Iceland
Best time to travel:
Summer is the best time for hiking. But you can see the aurora borealis only from autumn to spring
Language:
Icelandic
Safety:
One of the best in the world
Plugs:
Type C or F
Currency:
Icelandic krona
Capital city:
Reykjavík
Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Iceland is a favorite destination for many travellers, and for good reason. This unique, fairytale world is home to stunning natural wonders: volcanoes, bubbling geysers, natural hot pools, crevasses, glaciers and unspoilt beauty. Iceland is a paradise for photographers and hikers. There are few places in the world where you can experience and photograph so many photogenic wonders in such a small space.
People say that Iceland is the land of fire and ice. The term fire refers to Iceland’s frequent volcanic activity and its famous geysers and thermal baths, while ice refers to its long winters, its glaciers and ice caves, which are also important tourist destinations in Iceland.
Despite its small size, Iceland is one of the most extreme, but also one of the most amazing places we have ever visited. You can really experience almost every natural phenomenon and wonder in Iceland. Aurora Borealis, countless waterfalls, stunning mountain peaks, glaciers, ice caves, geysers, active volcanoes…. and on and on.
If we have to choose, we recommend a summer trip. This is when the weather is most pleasant. Don’t think of warm weather, summer in Iceland is like early spring in Europe. The highlands become passable by about June. The days are also longest in summer, so much so that there are weeks when the sun barely sets. It is an interesting phenomenon to look out of your hotel at midnight and it is still light outside. Iceland is in full bloom at the beginning of summer, which is a big advantage. The animals graze outside and the little Atlantic puffins are on the island at this time. The beaches (not for swimming) are relatively safe and open to visitors at this time of year. Although it rains a lot and is cold in summer, it is still the most pleasant weather.
Winter is also popular in Iceland, thanks to its winter attractions. From autumn to spring, aurora sightings are regular. Travel is difficult during this time because of the weather. The highland is also closed for tourists at this time of year. Ice caves are still popular winter destinations in Iceland. So each type of trip has something different to offer for the tourists.
Iceland’s largest and most popular city is the capital Reykjavik. Reykjavik itself has much to offer for visitors. Close by are the famous lagoons, which are popular bathing spots in Iceland.
In Iceland, two types of trips are generally organised. One is a tour of the southern part of the island with the Golden Circle sights, then the most famous waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss or Skogafoss, beaches such as Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara Beach. In the southwest is the well-known Kirkjufell mountain. In the southeast, the Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon is the most impressive attraction.
Another way to explore the island is the full island tour. Then you can travel north to visit the also well-known Studlagil Canyon and the Hverir geothermal area with its countless small, sulphur-smelling geysers. As these are also magical experiences, we highly recommend them if you’re in Iceland.
Icelandic gastronomy has a surprising variety of culinary delights to offer for tourists. Here you’ll find the world’s best fish&chips and the Icelandic lamb soup, which is the best meat soup we’ve ever tasted. Fish dishes are generally popular, so seafood lovers are favoured. The shops are surprisingly well stocked and prepared for the large number of hikers.
As the above wasn’t nearly enough to describe Iceland, we’ll continue to give you more details about the country in separate articles. After all, there is plenty to know about this special place. We hope that our articles about Iceland will help you get to know and fall in love with this wonderful island.
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