Iceland is an island of striking natural beauty, with geological formations unlike anywhere else in the world, so make sure you get out of Reykjavik to explore.  The Lake Myvatn geothermal region combines the active volcano Krafla with astonishing lava formations in the “Dark Cities,” or Dimmuborgir, said to be the home of Satan after he fell to earth, as well as Dettifoss, the most striking waterfall in Europe. You’ll see more surreal geology in Skaftafell Park, where waterfalls cascade over black cliffs and you can sail between constantly shifting mountains of ice on the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Beautiful forests wait to surprise you at Asbyrgi Canyon, and scuba divers (yes, there’s diving in Iceland) can enjoy a surreal landscape under the water at Silfra in Thingvellir National Park.
Take a horseback ride under the midnight sun in Husey, where you may have to steer around the grazing reindeer, and return during the winter to take in the Northern Lights. When you’re ready to treat yourself to some world-class spa treatments, head to the Blue Lagoon (technically known as Bláa lónið), where the mineral-rich water has healing effects on your skin. You can also dine in luxury overlooking the milky blue lake surrounded by otherworldly lava, and many people compare the landscape here to that of the moon. If you want to view the black sand beach and odd rock formations at Reynisfjara Beach, take a guided tour, since the ocean here is quite dangerous. When it’s time to return to Reykjavik, you can sample the wild nightlife, or look for a restaurant that serves whale meat or fermented shark for a true Icelandic experience. Whale-watching tours are available from Reykjavik Harbor, and you should save room in your luggage for a hand-knitted Icelandic sweater, which you can pick up at a local flea market.