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Icelanders take their books seriously (writing them as well as reading them), to the point where they are one of the most literate nations on the planet. Mál og Menning (language and culture) is one of two big bookstores in Reykjavik, and one of the best places to explore the country’s rich literary heritage. Along with a wealth of translated local lit (and global favorites) in the excellent English-language section, you can also find a decent range of CDs, newspapers, stationery, children’s games, postcards, and souvenirs. The café upstairs, Sufistiin, showcases local artworks on the walls and serves decent drinks and snacks.

Reykjadalur means “Steam Valley"—a perfectly apt description of this pleasant geothermal area close to the town of Hveragerði, a 40-minute drive south from Reykjavík. Formed from a now extinct volcano (Mount Hengill), the valley is best experienced via a two-mile walk along a gravel road, which leads into the hot springs. The hour-long stroll—fairly easy but quite narrow in places—is highly photogenic thanks to the presence of boreholes, waterfalls, and springs, so bring your camera as well as your swimming gear. Be sure also to use only the official bathing pools, since although the light-blue water may look innocent, some pools are hot enough to cause severe burns. If you don’t have a car to get to the site, you can visit the springs via an official tour, which can be done in combination with some horse riding. There is also a restaurant close to the parking lots and bathrooms.

This cute and friendly shop sells high quality glassware, knitted goods and other local crafts. You can find everything from elf and goblin figurines to home decoration items such as candleholders, clocks and plates—and there’s also a good selection of throws and bedspreads with uniquely Icelandic motifs and styles.

This little private church is probably the most photographed stop in Oia. Our rented house was right next to it but lower on the steps so we could see lots of people getting lots of photos. Married couples would take their photos next to it, photographers were offering workshops that included this spot. I woke up at 5.30AM to wonder when nobody else was around. Best time of day to walk around this very busy tourist destination.

On this Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene learns how to experience the real Iceland beyond the Golden Circle with travel writer Ali Wunderman, who shares insider tips from over a decade of exploration.

Sail around the island from Reykjavik, stopping to see magnificent glaciers, spouting geysers, and warm geothermal pools on this 10-day land-and-sea cruise.

In this week’s episode of Unpacked by AFAR, journalist Liz Beatty—host of the North Americana podcast—explores the Viking hearts of New Icelanders, from Gimli, Manitoba to Mountain, North Dakota.

Revel in epic natural landscapes—and help protect and preserve them too—in this tour through two Nordic countries.

Explore Michelin-starred restaurants, local and seasonal delicacies, and more in Reykjavik, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen.

Experience expedition travel at its best as you explore Greenland on an exciting cruise with helicopter flights, Zodiac rides, land exploration, and more.

Venture north of the Arctic Circle and bask in the Midnight Sun

In this episode of Unpacked, an AFAR editor asks: Do “better travel” pledges actually help us tread more lightly on our destinations?

In this week’s episode of Unpacked by AFAR, we get tips on money, budgeting, and traveling well from travel and personal finance podcaster Danielle Desir Corbett.