Home Is Where Your Passport Is: Discover The Beauty Of Iceland

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? _____________________________________________________ A long time on our bucket list for a number of different reasons, this week we’re heading off to explore everything that Iceland has to offer. From amazing fresh food to of course, the famous beauty of the Northern Lights, wrap up and prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of this fabulous country. Reykjavik Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is a laid-back and artistic city full of writers, painters and creators. It’s the place to party and enjoy fabulous food and be sure to join the locals on a runtur – a weekend-long pub crawl. Be sure to check out the Sun Voyager sculpture. Golden Circle One of the most popular tourist routes in the south of the country and covers about 300 stunning kilometres in a loop from Reykjavik. Well worth a trip if you have time. Blue Lagoon One of Iceland’s most famous tourist spots, the stunning Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in Grindavik. There are not enough words to describe this – amazing. Gullfoss Another of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, Gullfoss is a beautiful waterfall in the canyon of Hvitá river in the southwest of the country. Northern Lights One of the most popular destinations to see the Northern Lights, be sure to book your trip for viewing these stunning lights and sure while you’re at it, head off snowmobiling or take a trip in a superjeep. Skaftafell Ice Cave A stop off in an ice cave is a must on any trip to Iceland, and Skaftagell Ice Cave in Vatnajokull National Park is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Take a cruise One of the must-do trips in Iceland is to take a whale-watching cruise from Húsavik. Head out for the day to see if you can spot dolphins and whales. Kayaking in Iceland is another must, while hopping into one of the stunning hot springs is also a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Maelifell Volcano Take a trip into Mydralsjokell Glacier Park to see the beautiful Maelifeell Volcano. There are a number of things to check out in the area, with some fantastic walks and truly beautiful views. Langjokull glacier Take the trip of a lifetime in a skidoo on Langkokull glacier. You will feel like you are on another planet as you speed through the stunning Icelandic mountains. Geysir Visit the amazing Geysir in the south west of the country and watch the water shoot up from the famous and original spout that every other geyser has been named after. Thingvellir National Park Hire a car and take off and explore Thingvellir National Park for an amazing untouched wilderness that is covered in snow at winter and has beautiful green hills and gorgeous lakes in summer. You can also check out the first ever parliament that was set up by the Vikings. Insider’s tip: The best time to visit Iceland is usually from May to September in order to avoid the cold of December to February. Be sure to try out some breenivín some local ‘burnt’ wine.