Positioned within Iceland’s famous Golden Circle touring route, this lakeside town is dotted with geothermal springs that create an enticing temperature for bathing year-round. Witness the spurting geysers and bubbling mud pools of the Haukadular geothermal area or hire a boat to explore the scenic waters of Laugarvatn lake. Then soak up the panoramic views from one of the hiking trails that weave through the birch-covered slopes of Laugarvatnsfjall mountain.

The southernmost village in Iceland, Vik lies in the shadow of the immense Mýrdalsjökull glacier which blankets the highly active volcanic summit of Katla. Wander along the black pebbly beach of Reynisfjara that’s backed by enormous basalt stacks and pounded by the North Atlantic waves, then spot charismatic puffins nesting on the slopes of Reynisfjall mountain. Vik’s most iconic landmark is the picturesque Reyniskirkja, a traditional Icelandic church that offers sweeping views of the town.

Offering spectacular views of Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, Höfn is a small fishing village in Iceland’s southeast. It serves as a gateway to the glacier-carved landscapes and iceberg lagoons of Vatnajökull National Park, which boasts spectacular hiking trails and active geothermal areas that nestle beneath its snow-capped peak. Photograph the geometric rock face of the Svartifoss waterfall, then mingle with the locals during the annual Humarhátíð lobster festival to sample Höfn’s most famous catch.

Scattered along the banks of the Lagarfljót river, Egilsstadir lies on the edge of the immense Hallormsstaðaskógur forest. Soak up the vistas along walking trails that lead through beech forests and working farms or go hiking amidst the striking basalt landscapes that surround the Hengifoss waterfall. A short drive from Egilsstadir lies the farmstead of Skriðuklaustur that has been transformed into a museum showcasing the life and work of its former owner, the Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson.

Nicknamed the “Capital of North Iceland”, Akureyri is a vibrant city surrounded by mountains at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord, with the picturesque Husavik nearby. Admire the stained-glass windows of the striking Akureyrarkirkja and get acquainted with some of the country’s most prominent contemporary artists at the Akureyri Art Museum. Motorcycle enthusiasts can get up close to vintage bikes at the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland while the city’s renowned Botanical Garden boasts almost every Icelandic plant species in existence.

Jutting into the waters of Borgarfjörður, Borgarnes is famed for its strong ties to the Icelandic sagas of Viking-age poet, Egill Skallagrímsson. Learn about the country’s fascinating Viking roots at the Settlement Center Museum, then discover your inner child at one of Iceland’s most innovative playgrounds, Bjössaróló, which was created using salvaged materials. Borgarnes also serves as a gateway to the dramatic coastal landscapes, waterfalls and moss-covered lava fields of the Snaefellsnes National Park.

Dominated by the striking modern church of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik is the spirited capital of Iceland. It’s clustered with colourful buildings and inspiring street art while being a stone’s throw from the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Discover the events that have shaped Iceland’s history while wearing Viking costumes at the Saga Museum, soak up the city views from the futuristic glass dome of Perlan and feast on unique local delicacies in Reykjavik’s innovative restaurants.