Our modern day lives, controlled with a ‘click’, ‘swipe’ or ‘tap’ can feel disconnected from the huge natural forces that govern our planet and its easy to forget that mother nature is ultimately in charge. A trip to Iceland this spring brought that reality into check as I travelled through the wild, untamed alien landscape of this small but awesomely powerful island.

“…of course it will erupt!. Its just a matter of time, and when it does I’ll be in my car heading towards it – a once-in-a-lifetime sight!…”

The animated words of my Icelandic guide as we hiked through the maze of crevasses across one of the country’s spectacular glaciers.

He was only half joking as he spoke about the impending eruption of ‘Katla’. Partially covered by the huge Mýrdalsjökull Glacier the volcano last erupted back in 1918 and is due to blow again in the next few years. It’s a reality that creates mixed emotions.

Back then the eruption caused enormous glacial floods and deposits that permanently extended the southern coast by 5km and washed away huge areas of farmland and property. Today regular evacuation drills prepare the 300,000-strong Icelandic population for the repeat of such an eruption so the impacts can be minimised.

The history of volcanic activity seems to have created a special bond between Icelanders and their motherland, a deep-rooted connection to the natural wonders that they live amongst tempered by a profound respect for the magnificent forces of nature that dominate.

As I travelled through the southern coast of Iceland across its wide black sand beaches strewn with icebergs, past its thundering waterfalls, down its rushing rivers, and through its gale-force dust storms, I was in awe of nature and her ability to make me feel small and insignificant but this came with a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Years ago my guide left one ‘wild’ life as a successful DJ for another kind of wild, retraining to safely and inspire guide visitors amongst the breath-taking glaciers, rivers, mountains and volcanoes of his homeland. I don’t blame him – Iceland offers the perfect combo of adrenaline-pumping action and tranquil escapism.

Just don’t forget who’s in charge…

Only 3 hours from the UK this island is a true wilderness escape.

Iceland’s short but spectacular summer season opens up parts of the country otherwise inaccessible due to snow and ice and offers a huge range of adventure activities from rafting to hiking to horse riding and kayaking as well as a chance to see some amazing arctic wildlife.

If you fancy a trip this summer we’ve handpicked our 3 favourite Iceland trips below for you to check out:

– Iceland summer escape…six day action packed adventure

– Iceland Whitewater Wilderness… it’s both fast and furious

– Island-hopping kayak adventure…to remote and isolate fjords and glaciers