The Atlantic sea island of Iceland has been named as one of this summer's coolest holiday destinations by a leading travel writer.

Iceland is renowned for not only for its spectacular geography and warm Scandinavian hospitality, but also due to its world-famous night-life.

A US newspaper has now praised the country for its balance of tranquil rural landscapes with the cool-as-ice clubbing capital Reykjavik - making Iceland an ideal destination for adventurous travellers, whether they want the night-time of their lives or just a quiet weekend away.

Janice O'Leary, writing for the Boston Globe, said: "Iceland offers an interesting juxtaposition between the sophistication of Reykjavik, its capital city (where two-thirds of the country's 300,000 residents live), and the wildness of its rural outposts."

The geography of Iceland is everything you would expect of an area that borders the arctic circle. Along with the never-ending fjords that pepper the coast-line, the country also features some of Europe's most impressive national parks.

Vatnajokull is the continent's largest national park - encapsulating over ten per cent of the entire country's area - boasting Iceland's highest mountain (Hvannadalshnukur), biggest glacier (Vatnajokull) and Europe's most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss).

Travellers to the island nation would also be ill-advised to miss out on an opportunity to visit Blue Lagoon, Iceland's famous natural health spa. Located just a few miles outside of Reykjavik city centre, the spa houses one of the country's biggest geo-thermal pools - giving you the chance to warm yourself up within some of the world's most fantastic natural surroundings.

Like one country slightly closer to home, Scotland, Iceland features some truly majestic highlands. In Landmannalaugar, an area of outstanding natural beauty, intrepid explorers will find themselves playing witness to some of Iceland's wildest - and most unbelievable - natural wonders.

Ms O'Leary added: "During the summer, when daylight can last all night, you’ll see the midnight sun - not nearly as dramatic as the aurora but remarkable just the same. The upside of all that light? You won't have any trouble keeping up with the clubbing scene when it stays sunny that late."

Speaking of night-life, Reykjavik's club scene is truly something to behold. Not that you'd expect anything less from the city that has produced pop music giants such as Bjork and Sigur Ros.

Travellers looking to experience the more hedonistic side of life in Iceland would be advised to visit one of Reykjavik's many bars and clubs. Some of the most talked about include Café Cultura - where many of the city's foreign residents congregate to see out the weekend in style - and venues such as Bar 11, Organ and Kaffibarinn. Be warned though, Icelanders are hardened party-goers with many not hitting the bars until past midnight, with closing times as late as 8am not being unheard of.

The national language of Iceland is Icelandic, but English is widely-spoken in the city and on tours of the country.

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