The island fascinates with its wild nature, vibrant Viking heritage, the world’s oldest parliament, and centuries-old literature. Simultaneously, a modern culture thrives here: innovative cuisine, international festivals, bold musical projects—Björk and Sigur Rós are just two examples—flourishing game studios, and green data centers define the landscape. And then there is Icelandic skyr, a quark-style yogurt that is truly one of a kind worldwide.

So why Iceland? And why in a Porsche 911 Targa? The answer is simple: Fresh air. And culture can only be understood and reflected through firsthand experience. The Porsche DNA is not revealed by looking in the rearview mirror, but by driving, feeling, and living it. Porsche is much more than an automaker—it is a culture brand that not only preserves its heritage but keeps it alive. Heritage here is not about looking back; it is a compass for the future.

Thus begins the Porsche Heritage Experience Iceland with six Targas, collectively telling half a century of Porsche history: from the 1967 911 Targa Softwindow to the brand-new 2025 911 Targa GTS T-Hybrid. All vehicles are in nearly new condition, all ready not just to traverse Iceland, but to surrender to its wildness. And yes, it hurts a little to send a ’76 Targa over gravel roads. But there is hardly a better way to face wind and weather. Speaking of weather: Iceland showed all its facets—horizontal rain, a tornado by the lake, sleet at two degrees, followed by 20 degrees and sunshine. Classic Iceland.

The route leads southeast, past Selfoss, with a stop at “Skyrland.” Skyr, the Icelandic quark yogurt, tastes incomparable here—especially the blueberry flavor. With only 0.2 g fat and 11 g protein per 100 g, it is a product of rare quality. Icelanders enjoy it often with milk and sugar.

Next, we visit Friðheimar, a tomato farm that combines a greenhouse, restaurant, and agritourism. Here, tomatoes that don’t make it to market are turned into a now cult-favorite soup. About 300,000 visitors annually appreciate the restaurant and wine bar right by the greenhouse. Geothermal energy, pure spring water, and modern technology create ideal conditions.

At Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet, the world’s first parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago. A visit to the Commonwealth Farm gives a palpable sense of how Icelanders once lived—and survived. Then come the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, powerful and mysterious, inviting a pause.

The black beach at Vík, the bubbling Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the quiet drama of Pétursey—all seem from another world. But the real highlight is gliding through this vast, rugged landscape in six Targas. Each Targa with its own sound, its own character. My personal highlight: the road 435 from Þingvallavatn back to Reykjavík in the 1976 Targa—green on the outside, orange-brown interior with tartan upholstery—truly one of a kind.

It was great talking to the Porsche Museum crew, Achim Stejskal and Alexander E. Klein, know every facet of the Targa’s evolution. And the workshop team? They’ll quickly solder a loose cable on an F-model by the roadside.

This is how you travel. This is how you tell stories

(c) Text, Bild .. Stefan Bogner for Porsche Museum