Ice & Lights

The eruptions of two of Iceland’s volcanoes (Eyjafjallajokull and Grimsvotn) in the last year, whilst restricting visitors in the short term, has awakened greater interest in Iceland’s incredible natural forces. Images of the ‘Northern Lights’ above the erupting volcano, although unlikely to be repeated, are a reminder that Iceland is one of the best places to view this amazing natural phenomena above its dramatic landscapes. The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón with icebergs gleaming white, cobalt blue or jade green (Fans of ‘James Bond’ will remember it from ‘Die Another Day’), lies in Skaftafell & Vatnajökull National Park, which includes the island’s largest ice cap (12% of Iceland and the largest outside polar regions) not to mention Grimsvotn volcano! The cluster of farms here was cut off by glacial rivers until relatively recent times. Whilst its sparsely populated landscapes receive a surge in their short summer, it is still possible in winter to be the only visitors.