The Future Of Iceland: Volcano Tourism, New Hotels, And Authentic Adventures
Godafoss waterfall on Skjalfandafljot river in summer at Northern Iceland getty
I t was a lesson in resilience: layering pillows against the curtained windows of my tiny hotel in a futile attempt to block out the relentless sunlight. It was nearly 2 a.m.—a time when most of the world was deep in sleep—but I was wide awake, caught in the glow of Iceland's midnight sun. In the peak of summer, the sun dips only slightly below the horizon, creating a golden hue that lingers long into the night.
I was spending my first night in Reykjavik, as many travelers do on transatlantic stopovers en route to the U.S. But I wasn't staying long in the city. My heart was set on the wilder side: the stark beauty of the North, the Arctic Circle within reach, and the charm of the East, where I hoped to connect with locals in sleepy fishing villages and windswept coastal towns.
Sleep might be scarce, but I didn't mind. The promise of the day ahead was too exciting—soaking in thermal lagoons, my skin covered in white silica, scrubbed with green algae, and slathered in mineral-rich oils. Iceland was ready to work its magic on me.
Hotel Sigloo in North Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes
Iceland is a truly remarkable destination of fire and ice, continuing to attract travelers from around the world. Despite the devastating volcano eruption in 2023, tourism is booming. And it's easy to understand why. Spectacular mountains, endless lava fields, and craggy valleys all showcase a land sculpted by volcanic eruptions and shifting glaciers. The result is a landscape as raw and powerful as it is beautiful.
Most visitors try to pack as much as possible into a short whirlwind trip, often starting with the iconic Golden Circle drive in the southwest of the country. The famed route includes Instagram-worthy favorites like Thingvellir National Park, the bubbling Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. But while the South gets most of the spotlight, the true magic lies further away. The more adventurous explorers drive the ring road that circles the edge of the island.
Gullfoss waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes
In the north, you'll find a different Iceland, where dramatic waterfalls, geothermal baths, and sleepy seaside villages feel a world away from civilization. To the east, an entirely different world awaits: rough coastlines where whales breach close to shore, quiet fjords dotted with playful puffins, and lush green valleys filled with Icelandic long-haired horses and, if you're lucky, a reindeer or two. Locals are quick to whisper about elves and trolls hiding in the hills, though they proved elusive on my visit.
The best way to begin your adventure in the north is with a short flight to Akureyri, often called the Capital of the North. From there, a road trip reveals surreal landscapes and a series of long, jaw-dropping tunnels carved into the mountainsides. One tunnel, narrow and single-laned, feels like a scene from a thriller where oncoming cars seemingly play a game of chicken.
Single lane tunnel. Oddsskard tunnel is between the villages Eskifjordur and Nordfjordur, Eastern Iceland getty Something's Fishy in Siglufjörður
Your first stop should be Siglufjörður, Iceland's northernmost town, nestled in a narrow fjord surrounded by steep, misty peaks. Once a small shark-fishing outpost in the early 1900s, the town quickly gained fame as the herring capital of the Atlantic. Its fortunes varied with the changing industry, but its history is still deeply woven into every part of the town.
I arrived just in time for the annual Fisherman's Day celebrations, held each June, to honor the country's maritime heritage. The entire village comes alive with music, festivities, and races on fishing trawlers—where fish and chips are consumed with glee, and visitors are immersed in authentic Icelandic culture.
East Iceland cottages for rent by the sea on the peninsula of Mjóeyri, outside the village of Eskifjörður. Jim Dobson for Forbes
Make Hotel Sigló your base camp—this harborside gem offers sweeping views of the fishing boats and distant fjord. The spacious contemporary rooms and warm service make this a destination unto itself.
Don't miss a visit to Segull 67 Brewery, a family-run craft brewery housed in a converted fish factory. Run by three generations—a grandfather, father, and son, this brewhouse is a local favorite. Their small-batch beers are served in a cozy, minimalist tasting room.
Owner Elvar Reykjalin and grandson Sigmar Reykjalin Hjelm and their Hot tubs on the Black beach in Hauganes Jim Dobson for Forbes Rotten Shark Appetizers in Hauganes
From Siglufjörður, head south to Hauganes, a peaceful village by a fjord. Perched above a black sand beach, you'll find the Fjöruböðin Black Beach Hot Tubs, a unique experience created by Elvar Reykjalin—Iceland's very own Pierce Brosnan. After soaking in the waterfront tubs, visit the Baccalá Bar for a drink and seafood.
And for the adventurous and daring, try the Rotten Shark (Hákarl) tasting they offer. If anything, it is worth it for the laughs alone, thanks to the comedy team of Elvar and his grandson. Big things are in store for Hauganes: plans are underway for a new beachfront hotel and expanded soaking areas to open next year.
Cafe in the mountains owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson offers traditional accommodations as well as amazing food at his restaurant Fjallakaffi Jim Dobson for Forbes Lake Mývatn and the Middle Ages Cafe in the Mountains
Next up is Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's most famous volcanic lakes. Grab a quick bite at Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn, a quaint roadside stop with lake views and cod that comes directly from the Sólberg óf 1 fishing vessel. Expect long lines—it's a favorite among road-trippers.
Then, take a detour to Möðrudalur, a tiny outpost at the edge of the northern highlands. Stop at Fjalladýrð Möðrudalur, known to locals as the 'cafe in the mountains.' Owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson, the property feels like a location from The Lord of the Rings. It's Iceland's highest inhabited farm, dating back to the settlement era. Here, you'll find turf housed for overnight stays, fabulous gourmet dining, and even your own reindeer roaming the grounds.
Saevar Gudjonsson at his Randulffssjóhús Restaurant in East Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes East Iceland: Fishing, Foxes and Baths
As you make your way through East Iceland, follow Route 92 to Eskifjörður, a charming fishing town nestled beneath the stunning Hólmatindur mountain. The adjacent Hólmanes nature reserve is home to excellent walking trails that weave between the majestic rock formations.
Eskifjörður, officially a trading post since 1789, is still an important hub. Dine at Randulf's Sea House, an old seafarer's lodge run by Sævar Guðjónsson and Berglind Ingvarsdóttir. The upstairs fisherman's quarters have remained untouched since 1890. For a unique stay, you can book one of their bright red cottages on the Mjóeyri peninsula—complete with a resident baby fox and an outdoor soaking tub built into an old fishing boat.
Fishing excursion with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife Sunna Julia Thordardottir with Skorrahestar. Jim Dobson for Forbes
Continue to Neskaupstaður, the easternmost town in Iceland, nestled in a fjord surrounded by towering mountains. While accommodations here are really basic (mine was a converted school dorm), what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in raw beauty. Skip sleep and head out on a sea-angling night with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife, Sunna Julia Thordardottir, fishing under the midnight sun.
Marina in Siglufjordur Jim Dobson for Forbes
Be sure to stop at Beituskúrinn Bait Shack, a former whaling station house brought from Norway in the 1800s. It served as a summer bunkhouse and cod storage for nearly a century. Now, the building has been converted into a lively bar and restaurant.
Spend a leisurely afternoon watching whales offshore or visit the nearby Reindeer Park in Fellabaer for an intimate, hands-on experience with rescued reindeer. Unlike a zoo, the park focuses on creating close, respectful encounters.
The dramatic fjords of East Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes
It's always time for another hot soak, so visit Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir. Set on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, this large spa features multiple floating thermal pools with infinity views, two onshore hot tubs, a sauna, a cold water mist tunnel, and a swim-up bar. This spa is the perfect spot to wrap up your adventure before heading off to Egilsstadir Airport for the short flight back to Reykjavik.
On my final day in Iceland, I still couldn't sleep. It wasn't the endless sunlight keeping me awake, but the feeling that I didn't want to miss my final glimpses of this otherworldly land. Iceland isn't just a place you visit. It's a place that stays with you long after the midnight sun has finally set.
Vök Baths Vök Baths Unique Hotels Are Coming For the Adventurous Traveler
As tourism surges and adventure-seeking travelers look for unique experiences, a wave of new resorts is being planned to meet the demand.
Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon is plotting further hospitality expansion, with a second Retreat-branded hotel expected to open in the highlands of Iceland by 2027. Blue Lagoon said the new hotel will be located in a mountain destination that's relatively close to the company's post-apocalyptic feeling Highland Base at Kerlingafjöll resort, which opened last July. The highlands have been off-limits to outsiders in winter, but Highland Base changed all of that.
The new adventure-focused Highland Base concept features a geothermal spa and a high-end 40-room hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley, Iceland. The building is carved into a rocky mountain and partially covered with the volcanic materials of the site. The natural rock is always present within the interior of the building, with large windows that open up to the surrounding landscape.
This new geothermal spa and high-end hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley is carved into a rocky mountain and covered in part with the volcanic materials of the site. basalt architects
Six Senses Össurá Valley
The first phase of the project, slated to open in 2030, is located in Svínhólar near Lóni. The flatland at the southern end is adjacent to the Lón Lagoon, which is separated from the North Atlantic Ocean by a beautiful black sand beach. There will be a 70-guestroom resort and private cottages as well as branded Residences on the surrounding land. Futuristic architect John Brevard will design the property inspired by the country's mystical elves, whose pyramid-shaped homes will add mysticism to the project.
Hofdi Lodge in Northern Iceland Hodfi Lodge
Hofdi Lodge – Höfði Lodge
With 40 rooms and breathtaking views of Eyjafjörður, this remote adventure lodge is just 25 minutes from the north capital, Akureyri. Built by the owners of Viking Heliskiing, the property is perched on cliffs overlooking the longest fjörd in Iceland; Hofdi Lodge offers a peaceful escape with stunning views. Alongside a restaurant, rooftop bar, and spa, Hofdi Lodge also features a gym, helicopter pads, horse stables, and indoor golf.
Mirrored house at ÖÖD ÖÖD Hotels
ÖÖD Hekla Horizon
This new development is bringing seven mirrored homes to the south of Iceland near the Hekla Volcano. The houses are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Jaak and Andreas Tiik run a popular mirror house company with projects worldwide, from California to Ghana. They have been engineered to withstand some of the world's most extreme weather conditions yet still provide a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass façade that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings.
Forest Lagoon Hotel
This 120-room hotel is currently under construction next to the Forest Lagoon, just outside of Akureyri. The hotel will feature a restaurant, a conference hall, and, of course, a great connection to the Forest Lagoon, which both locals and visitors in North Iceland have highly regarded. The hotel will open at the end of 2027, and the lagoon will be expanded to connect to the building.
Among other properties, Hilton will be expanding in Iceland with two new additions: the Akureyri "Skáld" Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in summer 2025, and a premium lifestyle hotel in Reykjavik, scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Fjöruböðin – Beach Baths Hauganes Fjöruböðin – Beach Baths Hauganes MORE FROM FORBES Forbes From Iceland To Italy, These Are The Most Active Volcanoes In The World By Jim Dobson
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Forbes
17 hours ago
- Forbes
The Future Of Iceland: Volcano Tourism, New Hotels, And Authentic Adventures
Godafoss waterfall on Skjalfandafljot river in summer at Northern Iceland getty I t was a lesson in resilience: layering pillows against the curtained windows of my tiny hotel in a futile attempt to block out the relentless sunlight. It was nearly 2 a.m.—a time when most of the world was deep in sleep—but I was wide awake, caught in the glow of Iceland's midnight sun. In the peak of summer, the sun dips only slightly below the horizon, creating a golden hue that lingers long into the night. I was spending my first night in Reykjavik, as many travelers do on transatlantic stopovers en route to the U.S. But I wasn't staying long in the city. My heart was set on the wilder side: the stark beauty of the North, the Arctic Circle within reach, and the charm of the East, where I hoped to connect with locals in sleepy fishing villages and windswept coastal towns. Sleep might be scarce, but I didn't mind. The promise of the day ahead was too exciting—soaking in thermal lagoons, my skin covered in white silica, scrubbed with green algae, and slathered in mineral-rich oils. Iceland was ready to work its magic on me. Hotel Sigloo in North Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes Iceland is a truly remarkable destination of fire and ice, continuing to attract travelers from around the world. Despite the devastating volcano eruption in 2023, tourism is booming. And it's easy to understand why. Spectacular mountains, endless lava fields, and craggy valleys all showcase a land sculpted by volcanic eruptions and shifting glaciers. The result is a landscape as raw and powerful as it is beautiful. Most visitors try to pack as much as possible into a short whirlwind trip, often starting with the iconic Golden Circle drive in the southwest of the country. The famed route includes Instagram-worthy favorites like Thingvellir National Park, the bubbling Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. But while the South gets most of the spotlight, the true magic lies further away. The more adventurous explorers drive the ring road that circles the edge of the island. Gullfoss waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes In the north, you'll find a different Iceland, where dramatic waterfalls, geothermal baths, and sleepy seaside villages feel a world away from civilization. To the east, an entirely different world awaits: rough coastlines where whales breach close to shore, quiet fjords dotted with playful puffins, and lush green valleys filled with Icelandic long-haired horses and, if you're lucky, a reindeer or two. Locals are quick to whisper about elves and trolls hiding in the hills, though they proved elusive on my visit. The best way to begin your adventure in the north is with a short flight to Akureyri, often called the Capital of the North. From there, a road trip reveals surreal landscapes and a series of long, jaw-dropping tunnels carved into the mountainsides. One tunnel, narrow and single-laned, feels like a scene from a thriller where oncoming cars seemingly play a game of chicken. Single lane tunnel. Oddsskard tunnel is between the villages Eskifjordur and Nordfjordur, Eastern Iceland getty Something's Fishy in Siglufjörður Your first stop should be Siglufjörður, Iceland's northernmost town, nestled in a narrow fjord surrounded by steep, misty peaks. Once a small shark-fishing outpost in the early 1900s, the town quickly gained fame as the herring capital of the Atlantic. Its fortunes varied with the changing industry, but its history is still deeply woven into every part of the town. I arrived just in time for the annual Fisherman's Day celebrations, held each June, to honor the country's maritime heritage. The entire village comes alive with music, festivities, and races on fishing trawlers—where fish and chips are consumed with glee, and visitors are immersed in authentic Icelandic culture. East Iceland cottages for rent by the sea on the peninsula of Mjóeyri, outside the village of Eskifjörður. Jim Dobson for Forbes Make Hotel Sigló your base camp—this harborside gem offers sweeping views of the fishing boats and distant fjord. The spacious contemporary rooms and warm service make this a destination unto itself. Don't miss a visit to Segull 67 Brewery, a family-run craft brewery housed in a converted fish factory. Run by three generations—a grandfather, father, and son, this brewhouse is a local favorite. Their small-batch beers are served in a cozy, minimalist tasting room. Owner Elvar Reykjalin and grandson Sigmar Reykjalin Hjelm and their Hot tubs on the Black beach in Hauganes Jim Dobson for Forbes Rotten Shark Appetizers in Hauganes From Siglufjörður, head south to Hauganes, a peaceful village by a fjord. Perched above a black sand beach, you'll find the Fjöruböðin Black Beach Hot Tubs, a unique experience created by Elvar Reykjalin—Iceland's very own Pierce Brosnan. After soaking in the waterfront tubs, visit the Baccalá Bar for a drink and seafood. And for the adventurous and daring, try the Rotten Shark (Hákarl) tasting they offer. If anything, it is worth it for the laughs alone, thanks to the comedy team of Elvar and his grandson. Big things are in store for Hauganes: plans are underway for a new beachfront hotel and expanded soaking areas to open next year. Cafe in the mountains owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson offers traditional accommodations as well as amazing food at his restaurant Fjallakaffi Jim Dobson for Forbes Lake Mývatn and the Middle Ages Cafe in the Mountains Next up is Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's most famous volcanic lakes. Grab a quick bite at Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn, a quaint roadside stop with lake views and cod that comes directly from the Sólberg óf 1 fishing vessel. Expect long lines—it's a favorite among road-trippers. Then, take a detour to Möðrudalur, a tiny outpost at the edge of the northern highlands. Stop at Fjalladýrð Möðrudalur, known to locals as the 'cafe in the mountains.' Owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson, the property feels like a location from The Lord of the Rings. It's Iceland's highest inhabited farm, dating back to the settlement era. Here, you'll find turf housed for overnight stays, fabulous gourmet dining, and even your own reindeer roaming the grounds. Saevar Gudjonsson at his Randulffssjóhús Restaurant in East Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes East Iceland: Fishing, Foxes and Baths As you make your way through East Iceland, follow Route 92 to Eskifjörður, a charming fishing town nestled beneath the stunning Hólmatindur mountain. The adjacent Hólmanes nature reserve is home to excellent walking trails that weave between the majestic rock formations. Eskifjörður, officially a trading post since 1789, is still an important hub. Dine at Randulf's Sea House, an old seafarer's lodge run by Sævar Guðjónsson and Berglind Ingvarsdóttir. The upstairs fisherman's quarters have remained untouched since 1890. For a unique stay, you can book one of their bright red cottages on the Mjóeyri peninsula—complete with a resident baby fox and an outdoor soaking tub built into an old fishing boat. Fishing excursion with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife Sunna Julia Thordardottir with Skorrahestar. Jim Dobson for Forbes Continue to Neskaupstaður, the easternmost town in Iceland, nestled in a fjord surrounded by towering mountains. While accommodations here are really basic (mine was a converted school dorm), what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in raw beauty. Skip sleep and head out on a sea-angling night with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife, Sunna Julia Thordardottir, fishing under the midnight sun. Marina in Siglufjordur Jim Dobson for Forbes Be sure to stop at Beituskúrinn Bait Shack, a former whaling station house brought from Norway in the 1800s. It served as a summer bunkhouse and cod storage for nearly a century. Now, the building has been converted into a lively bar and restaurant. Spend a leisurely afternoon watching whales offshore or visit the nearby Reindeer Park in Fellabaer for an intimate, hands-on experience with rescued reindeer. Unlike a zoo, the park focuses on creating close, respectful encounters. The dramatic fjords of East Iceland Jim Dobson for Forbes It's always time for another hot soak, so visit Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir. Set on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, this large spa features multiple floating thermal pools with infinity views, two onshore hot tubs, a sauna, a cold water mist tunnel, and a swim-up bar. This spa is the perfect spot to wrap up your adventure before heading off to Egilsstadir Airport for the short flight back to Reykjavik. On my final day in Iceland, I still couldn't sleep. It wasn't the endless sunlight keeping me awake, but the feeling that I didn't want to miss my final glimpses of this otherworldly land. Iceland isn't just a place you visit. It's a place that stays with you long after the midnight sun has finally set. Vök Baths Vök Baths Unique Hotels Are Coming For the Adventurous Traveler As tourism surges and adventure-seeking travelers look for unique experiences, a wave of new resorts is being planned to meet the demand. Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon is plotting further hospitality expansion, with a second Retreat-branded hotel expected to open in the highlands of Iceland by 2027. Blue Lagoon said the new hotel will be located in a mountain destination that's relatively close to the company's post-apocalyptic feeling Highland Base at Kerlingafjöll resort, which opened last July. The highlands have been off-limits to outsiders in winter, but Highland Base changed all of that. The new adventure-focused Highland Base concept features a geothermal spa and a high-end 40-room hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley, Iceland. The building is carved into a rocky mountain and partially covered with the volcanic materials of the site. The natural rock is always present within the interior of the building, with large windows that open up to the surrounding landscape. This new geothermal spa and high-end hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley is carved into a rocky mountain and covered in part with the volcanic materials of the site. basalt architects Six Senses Össurá Valley The first phase of the project, slated to open in 2030, is located in Svínhólar near Lóni. The flatland at the southern end is adjacent to the Lón Lagoon, which is separated from the North Atlantic Ocean by a beautiful black sand beach. There will be a 70-guestroom resort and private cottages as well as branded Residences on the surrounding land. Futuristic architect John Brevard will design the property inspired by the country's mystical elves, whose pyramid-shaped homes will add mysticism to the project. Hofdi Lodge in Northern Iceland Hodfi Lodge Hofdi Lodge – Höfði Lodge With 40 rooms and breathtaking views of Eyjafjörður, this remote adventure lodge is just 25 minutes from the north capital, Akureyri. Built by the owners of Viking Heliskiing, the property is perched on cliffs overlooking the longest fjörd in Iceland; Hofdi Lodge offers a peaceful escape with stunning views. Alongside a restaurant, rooftop bar, and spa, Hofdi Lodge also features a gym, helicopter pads, horse stables, and indoor golf. Mirrored house at ÖÖD ÖÖD Hotels ÖÖD Hekla Horizon This new development is bringing seven mirrored homes to the south of Iceland near the Hekla Volcano. The houses are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Jaak and Andreas Tiik run a popular mirror house company with projects worldwide, from California to Ghana. They have been engineered to withstand some of the world's most extreme weather conditions yet still provide a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass façade that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings. Forest Lagoon Hotel This 120-room hotel is currently under construction next to the Forest Lagoon, just outside of Akureyri. The hotel will feature a restaurant, a conference hall, and, of course, a great connection to the Forest Lagoon, which both locals and visitors in North Iceland have highly regarded. The hotel will open at the end of 2027, and the lagoon will be expanded to connect to the building. Among other properties, Hilton will be expanding in Iceland with two new additions: the Akureyri "Skáld" Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in summer 2025, and a premium lifestyle hotel in Reykjavik, scheduled to open in spring 2026. Fjöruböðin – Beach Baths Hauganes Fjöruböðin – Beach Baths Hauganes MORE FROM FORBES Forbes From Iceland To Italy, These Are The Most Active Volcanoes In The World By Jim Dobson Iceland
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Iceland Unveils Festival For First Total Solar Eclipse Since 1954
A total solar eclipse festival is scheduled for August 12-15, 2026, at Hellissandur on Iceland's ... More Snæfellsnes Peninsula — just a short walk from Ingjaldsholl church. Famed for its volcanoes, waterfalls and displays of the northern lights, Iceland will, on Aug. 12, 2026, host another wonder of nature — its first total solar eclipse since 1954. It was announced today by organizers IMXP and Secret Solstice that it will also see its first eclipse festival, an immersive four-day "leave-no-trace" experience for 3,333 eclipse chasers to be held on western Iceland's iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The positioning of the 'Iceland Eclipse Festival,' slated for August 12–15, 2026, close to Hellissandur is no accident. At the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it will experience 2 minutes and 7 seconds of totality, during which the skies will darken, and the sun's tenuous corona will become visible to the naked eye. That's within a few seconds of the maximum totality possible in the path of totality in Iceland, which encompasses the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes and the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the country's capital, Reykjavík. Iceland's rare totality will open the event, which festival organizers say will feature live music, large-scale art installations, talks, rituals and wellness offerings. There will be two main music stages as well as areas for speakers, presentations and panels. It's inspired by Burning Man, Art Basel, SXSW and TED. "As someone who calls this land home, it is incredibly meaningful to return with a project as rare and special as Iceland Eclipse," said Fred Ólafsson, Founder of Secret Solstice. "This partnership is a chance to co-create something truly memorable for both Icelanders and the global community during one of the most extraordinary celestial events of our time." Iceland Eclipse Festival will be held from Aug. 12-15, 2026 in Snæfellsnes, Iceland. Only 3,333 passes will be sold, organizers confirmed, emphasizing the event's curated, intimate nature. A portion of tickets will be reserved for Icelandic residents. Visitors will be able to choose from tent camping, glamping, RV sites or private local accommodations. Tickets are expected to go on sale in July, with pricing and package details released exclusively to those who sign up via They will include standard festival passes that include basic camping, as well as a premium Odinn package presented by Secret Solstice. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as 'Iceland in Miniature,' is renowned for its diverse geology, minimal light pollution, and its prominent place in literature — Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth begins beneath the region's iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano. The site is located near Hellissandur's colorful mural-lined streets and within walking distance of the iconic Ingjaldshólskirkja church. Elsewhere on Snæfellsnes, there are natural hot springs, lava fields, black sand beaches, the iconic Budakirkja (Black Church), Kirkjufell Mountain, and Vatnshellir cave within Snæfellsjökull National Park. The path of totality sweeps near Iceland and over Spain on August 12, 2026. The Aug. 12, 2026, eclipse is the next total solar eclipse visible from Earth. A path of totality stretching 183 to 190 miles wide will cross over parts of Russian Siberia, Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Roughly 15 million people live within that path, though only 400,000 hundred thousand reside in Iceland, making it a rare and remote vantage point. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
Play Airlines drops US flights to Iceland, while Arajet announces Boston to Dominican Republic service this fall
Play began service at Logan in spring 2022. Play was formed after WOW, another low-cost, Iceland-based airline, went out of business. The same management team from WOW formed Play. In 2022, Play CEO Birgir Jónsson stated that WOW had failed because the airline had grown too quickly. Play never grew too quickly, but instead was plagued by an oversaturated market. In addition to dropping US routes, the airline is also cutting back flights within Europe. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up While Boston is losing Play, it's gaining the low-cost airline Advertisement Arajet will offer four direct flights per week from Boston to Santo Domingo on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Advertisement 'We are catering to the large Latin and Dominican diaspora in the greater Boston area by delivering more affordable, convenient flight options so families can reconnect, and travelers can explore the Dominican Republic and beyond,' Arajet CEO Victor Pacheco said in a statement announcing the service. New routes this spring Since late April, several airlines have introduced new routes out of Logan. These include: Delta Air Lines Boston to Barcelona: 3 weekly flights, started May 22. Boston to Milan: 4 weekly flights, started May 23rd. JetBlue Boston to Madrid, daily, started May 22. Boston to Edinburgh daily, started May 22. Boston to Wilmington, N.C., daily, began April 30. Boston to Norfolk, Va., daily, began April 30. TAP Air Boston to Porto, 4 weekly flights, started May 14. Allegiant Boston to Savannah, 2 weekly flights, started May 22. Boston to Des Moines, 2 weekly flights, started May 23. Christopher Muther can be reached at
