Move to Iceland!

It's called the "coolest" destination on earth but the chilliest thing about Iceland is really its name. In January the temperature is usually warmer than in New York and apart from few blizzards, the rest of the year is temperate and relatively mild.

A land of beauty and surprising contrasts, Iceland has been described as The Nature Park of Europe. It is the second largest island in Europe and one of the most active volcanic countries in the world. It is the very diversity of the landscape and natural phenomena, the clean though rather cool air, and the quiet beauty and fascinating works of art created by nature herself which are probably the country’s greatest attractions.

Iceland is located in the North Atlantic between Europe and North America, and is only about a two-hour flight from London and five hours from New York.

Surveys show that despite their obsession with modern technology, as many as 80% of Icelanders believe in the existence of elves. Even today, roads have been re-routed and building plans redesigned or abandoned to avoid disturbing rocks where elves are said to live.

As a country, Iceland has often been likened to the surface of the moon, but NASA geologists are now seeking to explain what appear to be vast flood plains on Mars by comparing them to similar features in Iceland.

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and the centre of Iceland's thriving cultural and economic life. Although it's not a large city, it offers everything that a cosmopolitan capital prides itself in. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Reykjavik, and no doubt everyone can find something to suit his or her taste. The assortment of cafés and pubs is tremendous, and Reykjavik has become famous for its extreme nightlife.

See map of downtown Reykjavík