By Arie Boris, Photos contributed by Daniel Webb

"We live on the edge of the habitable world." This is how a local native described the moon-like terrain, volcanic pools and bone-chilling winters in Iceland. He did not even hint at the wild diversity and sophisticated dining scene this "magical," mid-Atlantic place has to offer! For me, Iceland had never before, conjured up golf, horseback riding or swimming in open-air geothermal springs during a blizzard. Iceland offers all this and more!

Most of Iceland is uninhabited. More than half the population lives in or around the capital, Reykjavik with the remainder in several coastal towns and rural villages. Everywhere, there is dramatic, epic landscape: bold mountains and deep fjords, black volcanic sands and rugged lava fields, majestic waterfalls, glacial rivers and bizarre rock formations that are said to be petrified trolls or cities of elves. Because it is located in the Gulf Stream, this island nation enjoys a relatively moderate climate. Summers can be downright balmy with long bright days, courtesy of the midnight sun.

Several cruise lines including Holland America, Princess and Crystal Cruises visit Iceland as part of their summer season European itineraries. If you don't have the time to visit Iceland via ship, Icelandair offers regular service from the US east coast, with daily departures from New York, Boston, Washington/Baltimore and Minneapolis. Flights are little more than 5 hours and the airline offers a variety of very economical "Lucky Fares" and land packages that make a long weekend in Iceland very attractive.

Icelandair Business Class is very comfortable. It is less expensive than other airlines and allows a stopover in Iceland on the way to Europe. In-flight service was efficient and pleasant. Individual DVD players, with a library of films, are available for Business Class passengers. The wine and spirits list was impressive. Along with classic Icelandic Brennivin, it featured a selection of award wining Malt Whiskies. They actually carry the Michael Jackson Malt Whisky Guide onboard and we ended up having a rather elaborate Malt Whisky tasting before dinner. My preference was the Highland Park Single Malt Whisky-12 year old. By the time dinner was served, I had already decided that Icelandair was one of my favorite airlines!

Last year more tourists visited Iceland than the entire population of the country. Reykjavik is modern, has two expansive in-door shopping malls and the old city center is charming. Hofdi House, where official state receptions are held, was host to the superpowers in 1986,when Reagan and Gorbachev negotiated the first thaw in the Cold War. About 40 minutes outside the city, toward the airport, is the Blue Lagoon. This natural lagoon is surrounded by a magical lava field, a black sand beach and is filled with mineral-rich geothermal seawater heated year round to a relaxing 100-110 degrees. There is a spa that offers a variety of health and beauty regimens in conjunction with "taking the waters". There is nothing like it, especially as you enjoy the warm waters during a snowfall. For more information about the Blue Lagoon, log onto www.bluelagoon.is