Iceland boasts some of the world’s most stunning and dramatic landscapes, from towering glaciers to spectacular waterfalls, geysers, and frequent volcanic eruptions.
Thanks to its location in the Arctic Circle, it is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
However, this particular beach may take the crown as the European country’s most breathtaking.
Thanks to its volcanic activity, black sand beaches are found all over Iceland, with some of its most famous, including Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach.
Nestled in Vatnajokull National Park, the Yellow River (also Thjórsá) offers a striking contrast to the surrounding black sand and green fields and against the piercing blue sea where the two bodies of water meet.
Measuring 143 miles long and stretching from the Hofsjökull glacier to the Atlantic Ocean, the river’s rich colour comes from the sulphur-rich geothermal activity in its nearby volcanic areas.
Claiming the title as Iceland’s longest river, it also boasts several beautiful waterfalls like Þjófafoss, Urriðafoss, and Dynkur, as well as historically significant islands such as Arnes.
Many UK airports offer direct flights to Iceland, which take two to three hours. According to Skyscanner, flights from Bristol start from as little as £52, while in London, you can fly from Luton with easyJet for as little as £255 return.
For those craving a more urban holiday, head to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, in the South-west. Home to around 140,000 people, Reykjavik is one of the world’s cleanest, greenest, and safest cities.
The Golden Circle, meanwhile, is a tourist route in southern Iceland that covers about 190 miles and loops from Reykjavik into the southern uplands. Its three primary stops include the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. The latter continues to erupt every five to 10 minutes.
Other stops include the Kerið volcanic crater, the picturesque Skálholt cathedral and several geothermal power plants.
To see the best-uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights, head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vík, and the small village of Skógar, the former of which is home to icebergs that actually reflect the colours of the lights above, creating a magical atmosphere.
Vík and Skógar also benefit from some of the darkest skies in the region and very little light pollution.
In 2024, the total number of foreign overnight visitors to Iceland was just under 2.3 million, according to the Ferðamálastofa Icelandic Tourist Board. Most foreign tourists from the main airport come from the United States, the UK, Germany, Canada and Poland.
