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Akureyri is Iceland’s quaint ‘northern capital’ (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Often referred to as Iceland’s “northern capital”, Akureyri is a city of only 18,000 inhabitants. It’s calm, brimming with pretty views and a network of sleepy streets lined by multicoloured buildings, with more than enough character to act as an entertaining base for exploring the lesser-seen northern regions of the country.
The Akureyri Aurora Escape holiday from Best Served Scandinavia is based in Iceland’s second city, swapping the bustle of Reykjavik for “small-town charms and geographic drama”. There’s plenty of time to explore Akureyri, with the first full day spent taking in the ultra-modernist Lutheran church before an evening aurora photography tour. The next day is spent on the Eyjafjordur fjord whale-watching before a guided tour of the spectacular Lake Myvatn region on day three.
From £1,240pp, including three nights’ accommodation, B&B, return flights from London Gatwick, one lights hunt and one tour of Lake Myvatn. Departing throughout the year.
Christmas in the capital
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Experience a guaranteed white Christmas in Iceland (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The capital is a fascinating city at any time of year, but the high likelihood of a white Christmas makes it an even more enticing destination for a festive break. Spend time exploring the sights – from the iconic architecture of the Hallgrimskirkja church to the warm waters of the nearby Blue Lagoon – with the bonus of Christmas markets such as those at Ingolfstorg, the Heidmork forest and Hafnarfjordur’s Christmas Town.
Nordic Visitor offers a six-day tour over the Christmas period of many of the geographical highlights, including the incredible Thingvellir National Park, Skogafoss waterfall, the Geysir springs, the volcanic crater lake of Kerid and the volcanic black sand beach at Reynisfjara. On Christmas Eve, travellers will have a full traditional Christmas dinner after an evening walking tour of the capital, while on the big day, the itinerary includes a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon.
From £1,532pp, including five nights’ accommodation, B&B, one gourmet dinner, all four guided tours, a Blue Lagoon package and transfers. Departing 20, 21, 22, 23 December.
Read more: The best places in Iceland to see the northern lights
The Golden Circle
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Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s three Unesco-listed sites (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
If you had to whittle down all of Iceland’s numerous things to do to just one must-see site, it would probably be the country’s Golden Circle. It’s a 190-mile circular route that – if staying in Reykjavik – is best begun at Thingvellir National Park, famed for having a rift valley where two continental plates meet (and where visitors can snorkel between continents). You’ll move on to the warmer waters of the Great Geysir (which shoots water approximately every 15 minutes) and finally the dramatic 31-metre-tall Gullfoss waterfall. The route can be extended if you want, exploring the volcanic crater at Kerid and the beautiful Bruarhlod canyon.
The Aurora Zone provides a package for exploring this route, with two nights spent in the capital and two in Hotel Ranga, a popular Lights-spotting location. Holidaymakers will enjoy a guided jeep tour to search for the lights, although the chances of seeing them from the comfort of the hotel are also quite high. Additional excursions are available too, such as glacier hikes, snorkelling and a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
From £2,395pp, including four nights’ accommodation, B&B, lights hunt and Golden Circle excursion and airport transfers. Departing until 30 March.
Iceland Full Circle Tour
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Jokulsarlon is a glacial lagoon (Getty Images)
You may have come mainly for the northern lights, but why not see the rest of the country while you’re at it? Those with enough time should consider a driving route around Iceland’s “Ring Road”, known as Hringvegur, which runs in a circle from Reykjavik. Head south first, and along the way you’ll drive around the coast, through national parks, glaciers and waterfalls.
Responsible Travel’s Full Circle Tour gives travellers the option to guide themselves across the country, taking in as many of the famed natural sights as possible along the way as they hunt for the northern lights. Tours are arranged pre-booking, with the added bonus that it’s possible to re-book for free on the final day if visitors miss seeing the lights on the first tour.
The company provides a rough suggested itinerary and accommodation bookings for each night. Nevertheless, what you see when there is up to you, though the recommended route takes in pretty much all of the country’s highlights, including Akureyri, Lake Myvatn and Mount Kirkjufell.
From £1,685pp, including nine nights’ accommodation, B&B, return flights from the UK and 10-day car hire. Departing throughout the year.
Icelandic Highlights Tour
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Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe (Getty Images)
For those who want to see as much of the country as possible – but without the effort of driving and organising it yourself – consider a guided tour. You’ll see all the same national parks, volcanic craters, hot springs and waterfalls as on a self-driven tour, with a small group and a dedicated tour leader who’ll make a concerted effort to ensure travellers see the northern lights in the evenings.
Regent Holidays offers one such tour, taking in the country’s main natural landmarks in the days and adding lights-hunting activities in the evenings, including Lights photography workshops, guided walks and the opportunity to see the aurora from the comfort of a private hot tub. Starting in the capital with a day of exploration, the tour then heads north, first to the small town of Borgarnes and then the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell. The tour then heads to the Golden Circle and Reynisfjara, Vatnajokull and Jokulsarlon on consecutive days, before circling back to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon.
From £3,045pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, B&B, return flights from the UK and all transfers and transport. Departing until 15 April.
Read more: The best northern lights holidays, short trips and packages
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Publish date : 2025-01-23 09:13:00
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