When a country is called Iceland, what could one expect? Arctic white landscapes with polar bears roaming on the igloo-framed streets of a winter wonderland filled with odd, northern people? Well, you might not get just that, but starting from the magical northern landscapes with glaciers, towering volcanic mountains, excellent opportunities for trekking and horseback riding, and the famous thermal spas, you will surely have many things to enjoy in Iceland.
The landscapes of Iceland are unique not only because of the volcanic activity and glaciers, found for example in the scenic Vatnajökull region of Southern Iceland, but also because of the dramatically changing light conditions. On an Icelandic summer day you can admire the midnight sun, whereas driving around the Icelandic countryside in December leaves you with only 4-5 hours of daylight. Due to these conditions, Iceland makes it easy for you to lose the sense of time. In another words, Iceland definitely is the place to go if you want to temporarily liberate yourself from the schedules and surroundings of your everyday life!
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is a convenient base for most visitors travelling to Iceland. This unique modern city offers travelers also the best possible sight into the contemporary Icelandic way of life and into the history of this interesting northern nation. Around the capital there are many interesting daytrip destinations for sightseeing tours from Reykjavik. These destinations are a tribute to nature wonders of Iceland; foaming waterfalls, geysers, and thermal baths turned into modern outdoor spas. The north of Iceland also hosts a variety of interesting places to visit, including Lake Myvatn, a famous spot for birdwatching and volcano trekking, or Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland.
Land of glaciers, volcanoes and unspoiled natural beauty: Iceland
With over 11% of its area covered with glaciers, Iceland will not let down those who want to see the substance this stunningly beautiful country is named after. However, for a country with such a northern location, Iceland surprises with its mild climate and its volcanic landscapes. This is the one place on earth where you would not expect to find a sophisticated modern city or a wide variety of wonderful thermal spas and geysers. Yet, they are the things many visitors find most fascinating in this Scandinavian island country in the middle of the Northern Atlantic.The landscapes of Iceland are unique not only because of the volcanic activity and glaciers, found for example in the scenic Vatnajökull region of Southern Iceland, but also because of the dramatically changing light conditions. On an Icelandic summer day you can admire the midnight sun, whereas driving around the Icelandic countryside in December leaves you with only 4-5 hours of daylight. Due to these conditions, Iceland makes it easy for you to lose the sense of time. In another words, Iceland definitely is the place to go if you want to temporarily liberate yourself from the schedules and surroundings of your everyday life!
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is a convenient base for most visitors travelling to Iceland. This unique modern city offers travelers also the best possible sight into the contemporary Icelandic way of life and into the history of this interesting northern nation. Around the capital there are many interesting daytrip destinations for sightseeing tours from Reykjavik. These destinations are a tribute to nature wonders of Iceland; foaming waterfalls, geysers, and thermal baths turned into modern outdoor spas. The north of Iceland also hosts a variety of interesting places to visit, including Lake Myvatn, a famous spot for birdwatching and volcano trekking, or Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland.
Practical information for your trip to Iceland
Iceland enjoys a maritime temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Even though the sun never sets during the Icelandic summer, temperatures are not that warm even during the warmest time of the year (June-August). Winters in Iceland are milder than in most regions in the same latitude because of the warming effect of the Atlantic Ocean. However, quick changes in weather and strong wind are quite common in Iceland.
Photo: Lydurg, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Flights to Iceland can be easily found from all major European airports. Iceland's international airport is located in Keflavik, a former US military base 40 km south from Reykjavik. Apart from the circular main road going around the island, road network in Iceland is extremely sparse. However, buses run regularly between the main touristic sites and Reykjavik, and domestic flights are available between the main towns in Iceland. A country with no problems with crime, Iceland is considered one of the safest countries of the world, and most local people can speak also English.
Activities. Iceland´s dramatic landscapes draw adventurous visitors with tailored outdoor services such as horseback riding and rafting in Iceland available. These services are popular also among the outdoor-loving local people. Iceland is not one of those countries where people go for cheap shopping. However, if you want to do some shopping here, the most popular souvenirs from Iceland are its high quality wool clothing and many small but interesting handicrafts, which can be found in the small craft shops of Reykjavik.
From Vikings to financial crisis: short history of Iceland
Iceland was settled by the Vikings (Norsemen) during the 9th and 10th centuries. They set up their own government on the island in 930. Icelanders converted to Christianity in the 1000s, and became a colony of Norway in the 1200s. Later in possession of Denmark, Iceland gained its independence in 1944. It is a country without an army but still a member of NATO. Living mostly from fishing, Iceland is a wealthy modern country that has recently been badly affected by the current world financial crisis.hint See also these nearby destinations: Myvatn
