Find and book the perfect apartment or chalet under the Northern Lights in Iceland
It is no surprise that Iceland's impressive land is a favourite among Hollywood directors, its natural and untouched landscapes making for the ideal backdrop to movie scenes, from its mountain ranges and volcanic peaks to its frozen glaciers. You too can stay in a room with a view worthy of the silver screen when you reserve a holiday apartment or bed and breakfast online today. Choose a holiday home in a traditional Icelandic chalet in Akureyri, the northeastern region to wake up alongside a collection of art galleries, the picturesque Glerá river and Akureyri's Botanical Garden, all of which lay at the foot of the Hlíðarfjall mountain. You can similarly find your home away from home in Hvalfjarðarsveit, where, alongside its great mountainous scenery, you can take in the beauty of the Glymur Waterfall. Another setting which mirrors that of a dystopian film is the abandoned DC Plane which rests upon the black beach of Sólheimasandur after its crash in 1973. Booking a holiday apartment in this coastal area will place you alongside this historic artefact which is an unmissable sight from a trip to Iceland.
How to get to Iceland
Located over 800 miles north of the UK, Iceland can be reached most efficiently by air, most conveniently from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or Manchester Airport, who fly directly into Keflavík International Airport daily. If you decide to travel to Iceland from Europe, the best connection is provided by Orly airport in Paris. The average flight duration is approximately three hours and the transfer time to your accommodation can vary depending on its location, though the capital of Reykjavik is only 45 minutes northeast of the terminal by the Flybus or a rental car.
What types of holiday rentals are available in Iceland?
The Land of Fire and Ice is a nation of extremes, on one side it showcases a volcanic and glacial countryside, while the other side of Iceland boasts a city with a contemporary art scene and an energetic nightlife. Whichever side is drawing you to this country, there is the perfect holiday rental suited to every need. Enjoy the beauty of Grindavík, a southern harbour village filled with quaint bed and breakfasts and spend your days in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the most famous of Iceland's thermal baths, with water heated underground from a nearby lava flow. Experiencing the Blue Lagoon, or a similar bath is unmissable from a trip to Iceland, whether you are renting in Grindavík or not! Alternatively, a traditional cottage or a guesthouse offers space for large families and groups of friends to enjoy your piece of authentic Icelandic charm, whether you decide on a haven in among the verdant forestry of Kjósarhreppur, or you wake up in the natural suburbs of the capital.
Icelandic Food and Culture Tips
The most famous of Iceland's cuisine dates back to its Viking roots, meaning recipes that have stood the test of time for so long must surely be worth trying! Among these age-old dishes is fermented shark, or Hákarl, which, though not a dish for the fainthearted, is nonetheless, a national staple enjoyed across the entire country. Lamb soup, known as Hákarl, is even more popular among tourists and is eaten as warming comfort food, especially in long winter months. Made only from lamb, vegetables and dried herbs, this Icelandic staple can be quickly cooked up in a self-catered apartment rental or sampled from a local restaurant. Of course, it would be wrong not to try out some of Iceland's famous dessert dishes, so be sure to indulge in Icelandic rice pudding, which is similarly produced across the country as a sweet method of staying warm, which we can all get behind! Icelandic is the official language of Iceland, though it is recognised as one of the hardest languages in the world to learn, and pronounce, meaning natives in Reykjavik especially are confident communicating in English.
The Northern Lights in a northern paradise
The spectacular splendour of the Northern Lights which illuminate the skies of Iceland attracts wanderers from across the globe, however, the opportunity to witness the impressive light show comes down to many external factors, including the time of the year and solar activity. The Northern Lights are only visible in the winter months between late September and April when you can view the lights from the afternoon, right through until noon the following day, when Iceland is at its darkest. Because the likelihood of witnessing this phenomenon increases in the winter months, remember to secure your holiday apartment in Reykjavik in advance, as the Northern Lights are visible from Öskuhlið hill in the capital or the nearby town of Grótta.
Adventure in Iceland
In a country which is famed for its volcanic scenery and glacial structures, visitors are never too far away from adventure in Iceland. One way to immerse yourself in the natural spectacles of Iceland is to visit The Geysir field, located in the mountainous area of Haukadalur. This field, which is known as ‘The Golden Circle' is a hub of magma activity, sprouting springs which are a wonder to all who visit the land. Among these springs is the ‘The Great Geysir' and the ‘Strokkur', which is the ‘most energetic spring in Iceland'. Choose a luxury apartment rental alongside Laugarvatn Lake which is just a short drive to The Geysir field to enjoy a hike and witness these volcanic bursts for yourself.
Reykjavík, the colour kissed northern capital with a midnight sun!
If you crave a taste of Icelandic city life, however, look no further than an apartment rental in Reykjavík Iceland's colourful capital, where you can reside amongst its rainbow kissed homes. Choose a reasonably priced holiday rental for a more cost-effective price than a hotel room, and spend your savings indulging in Iceland's exclusive boutiques and indie eateries in Laugavegur. The cultural activities do not end with this vivid shopping street, as visitors take in the splendour of Hallgrimskirkja and enjoy the vibrant Reykjavík food scene in Perlan, the capital's most prestigious eating experience. Built upon a rustic natural landscape, you might expect Reykjavík to be one of the quietest capitals in the world. Though, this is not necessarily the case, as the city is renowned for its electric nightlife, which is most exciting between May 21 until July 30, when it does not get dark at night, and Iceland offers the rare sensation of the midnight sun.
When to visit Iceland
There are benefits to visiting Iceland all year round, as alongside the midnight sun, the summer months offer a hotter temperature to enjoy the city sights in Reykjavík, while the climate is more comfortable for volcanic hikes and a visit to The Geysir field. You will need to sacrifice the warmer weather and visit Iceland in the winter months if your priority is to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, however, the contrasting heat from the Blue Lagoon in winter should compensate for the chillier days. Whichever time is best for your visit, remember to book your dream Icelandic getaway by reserving a holiday apartment, bed and breakfast or traditional cottage today.