Iceland gets rave reviews, so I knew I had to see it for myself eventually. As it turns out, every one of those reviews was deserved. This became one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.
Nature feels wonderfully raw here. The island’s volcanic and tectonic origins aren’t hidden beneath the landscape—they are the landscape. Everywhere you look is a reminder of the immense forces that shaped this place, and of how small we are by comparison. In the heart of Iceland, you can literally stand between continents, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart, separated by a long, dramatic valley.
And then there’s the ice. True to its name, Iceland feels otherworldly—a kingdom of glaciers, black lava fields, waterfalls and endless open spaces. Much of the country remains uninhabitable, and that’s part of its magic. It feels like life on the edge: rugged, untamed and utterly authentic. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel more alive simply by reminding you of its vulnerability.
Reykjavík, meanwhile, feels less like a capital city and more like a welcoming small town. It’s compact, colourful and full of warmth, with a charm that quickly draws you in.
The rumours about the prices were absolutely true—it’s not a cheap destination. But some experiences are beyond value, and Iceland is undoubtedly one of them.
Dr Martin James 