Overview

It is a one-of-a-kind island of glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, yet Iceland's most photographed geothermal wonder is the surreal Blue Lagoon. Turquoise in hue, the massive thermal pool not far from the capital, Reykjavík, is hot-tub warm (about 104 degrees) and particularly enjoyable in a blizzard. Clearly this is an island of surprises.

Take golf, for instance. They play it here 24/7 (at least in summer, under the midnight sun). Mountain bikers will appreciate the fact that many roads are unpaved and that almost every small village has a heated pool and saunas where they can soak away the aches and pains of overdoing it. Sure, you can go skiing, ice-fishing, and snowmobiling to your down-jacketed heart's content, but the landscape is greener than Greenland, the locals note, and in January the temperature in Iceland is, on average, about the same as in New York.

When it comes to city pleasures, Reykjavík is home to a major symphony orchestra, a national theater company, top-flight ballet, more than a dozen museums - including the Art Museum of Iceland and the National Gallery of Iceland - and a mind-boggling bar and disco scene.

 Plan Your Trip

SIGHTSEEING

There are dozens of spectacular waterfalls here, but Gullfoss, whose massive glacial-fed cascade plunges about 100 feet down a narrow canyon, may be the most spectacular. A footpath from the parking area leads to a viewing platform close to the falls. There, surrounded by lush greenery and spritzed by falls mist, you may feel that you're in this natural wonder. If waterfalls aren't your thing, you can head instead to black-sand deserts, steaming hot springs, active volcanoes, massive glaciers, or an iceberg-filled lagoon.

BICYCLING

Because of the fragile and, in some places, dangerous nature of  Iceland's volcanic landscape, both cars and bikes are prohibited from traveling off-road. On the other hand, the island's unpaved tracks (especially mountain roads, which turn to impassable mud in winter) are likely to give even veteran off-road bikers all they can handle. (Advice: Practice your river-fording skills, and be prepared to repair your bike yourself.)

HORSEBACK

Vikings first brought horses to Iceland more than a thousand years ago, and the equine tradition remains a cherished one. The Icelandic horse is small and shaggy but also gentle, hardy, and surefooted. Saddleback tours - of one day or several - are widely available, taking riders through landscapes that range from green grassy plains to black lava fields. (A word to the wise: The breed may bear a passing resemblance to Shetland's diminutive horses, but you won't win points by referring to these animals as "ponies.")

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