ICELAND

Iceland’s earliest visitors were moved by its natural features. The island’s capital, Reykjavik, takes its name from the old Norse words for “smoky bay”, thanks to the captivating steam rising from its hot springs. That geothermal energy generates heat and power for much of the island’s inhabitants, while also luring in travellers keen to witness its wonders firsthand. The Blue Lagoon spa, close to both Reykjavik airport and the city, draws its mineral-rich waters from an underground flow that first runs through a nearby power plant before pouring into the spa’s pools.

Further east, the country’s mighty waterfalls, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, wreathed in icicles during the colder months, remain must-sees, as does the black, volcanic sand of Reynisfjara, and the dependable Strokkur geyser, which spouts an impressive jet of water every five to 10 minutes or so. Whale and dolphin sightings off the Icelandic coast are common, but can’t be guaranteed; the same could be said of the Northern Lights. Thankfully, the capital’s beautiful modernist church, Hallgrimskirkja, and the country’s cinnamon rolls are far more reliable attractions.