Iceland

Western Iceland. Geographically close to Reykjavik, West Iceland (known as Vesturland) is a beautiful microcosm of Iceland. However, many tourists skip this region, so it's likely that you'll have the remote parts of this beautiful region all to yourself.

The long stretch of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is popular for its Snæfellsjökull glacier, and the surrounding national park offers birdwatching, whale-watching, hiking in lava fields and horseback riding.

Beyond Reykholt, inland, you'll see lava rocks and remote highland glaciers, including the giant Laungjokudli Glacier with its extraordinary ice cave. Icelanders revere West Iceland for its indigenous tales of ancient Scandinavians and Germanics - sagas, two of the best known of which - Laxdæla Saga and Egil's Saga - were set along the region's turbulent waters, which are now commemorated by eerie mounds and an outstanding museum in the lively town of Borgarnes. From windswept beaches to historic villages and inspiring terrain, Western Iceland has it all.

East Iceland. The spectacularly diverse and sparsely populated east of Iceland (known as Austurland), about 650 km from Reykjavik, is not as diverse as other parts of the country and prefers subtle charm to big attractions.

The Eastfjords are the most stunning part of the area - the landscape of the villages in the northern fjords, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls, is particularly impressive. If the weather is good, a few days of hiking can be one of the most memorable in Iceland.

Away from the rugged coastline, south-west of Ejilstadir, is the country's longest lake, with some great attractions along its shores. Further inland stretch forgotten farms, rolling hills and reindeer-covered moorland in the empty east, as well as Snæfell, one of Iceland's peaks. Spectacular fjords in the east, scenic hiking trails, fascinating geology and friendly villages are some of Iceland's untold treasures.

South-west Iceland. Black beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, geothermal geysers gush from geothermal pools, waterfalls cascade over hillsides, and volcanoes and shimmering ice caps decorate the inland horizon.

The beautiful south-west is home to many of Iceland's legendary natural wonders, making it a relatively popular and increasingly developed region. The Golden Circle consists of three main tourist routes: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, attract the biggest crowds outside Reykjavik, but visit out of hours or venture out into the wilderness and you'll find tranquil hiking routes and otherworldly views.

The further away, the better. Tourist attractions such as the silica-filled Blue Lagoon, the Plateau Valley and the ancient Parliament of Þingvellir are all just a dozen km from the capital. The swell of the sea leads to the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago offshore. At the far edges of the region are the mighty volcanoes of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, the busy Skógar and Vík, and the hidden valleys of Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.