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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Best Summer 'Coolcation' Destinations in Europe, According to a New Study
Temperatures across Europe reached triple digits in June, while a simultaneous heat dome covered much of the U.S., bringing record-breaking temperatures on a world tour. Things are getting rather spicy when it comes to the weather, which may have you thinking about ways to chill out—enter the "coolcation." Just as the name implies, a coolcation is a getaway to a destination where the climate is always sweater-weather perfect. If that sounds appealing, you're not alone. Searches for "coolcations" spiked 624 percent over the last year, according to an analysis from Inghams Walking, a tour company based in the United Kingdom. To help people find the perfect place to go on their chillier getaway, the team at Ingrams evaluated nearly 100 different European destinations to find the top coolcation spots for 2025. To come up with the list, Inghams Walking assessed traveler "intent" by looking at online searches across general destination terms, hotel-related queries, and flight searches. The team then compared year-on-year searches to see which destinations experienced the largest increase in interest. And it turns out, the No. 1 destination is located in the heart of the land of fire and ice, with Akureyri, Iceland, taking the top spot. That designation is thanks to a 264 percent jump in popularity for the city. Akureyri is considered the capital of Iceland's northern region, according to Visit North Iceland. Despite its small population of about 19,000 residents, the city offers travelers an ideal mix of culture and nature all wrapped into one. Visitors can explore the Akureyri Art Museum, the Icelandic Aviation Museum, and the stunning modern Akureyrarkirkja church during their stay. Later, set off on an unforgettable whale watching adventure in the surrounding waters or go for a walk through the Akureyri Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1912 as Iceland's first public park. Joining Akureyri at the top of the list was Tisvilde, Denmark. The small seaside spot, which sits along what is known as the "Danish Riviera," is known for its miles of sandy beaches, tiny colorful beach huts, and quaint eateries that serve local delights. The area also happens to be a favorite destination among poets and creatives. It even played host to Hans Christian Andersen himself when he spent six weeks at the Hellebæk Inn, according to Visit Nordsjælland. Akureyi and Tisvilde were followed by other top coolcation destinations, including Nuuk, Greenland, which came in at No. 3 on the list. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Lahemaa National Park, Estonia; Lucerne, Switzerland; Malmö, Sweden; Arlberg, Austria; the Belgian Riviera, Belgium; and Ghent, Belgium, rounded out the top 10. For the full list and to learn more, visit
CBC
10-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
How Edmonton Oilers fans are celebrating the team's success near and far
Social Sharing When an orange wave of Oilers fans in Edmonton head toward the downtown core on game nights during the NHL playoffs, an ocean away in Akureyri, Iceland, Pavel Viking Landa says he makes his own way to his man cave in the dead of night. The extreme Oilers fan says he can't stop himself from turning on his TV in the room, where hockey jerseys hang on the wall, and watching the games, even if it goes until 4 a.m. his time. "My family don't like it, I watch deep in the night because I'm waking them up by screaming, 'let's go,"' said the 42-year-old in an interview from the Nordic island. "My partner thinks I'm stupid. I'm just a normal, happy guy." Landa was in Edmonton last week to watch the Oilers take on the Florida Panthers in Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup final. "I thought for a little while I'm going to lose my hearing because of fans cheering," he said. "It was unbelievable." WATCH | How well do Oilers fans know their team: How well do Oilers fans know the team? 20 hours ago Duration 3:07 The Oilers have thousands of fans across the city, but how well do they know their favourite team? We put fan knowledge to the test with a series of Oilers trivia questions. But he has since returned to his home to watch the remainder of the series in Iceland, with the next game scheduled for Wednesday in Sunrise, Fla. He said he has been making the two-day journey from Iceland to Edmonton every year to watch the Oilers play since 2015. Landa, who works in construction, said that's the year he fell in love with the team. "I met a Canadian guy from Edmonton in a bar here. We started chatting. Life is funny," said Landa. "He said, 'you should come' ... and within two months I was in Edmonton first time for hockey." He said he went directly from the airport to the former Edmonton Oilers arena known as Rexall Place to watch the Oilers, including his favourite player at the time, Ales Hemsky, take on the Vancouver Canucks. "It's a really nice memory and, I think the Oilers won 5-4 then," he said. However, Landa said it's not the win that has kept him coming back to Edmonton every year. It's the fans. "It really surprised me how [fans] get really, really loud. I got goosebumps," he said about the 2015 game. "The general atmosphere, the general feeling on the streets, everybody's happy. Everybody's high-fiving." He said Oilers fans are unlike others. "I went to a couple of games outside of Canada. I don't think they go to the hockey games for hockey. They think it's like, "ah, I have a date. I go to cinema, or hockey,'" Landa said. "In Edmonton, you can see that the people are interested in the game." He said the only year he didn't visit Edmonton was last year. That's because it was easier to go to Florida and watch Game 7 of the NHL final that saw the Oilers fall one game short of a comeback for the ages. After winning three games in a row to tie the final series, the Oilers dropped the deciding Game 7 to the Panthers by a score of 2-1. "I'm not ashamed of it. I shed tears," Landa said. "I was really sad, but not angry. I was sad because it was set up to be a really good story." Landa isn't the only one who goes on long journeys to watch the Oilers. Kevin Follett, a 49-year-old heavy equipment operator from Fort McMurray, Alta., said that since last year, he has been driving 430 kilometres south to catch every playoff game in Edmonton. "I love hockey in general and now that we've got the two best superstars in the world, how can you not come down here and miss this?" he said, referring to Oilers captain Connor McDavid and forward Leon Draisaitl. WATCH | Edmonton kids share their hopes for the Oilers in the 2025 playoffs: Edmonton kids share their hopes for the Oilers in the 2025 playoffs 22 hours ago Duration 2:34 CBC Kids News contributor Maya Endale speaks to Edmonton Oilers fans before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final. "You've got to be part of it. This is history." But before he gets to the game, he spends two hours getting ready. His wife paints him in blue and orange, and puts a wig on him as he pre-drinks. "My [daughters] like it when I get dressed up," he said. "I get too excited. I'm not shy." He also carries a five-gallon pail resembling the Stanley Cup at the games. He said he made 20 of them by stacking a bowl on top of a trash can and sold them to crazy fans at Edmonton's Moss Pit in the city's Ice District. Among the people seen regularly leading cheers at the Pit with Follett is William Blaise. The 19-year-old also paints himself in orange and blue before every game. He also wears a hard hat and overalls. "We paint up every single game to look like oil rig workers. Alberta is known for oil," Blaise said. "I love the Oilers because this is oil country. We work hard and we play hard."
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Edmonton Oilers superfans cross ocean, paint body in blue and orange to watch games
Kevin Follett, of Fort McMurray, poses in the 'Moss Pit' outside of Rogers Place ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in Edmonton on Friday, June 6, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fakiha Baig) EDMONTON — When an orange wave of Oilers fans in Edmonton head toward the downtown core on game nights during the NHL playoffs, an ocean away in Akureyri, Iceland, Pavel Viking Landa says he makes his own way to his man cave in the dead of night. The extreme Oilers fan says he can't stop himself from turning on his TV in the room, where hockey jerseys hang on the wall, and watching the games, even if it goes until 4 a.m. his time. 'My family don't like it, I watch deep in the night because I'm waking them up by screaming, 'Let's go,'' said the 42-year-old in an interview from the Nordic island. 'My partner thinks I'm stupid. I'm just normal, happy guy.' Landa was in Edmonton last week to watch the Oilers take on the Florida Panthers in Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup final. 'I thought for a little while I'm going to lose my hearing because of fans cheering,' he said. 'It was unbelievable.' But he has since returned to his home to watch the remainder of the series in Iceland, with the next game scheduled for Wednesday in Sunrise, Fla. Landa said he has been making the two-day journey from Iceland to Edmonton every year to watch the Oilers play since 2015. Landa, who works in construction, said that's the year he fell in love with the team. 'I met a Canadian guy from Edmonton in a bar here. We started chatting. Life is funny,' said Landa. 'He said, 'You should come' ... and within two months I was in Edmonton first time for hockey.' He said he went directly from the airport to the former Edmonton Oilers arena known as Rexall Place to watch the Oilers, including his favourite player at the time, Ales Hemsky, take on the Vancouver Canucks 'It's a really nice memory and, I think the Oilers won 5-4 then,' he said. However, Landa said it's not the win that has kept him coming back to Edmonton every year. It's the fans. 'It really surprised me how (fans) get really, really loud. I got goosebumps,' he said about the 2015 game. 'The general atmosphere, the general feeling on the streets, everybody's happy. Everybody's high-fiving.' He said Oilers fans are unlike others. 'I went to a couple of games outside of Canada. I don't think they go to the hockey games for hockey. They think it's like, 'Ah, I have a date. I go to cinema, or hockey,'' Landa said. 'In Edmonton, you can see that the people are interested in the game.' He said the only year he didn't visit Edmonton was last year. And that's because it was easier to go to Florida and watch Game 7 of the NHL final that saw the Oilers fall one game short of a comeback for the ages. After winning three games in a row to tie the final series, the Oilers dropped the deciding Game 7 to the Panthers by a score of 2-1. 'I'm not ashamed of it. I shed tears,' Landa said. 'I was really sad, but not angry. I was sad because it was set up to be a really good story.' He said he believes the Canadian team will win the Cup in Game 5. Landa isn't the only one who goes on long journeys to watch the Oilers. Kevin Follett, a 49-year-old heavy equipment operator from Fort McMurray, Alta., says since last year, he has been driving 430 kilometres south to catch every playoff game in Edmonton. 'I love hockey in general and now that we've got the two best superstars in the world, how can you not come down here and miss this?' he said, referring to Oilers captain Connor McDavid and forward Leon Draisaitl. 'You've got to be part of it. This is history.' But before he gets to the game, he spends two hours getting ready. His wife paints him in blue and orange, and puts a wig on him as he predrinks. 'My (daughters) like it when I get dressed up,' he said. 'I get too excited. I'm not shy.' He also carries a five-gallon pail resembling the Stanley Cup at the games. He said he made 20 of them by stacking a bowl on top of a trash can and sold them to crazy fans at Edmonton's Moss Pit in the city's Ice District. Among the people seen regularly leading cheers at the Pit with Follett is William Blaise. The 19-year-old also paints himself in orange and blue before every game. He also wears a hard hat and overalls. 'We paint up every single game to look like oil rig workers. Alberta is known for oil,' Blaise said. 'I love the Oilers because this is oil country. We work hard and we play hard.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025. Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press
Telegraph
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The ultimate guide to summer in Iceland, land of the midnight sun
Famed for its breathtakingly unique landscapes – geysers and glaciers galore, plus winding fjords, lunar lava fields and fiery volcanoes – as well as a burgeoning foodie scene and fascinating cultural heritage, Iceland is a perpetually attractive destination. This year, there are more reasons than ever to visit, as well as to explore outside the capital. One major draw is the emergence of increased solar activity – the Solar Maximum – that makes 2025 a premium year for viewing the Northern Lights. But there are also a slew of new openings and attractions around the country that are best enjoyed outside of the darker winter months. Up in the north, Iceland's second largest city, Akureyri, has constructed a new airport terminal to facilitate the growing demand for direct flights from Europe, while the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths is building new facilities this year. Over in the Eastfjords, the village of Seyðisfjörður is busy constructing a dramatically beautiful cliff-edge viewing platform shaped like a Viking ring, and southern Iceland has discovered a new ice cave on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. A new luxury lagoon named Árböðin (The River Baths), designed by acclaimed architectural firm is set to open in the Golden Circle area, and there's now a 745-mile touring route exploring the country's fiery side called the Volcanic Way, which passes through 17 towns and villages in South Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula. Plus fabulous new hotels help to make remote places more accessible (and luxurious): the dapper Hotel Blönduós and Höfði Lodge in the north, Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll deep in the country's interior, the charming Dalahótel in the West fjords. All you need to do is pack your bags and book your flight. Day 1: Reykjavik Museums and galleries, bars and bistros Spend the first day exploring the country's compact but buzzy capital. Prepare for the trip ahead with an overview of Icelandic history at the National Museum of Iceland and its majestic natural world at Museum Perlan. Snap some panoramic views of the city from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja, enjoy local art at the National Gallery of Iceland or Reykjavík Art Museum, and stroll the charming harbour and promenade to take in some sea air before enjoying a concert at Harpa. There are endless options for foodies in Reykjavík: sip local craft brews at Kaldi, enjoy French wines and sharing plates at Apéro, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining at ÓX. For more excellent options, see our guides to the best restaurants and bars in Reykjavík. Where to stay Center Hotel's swish Grandi has doubles from £260. But if you want to splash, the Reykjavík Edition – the country's only five-star – has doubles from £560. Day 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Sagas, spas and serene nature Borgarnes lies just an hour or two out of Reykjavík, serving as a gateway to beautiful West Iceland as well as a heartland for Iceland's Viking past. Visit the town's Settlement Centre to learn about the latter (including the Sagas) before hopping to nearby Reykholt, where you can learn about twelfth-century poet and historian Snorri Sturluson and enjoy a dip and some lunch in the geothermal Krauma spa. Head back west, stopping off for a hike up and around Eldborg crater if you feel like stretching your legs, then take Road 54 around the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Highlights include the Snæfellsjökull National Park, whose photogenic glacier inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth, the picturesque villages of Arnarstapi and Ólafsvík, the black-pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, and cone-shaped Kirkjufell – 'Arrowhead Mountain' to Game of Thrones fans. Arrive in pretty Stykkishólmur in time for a tasty seafood dinner at Sjávarpakkhúsið. Where to stay The small but charming Hotel Egilsen has doubles from £262. Day 3: Isafjordur and the Westfjords Red-sand beaches, bird cliffs and fishing villages Don't leave before enjoying Stykkishólmur's picturesque harbour and views over Breiðafjörður Bay; there's also a local heritage museum and the enigmatic Library of Water if you have time. When you're done, board the car ferry over to Brjánslækur to reach the remote Westfjords. Head west to take in some of its most strikingly wild scenery, including the 10-kilometre red-sand beach Rauðisandur and the Látrabjarg cliffs, home to millions of birds spanning puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Drive back east and then north towards the regional capital of Isafjordur, stopping off for snacks and snaps at charming villages such as Þingeyri and Flateyri; the Osvör Maritime Museum offers interesting insights into local fishing history. In Ísafjörður, enjoy a wonderful catch of the day at the rustic Tjöruhúsið. Where to stay Isafjörður Hotels operates several hotels in the centre; doubles from £290. Day 4: The North Magic, seal-spotting and the Vatnsdalur Valley After breakfast, enjoy Isafjordur's mountain and harbour vistas and the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Grab soup and a grilled cheese slice at Heimabyggð before hitting the road to North Iceland. Stop at Hólmavík, where the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft has an overview of ancient magical practices and traditions. Continue on to Hvammstangi, where you can learn about seals at the local Seal Center and have lunch upstairs at Sjávarborg. Afterwards, take your time to walk among the beautiful waterfalls of the Kolugljúfur canyon and enjoy the scenery of the Vatnsdalur valley, where one of the Viking Sagas was set. As you approach Blönduós, keep your eyes peeled for seals along the Hunafloi Bay. Where to stay The dapper Hotel Blönduós has doubles from £260 and a good restaurant. Day 5: Trollaskagi Peninsula and Akureyri Turf houses, fjords and sushi Not far from Blonduos lies the small town of Glaumbaer, where you can see some preserved turf houses, while the lovely village of Hólar boasts the oldest stone church in Iceland. Follow Road 76 around the striking TröllaskagiPeninsula (Troll Peninsula), a dramatically beautiful mix of valleys, fjords and mountains. Stop at Siglufjörður, a former fishing town, to admire the old wooden houses and have lunch at Torgið. A bit more driving along more picturesque fjords will bring you to the capital of the north, Akureyri, tucked atmospherically into the bottom of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Spend the remainder of the day exploring its pretty churches, art galleries and botanical gardens. For dinner, Rub23 has excellent Icelandic fish, lamb, and beef dishes – and some of the best sushi in the country, served with the restaurant's own locally-grown wasabi. Where to stay Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels has doubles from £225. Day 6: Husavik and Myvatn Whale-watching, waterfalls and geothermal hikes After Akureyri, head east to majestic Godafoss (the 'Waterfall of the Gods') and then north to Húsavík, famed for its whale-watching tours: if you're lucky you might spot humpbacks, minke, orcas or dolphins. Lunch at Gamli Baukur, which overlooks the harbour before following the road around the fjord to the spectacular Ásbyrgi Canyon and Hljóðaklettar, a cluster of photogenic rock columns; a footpath guides you from here through the gorgeous Jökulsárgljúfur canyon to Hólmatungur. Make one final stop at Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, before driving to Mývatn – a wonderland of geothermal activity, with plentiful hiking opportunities and the option of a dip at Mývatn Nature Baths. Dine at farm restaurant Vogafjós. Where to stay Vogafjós also offers rustic guest rooms from £240 per night. Day 7: East Coast East fjords, puffins and lobster soup Today's drive takes you through the enigmatic East Fjords via Egilsstaðir and the mountains and valleys of the Herad region. The first stop should be Borgarfjörður eystri, home to around 10,000 pairs of nesting puffins in summer. Egilsstaðir is the largest town in the region and a good place to stop and refuel, but a little farther on is Seyðisfjörður, whose dramatic surroundings can be enjoyed from a brand new viewing platform. Lunch at Skaftfell Bistro before heading to the small peninsula of Hvalnes and the village of Djúpivogur, where you can hike and admire the scenery. The final stretch, to Höfn, takes around an hour and a half but you'll be rewarded with views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier and surrounding fjords – and lobster soup at Otto Matur & Drykkur. Where to stay Hotel Höfn has doubles from £220. Day 8: South Coast Glaciers, lakes and black sand beaches It's not really a trip to Iceland if you don't get up a glacier. From Höfn, explore Vatnajökull via one of the local companies offering ice climbing, ice walks and ice cave tours. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic hike in the slightly quieter Skaftafell National Park – just be sure to save time for the drive along the sight-laden south coast, where highlights include the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and associated Diamond Beach, where icy chunks from Vatnajökull wash up photogenically onto black sands; and Dyrhólaey, a large promontory with splendid views of the coastline and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. If you need to break the journey up along the way, stop at Kjarr in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for lunch, or head straight to Vik, where you can feast on burgers and more at Smiðjan Brugghús. Where to stay Hotel Kria has apartments in Vik from £250. Day 9: Westman Islands and the Highlands Volcano hikes, puffins and mountain adventures Continue south, stopping at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, before taking a break from the car and catching the Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjafjara to the Westman Islands. You'll arrive at Heimaey, where you can climb the Eldfell volcano, which erupted in 1973, forcing the evacuation of the entire island; the dramatic story is told in detail at the Eldheimar Museum. Enjoy lunch at Voruhusid before catching the ferry back to the mainland and driving to Midgard Base Camp. A hotel and tour operator all in one, they are well-equipped for a guided tour into otherwise inaccessible highland areas such as Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar or Fjallabak. In the evening, dine at Midgard's in-house restaurant. Where to stay Midgard Base Camp has doubles from £185. Day 10: Golden Circle and the Reykjanes Peninsula Viking parliament, waterfalls and hot springs For the final leg of the trip, explore the Golden Circle. Start with a drive to the Kerið Crater Lake (you can walk around its rim), before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site Thingvellir, the location of Iceland's ancient parliament, founded in 930 AD. Stroll between the North American and European tectonic plates at the Almannagja Gorge, and enjoy the park's lava fields and lakes. Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, should not be missed, and although the world-famous Geysir is nowadays dormant, the Haukadalur valley has plenty of other spurting hot springs (such as Strokkur) to see. If you're heading back to Reykjavik and want to see more, drive the Reykjanes Peninsula to see Iceland's oldest lighthouse (Reykjanesviti), the bubbling mud pits of Krysuvík and Seltun, and maybe pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, stay at the plush new Hotel Geysir, which has doubles from £280 and a very good restaurant, before heading to Keflavik airport the next morning. Where to stay If you head back to Reykjavik, the chic Canopy Hotel has doubles from £300. How to do it When to go This tour has been designed for summer (approximately June to August) for several reasons. Firstly, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer season, meaning there is much more time to enjoy the sights, especially on longer driving days. The more remote parts of the country – and the mountain F-roads leading to them – are more accessible, and summer also brings better general driving conditions since the roads are clear of snow and ice. The higher temperatures mean outdoor activities are also more enjoyable. If you can't go in the summer, try and stay as close to the summer shoulder seasons as possible since many roads only remain open between the end of April to around mid-September. However, although much of this route will be inaccessible during deep winter, you can certainly do some of it, with the bonus of snow-covered landscapes and a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights. What to book While the above itinerary is custom-made and not specifically offered by a tour operator, Arctic Adventures offer a nine-day tour that covers a fair bit of it for around £2,300 per person, with basic accommodation and breakfasts included. Midgard Adventure also offers all-inclusive packages such as a four-Day Northern Lights Adventure that covers the Golden Circle, the south coast and Þórsmörk, plus 'off the beaten path' experiences such as super jeep tours, ice caves, and glacier walks for around £1,500 per person; they also have a private day tours to the Westman Islands and a Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour that start at around £200 per person.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Alternative Iceland—5 lesser-known places in the land of fire and ice
An otherworldly island on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland weaves towering landscapes and geological phenomena with a mythical past and distinct culture — making it a hotspot for travellers eager for adventure. But get beyond Reykjavík and the well-trodden Golden Circle, and there are plenty of quieter spots to explore. Along with volcanoes and glaciers, expect black-sand beaches studded with iceberg shards, mossy lava fields and gentle pastures grazed by shaggy Icelandic ponies. From whales and waterfalls in the north, to Europe's biggest glacier in the south, here are some of the best off-the-beaten-track destinations to discover in Iceland. Centered amongst a landscape of lava fields, wetlands and hot springs near Iceland's second city, Akureyri, Lake Mývatn formed as the result of a volcanic eruption and is fringed with distinct dark columns of lava. Nordic legend has it these lava pillars mark the entrance to Hell. This part of northern Iceland is packed with jaw-dropping sights, and just an hour from Mývatn, you'll also find one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls: Dettifoss. Amid the mist, watch on as grey-white-water runs along a 100-metre-wide canyon and thunders below, as seen in the 2012 science-fiction horror film Prometheus, Don't Miss: Mývatn Nature Baths is northern Iceland's answer to the Blue Lagoon — a splash of pure blue in the volcanic landscape, near to the sulphurous bubbling mud pots of Hverir. Also known as Tröllaskagi, this peninsula in northern Iceland is thought to take its name from its mammoth mountains. which according to local folklore, resemble trolls frozen in stone. In winter, its peaks are a prime location for skiing and snowmobiling, while in summer, navigating the fjord by sea kayak gives visitors the chance to spot puffins along the cliffs, curious seals in the water and — if you're lucky — whales in the distance. The peninsula's astonishingly beautiful fjordside road offers an epic drive past fishing villages and waterfalls, and through mountain tunnels to the most populated town, Siglufjörður; once Iceland's herring capital and now a center for folk music. Don't miss: For a remote — yet luxurious — stay, check in to Deplar Farm, an award-winning adventure hotel set in a converted 15th-century sheep farm. Expert guides will help you delve into the area's highlights, while geothermal pools await your return. Another well-kept secret, Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, lies off Iceland's south coast and comprises 15 islands and 30 skerries. Stay in the only inhabited island, Heimaey, where you can hike the rust-hued volcanic landscapes, or take a 4WD tour for a more rugged experience. At a slower pace, visit the Eldheimar Museum to learn about the 1973 eruption of Mount Eldfell — an active volcano that looms over the island. In the summer, Vestmannaeyjar is home to more puffins than people. Puffling season is in August, when baby puffins are ready to leave their burrows and set off ahead of winter. Don't miss: Take a boat tour to see the world's largest nesting puffin population. There are estimated to be over a million tiny, clumsy and clownish black-and-white birds on this archipelago alone. In the south east of the country, the scenic Hornafjörður fjord juts out towards the Atlantic, and on its tip lies the harbour town of Höfn. Known for its seafood, it's also the access point to Vatnajökull National Park. Covering around 14% of the country's total area, it's Iceland's most expansive national park and a site of natural and cultural significance. A place where fire and ice truly come together, it is awash with volcanic scenery and dotted with glacier-shaped landscape. This includes Vatnajökull glacier — Europe's biggest ice cap — a prime destination for exploring. Many visitors gravitate towards the vast glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, but there are hiking routes across the national park that offer views of icebergs, black-sand beaches and white-capped mountains — which visitors often have all to themselves. Don't miss: To appreciate the National Park's sheer size and sites, a helicopter provides an eagle's-eye view of the glacier and the endless volcanic landscapes below. Ad Astra Travel can organise a private helicopter tour as part of a bespoke travel itinerary. Most of Iceland's population centres lie around the edge of the island, making the sparsely populated crests and valleys of the central highlands irresistible for intrepid travellers. A 4WD is essential to take on the trails, which lead to incredible multicoloured rhyolite mountains that look like they've been drawn with oil pastels. To the south of this lesser-visited region lies Landmannalaugar, home to a natural hot spring where geothermally heated water pours into a wide basin from a mountain stream. The highlands are at their most accessible in the summer, though even then, certain routes will require a specially modified vehicle and a guide. Don't miss: Tucked among the vivid landscapes of the Kerlingarfjöll mountains is Hveradalir, which translates to 'valley of the hot springs'. One of Iceland's most expansive geothermal areas, hiking trails take you past gurgling mud pools, hissing steam vents and warm streams. This paid content article was created for Ad Astra. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) click here. (Available in select countries only).
