Iceland’s Charms: Classic Route through the Golden Circle

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.

About the destination: The village of Vík is situated on the island's main ring road, about 180 km by road southeast of Reykjavík. Vík í Mýrdal or simply Vík, as the locals call it, is a remote seafront village in the south of Iceland and is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. The natural environment in Vík í Mýrdal is quite beautiful, with a bird-filled black sand beach, Mount Reynisfjall to the west, Hjörleifshöfði to the east and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier at the top of the mountainous area which is perfect for exploring the lovely trails.The village of Vík is located on the main ring road around the island, around 180 km (110 mi) by road southeast of Reykjavík.

About the destination: The village of Vík is situated on the island's main ring road, about 180 km by road southeast of Reykjavík. Vík í Mýrdal or simply Vík, as the locals call it, is a remote seafront village in the south of Iceland and is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. The natural environment in Vík í Mýrdal is quite beautiful, with a bird-filled black sand beach, Mount Reynisfjall to the west, Hjörleifshöfði to the east and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier at the top of the mountainous area which is perfect for exploring the lovely trails.The village of Vík is located on the main ring road around the island, around 180 km (110 mi) by road southeast of Reykjavík.

About the destination: Hofn is the only urban nucleus that can be found after passing Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It is a gray town and not too attractive but it serves to stay overnight because of its proximity to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (78 km) and the great Vatnajokull. Hofn is situated on a peninsula in the south-east of Iceland and is surrounded by several small islands, the largest of which is Mikley, followed by Krókalátur and Hellir to the east of the city The name Hofn means port and is one of the few fishing ports in southern Iceland. In it, navigation has to be cautious due to the formation of sandbanks which must be dredged frequently to maintain a minimum depth of 7-8 meters. This port can be frozen during the harshest winter months. Hofn also has an airport that only domestic flights operate. It is located on the Ring Road, accessing the route 99. The most important cultural event of Hofn is the famous lobster festival which is held on the first weekend of July. Hofn contains several museums, including the Glacier Museum, the Museum of Folklore and the Nautical Museum among others. We spent the night in Hofn for two nights as we made a round trip to the south of Iceland (Iceland: Organizational Data). During our stay we took several walks through the streets, went to supermarkets, gas stations and dined in the restaurants of the port that were very close to our apartment, we could do little more after arriving in the village in the afternoon and with almost everything closed. The most remarkable thing about Hofn is the wild nature that surrounds it. I leave you some samples of landscapes near this town.

About the destination: Mývatn, located in northern Iceland, is a stunning region renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and abundant birdlife. The area is named after Lake Mývatn, a serene body of water surrounded by dramatic lava fields, hot springs, and craters. Visitors can explore the surreal landscapes of Dimmuborgir, known as the "Dark Castles," with its unusual lava formations, or relax in the soothing geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. The region is also a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting numerous species, especially during the summer months. With its otherworldly scenery and diverse natural attractions, Mývatn offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest urban area and fourth largest municipality. Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. Akureyri is a very picturesque town with its location by a scenic fjord, eclectic building styles and streets winding their way through gorges. Spend some time walking around the town centre, see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally ""the art canyon""), home to a number of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The tranquil municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is worth visiting, as are the several small museums dotted around town.

About the destination: Borgarnes is a town located on a peninsula at the shore of Borgarfjörður in Iceland. The town is located 60 km north of the capital Reykjavík and is connected to other places in Iceland through the second largest bridge in Iceland, Borgarfjarðarbrú; it is the biggest town in the Borgarbyggð municipality. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Safnahús Borgarfjarðar. Several small museums and collections are housed together in one building: A natural history collection, local history museum and an art collection, as well as the local archives and library. • Skallagrímsgarður. A small municipal park in the heart of town.

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.