Alexandria, VA – Iceland had previously been a destination for hardcore hikers but has now been transformed into one of the world’s most talked-about travel destination — and for good reason.
Iceland consistently ranks among the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. English is spoken almost universally; the country is compact enough to circle by car in about a week to ten days and offers opportunities from guided tours to adventure routes for many types of travelers.
Reykjavík itself is a walkable, colorful capital with culture and design making it easy to pair nature with genuine comforts.
Glaciers, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Hot Springs Galore
Iceland sits directly on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. That single geological fact explains almost everything dramatic about the island: black sand beaches, steaming geothermal fields, thundering waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, and glaciers that carve down toward the sea. You can walk between two continents at Þingvellir National Park, soak in geothermal water at the Blue Lagoon or countless lesser-known hot springs, and drive past moss-covered lava fields that look like something out of another planet.
The famous Golden Circle route — Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall – gives first-time visitors a compact introduction, but the Ring Road, which circles the entire country, explores fjords, ice caves, black-pebble beaches, and tiny fishing villages that most tourists never see.
If you prefer sightseeing versus visiting geological sights, there are many cultural attractions to explore:
- Hallgrímskirkja: the iconic church tower. Be sure to take the elevator up for panoramic views over the city’s colorful rooftops.
- Harpa Concert Hall: striking glass architecture right on the harbor, worth a walk-through even if you don’t catch a show.
- Sun Voyager: a sleek steel sculpture on the waterfront, especially nice at sunset.
- Old Harbor: departure point for whale watching and puffin tours (May–August is puffin season).
- Perlan: a museum with an ice cave exhibit and a rotating rooftop viewing deck — good option on a rainy day.
- The Settlement Exhibition: small but well-done museum built around an actual Viking-age longhouse ruin.
The Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun
Iceland is one of the most reliable places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis, especially from September through March when the nights are long and dark. In summer, the seasons flip entirely: near the solstice, the sun barely sets, giving you nearly 24 hours of daylight to explore. Either season offers a completely different, equally memorable trip.
Flying to Iceland
Both Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI) offer non-stop flights to Keflavík (KEF) on Icelandair and United Airlines. The flight takes about 5 hours, 55 minutes. You can even choose an Icelandair stopover allowing you to stop in Iceland for no additional airfare. Stay for a day, or up to a week – then travel on to London, Norway, Portugal etc.
Travel Tips:
- Book your trip with an experienced travel professional, or call Villas and Voyages to book a multi-day escorted tour for the best immersive experience and to save time from navigating on your own. Villas and Voyages has a partnership with Nordika Travel offering private and group tours to Iceland.
- If you prefer more independent travel, we suggest you rent a car, as public transport is limited, and the Ring Road lets you circle the whole island.
- Book accommodations early, especially in summer.
- It’s expensive — budget accordingly for food; especially dining out!
- Tipping isn’t expected; it’s already included in prices.
To assist you with your travel plans to Iceland, contact Anita Carson, CTC at Villas and Voyages at: [email protected].
