Iceland is known for its fiery volcanoes, icy glaciers, the original Geysir, the Northern Lights and choppy whale-filled seas.

It is also known for being an incredibly friendly, welcoming place – even if it is a little bit isolated out there in the North Atlantic, just below the Arctic Circle. You will find many fellow visitors to hail from the USA, Canada and Europe.

There are so many reasons to take a holiday to the country, but here are a few of the best; should you need convincing.

1. Whatever the weather, you will find something wonderful to see

The Northern Lights are as elusive as they are incredible. But being so close to the Arctic Circle, you’ve got a good chance of seeing them in Iceland during the autumn and winter months.

Winter is also the perfect time to take a guided tour across one of the country’s glaciers, like the Crystal Cave at Vatnajökull.

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, you’ll get almost round-the-clock sunshine. During the summer solstice, the sun never actually sets in the north of the country and barely dips below the horizon in Reykjavik.

Spring and summer are also a good times to take advantage of the calmer seas and head out on a whale watching trip from Reykjavik Harbour.

2. You can see modern art without going to a gallery

Everywhere you walk in the city, you’ll inevitably stumble across striking contemporary art. There are colourful murals on the side of many houses and buildings.

If you are in the market for a gallery though, the Reykjavik City Card will get you into the Reykjavik Art Museum, which is spread across three galleries around the city’s waterfront.

Hafnarhús is the one to see – it houses both a collection of paintings by local pop-artist Erró, and a café with beautiful harbour views.

Downtown Reykjavik also has some independent galleries, many of which are free to enter.

3. You can have a really good night out

Downtown Reykjavik might be relatively small, but it is certainly not lacking in trendy bars and clubs.

Have a drink or two in Kaffibarinn. Noticeable for its London Underground-style bar sign, the bar is, allegedly, co-owned by Blur’s Damon Albarn. Even if you don’t spot Albarn, the bar’s still a very cool place to hang out, with live music most nights of the week.

The boutique Hotel Óðinsvé is home to Snaps Bistro, which is popular with both locals and hotel guests. The nearby Loft Hotel is another a great place to mingle with locals and fellow travellers, and boasts a rooftop terrace, nightly entertainment and selection of local beverages and beers on tap.

Wherever you find yourself going, always dress to impress. The Reykjavik locals like to look their best, and some of the city’s bars and clubs have a strict dress code.

4. It is home to one of the wonders of the world

The Blue Lagoon was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. Technically, it’s a man-made structure, filled with heated seawater being the run-off from a nearby geothermal power plant.

However, workers at the plant found that the bright blue, mineral and algae-infused water worked wonders for the skin, and the place soon became a bit of a spa retreat.

With an average water temperature of 37-39 degrees Celsius, and on-site spa facilities offering massage treatments and elegant dining, it’s a relaxing place for a dip. Most flight transfer services offer an option to stop off there between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport.

The spa’s duty free boutique in the airport is also a great place to stock up on their signature natural beauty treatments en route home, at a significantly reduced price.

5. You can explore untouched landscapes

Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe, which means there are vast areas of beautiful uninhabited land.

Two natural monuments are the Gullfoss waterfalls, another stop-off on Golden Circle tours, and the ferocious volcano Hekla, which aren’t too far from Reykjavik.

Or you could head further afield to the east coast, where there are several small towns and villages spread around the area’s forests and fjords, and almost as many reindeer as people.

The easiest way to reach the east coast, as well as the wild north-west of the country, is to take a flight from the domestic airport, which is within walking distance of Reykjavik city centre.