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Travel concierge
Iceland

Gate D31 · Iceland · July/August 2024

Iceland

Magical and breathtakingly beautiful

GateD31
TimeJUL 24
SectionDestinations
QueerPride
StatusBoarding

For nature lovers looking for something special, Iceland offers spectacular scenery. Fly with Icelandair to the famous Pride festival in Reykjavik and discover the beauty of this enchanted Nordic island.

Early August is an especially good time to visit Reykjavik: that’s when Iceland’s capital hosts Pride week, which attracts tourists from all over the world. In this fascinating and socially liberal city, community, joy and tolerance are then even more at the centre than usual.

But Iceland is certainly worth the trip for more than just the Pride festival. The island enchants with majestic waterfalls, untouched landscapes, huge glaciers, geysers and mighty volcanoes, deep blue fjords, the long summer days and, of course, the legendary Northern Lights.

Island

Iceland’s attractions also include the steaming hot springs, which invite you to a restorative bath in mineral-rich water. A dip in the turquoise, geothermally heated water of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by fascinating lava fields, ensures complete deceleration. A glacier hike is a must on any trip: the tour leads along crevasses and through ice tunnels – the many colours and facets of Iceland’s glaciers are a surprise.

As befits an island, freshly caught seafood specialities are on the menu: fish stew or lobster tails, for example. Meat lovers enjoy lamb, smoked or in a vegetable soup – and the rich Icelandic yoghurt skyr.

Island

Once you’ve arrived, Iceland is best explored by hire car along the Ring Road. One more tip for Reykjavik: a visit to the Harpa opera and concert hall is well worthwhile – for its magnificent architecture and interesting programme.

Must-sees in Iceland

Golden Circle — A round trip from Reykjavik to the island’s sights — including the spraying waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Landmannalaugar — Volcanic mountain scenery with the Laugavegur trekking trail.
Snæfellsnes — The peninsula is also called “Iceland in miniature”.
Reynisfjara & Jökulsárlón — Black volcanic sand and the glacier lagoon — two of the most impressive places in the south.
Reykjavik Pride, 6 to 11 August 2024 — The six-day festival is packed with events: queer walks, concerts, exhibitions and a big party after the parade. hinsegindagar.is
To the island with Icelandair

Direct flights all year round from Zurich, and from Geneva in summer. If you fly with Icelandair to Canada or the USA, treat yourself to a stopover in Iceland — at no extra airfare. Saga Premium includes a fine meal, WiFi, Priority Check-in and lounge access. icelandair.ch

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