Icelandic Adventure

from Local Life - St Helens - Jan/Feb 2022

Adventure of a Lifetime

Experiencing travel in the past few months has been like riding a rollercoaster. The excitement of once again being able to travel has been thwarted by the need to produce passenger locator forms and adhere to ever-changing traffic light guidelines. If there’s one upside for those who have reduced their travel in 20/21, it’s that most have increased funds available to spend on future holidays. The expectation of the travel industry is that we’re likely to be more discerning when choosing future holiday locations. So, who’s ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Welcome to Iceland.

One of Europe’s most magical and unforgettable spots, Iceland is a picture-perfect destination for travellers. Dubbed the land of fire and ice, Iceland is a captivating country where volcanoes, glaciers come together to create a landscape that is like nowhere else on Earth. With friendly locals, spectacular scenery, lots of adventure, and a lively party scene, everyone should experience Iceland at least once in their life. From the seasoned city break traveller looking for something new, to the adventurous family set on a road trip round, and the hedonistic party lover looking for an ‘Instagrammable’ hotspot – Iceland is a destination for all.

Iceland is also becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination, especially for those who want to reach Iceland’s natural wonders and wildlife. A selection of cruises from Fred.Olsen depart from Liverpool and allows tourists to explore Iceland’s most incredible highlights. Here’s eight places that should be on your ‘Must Visit’ list for Iceland: Reykjavik blends Nordic heritage with a contemporary, distinctly unique style, and this lively city is compact, cosmopolitan and refreshingly different. Its charming downtown of painted timber homes is watched over by the soaring and unforgettable spire of the Hallgrimskirkja church, while oodles of hearty Scandinavian vodka bars and taverns litter the streets.

Twenty-five miles from the capital is Iceland’s most visited tourist attraction, The Blue Lagoon. Despite its volcanic nature, the site was formed from the remnants of a geothermal power plant in the 1970s. The mineralpacked waters, – the reason for the shimmering, whitish hue of the lagoon – is the driving force behind the spot’s famed healing powers. The majestic Gullfoss Waterfall roaring over the escarpments and bluffshas long been a highlight for tourists. It’s famous as one of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls, and cascades over a series of stepped rocks and terraces before plunging over a 100ft high gap seemingly disappearing into the Icelandic subterrane. The waterfall can often be arched over by rainbows or shrouded in plumes of mist, added to the graphic effects.

As the self-proclaimed capital of Iceland’s North, Akureyri boasts one of the most beautiful harbours in the country, whilst the town and its surrounding fjords and mountains make it one of the most charming places to visit. This fishing port and seaside gem is packed with interesting independent cafes and teahouses, while

Seljalandsfoss Falls

Presentation Evening

Tuesday 25th January - 6pm start Wine & nibbles included

Interested in cruising from Liverpool in 2022/23? Come along to hear more about Fred. Olsen’s new ship Borealis sailing from Liverpool to a wide range of destinations including: the Mediterranean, Canada, Scandinavia, the Canaries, European River & Cities and Iceland, Norway & Greenland

Enjoy FREE Drinks Package AND tips will be covered, when you book by 1st February 2022**

**Applicable on five to 19 night 2022/23 cruises sailing from the UK – exclusions apply – see Terms & Conditions for more information

Independent Travel Specialist

Booking necessary - Limited space available. Please call 01744 893291 to book your places.

Husavik

the Hafnarstraeti shopping street offers up countless boutiques and craft stores. An easy 50-minute drive from the capital, Strokkur Geysir (after which all geysers are named) is the most popular fountain geyser in Iceland. This highly active hot spring area lies by the Hvítá River and is a popular stop for tourists. Boiling mud pits and around 100 other smaller geysers are waiting to be explored here. ‘Hot Spring’ bread is popular with visitors too, rye bread that’s been baking in hot springs for 24 hours. Vatnajökull National Park is one of three national parks in Iceland and consists of glaciers and stunning ice caves. The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave is during winter after heavy rain has washed the top layer of the glacier away. If seen at the right time, the cave is bathed in spectacular blue light. If you are in healthy shape, you might consider doing a glacial trek in the park with an experienced guide. Grundarfjördur is approximately 2½ hours from Reykjavik and is a small town centrally located on the north coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula. The town lies in a picturesque fjord, surrounded by mountains, with Mt. Kirkjufell looming as a striking landmark. Eyrbyggja Heritage Centre holds exhibitions on Grundarfjördur’s seafaring history and this is the information centre for the whole peninsula. Húsavík is known as Europe’s number one spot for whale and dolphin watching; in most summers, the tour operators have 100% sighting rates. This picturesque town, which enjoys gorgeous views over Skjálfandi Bay, has many cute cafés and restaurants. Close by is Lake Mývatn, a shallow volcanic lake known for its flora and fauna, and Vatnajökull National Park. Fully expanding on the multitude of attractions in Iceland would have filled this issue of Local Life and a few more besides. If there’s anything that the past two years have highlighted though, it’s the importance of making the most of your holiday time. In fact, it’s time to ditch holidays and go on adventures instead – and Iceland certainly qualifies as an adventure not to be missed!