Group Leisure & Travel – May 2019

Iceland

Words: Keeley Rodgers

T

his sparsely populated north Atlantic island

has been on everyone’s travel bucket list for

years – and it’s proving no sign of stopping.

Boasting an incredible mix of majestic glaciers,

otherworldly landscapes and a mere three-

hour flight from London, it’s no wonder that tourism has

overtaken fishing as the country’s main industry.

Thanks to a certain HBO series and a volcanic eruption

some years ago, Iceland is well and truly on the map.

The good news is – there’s enough to see to keep you going

back from bubbling springs to breath-taking waterfalls

and everything in between. Don’t worry if you don’t

see the northern lights on your visit either, you’ll be far

from disappointed.

For first-timers, the Golden Circle is an Iceland staple. The

250km route from the capital Reyjavik ticks off many of

the top attractions. If you can, start your trip with a visit

to Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World

Heritage site on the mainland. Particularly beautiful in

the morning, the park is also where Iceland’s parliament

was founded in the year 930, making it the oldest running

parliament in the world. It’s also where you can walk

between two continents, where the Mid-Atlantic Rift and

the North American tectonic plate meet. Adventurous

groups can snorkel or dive in the Silfra Gorge – think clear,

glacial water in the most serene surroundings.

The Golden Circle route takes you to the mighty Gullfoss

(or Golden Falls), possibly the island’s most beautiful

waterfall, and there are a few to see. In the summer the

glacial water takes on a golden colour while in the winter

you can expect dramatic views as the ice takes over.

The Geysir geothermal area is next up – it can get very

busy so you may want to plan your timings to miss the

crowds. The Great Geysir itself is largely dormant but its

neighbouring Strokkur erupts every ten minutes or so,

giving you plenty of chances to capture it on camera.

Words: Keeley Rodgers

56 May 2019 groupleisureandtravel.com

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