Valorous views in Iceland

Landmannalaugar (The Pools of the People) is named due to the region’s abundance of steamy geothermal pools, historically used by shepherds to help keep their livestock warm during the winter. As one walks across the hiking trails of Landmannalaugar, you’ll be privy to the kaleidoscopic hillsides where the rhyolite rock reflects sunlight in all manners of colour.

A sightseeing staple, Dyrhólaey promenade is located before Reynisfjara black sand beach when travelling from the capital. Those atop this glorious elevation will have staggering views over the meadows, bird cliffs and shoreline of South Iceland, as well as be within walking distance to Dyrhólaey lighthouse. Onlookers below can marvel at the arresting rock arch that curves dramatically upward from the ocean.

Near the capital, one can find Þríhnúkagígur, a dormant volcano that hasn’t erupted for over 4000 years. By way of a cable lift, guests can descend 120 metres into the open caldera, at which point they will see just why this natural phenomenon comes so highly praised. Vibrant red, orange and purple rock faces surround you at all times, their colour and texture forever changed by the searing heat that once built up here. Getting to Þríhnúkagígur requires a 3-kilometre hike, so a moderate level of fitness is required for visiting.

Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most popular stops. Forty minutes from Reykjavík, it makes up one-third of the Golden Circle sightseeing route alongside Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal valley. Those quickly passing through might miss out on the park’s visitors centre, a modern facility sat atop the Almannagjá fault. Here, Hakið viewpoint showcases the park in its entirety: Lake Þingvallavatn and its tributaries, the surrounding mountains, Þingvallakirkja Church, and Eurasia’s distant tectonic plate. As one of the most beautiful and culturally significant locations in the country, no visit to Iceland is complete without having seen Þingvellir from Hakið.

Local fitness fanatics will regularly jog or cycle up and down Mount Esja on the weekends, but casual hikers will take approximately 3,5 hours to reach the top. Even during the summer, the mountain’s highest altitudes will still hold a thin, picturesque layer of snow. One exciting means of visiting Esja’s peak is to book a helicopter tour, not only bestowing you with a brilliant aerial view over the multi-coloured tin rooftops of Reykjavík but also an epic means of beating hikers to the top of the trail.