Beyond the Northern Lights: Iceland’s Many Wonders

For many people, it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to see the Northern Lights. Iceland is a popular destination, in no small part because the island offers a great many activities before — and after — seeing the famous lights. Based in the capital city of Reykjavik or in a boutique wilderness cabin, visitors can sample the unique cuisine (including puffin) at fine restaurants, explore the iconic Golden Circle, go whale watching and relax in the Blue Lagoon on the way back to the airport.

Blue Lagoon

In addition to the Northern Lights, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is one of its most famous and popular attractions. It is located between Reykjavik and the airport, making it ideal for a two-hour stop on the return journey at the end of a trip, but it can also be incorporated into a full day in Reykjavik with other activities undertaken in the morning, afternoon or evening. The volcanic silica mud turns the lagoon’s warm waters a striking blue and they are a stunning contrast to the black rocks and snowfall around the edge. Visitors can enjoy spa treatments or simply relax in the waters, trying out mud facials and enjoying the pummelling massage of the waterfall.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is another classic attraction of the country and a must-see when visiting on a trip to see the Northern Lights. Iceland is renowned for its geothermal activity, and there is nowhere better to see this than at the valley of Haukadalur, where the geyser Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes. The immense waterfall of Gullfoss is evidence of the country's formidable waterways and the potential for harnessing hydropower elsewhere on the island. The national park of Þingvellir combines geography and history; located in the Rift Valley where Iceland is slowly being spread by the movement of tectonic plates, it is the site of the country's first parliament.

Whale Watching

Formerly a summertime pursuit, it is now possible to go whale watching off the coast in winter as well: sightings remain high, with an approximate 75% chance. The sea offers an entirely new vantage on the country, from sheer cliffs to volcanic islands to dark shores. The crew will point out the best locations to see whales and other animals, particularly sea birds, as well as giving passengers the opportunity to touch whale teeth, whale bones and baleen plates. It is even possible to see the Northern Lights: Iceland offers few experiences as spectacular as the sight of the aurora borealis from on board a boat.

Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime holidays to see the Northern Lights. For the best trips to experience the Northern Lights, Iceland and Swedish Lapland are ideal destinations. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.