Background information
Iceland is the ultimate Land Of Fire and Ice. There is nothing like it, anywhere. This super-amazing country is located on two continents: North America AND Europe. The North Atlantic shelf goes straight through the country making it extremely volatile. Iceland counts approx. 30 active volcanoes, of which some are covered with ice. Eruptions happen again and again. Iceland, the soil without the people, is a very young country. It is still growing as we speak.
Besides Fire there is also Ice. The country is very north and cold. The largest glacier in Europe can be found here: the Vatnajokull, almost the size of Cyprus. Several active volcanoes lay under its ice cap.
Iceland is a modern country, where people have learned to live with and use nature. We cannot win or beat nature, but we can respect it and deal with it as good as possible. The population is very educated and nature minded.
There are many stunning waterfalls in awesome surroundings all over the island. The colours of the Landmannalaugar region in the centre are unforgettable. Lava fields, fumaroles and steaming mud pools are not something that most people see often. A plunge in one of the many natural geothermal hot springs should also be on every visitor’s agenda.
The country is absolutely beautiful and very wild, without comparison. In summer, when most tourists arrive, the days last almost 24 hours, so you can read a newspaper outside without any additional light.
Between May and August you may find Puffin birds hiding on the cliffs. These colourful, duck-size, photogenic birds live in the ocean almost all year and only come ashore to breed. Iceland is one of their main breeding grounds.
Several operators conduct cruises between Iceland and its neighbours: Greenland (Denmark) and Svalbard (Norway).
Capital Reykjavik and beyond
Iceland counts almost 400,000 residents of which 60% live in the greater Reykjavik area. This really is the only major city in the country. There are no tall buildings in this capital where only the church stands out. You can do all your shopping here and find some really nice restaurants.
In Reykjavik you will notice, that prices for everything in Iceland are high. This can be explained by the simple fact that almost everything is imported. Travelers to Iceland will feel this with food, accommodation and car rental, but it is worth it.
From Reykjavik there are a few things that are recommended.
First of all there is the Golden Circle, a full day tour that takes you to three main attractions. First of all there is Thingvellir, the place of the first parliament (930 AD) AND the place where the two continental shelves meet. You can actually swim here. Second there is the dormant Great Geysir (that gave all geysers on the planet its name) and active Strokkur hot-water spouts. Last but not least you will find the gorgeous (Golden) Gullfoss waterfall here, one of the largest in Europe. The Golden Circle must be one of the most rewarding day-tour anywhere.
A second attraction between the capital and the airport (Keflavik) is the famous Blue Lagoon, a large warm spa created by residue of a nearby geothermal plant. Putting mud or minerals on your face while enjoying this pool, is an activity that you will talk about long after returning home.
The Ring Road
Reykjavik is the starting and ending point for the 1300 km long Ring Road around the island. Most people may start their group tour here, or pick up a rental car for a private adventure. Along this mostly paved road you will find many natural attractions. To really enjoy it without rushing everywhere, you may need 10-14 days in summer.
The south of Iceland near Vik is very scenic, for natural wonders. First, there are the famous black sand beaches with basalt columns and glacial icebergs (Diamond beach). Then there are some amazing, tall waterfalls: the Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss. And there is of course Skaftafjell, the entrance to the Vatnajokull National Park, with walking trails to waterfalls and an enormous glacier.
The north of the island near Akureyri, the 2nd city in Iceland, looks different but is truly amazing. Here you will find the Myvatn (volcanic) Lake and area with natural baths near hot springs, boiling mud pots and fumaroles. It is one of the top destinations in Iceland. Nearby you can visit the Dettifoss waterfall (the most powerful in Europe during rainy season) and the beautiful Godafoss waterfall. Husavik is a small town at the north tip, where you can join whale watching tours.
West Iceland is sometimes called “Iceland in Miniature”. It features the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, dramatic volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls. The iconic Kirkjufell mountain is probably the most picturesque in the whole of Iceland. From here it is an easy drive back to Reykjavik.
Landmannalaugar and the centre.
The Landmannalaugar if not part of the Rig Road. It may not have as many waterfalls either, but is very wild and colourful. It is ideal for walking and trekking. You may need a 4WD vehicle here to explore, because there may be many sandy roads, of which some lead through small streams of water.
Askja is a large, active volcano in the northern part of this region and stretches under the Vatnajokull glacier. It is only accessible a few months per year. Then you cannot only visit and admire this crazy landscape, but also swim in the smallest, sulphur rich crater-lake. The area was used by NASA to prepare astronauts for the lunar missions (Apollo). The Herdubreid mountain is nearby.
Geothermal Energy
Iceland's geothermal energy is a primary resource, providing nearly all home heating and a significant portion of electricity. Even footpaths may be heated with this energy.
Tourists will enjoy this natural heating source in hot springs around the island, of which the Blue Lagoon is the most famous.