ICELAND

Iceland, the volcanic island in the middle of North Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles south of the Artic Circle and just over two hours flying time from London - less from Manchester or Glasgow. It boasts the biggest glacier in Europe, huge volcanoes, countless hot springs and geysers, the best natural water to drink in the world and some pretty impressive nightlife. It's an extremely liberal country with the legal position of gay people among the most progressive in the world. Over half of the country’s 300,000 population live in the compact city of Reykjavik, Europe's coolest capital, with a stylish culture that bubbles as loudly as its hot springs.

A little bit more about Iceland and Reykjavik

The interior of the island is rugged and virtually uninhabited. Shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, it's the highlight of any trip to Iceland. The landscapes are harsh, angular and stunningly beautiful. Tours often take in Hekla, Iceland’s most famous and most active volcano or the geysers and Gullfoss waterfall.

In winter, cross country skiing, often on illuminated runs, is popular or you can ride snow scooters and even take helicopter flights over the ice and glaciers that gives the country its name.

In the summer, you can get out on to the Atlantic Ocean for some whale-watching amongst the icebergs or chill out on Reykjavik's own man made beach complete with hot water pumped into to the sea to warm it.

Reykjavik is a small and intimate city with a big personality and some striking landmarks, including mountains, beautiful buildings both old and modern, a lake and intriguing sculptures. The dark winter days explain the brightly painted rooftops of this hip and exclusive city. But in summer you won’t see much darkness, day or “night” and the dynamic nightlife lasts just as long as the daylight - pretty well right through.

Visitors to Reykjavik experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature.

The population of the Reykjavik Capital Area is about 200,000. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.

You also need to spend a day in The Blue Lagoon, an amazing natural spa development an hour from the city; with bright blue water rich in minerals which many claim to have healing properties. The climate is milder than you might expect as the Gulf Stream brings warmth and the country’s biggest industry and the raw material for some of the best restaurants: fish. Also on the menu and worth trying are reindeer, blackbird and puffin. English is widely spoken, and menus are usually in both Icelandic and English.

Reykjavik is a great place to visit, whether for some cultural nourishment, a spot of unbridled fun or to recharge your batteries. Think of the ideal city break and you'll think of Reykjavik.

The gay ‘scene’ virtually indistinguishable from the regular nightlife as Icelanders have so embraced inclusivity. However, the Cosy Cafe is a great place to start the evening and find out where to go. Reykjavik also hosts a full array of gay events, Gay Pride in early August is one of the fastest growing in Europe and there is also Black Gay Pride, Leather and Bear events plus Women’s festivals.

See Accommodation in Reykjavik