and offer an unrivalled collection of self-drive and escorted tours.
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