One of the prime reasons for visiting this beautiful island is the stunning natural beauty which surrounds you wherever you go. This is an island of volcanic eruptions and wide sweeping glaciers – its is a place for those who like the raw unpolished beauty of nature, those who want to be alone in the wilderness and those who want to see a land shaped by titanic movements.

You might want to trek out to Vatnajökull which is Europe’s largest glacier at 8,000km2, where you will be dumbstruck by the stunning size and magnificence of it. However, if this leaves you feeling a little too chilly then you should probably head over to spouting springs of Geysir, and relax in the warm waters. An area that has cooled down significantly is the “Trolls’ Cathedrals” a wonderful lava formed landscape which once served as practice spot for US Marines when they wanted to simulate lunar landings. There are also many breathtaking walks and treks you could take, which lead you past waterfalls, give you the chance to spot whales and explore vast tracks of uninhabited land. And if all this leaves you exhausted then you can round it off, sitting out on the terrace of your accommodation and absorbing the wonderful Northern Lights, one of nature’s finest displays.

Bird watching is also very popular on the island, and it has been described as a paradise for bird watchers by many. For instance Látrabjarg in the West Fjords is the largest bird cliff that is known to exist anywhere n the world. Meanwhile, over on the Westman Island there are many types of different sea birds including many puffins. It is possible to find people offering bird watching tours that include most of the most notable places to spot our feathered friends.

The landscape is extreme to say the least, and so in attracts the type of person who seeks adventure and a challenge, but it must also be remembered that there are many parts of the island which are very dangerous, and so it is important that people know their limits and pack and dress accordingly. Even in the height of summer the weather can change suddenly and whilst the openness and the beauty can leave people with a wonderful sense of serenity, it can also prove to be a cruel and unforgiving reminder of the power of nature. After all not everyone is as tough as the original Viking settlers that first came to the island hundreds of years ago.