The Life & Landscapes of Iceland

Perched off the northeast corner of Scotland lies the natural wonder of Duncansby Stacks. These 60-metre sea stacks tower high above the unpredictable waters of the North Sea and showcase the powers of nature, from the sea, erosion and volcanos. Believed to have stood in this same position for the last 6000 years, the formation includes a rocky arch, followed by a group of thorn-like rocks jutting out of the water. Duncansby is also home to an abundance of birdlife during nesting months.

Pentland Firth is a striking strait separating the Orkney Islands from mainland Scotland, and is renowned for the strength of its tides, which are amongst the fastest found anywhere in the world. The strait is popular with seals and porpoises; they can be seen here all year round. Dolphins, orcas and minke whales are also occasionally spotted here too. There is also the opportunity to spot the uninhabited islands of Stroma and Swona.

Largest of the islands within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, Heimaey is home to the oldest structure on the island, Skansinn – a 15th century fort built to protect the islands from theft; and also the lava fields of Eldfell (Fire Mountain). Heimaey is the perfect natural habitat for colonies of Atlantic Puffins, who adorn the cliff edges on the island. Also here is the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, where the first two whales to live here are Little Grey and Little White.

Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital city – with its location on the southwest coast of the country, its within easy reach of the iconic Golden Circle trail to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir, a keystone of Icelandic history, Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’, considered to be the most beautiful waterfall in the country, and the Geysir geothermic area with its spouting geysers and bubbling mud pots.

Located in the west of Iceland, Grundarfjörður is overlooked by the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain with its dramatic peaks and steeple-like summit, which inspired its name – translating as ‘Church Mountain’. Close by are Church Mountain Falls – Kirkjufellsfoss – a three-pronged waterfall sitting in the valley below the mountain, and one of Iceland’s most iconic sites. Grundarfjörður itself is sprinkled with vibrantly colourful houses, many of which reflect the town’s love of nature.

Hrísey Island is known as the ‘Pearl of the Eyjafjordur’ and is framed by mountainous landscapes and surrounded by the still waters of the Eyjafjordur. This is Iceland’s second largest island, yet only around 200 people live here in the one tiny fishing village. Those who do live on Hrisey share the flat green lands of the island with more than 40 bird species, including ptarmigans and the largest breeding colony of Arctic terns.

The magnificent Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland. Situated at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the fjord lies on the migratory routes of many species of whales and birds. Puffins are often seen here as the largest colony in the world is located on Grimsey Island, and the extensive wetlands of the fjord are ideal for smaller species of animal. The waters of Eyjafjörður attract blue whales and other cetacean species, such as dolphins and porpoises.

The compact city of Akureyri is located at the end of the Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, and is the gateway to the breath-taking ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Godafoss Waterfall. The waters around the fjord and coastline offer one of the best feeding grounds in the world for cetaceans, particularly humpback whales.

The oldest settlement in Iceland, and said to be the whale capital of the country, Husavik is home to a whale museum where a 22m long Blue Whale skeleton is on display; and is the perfect town from which to spot whales in their natural habitat. The colourful buildings of the waterfront live up to their name of ‘bay of houses’; and its surrounding area was used as a training field for the Apollo astronaut team in 1965.

The Faroe Islands, which translate to “Sheep Islands” was a name given by the Norse during the Viking Age, and Torshavn is the capital city of these islands. Sheep farmers are well established here and produce wool to be made into clothing using traditional methods. Vestmanna Seacliffs are close to Torshavn, full or narrow gorges, and home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars and guillemots.