Flag of Iceland 🇮🇸
The capital and largest city is Reykjavík.
It has a population of about 320,000 and a total area of 103,000 km2
Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean. with the surrounding area being home to some two-thirds of the national population. Iceland has active volcanic disturbances and they has caused a lot of problems for air traffic in europe of late.
Location Map
Destinations in Iceland for the Tourist
Reykjavík
Vatnajökull National Park
The Westfjords Foodtrail
In outdoor locations there are many pools and natural warm springs which has given rise to what is known as the water trail.
Those tricky, tricky Vikings. Can you believe they named Iceland so you'd think it was all full of ice, and not want to come. Now a thousand years later the country of Iceland is one of the best places in Europe to visit.
And for those of you who don't know, Iceland isn't full of ice. Nope, it's quite green. Consider it a gift from the earth, since its geothermal water makes it that way.
This is why Iceland is so popular with its spas. And places like the Blue Lagoon is both relaxing and good for you with its mineral rich water.
Still, parts of Iceland reach up into the Artic Circle, like the Island of Grimsey. Ah, no wonder parts of the country are plunged totally into darkness during certain times of the year.
Maybe this is why the Vikings went out all over Europe and North America to plunder--they were looking for a little sunshine.
All the had to do was wait for summer when Iceland experiences almost 24-hour sunshine from June to August, so the bars and cafes are almost always hopping. Other cultural activities in Iceland include the Symphony, Opera, theater, and local Folk singing events. But a midnight ballgame is just as wonderful as anything else you'll find.
When something quiet is on your agenda, take a visit to the Golden Waterfall where the water drops some 105 feet into the deep canyon below. Pretty and powerful. The Westfjords are also striking, whose cliffs jut some 1,312 feet into the air.
On top of it all, Iceland offers whale watching, and Skidoo which is snowmobiling on a glacier. Or, try horseback riding on an Icelandic horse. Whatever you do, don't call it a pony.
The ultimate Iceland has to offer is the chance to see the Northern Lights, done between September and March. This is a phenomenon that's best described as the Earth's own light show.
Getting around Iceland to do and see all this is kind of easy, but keep in mind that many mountain roads are not passable in winter. Most towns are best seen on foot or bicycle, but taxis can take you around.
There isn't any rail system in Iceland, but ferries work in their place, and flying is always an option. Come to think of it, getting around the island is easier than eating some of its dishes. Stick to things like lamb, Artic char, and halibut if you're not into adventurous cuisine. Otherwise give rotten shark or the "sensitive" parts of the ram a try. Smoked puffin fish or the street food known as pylsur (a hotdog kind of thing) might be as crazy as you're willing try.
You'll have less of a problem communicating in Iceland that you might eating. Icelandic is the official language, but you're just as likely to hear Danish and English being spoken. It's a gamble if the Vikings would've approved of that, but now that they're not here to ask now, are they?
Best Iceland Websites
http://www.visiticeland.com/
http://www.icelandnaturally.com/