Iceland Holiday

From its seemingly isolated location up in the North Atlantic – as if sent to the furthest corner of Europe for some previous misdemeanour – the imaginatively-named Iceland is fast becoming the vogue of world holiday destinations

The cool country sits on one of the world's most active volcanic hotspots, boasting an expansive landscape and stunningly beautiful scenery. The island is a mixture of volcanic deserts, icy wilderness and windswept upland plains – features much unchanged since the country's discovery in 870AD.

After the Vikings arrived in the late ninth century, the country was an independent settlement of farmers and fishers until it came under the rule of the Danes 300 years later – a status maintained until its independence in 1944.

Iceland's sprinkling of people have a mixture of Nordic and Celtic blood - and are fiercely proud of that fact - maintaining ancient folklore, language and customs in the last chilly outpost of true Viking ancestry.

Most Icelanders live in and around the Reykjavik area on the south western coast, which boasts all the trimmings of any modern European city – if slightly blended with an old-world small-town charm.

Bustling nightlife and long, chilled-out days are what the Reykjavik is becoming famous for, with the city's bars, clubs and coffee dens currently the coolest place to be and be seen.

Surrounded by barren icy lava fields which glimmer in the near-Arctic sun, the city basks in a feeling of contentment, as visitors can swim or soak in the natural thermal pools and spas around the city or enjoy glacial trekking, sailing and all manner of outdoor activities in the nearby areas.

The country does sit on the dearer side of expensive, claiming the most expensive prices in Europe, although this should not act as a deterrent as cheap deals can be found and budget travellers satisfied – if they are up to a challenge.

Much of Iceland's centre, the Highland, is an area mostly reserved for ice and snow where even the hardiest Icelanders have never settled, but guided tours are popular for the adventurous traveller wishing to see the glorious mountains and glaciers of the area on their way to Akureyri, the only decent-sized populated area outside Reykjavik, in the north.

Akureyri (just 45 minutes by air or five hours by road from Reykjavik), offers a slightly different feel to the capital, with nature and folk-quaintness featuring strongly as the city's theme.

Visitors can indulge in the geothermal jacuzzis that come with most holiday cottages, before setting out to nearby Lake Myvatn, where bird and nature-lovers will find their Elysium.

Flights to Iceland now leave regularly from many main UK airports, although those adverse to the three-hour flight may prefer taking a weekly ferry from the Shetland Islands.

Iceland offers much to the traveller, as this antique country seems to provide a fresh, modern outlook on holiday destinations.

Visitors to the frosty island will find Icelanders to be cool, trendy, friendly and warm – most referring to each other, including the President and Prime Minister, by first name only – and will leave with a sense of freedom that can only lead to a return visit.