With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.

It is not only unique and wonderful natural phenomena that intrigue visitors to this, the second largest island in Europe, which lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland. The hardy Icelandic people, descendants of ancient Norsemen and Celts, are intriguing too, having spawned what is now renowned as the oldest-surviving parliament in the world (called the 'Althing'), founded in 930AD. Iceland also boasts a much-revered literary heritage of the best medieval works, mostly based on heroic sagas.

Most of the country's popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, in the region known as 'The Golden Circle'. Top of the list for scenic splendour is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, set off with a brilliant rainbow, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.

Reykjavik means 'smoky', but in the case of Iceland's pristine capital (which is Europe's most northerly capital city) the smoke is not smog, but rather steam from the underground springs that warm the city. Reykjavik has a well-deserved reputation for being the cleanest, most invigorating city in Europe, where the standard of living is one of the highest in the world. The city may be small, but it is full of interesting attractions, from galleries and museums to thermal bathing spots, and the nightlife is second to none.

What else is there to do and see in Iceland? Well, how about whale-watching; chic fine dining; hiking the highlands; viewing Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull; fishing the rivers; taming one of the great wild Icelandic horses; river-rafting; exploring the ice on a snow-scooter; shopping for designer wear, souvenirs and gourmet foods; joining the descendants of the vikings in the Summer Solstice Festival at Hafnarfjorour; visiting the northerly island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle; and visiting the recreated medieval farm at Stong, to name but a few!

Hallgrimskirkja

Address: At the end of the Skólavörðustígur Reykjavik

Admission: Kr500 (adults); Kr100 (children) to access the tower viewing level Open daily from 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 510 1000

National Museum

Address: Suðurgötu 41. The National Museum of Iceland is in postal code 101, in the centre of Reykjavik Reykjavik

Admission: Kr1000 (adults), Kr500 (concessions), children under 18 free. Free to all on Wednesdays Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm (16 September to 30 April); daily from 10am to 5pm (1 May to 15 September). Closed on Christmass Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Telephone: 530 2200

Botanical Gardens

Address: Laugardalur Valley 104 Reykjavik

Admission: Entry to the gardens is free The Botanical Gardens are open all year

Telephone: 411 8650

Einar Jónsson Museum

Address: Eiriksgata Reykjavik

Admission: Adults Kr500; concessions Kr300; children under 16 free June to September 15th: open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm. Closed on Mondays. September 16th to May 31st: open Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm. Closed in December and January

Telephone: 551 3797 or 561 3797

Blue Lagoon

Address: 240 Grindavik, Iceland Reykjavik

Admission: Adults EUR28 and teenagers 12 to 15 years old EUR 7. Children when accompanied by parents/guardian, free Open daily from 8am to 9pm in summer (June 1st to August 31st), and 10am to 8pm in winter (September 1st to May 31st)

Telephone: 420 8817

Gullfoss Falls

Address: Gullfoss National Park Reykjavik

Geysir

Address: Geysir Center, Geysir Reykjavik

Telephone: 480 6800

Thingvellir National Park

Address: 801 Selfoss Reykjavik

Admission: Thingvellir National Park is open all year round. The Visitor centre is open from the 1st of April to the 1st of November, everyday but only on weekends from the 1st of November to the 1st of April

Telephone: 482 2660

Aurora Borealis

Address: Reykjavik

Jökulsárlón

Address: Reykjavik

Hidden People

Address: Reykjavik

Fishing

Glacier Trekking

Sjavarkjallarinn (Seafood Cellar)

Address: Aðalstræti 2 Reykjavik

Food Type: Seafood

The Pearl Restaurant

Address: Perlan, Oskjuhlith Reykjavik

Food Type: Local

Restaurant Lækjarbrekka

Address: Bankastræti 2 Reykjavik

Food Type: Local

Austur Indía Fjélagið

Address: Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik Reykjavik

Food Type: Indian

3 Frakkar Hja Ulfari

Address: Baldursgata 14, Reykjavik Reykjavik

Food Type: Local

Fiskfelagid (Fish Company)

Address: Vesturgotu 2a Reykjavik

Food Type: International