Iceland’s national delicacy may appeal to few, but nature, nightlife and geothermal baths keep visitors dipping in. Janine Kelso reports
Home to pint-sized songstress Björk and rotten shark meat, Iceland is great for a weekend break with a difference or a week-long adventure.
Dramatic waterfalls, gushing geysers, soothing thermal baths and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights are just some of the attractions that Iceland has to offer. Here we explore some of Iceland’s top draws.
Food
Surrounded by unpolluted water, it’s no surprise Iceland has an abundance of tasty fresh seafood. But before getting your fork stuck into the good stuff, a trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without trying the local delicacy, Hakarl – aka rotten shark.
Left in the ground for a few months, Hakarl stinks of moldy cheese and rotting flesh. Those who have a cast-iron stomach might be able to swallow it without throwing up.
Mouldy shark aside, the food in Iceland is top notch with plenty of melt-in-your-mouth fresh fish. And if fish doesn’t float your boat, try the lamb. Locals think its delicious taste is thanks to the Iceland’s pure air and fragrant grazing pastures.
Food and drink don’t come cheap here so expect to pay over the odds when eating out. Recommended restaurants include Geysir Bistro and Bar and the critically acclaimed Siggi Hall. If you prefer fast food, there’s just one McDonald’s on the island.
Scenery
Iceland is a photographer’s paradise. Dominated by glaciers and mountains, volcanoes and lava fields, the island packs hugely diverse landscapes into its tiny size.
A popular day trip is known as the Golden Circle and takes in the geysers of Geysir and Strokkur, the waterfall at Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park, the former setting for the annual Viking assembly. Founded in the year 930AD, this is thought to be the world’s oldest parliament.
Thrillseekers can make the most of the landscape by taking to the wheel of a snowmobile or by going on a glacier walk. If you’re lucky, you may spot the Northern Lights in the night sky during autumn and early winter. Visit during the summer months to enjoy the sight and warmth of the midnight sun.
Thermal baths
Take a long, hot soak in one of Iceland’s giant geothermal baths. The most famous of these pools is the Blue Lagoon, situated just outside Reykjavik near the airport.
Measuring a massive 5,000 sq metres, the lagoon is rich in natural mineral salts and algae, said to have a positive effect on the skin. Slather on silica mud – available in boxes around the pool – to cleanse and exfoliate.
And if you get bored of bathing, head to the sauna and steam bath. Reykjavik is awash with geothermally-heated swimming pools, which also have whirlpool baths, steam baths, saunas and water slides for kids.
There are also plenty of spas in the capital where you can enjoy a hot stone massage or a ‘volcano’ treatment.
Nightlife
By day, it’s hard to believe that the tranquil Reykjavik, which looks like a small provincial village, is a lively capital with throbbing nightlife. As night falls, the town’s 120 stylish bars and clubs welcome a throng of hip young things.
Due to the high price of drinks (about £7-£10 each), most locals party at home before hitting the clubs at around midnight. If you arrive before then, you can skip the entrance fee.
The corner of Bankastraeti and Ingólfsstraeti is a good place to start before heading down towards Austurvöllur Square. Bars stay open until 4am on weekends while many clubs don’t close until 8am.
Recommended bars include Cafe Paris, which serves up tasty cocktails, and the renowned Kaffibarinn, a hit with artists and students and said to be one of Björk’s favourite hangouts. Blur’s Damon Albarn even bought a share in the nightspot after spending two nights there.
Sample product
Exodus offers an eight-day Icelandic Highlights tour for £1,418 per person between May and September featuring remote coastlines, waterfalls, craters and geysers, hot springs and mountain landscapes, including flights, transport by minibus, farmhouse accommodation, all breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners.
Cox and Kings offers a six-night Natural Wonders of Southern Iceland tour for £1,495 per person departing August 30, combining Reykjavik with Selfloss and Skaftafell National Park featuring waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and hot springs, including flights, transfers, bed-and-breakfast accommodation, three dinners and all guided excursions.
Scantours offers a five-night Highlights of Iceland tour for £780 per person in May, including bed-and-breakfast accommodation, flights and five days’ car hire. The tour features the Blue Lagoon, a snowmobile trip on a glacier, waterfalls, national parks and geysers.
