Iceland is a country full of 'intriguing contrasts'

Northern lights is one of the best adventure holidays possible

Travellers planning adventure holidays in Europe should consider Iceland as it is not only one the best locations to view one of the most spectacular natural sights in the Solar System, but also is full of "intriguing contrasts".

David Graham, writing for the travel advice website Trip Ideas, recommended travelling in the last month of the year.

"[December] is the best time to visit for snowy pursuits such as glacier skiing, snow mobilling and husky sledding, as well as to view the Northern Lights – a magical natural light experience which [I] saw in all its colourful glory," he said.

"Iceland is an island of intriguing contrasts. Icy cold temperatures, barren lunar-scapes and pristine glacial scenery are interspersed with bubbling hot geothermal springs and steaming volcanoes."

Taking in the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) in Iceland is one of the experiences often cited as one of the things to do before you die. It occurs when charged particles are disturbed by the Earth's magnetic field.