LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

In the summer months, the sun barely touches the horizon before it rises once again. Iceland’s snow-covered fields and icy blankets melt away to reveal the geology in a new clarity and light. A festival spirit exudes from the capital and the endless sunlight invites you outdoors. 

Reykjavik pulses with renewed colour and energy in the summer months. Learn about Icelandic culture through its cuisine. Walk the streets of the capital to explore the interconnection between history, art, tradition and food. You’ll soon discover that the culinary revolution that swept the Nordic countries certainly didn’t pass Iceland by.

Head to Reykjanes Peninsula, a Geopark located on a drift zone between two tectonic plates. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has breached sea-level and created a bridge between two continents. The primary elements vie for supremacy before your eyes. Mud pools, fumaroles, crater lakes and hot springs illustrate the prowess of the geothermal activity. Between the lava fields and churning sea, you’ll find villages poised on towering cliffs where you can sample fresh seafood from the North Atlantic. Colonies of birds circle the offshore sea stacks while whales, seals and dolphins can be spotted just off the coast. 

Head out to the countryside to take advantage of the healing energy of the mineral springs. The hot water at Krauma Geothermal Baths originates from Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. The pure spring water is mixed with cold glacier water to achieve the ideal temperature. Find wellness and natural harmony in one of the geothermal pools, steam rooms or saunas.

Langjökull ice cap conceals mountains and volcanic systems beneath its vast frozen expanse. The hidden calderas can be seen from the air above. After you’ve explored the surface by monster truck or snowmobile, discover the core of the 580-metre-thick glacier inside man-made tunnels. At the heart of this iridescent blue fortress you can even find a chapel. The surrounding lava fields have caused an unusual natural phenomenon. Clear, icy springs of subterranean water seep through the lava to produce a cascade of tiny waterfalls. Hike along the rugged cliffs of Hallmundarhraun to see this incredible water array spouting out into the River.

Once the summer sun melts the snow, the Golden Circle gets a new lease of life. The velvety green carpet over Þingvellir National Park sprouts purple lupines and the lush vegetation becomes a flourishing feeding ground for wildlife. Silfra, a ravine opened during a previous earthquake, overflows with glacial meltwater. The water’s natural filtration process can take up to a century, producing unparalleled visibility for diving and snorkeling.

White towers of water are propelled into blue skies from the geyser geothermal field. The unique geology of the land becomes easily visible and cloud-free horizons allow a view of Langjökull glacier beyond the rainbows that dance in the mist of Gullfoss waterfall. For something a little different, try a tomato-themed lunch at Friðheimar farm. The tomato-based menu is served amongst the different varieties of plants that are cultivated there.

Perhaps hideaway in the Icelandic wilderness for a few days at a boutique horse-breeding farm. Out in the wide expanses of the highlands you can ride the nation’s most faithful animal, the Icelandic horse, across spellbinding landscapes. Riding amongst a herd of loose horses through valleys, beaches, mountains and lava fields at a “flying pace” is an exhilarating experience.

To keep your adrenalin levels at a high, sail across Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon by zodiac speedboat. The still blue waters are packed with icebergs and frozen chunks. The mix of fresh and seawater creates unique, coloured waves that lap against the jet-black beach of Breidamerkursandur.

Time is precious but Iceland’s endless daylight gives you plenty to utilise. On this small, volcanic island, adventure invigorates your body, while nature revitalises your soul.