Iceland is one of the world's most enticingly mysterious lands, with its alien landscapes, strange beauty, volcanoes, glaciers and pools of boiling mud. Iceland was where many of the Viking sags were set, and there are still plenty of adventures to be found there. Travel to Iceland promises hiking along mountain trails, bathing in rivers in winter time and seeing landscapes which are, in some cases, only a few decades old.
There are cultural highlights to be found as well, and many people will be familiar with Icelandic musicians such as Sigur Ros and Bjork. Reykavjik, the capital city, has a very hip club scene, and there has been a rich seam of alternative music from the country for the last couple of decades at least. But it is in the rural areas, with their wild and strange beauty, that the heart of Iceland can be found.
This island in the North Atlantic was formed as a result of volcanic activity, and its landscape is still being shaped by rumblings under the earth. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country experiences great amounts of geothermal activity, as well as some volcanic eruptions. This means that the landscape is dotted with boiling mud pools, spouting geysers and natural hot springs, and anyone who visits here, at any time of year, should make sure that they pack a swimming costume, as it is possible to bathe in the hot pools.
Glaciers continue to play an important role in shaping the country's landscape too. The largest glacier in Europe is located here, and 11 per cent of the whole island is covered by glaciers. This means that the majority of the 300,000 people who dwell here live in the south west, close to Reykjavik and its surrounding towns, or along the coast.
The sheer number of glaciers means that there are some dramatically impressive landscapes to be seen, and more wildlife, especially birdlife, than you might expect. There is an enormous amount of space and peace too, with the empty landscape possessing a savage and defiant beauty. Pollution is minimal, and this really is one of the world's unspoilt environments.
The weather is also much more pleasant than perhaps many would expect, with the summer being warm. The landscape during summer turns lush and green, and there is almost permanent daylight in which to enjoy it. Landscape features formed from lava and rock can be seen everywhere, and there are mountains to be explored too; everyone who visits should make sure that they pack a camera.
Winter also has plenty to enjoy though, and no one should rule out visiting Iceland when the days are short and the nights long and cold. The sight of the Northern Lights, twinkling their various hues of yellow, green, red and blue is an awe-inspiring sight which can be seen on most nights during the winter. Staying warm indoors is not a problem either; the Icelandic people make full use of their reserves of geothermal and hydroelectric power, which is another advantage of their amazing landscape.
Travel to Iceland is something anyone who is keen on experiencing new things should contemplate. Whether you enjoy being outdoors, spotting wildlife, learning about different cultures or taking photographs, you can find something to enjoy here. It is also much warmer and greener than you might think, and you can even wear your swimsuit in the middle of winter, if you know the right places to go.
There are cultural highlights to be found as well, and many people will be familiar with Icelandic musicians such as Sigur Ros and Bjork. Reykavjik, the capital city, has a very hip club scene, and there has been a rich seam of alternative music from the country for the last couple of decades at least. But it is in the rural areas, with their wild and strange beauty, that the heart of Iceland can be found.
This island in the North Atlantic was formed as a result of volcanic activity, and its landscape is still being shaped by rumblings under the earth. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country experiences great amounts of geothermal activity, as well as some volcanic eruptions. This means that the landscape is dotted with boiling mud pools, spouting geysers and natural hot springs, and anyone who visits here, at any time of year, should make sure that they pack a swimming costume, as it is possible to bathe in the hot pools.
Glaciers continue to play an important role in shaping the country's landscape too. The largest glacier in Europe is located here, and 11 per cent of the whole island is covered by glaciers. This means that the majority of the 300,000 people who dwell here live in the south west, close to Reykjavik and its surrounding towns, or along the coast.
The sheer number of glaciers means that there are some dramatically impressive landscapes to be seen, and more wildlife, especially birdlife, than you might expect. There is an enormous amount of space and peace too, with the empty landscape possessing a savage and defiant beauty. Pollution is minimal, and this really is one of the world's unspoilt environments.
The weather is also much more pleasant than perhaps many would expect, with the summer being warm. The landscape during summer turns lush and green, and there is almost permanent daylight in which to enjoy it. Landscape features formed from lava and rock can be seen everywhere, and there are mountains to be explored too; everyone who visits should make sure that they pack a camera.
Winter also has plenty to enjoy though, and no one should rule out visiting Iceland when the days are short and the nights long and cold. The sight of the Northern Lights, twinkling their various hues of yellow, green, red and blue is an awe-inspiring sight which can be seen on most nights during the winter. Staying warm indoors is not a problem either; the Icelandic people make full use of their reserves of geothermal and hydroelectric power, which is another advantage of their amazing landscape.
Travel to Iceland is something anyone who is keen on experiencing new things should contemplate. Whether you enjoy being outdoors, spotting wildlife, learning about different cultures or taking photographs, you can find something to enjoy here. It is also much warmer and greener than you might think, and you can even wear your swimsuit in the middle of winter, if you know the right places to go.
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