'Once-in-a-lifetime': Aussies are flocking to this European destination - but it's not where you'd think

Europe always has been, and remains a popular travel spot for Aussies.

But while France, Italy, and Greece continue to draw in travellers, there's a new country that's quietly getting an uptick in visitors.

Though it doesn't have sun-drenched beaches or a warm Mediterranean climate, Iceland is the place to be at the moment.

READ MORE: Why do people crowd the airport baggage claim? A psychologist weighs in

Tour operators are seeing Aussie travellers express interest in alternative European destinations, and Iceland is right up there.

Intrepid Travel has seen a 23 per cent increase in bookings for the Nordics, while bookings for Bunnik Tours' Discover Iceland trip for 2026 are already up 42 per cent compared to this year's.

READ MORE: The best spring hiking trails even the fussiest kids will love to tackle

View gallery

Aussie lake crowned one of world's most 'magical' travel spots

Take one look at a photo of Iceland and it's easy to see why it's so popular as a destination.

"The wild natural environment, volcanic activity, and landscapes straight out of Game of Thrones have really captured attention," Dennis Bunnik, Joint-CEO of Bunnik Tours, tells 9Travel.

Iceland is a country of extraordinary natural beauty, often called the "Land of Fire and Ice" for its unique combination of glaciers and volcanoes.

It's also become popular as a stopover destination for people flying into and out of Europe, thanks to cheap flights to Reykjavik, the capital city.

Thanks to the country's relatively small size but huge range of natural wonders, it's easy for visitors to see a lot in a short amount of time.

Another drawcard for travellers to Iceland? The chance to see the Northern Lights in August and September.

"Australian travellers are craving authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences and Iceland fits that perfectly," says Dennis.

It's certainly a unique location.

On the Bunnik tour, the itinerary includes three different geothermal bath experiences, multiple scenic cruises, whale and puffin spotting, hiking to wild waterfalls and along black sand beaches, plus a glacier visit.

"It's a true once-in-a-lifetime destination," says Dennis, who counts his Iceland trip among his favourites.

If we've piqued your interest and put Iceland on your radar, here are a few things to know.

What is the best month to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is between September and March to see the Northern Lights, or between June and August for summer activities like hiking.

Things to do in Iceland

A classic Iceland itinerary includes:

Tour the Golden Circle: A day trip from Reykjavik that includes three major sights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Soak in a geothermal spa: The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, a milky-blue, mineral-rich pool in a lava field.

See the Northern Lights: The best time to see them is on clear, dark nights during the winter months (September to April).

Take a scenic drive along the south coast: Check out famous waterfalls and the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Visit Diamond Beach: An amazing beach where icebergs wash ashore on the black sand.

Hike a glacier: Iceland's glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, are great places for guided hikes and ice cave tours.

Go whale watching: Towns like Húsavík are considered some of the best places in the world to go on a whale-watching tour.

Go horseback riding: The Icelandic horse is a unique breed, and riding them through volcanic landscapes is particularly memorable.

View gallery

Aussie beach wins title in global ranking