Traveling in Iceland can feel like being on another planet.
Beyond its abundant natural beauty, Iceland is also home to cultural gems and a surprisingly strong culinary scene.
The country also recently ranked No.
Credit:Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure
The setting is hard to beat too!
“The property is a great choice for the end of an Iceland trip,” Baral said.
(And, on a clear night in the winter, maybe even the Northern Lights.)
Snow covered cabins at Highlands Base Camp.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
Beyond these, rainn Freyr Vigfusson, an acclaimed Icelandic chef, recommends finding more rustic, remote versions.
I love geothermal hot springs in nature and would recommend one inHusafellandKerlingarfjoll, he told T+L.
Fririksson, director of food and beverage atBlue Lagoon Iceland, is from the Westfjords.
Glass lodge at Deplar Farm.Courtesy of Panorama Glass Lodge
verify to book far in advance as they are rarely available last minute.
Visit in the summer for whale watching in Eyjafjorur and, in winter, skiing at nearby Hliarfjall mountain.
Vigfusson loves to visit the region in the summer.
Hotel Rangá at night under northern lights.Courtesy of Hotel Rangá
Plus, there is a geothermal pool there called Grettislaug.
Its an ideal base for exploring the unspoiled beauty and unique folklore of the Eastfjords.
When you visit, Vigfusson recommends dining atNielsen Restaurant.
Exterior of villas of Retreat at Blue Lagoon.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
Its a really cozy small house with great food, said the chef.
Chef Kari is using local ingredients from the area of East Iceland.
Plan a trip in June for itsannual Lobster Festival.
Guest room in The Reykjavik EDITION.Nikolas Koenig/Courtesy of The Reykjavik EDITION
“If you make it here, definitely visitTjoruhusifor a meal,” said Baral.
“The restaurant serves the daily fresh catch in a family-style buffet in the warmer months.”
you’re free to rent a car at the airport or in downtown Reykjavik.
Waterfall in the Golden Circle.Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
“If you’re going to drive, be sure to get familiar with the local rules.
Massive glacier in Vatajokull National Park.Chris VR/Travel + Leisure
A person holding a cup from Skool Beans.Joshua Schumacher/Courtesy of Skool Beans
The Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur dining area.Courtesy of Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Grassy landscape of Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
Höfn is a fishing town in southeastern Iceland.Supoj Buranaprapapong/Getty Images
Mountainous landscape around Reykjavik, Iceland.Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
