As the name suggests, most part of Iceland is covered by snow. It is recorded that almost eleven percent of Iceland’s total area is covered by snow and ice glaciers larger than life. It may sound very unfriendly and inhospitable but the fact is that the weather here in Iceland is very cozy and easy going. It suits tourists from any part of the world.
Iceland is located in northern most part of Europe. It is basically an island in north of Atlantic Ocean but a place one would wish to go again and again, if visited once. Entire Iceland is full of surprises for the tourists that pour down there whole year. There is a typical start to Iceland’s tour, but surprises come in wholesale once you enter Iceland. Some of the surprises are mentioned below.
Volcanoes - around the central plateau, there are more than one hundred volcanoes. Out of these almost forty are active. According to stats, there is a major volcanic eruption in every five years in Iceland. But, still Icelandic volcanoes remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.
Mount Hekla is the most famous active volcano of Iceland. The last eruption in this volcano was recorded in the year 2000. Other famous active volcanoes are grimsvtn, kala, askja and krafla.
Vatnajokull - this is Europe’s biggest glacier and Iceland’s major tourist attraction. Its size is about 8300 square kilometers and it covers about 8 percent of Iceland’s total land. It is the highest point in Iceland. Its highest point is named hvannadalshnukur and is about 2119 meters above sea level.
Thingvellir national park - this park is one of the most visited places in Iceland. The fact that this park is situated in volcanic landscape makes it even more popular. During eruptions lava flows with the border of Iceland’s largest lake. One can see “the very rare” signs of tectonic plate’s movements.
Blue lagoon - it is also one of the most visited places in Iceland. The special fact about it is that it is a natural pool of hot water with temperature between 37 and 40 degree Celsius. Its location between moss covered lava fields makes it the most photographed place of Iceland. Blue lagoon is also famous for its beneficial effects on health. This is another reason why it attracts people from all around the world.
Northern lights of Iceland - perhaps, this is Iceland’s top tourist destination in summers. The reason why is because Iceland is the perfect destination to watch these northern lights or “aurora borealis”, popularly called in Iceland. It is nature’s most spectacular and surprising event. Iceland has the privilege to be in the most active part of this magic of nature. But these northern lights are visible only on the nights when the skies are all clear.
Gullfoss waterfalls of Iceland - people of Iceland believe that this waterfall is the most beautiful place on earth. They are one hundred percent right. Gullfoss is a double folding waterfall and one of the very few in the world. It thunders around thirty two meters over the fault towards its gorge. Its gorge is 2.5 kilometers long and as deep as seventy meters at some places.
Reykjavik: the capital - how can one forget Reykjavik, when on a tour to Iceland? It is one of the world’s most clean and peaceful cities. It has got a blend of contemporary and modern architecture. All colored in low and some bright paint, this city appears very friendly for tourists. It has got some old-fashioned buildings of eighteenth and nineteenth century. This presents the ancient side of this city.
Iceland is full of natural surprises and everyone should go their at least once in their lifetime to experience what you have never experienced and will never experience again in any other destination of the world.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Monday, July 30, 2007
Seven interesting attractions of Iceland for a quick trip
Iceland is not too far from the eastern coast of North America and even more closer to Western Europe. Hence, its position between North America and Europe makes it a perfect weekend destination. In all, it can be said without any doubt that Iceland is a cool and an inexpensive place for an interesting holiday time. Following are some important and top tourist attractions in Iceland.
Lake Myvatn Conservation Area - this area was declared a special conservation area in 1974. Now it has become a major tourist attraction of Iceland because of some rare natural sights available in this area. This area is Iceland’s most active area in terms of geology. Bubbly mud flats, volcanic craters, newly formed lava fields, crowded bird life, blue lake, everything is present here. One of Europe’s fiercest and tallest waterfalls “the waterfall of god” is also in this park. This waterfall falls from the elevation of 163 meters.
The west Mann islands - this area of Iceland is also known as the “paradise at the end of the world”. This place is worth watching because the youngest island of this world, “surtsey” is located here. This island appeared as in 1963, a volcano busted from the waves. Special tours are arranged for this particular part of Iceland.
Snaefellsnes peninsula/ Snaefellsjokull glacier - this glacier is around 60 kilometers far from the capital city. The notable thing is that still it is visible from Reykjavik. The peninsula of snaefellsnes is an eye-catching and supernatural landscape full of lava caves, waterfalls and hot springs. It is also a source of some very beautiful towns and farms. One can enjoy spectacular and extraordinary coastal views in this part of Iceland.
Thingvellir - this is Iceland’s most important place. This is the place where Iceland’s parliament was formed. One of the spectacular sites here is the cliff which is overlooking the parliament. Lake Thingvallavtn is another place to look for here. It is the world’s biggest supernatural lake and you can enjoy fishing there. Hiking through the wonderful landscapes of thingvellir is one of the major tourist attractions.
Blue lagoon - this destination has the honor to be the most clicked destination of Iceland. It is a man made lagoon and has a temperature of around 40 degree Celsius. It is believed there that its water has a blessing from god and can cure many diseases especially psoriasis. Whether it is summer or the winter, bathing in this lagoon is a breath taking experience.
Geysers - this very famous natural tourist destination is located close to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. It is overall a three square kilometer area. “Geyser spouting spring” the world’s largest geyser is situated here. Another small spring called ‘strokkur’ is the centre of attraction in this area. This small geyser erupts continuously at the intervals of five to ten minutes. This whole area is full of many small pools.
Skogar folk museum - This is a very famous museum and is another major landmark of Iceland. This museum has a collection of over six thousand articles connected to ancient Icelandic history.
These are seven most famous places one should go while on a tour to Iceland. Of course Iceland is full of amazing sites and sounds with breath taking natural beauty and ideally you should spend a much longer time in Iceland to truly feel the rich experience that this country gives out to its visitors.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Lake Myvatn Conservation Area - this area was declared a special conservation area in 1974. Now it has become a major tourist attraction of Iceland because of some rare natural sights available in this area. This area is Iceland’s most active area in terms of geology. Bubbly mud flats, volcanic craters, newly formed lava fields, crowded bird life, blue lake, everything is present here. One of Europe’s fiercest and tallest waterfalls “the waterfall of god” is also in this park. This waterfall falls from the elevation of 163 meters.
The west Mann islands - this area of Iceland is also known as the “paradise at the end of the world”. This place is worth watching because the youngest island of this world, “surtsey” is located here. This island appeared as in 1963, a volcano busted from the waves. Special tours are arranged for this particular part of Iceland.
Snaefellsnes peninsula/ Snaefellsjokull glacier - this glacier is around 60 kilometers far from the capital city. The notable thing is that still it is visible from Reykjavik. The peninsula of snaefellsnes is an eye-catching and supernatural landscape full of lava caves, waterfalls and hot springs. It is also a source of some very beautiful towns and farms. One can enjoy spectacular and extraordinary coastal views in this part of Iceland.
Thingvellir - this is Iceland’s most important place. This is the place where Iceland’s parliament was formed. One of the spectacular sites here is the cliff which is overlooking the parliament. Lake Thingvallavtn is another place to look for here. It is the world’s biggest supernatural lake and you can enjoy fishing there. Hiking through the wonderful landscapes of thingvellir is one of the major tourist attractions.
Blue lagoon - this destination has the honor to be the most clicked destination of Iceland. It is a man made lagoon and has a temperature of around 40 degree Celsius. It is believed there that its water has a blessing from god and can cure many diseases especially psoriasis. Whether it is summer or the winter, bathing in this lagoon is a breath taking experience.
Geysers - this very famous natural tourist destination is located close to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. It is overall a three square kilometer area. “Geyser spouting spring” the world’s largest geyser is situated here. Another small spring called ‘strokkur’ is the centre of attraction in this area. This small geyser erupts continuously at the intervals of five to ten minutes. This whole area is full of many small pools.
Skogar folk museum - This is a very famous museum and is another major landmark of Iceland. This museum has a collection of over six thousand articles connected to ancient Icelandic history.
These are seven most famous places one should go while on a tour to Iceland. Of course Iceland is full of amazing sites and sounds with breath taking natural beauty and ideally you should spend a much longer time in Iceland to truly feel the rich experience that this country gives out to its visitors.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Iceland – a nation with rich history, beautiful people and breathtaking beauty
Iceland though has a chilly name, is still known for the warmth that it exudes-be it its people or even its climate. It is a common perception that the Vikings were the first to settle in Iceland. But a few available documents after scrutiny have brought to light some newer facts. These documents speak of the people from British Isles being the first settlers in Iceland. Also the others suggest that the Icelanders are originally of Celtic origin. But the data on which these findings are based is very inconclusive and has many glitches. Hence this topic and the findings remain largely debatable.
Iceland has been ruled over by countries like Norway and Denmark. It is said that a Norwegian called Floki Vigerdason, who had settled here, named Iceland. Even the Icelandic law has drawn quite some inspiration from the Norwegian system.
Iceland is a very thinly populated country. But it is thanks to this that Iceland has been able to save the abounding natural beauty that it possesses. However it is a little costly, but still it is worth seeing and not giving a miss. It is exceptionally beautiful with all the geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes and hot water springs that dot its land all over. The best time to visit this country is the summer time. Wintertime is not very convenient especially for those who like to spend their time luxuriously and sightseeing. Nevertheless if you are one of those adventurous types, you will surely have plenty to do and see in Iceland. During winters say after august, Iceland is richly adorned with incredible scenic beauty. And for those who care to visit this place at around this time, they will surely not be short of any fond memories to take back home!
Iceland is a highly literate country with the literacy rate here being 99.9%. People here are passionate about poetry. Iceland has also produced a noble prizewinner in literature namely Halldor Kiljan Laxness. The most well known literary piece given to the world by Iceland are the ‘Sagas’. They have been written in the years 1180 AD to 1300 AD. These ‘Sagas’ have a detailed account of the history of Iceland, especially the heroes of Iceland who have been dealt with in them. These heroes have been glorified and all their fine qualities such as bravery, honesty, courage, etc have been extensively described in them.
Iceland has produced famous painters like Asgrimur Jonsson, Jon Stefansson, and Johannes Kjarval, the very popular sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, the well-known opera singer Kristjan Johannsson and pop singer Bjork who sings for the rock band Sigur Ros.
Iceland is a self –declared nuclear free country. It is a part of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). But it has no military of its own and hence USA has taken the responsibility to take care of Iceland’s defense. Though as of today the US army’s presence in Iceland is zilch, it still remains committed to its responsibilities to help Iceland, in case the need arises.
It is also rich in wildlife. Fisheries was until recently one of Iceland’s most important businesses and it still does a lot to promote fisheries and also to protect the interests of its fishermen. But now the Icelandic industry has shifted to other sectors and is developing rapidly in that direction too. Iceland is known as one of the most developed countries in the world.
Iceland is always ready to embrace anyone who visits it and the people who do visit, will never want to leave such a loving and beautiful country!
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Iceland has been ruled over by countries like Norway and Denmark. It is said that a Norwegian called Floki Vigerdason, who had settled here, named Iceland. Even the Icelandic law has drawn quite some inspiration from the Norwegian system.
Iceland is a very thinly populated country. But it is thanks to this that Iceland has been able to save the abounding natural beauty that it possesses. However it is a little costly, but still it is worth seeing and not giving a miss. It is exceptionally beautiful with all the geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes and hot water springs that dot its land all over. The best time to visit this country is the summer time. Wintertime is not very convenient especially for those who like to spend their time luxuriously and sightseeing. Nevertheless if you are one of those adventurous types, you will surely have plenty to do and see in Iceland. During winters say after august, Iceland is richly adorned with incredible scenic beauty. And for those who care to visit this place at around this time, they will surely not be short of any fond memories to take back home!
Iceland is a highly literate country with the literacy rate here being 99.9%. People here are passionate about poetry. Iceland has also produced a noble prizewinner in literature namely Halldor Kiljan Laxness. The most well known literary piece given to the world by Iceland are the ‘Sagas’. They have been written in the years 1180 AD to 1300 AD. These ‘Sagas’ have a detailed account of the history of Iceland, especially the heroes of Iceland who have been dealt with in them. These heroes have been glorified and all their fine qualities such as bravery, honesty, courage, etc have been extensively described in them.
Iceland has produced famous painters like Asgrimur Jonsson, Jon Stefansson, and Johannes Kjarval, the very popular sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, the well-known opera singer Kristjan Johannsson and pop singer Bjork who sings for the rock band Sigur Ros.
Iceland is a self –declared nuclear free country. It is a part of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). But it has no military of its own and hence USA has taken the responsibility to take care of Iceland’s defense. Though as of today the US army’s presence in Iceland is zilch, it still remains committed to its responsibilities to help Iceland, in case the need arises.
It is also rich in wildlife. Fisheries was until recently one of Iceland’s most important businesses and it still does a lot to promote fisheries and also to protect the interests of its fishermen. But now the Icelandic industry has shifted to other sectors and is developing rapidly in that direction too. Iceland is known as one of the most developed countries in the world.
Iceland is always ready to embrace anyone who visits it and the people who do visit, will never want to leave such a loving and beautiful country!
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
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