Iceland is closer than one might think, about a 5-6 hour flight from the east coast, and it is one of the hottest destinations (figuratively, not literally) for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. It is an untamed landscape dotted with geysers, geothermal springs, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanoes. The most spectacular natural wonder though has to be the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights can normally be seen throughout the year except during midsummer. Peak season is October through April. If you do happen to be in Iceland in the summer and you aren't able to see the Northern Lights, there are still plenty of natural attractions to leave you awestruck. A popular day trip called the Golden Circle Route will take you to some of Iceland's most visited attractions. The route generally includes Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site, with the Geysir geothermal area and Gulfoss Waterfall in the Hvita River canyon. You can take on a guided tour or you can rent a car and explore the route yourself. If time permits, visit the Kerid Crater Lake, a lake that occupies a volcanic crater easily accessible by foot.
Another natural wonder is the Blue Lagoon, minutes from Reykjavik, which combines a geothermal pool with a few amenities of civilization, such as a luxurious spa and a swim-up bar. During the summer, you can also get up close to see wildlife on a whale watching tour or take an excursion to one of the islands off of Iceland to see puffins in their natural habitat.
Iceland does have civilization too. Its isolation and Viking heritage gives Iceland an eclectic culture to say the least. Iceland is known musically for Björk and Sigur Rós, but music of many genres can be found on the streets of Reykjavik. You can find everything from heavy metal to punk rock and even hip-hop. The Harpa concert hall is home to the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra for a more formal musical experience. If you want to know more about the history and culture of Iceland, be sure to visit the National Museum, with exhibits on Viking settlements, the introduction of Christianity, and modern times as well.
Despite its isolation, Iceland has a wide variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisines. Take a food tour around Reykjavik and sample everything from fine dining to street food, and be sure to try an Icelandic hot dog, a local specialty usually made of lamb, when you're there.
