• Seljalandsfoss
• Myvatn Lake
• Bubble Iceland
• Northern Iceland

Iceland has been on the radar for years, especially as the country has come roaring back from its economic crisis, but most of the attention has been centered on Reykjavik and the capital region. Evergreen Escapes’ Haupert believes a new Air Iceland flight from the Keflavik international airport to Akureyri (the first domestic connection from the international airport) will change that when it launches in February. As for the region, he says, “Aside from the fjord-side charms of Akureyri, the location puts visitors in close proximity to superb whale watching in Húsavík, the powerful plunge of the Dettifoss waterfall and the moonscapes and mud pools near Lake Mývatn.” The country is promoting the region too, naming the northern circuit the Diamond Circle in hopes of capturing some of the elf-like magic the popular Golden Circle has attracted down south.

• The Fimmvörðuháls Trail

Whether you’re doing this as an add-on, or only have time for the Fimmvörðuháls trail, you’re in for a beautiful adventure with shades of green that I previously thought couldn’t exist outside of cartoons, plentiful waterfalls that look like they’re from the Shire, and sweeping glacier views, provided that you have clear weather.

• Grotta Lighthouse - Reykjavik

About an hour walk, or 10-minute drive, from downtown, is one of your best bets for viewing the lights in Reykjavik proper.

• The Pearl - Reykjavik

Another option to see northern lights, home to a revolving restaurant and observation deck.

• Elding - Reykjavik

Offers a two-hour excursion, which includes a 20-minute boat ride to Videy Island. In the event you don't see any lights, the company will provide a free tour ticket good for two years.

• The Laugavegur Trail

The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is one of the most unique and visually stimulating trails in the world. Not only do you have constantly shifting landscapes, from the rainbow-striped mounds of the highlands in Landmannalaugar to the psychedelic greens of Þórsmörk, but ever-changing conditions as well. No wonder National Geographic ranked this trail in their top 20 in the world. There’s nothing out there that can equal it.

• Blue lagoon

The saltwater in Iceland's Blue Lagoon, the world's largest geothermal pool, gets completely renewed every 40 hours and always hovers around 100 degrees. Go to rejuvenate your skin and soul, and throw in some extra time for a spa treatment or massage.

• Gullfoss

Roughly 75 miles from Reykjavík along the Hvítá River, Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls,” is considered Iceland’s most preeminent waterfall, and one of its most popular attractions. It's fed by Iceland’s second largest glacier, the Langjökull, and on sunny days, a shimmering rainbow can be seen over the edge.

• Glymur Waterfall

Any hike that ends at a giant waterfall is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This hike through the dramatic Icelandic landscape will take you through a cave, over rivers, and up and down muddy hills. Take the trail around the south side to get the best views leading up to the waterfall, then the other trail to make your way back down.

• Laugavegur: Southern Iceland

Walk length: 55km; 4 days

Iceland is odd. Here, on this 20-million-year young island, geology is still very much in action, and the landscape is as energetic and pimpled as a pubescent boy. The Laugavegur showcases some of this spirited geology, running from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk via a fizz-bang of thermal springs, steaming streams, lava fields and rainbow-hued rhyolite peaks.

• Fischersund Perfumery - Reykjavik