Summer in
Reykjavik
The world’s northernmost capital is a joy in summer, when its artisan cafes, multicoloured houses and modernist architecture are bathed in the brilliance of the Midnight Sun. Take the family up the tower of the landmark cathedral Hallgrímskirkja for views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains, then pause for some Icelandic ice cream before enjoying the Whale Museum and its life-size models of minke, humpback and enormous blue whales.
You needn’t travel far from Reykjavik to get a taste of Iceland’s rugged landscapes. We know the best guides and companies to help you and your family have the adventure of a lifetime. Try summer snowmobiling on the giant Langjökul Glacier. Explore the thermal region of Geysir, which gave geysers the world over their name. Show the kids your secret lair as you lead them behind the curtains of giant tumbling waterfalls. See the iceberg-studded Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Descend into the centre of a dormant volcano. Fly in a helicopter over Iceland’s endless lava fields. If you’re really brave, you can even go snorkelling between the two tectonic plates that separate Europe from North America.
Lively
Landscapes
You needn’t travel far from Reykjavik to get a taste of Iceland’s rugged landscapes. We know the best guides and companies to help you and your family have the adventure of a lifetime. Try summer snowmobiling on the giant Langjökul Glacier. Explore the thermal region of Geysir, which gave geysers the world over their name. Show the kids your secret lair as you lead them behind the curtains of giant tumbling waterfalls. See the iceberg-studded Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Descend into the centre of a dormant volcano. Fly in a helicopter over Iceland’s endless lava fields. If you’re really brave, you can even go snorkelling between the two tectonic plates that separate Europe from North America.
Getting in
Hot Water
Bubbling away at nearly 40˚C, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa sunk in a lava field not far outside of Reykjavik and is undoubtedly Iceland’s number one tourist attraction. The kids will love swimming in its milky-blue waters while you relax in a geothermal steam bath or treat yourself to a hot volcanic mud wrap.
Summer is the perfect time for animal encounters in Iceland. Husavik, on the north coast, is the whale-watching capital of Europe, with 97-99% of visitors spotting whales here from mid-April to mid-October. Humpback, minke and blue whales are all likely visitors, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
To make feathered friends, head instead to the Westman Islands on the south coast, where puffins and other seabirds nest in their thousands along rugged, wind-battered cliffs.
Wildlife
Wonders
Summer is the perfect time for animal encounters in Iceland. Husavik, on the north coast, is the whale-watching capital of Europe, with 97-99% of visitors spotting whales here from mid-April to mid-October. Humpback, minke and blue whales are all likely visitors, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
To make feathered friends, head instead to the Westman Islands on the south coast, where puffins and other seabirds nest in their thousands along rugged, wind-battered cliffs.
Viking
History
From Hagar the Horrible to Ragnar Lothbrok, the Vikings have long captured popular imagination. Don your own Viking costumes amid the lifelike waxworks of Reykjavik’s excellent Saga Museum. Examine Viking artefacts such as drinking horns and swords at the superb National Museum. Visit the Viking ruins of the world’s first parliament at Thinhvellir National Park. Or hear of maritime adventures around a 10th century Viking longboat at the Settlement Museum.
Iceland Property Spotlights
A family-run farm in the heart of south Iceland for four generations, Skálakot Manor will welcome you warmly with traditional Icelandic hospitality and a luxe yet cosy atmosphere. Cradled by undulating hills and facing the North Atlantic Ocean, the location is wildly remote and beautiful. Nearby are glaciers, rivers and volcanoes but the main draw of this isolated hotel is the gentle Icelandic horses that are breed at the farm. Placid and calm, they are ideal for children or those without riding experience. Iceland’s famous black-sand beaches are a short drive away – come here to watch the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing into the shore or take an ATV ride for the ultimate thrill.
Skálakot Manor
South Iceland
A family-run farm in the heart of south Iceland for four generations, Skálakot Manor will welcome you warmly with traditional Icelandic hospitality and a luxe yet cosy atmosphere. Cradled by undulating hills and facing the North Atlantic Ocean, the location is wildly remote and beautiful. Nearby are glaciers, rivers and volcanoes but the main draw of this isolated hotel is the gentle Icelandic horses that are breed at the farm. Placid and calm, they are ideal for children or those without riding experience. Iceland’s famous black-sand beaches are a short drive away – come here to watch the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing into the shore or take an ATV ride for the ultimate thrill.
Beautifully bleak and utterly remote, this is a gorgeous place for a family to retreat to in cosy, two-bed, turf-topped cottages made from stone, grass and wood, with Nordic-inspired interiors heightening the sense of contentment. Outside, it’s a different matter. Torfhús is situated in the wild cinematic scenery that surrounds the Golden Circle and here outdoor pursuits in the elemental landscapes are part of its allure. Torfus Retreat is the gateway to a huge variety of activities. Go classic Iceland and sightsee by superjeep or helicopter or climb up into the glaciers of the highlands. Come home for an Icelandic-inspired dinner, followed by a soak in your geothermal outdoor basalt tub, perhaps accompanied by the delicate dance of the Northern Lights overhead.
Torfhús Retreat
Golden Circle
Beautifully bleak and utterly remote, this is a gorgeous place for a family to retreat to in cosy, two-bed, turf-topped cottages made from stone, grass and wood, with Nordic-inspired interiors heightening the sense of contentment. Outside, it’s a different matter. Torfhús is situated in the wild cinematic scenery that surrounds the Golden Circle and here outdoor pursuits in the elemental landscapes are part of its allure. Torfus Retreat is the gateway to a huge variety of activities. Go classic Iceland and sightsee by superjeep or helicopter or climb up into the glaciers of the highlands. Come home for an Icelandic-inspired dinner, followed by a soak in your geothermal outdoor basalt tub, perhaps accompanied by the delicate dance of the Northern Lights overhead.
