Iceland

Green vegetation, warm summers with sunlight around the clock, volcanic hot springs, waterfalls, rivers, and rugged beaches – not exactly the first thoughts one has when they hear the world Iceland. Only 11% of the country is covered by ice glacier, but this small island nation in the northern Atlantic is packed with natural beauty combined with the sociable city of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik

The capital city, while small, offers everything you’ll find in the large continental European cities. Enjoy the theatres, Viking-theme restaurants, opera houses, and art galleries in this Icelandic capital city. For the young, and young at heart, you’ll find some of the finest bars in Scandinavia. While alcohol will cost you an arm-and-a-leg here, the party scene goes non-stop through the continuously bright summer nights.

Reykjavik is a great jumping off point to see the unspoiled nature Iceland has to offer, but first a great place to visit is the Blue Lagoon. Here you’ll find a famous outdoor pool, geothermal spa and health centre. The Blue Lagoon is near both Reykjavik and the airport.

Sights and Activities in Iceland

Grab a rental car, start your automobile, and drive. Alternatively there are several tour companies that will get you out of the city and into beautiful, Scenic Island, should you not wish to drive. Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road but can be dangerous once outside of populated areas.

As you drive east out of Reykjavik, Thingvellir national park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site is 20 to 30 miles away. Here you’ll find two interesting items of interest – the first being the longest running parliament in the world and secondly, this is where the North American and European continental shelf plates are coming apart. As a result, you’ll find a stunning landscape of water-cut lava fields.

Since we’re headed east out of Reykjavik, continue another 60 miles to Gullfoss and you’ll locate the Hvita River and the location where is plunges down a double cascade. The result is a breathtaking waterfall!

As a result of the two continental plates shifting the island is blessed with volcanic activity. Just west of Gullfoss is is Geysir, a geothermal area. Nearby is the Strokkur Geyser that will give you a show about every twelve minutes. There are bizarre lava landscapes nearby that are worth taking in. The lava-scapes include Trolls Cathedrals to terrain where US astronauts practiced before actually walking on the moon.

As a result of the volcanic activity, you’ll find many natural hot springs – a great place to go for a swim in the winter. As you explore Iceland you’ll find many walking, hiking, and trekking opportunities as you explore various scenic regions.

Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, but you’ll also find waterfalls, fjords, and a spectacular shoreline. As a result of pure and renewable energy, including volcanic activity, the air and water is clear in Iceland, one of the few unspoiled places left on earth.

Bird’s anyone? Bird Watching is a popular activity here as you can find some of the earth’s largest colonies of puffin and other seabirds. Keep watching and you’ll even notice an assortment of European and American species. For Ocean goers, there is some great whale watching.

Drive off (experienced 4WD professionals) into the Central Highlands there the terrain is rugged and the land is uninhabited, uninhabitable, and yet unforgettable. In the summer, one must prepare themselves for the midnight sun, but a visit in winter will produce a show of nature’s lights as the winter skies are set ablaze with colour thanks to the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. The lights can even be seen from the cities but are best from unpopulated areas.

Iceland’s Currency

The currency is Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). You will be able to obtain local currency by ATM in the capital and most businesses do accept credit cards.

Getting to Iceland

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the gateway to Iceland. Iceland’s national carrier, Icelandair offers non-stop flights from both North America and mainland Europe. Iceland Express operates flights to Keflavik from Copenhagen, London-Stansted (STN) and in the summer months expands service from other European airports.

To get between Keflavik Airport (KEF) and the city of Reykjavik, the best and cheapest option is the airport transfer bus known as FlyBus.

If originating in North American and you plan on flying onto other European cities, Iceland is a member of the Schengen open-border treaty. Schengen currently consists of the EU minus the UK & Ireland, plus the Scandinavian countries which make up the Nordic Free Travel Zone.