Iceland holidays

About Iceland

Marooned at the top of the world in the North Atlantic and with a population of less than 350,000, Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe, yet still manages to find its way to the top of every bucket list - and for good reason. From its mighty ice-topped mountains and volcanoes, to its geothermal lagoons, sparkling glaciers and of course its world famous light display, the aurora borealis, Iceland is quite simply breathtaking. Not only has it been the backdrop to global hit TV shows such as Game of Thrones and films like Star Wars, Thor and Prometheus, but it also offers a wealth of culture and cuisine. With average temperatures ranging from well below zero in the winter to low/mid-teens in the summer, this isn’t the go to destination for sun worshippers, but that’s not why you head there. The climate does vary across different parts of the island with the south coast typically warmer, windier and wetter than the north. Icelandic cuisine revolves around lamb, fish and dairy products with very little use of herbs and spices, though more common in recent years with the aid of greenhouses. Þorramatur (a selection of traditional dishes) is a great way to try the local cuisine, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not go for hškarl (cured shark), singed sheep heads or even Puffin, a local delicacy.

When to visit

If you're planning a holiday in Iceland, our top picks for the best time to travel would be May