With a flying time of less than 3 hours from London, Iceland is the perfect short break destination for those of you that like something a little unique.

What’s on offer?  Well Iceland has spectacular landscapes, hot springs, geysers, warm volcanic thermal baths and whale watching this is a fantastic destination winter or summer. Parts of Iceland seem unchanged since the Viking settlers arrived here more than 1000 years ago.

The Great Geysir or Stori Geysir

For me, it was going to be a weekend of pure adventure!  On arrival at Reykjavik airport, the temperature was a mild minus 6 degrees (thank God I packed my thermals) a quick dash to our waiting transfer, we were on our way.

After settling into our hotel, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, we spent our first afternoon enjoying a cocktail or two. A quick change into our many layers and we were ready for dinner at a local restaurant. Our transfer for tonight and the rest of our stay was provided by Ragnar and his fleet of Super Jeeps http://www.superjeep.is/

Ragnar and his fleet of Superjeeps

The restaurant in question was Laekjarbrekka, which offers traditional Icelandic cuisine, housed in one of the cities oldest buildings, built in 1834 by a rich Danish merchant. Laekjarbrekka offers a unique fine dining experience and could well be the most romantic restaurant in Iceland, with piano music in the background, fresh roses and candles on every table it was perfect.  The food was excellent with lots of traditional dishes on the menu like reindeer, puffin and lamb plus the freshest seafood. http://laekjarbrekka.is/

Just after desert (fantastic timing) out guide Ragnar got a call to say Aurora Borealis was putting on a fine performance, we downed our coffees and quick as we could, we replaced the many layers of thermals that we had been wearing. We headed out of Reykjavik into the wild and freezing countryside in search of them. To see the Northern Lights in one’s lifetime is an unforgettable experience.  They seem to dance across the sky and the search for them is both adventurous and romantic. 

Sadly, by the time we arrived the show was over!  The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and normally seen in Iceland from September to April but as we discovered sightings are not always guaranteed.

The Northern Lights

Day 2

After an early breakfast, Ragnar and his team in their Super Jeeps met us at our hotel for our Golden Circle Tour.

Well, what can I say! This is the absolute classic Iceland excursion and is a must for all first time visitors to Iceland. It’s a full day (max 10 hours) you’ll experience some of Iceland’s greatest natural phenomena with one of the friendliest, highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides you will ever meet.

We visited geysers, waterfalls, national parks, walked on glaciers, drove through rivers, up and down mountains and experienced the best off roading ever!

All too soon, my Icelandic adventure came to an end and it was time for our final dinner.

Reykjavik, Iceland

No matter the season, there is no place like Iceland!