My World Handbook

Iceland

Anyone having a chance to visit Iceland will surely face unimaginable views. If there is a place where natural environment, traditions and modern lifestyle live in harmony – this is it. Regardless of the purpose of the visit – to meet people or get away from them, Iceland has something to offer to everyone, all year round.

When in town, it feels like in a busy European metropolis. And when in the country it feels like on the moon. Actually, Iceland is maybe the only place on Earth where one can see a typical lunar landscape.

Reykjavik

The capital Reykjavik, with its surroundings, has a population of about 170 000 people and offers an interesting mix of cosmopolitan culture and local traditions. Legends claim that the gods themselves had led the first settler on the island Inolfur Arnarson to build his home there. The place is named after the steam from the hot springs. This priceless source of energy is used nowadays for heating homes and the outdoor pools of the houses. Loosely translated the name Reykjavik means “Bay of Smokes”.

Ulfarsa or Korpa as the river is often called flows on the outskirts of the capital. Along it there are wonderful sites to fish salmon, golf courses, horse farms, and plenty of spots where one can simply sit back and relax. Except its beautiful surroundings, Reykjavik offers variety of cultural entertainment – art museums, theaters, opera, symphony orchestras, concerts etc.

The Blue Lagoon

Typical attraction for every tourist is a dinner in a local restaurant offering Icelandic seafood specialties. Reykjavik is also known as one of the nightlife centers in Europe. Pubs and clubs here are packed until dawn.

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is unique not only to Iceland but the whole world. It is being described from simply hot to icy blue. Its steamy waters are part of a lava formation. The temperature never exceeds 40°C and it is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland.

Although the lagoon seems born of the elements people also have contributed. At some spots the natural walls made of lava continue into a man made ones. It is proved that the water cures psoriasis and other diseases of the human skin. Next to the lagoon there is a complex with medical centers, restaurant, bistro, souvenir shops etc.

The Great Geysir

There is least one Icelandic word known throughout the world – geyser. Although it refers to all geysers, it originates from one particular natural phenomenon located in southwestern Iceland – The Great Geysir. Even though a bit passive in the recent decades when active it is able to discard a strong jet of hot water at about 48m high. More favorable to visitors is the nearby Strokkur that spews a 24m jet every 5 minutes.

In this land of beautiful nature there is a wonder standing a way above everything else – Gullfoss, aka “Golden Falls“. With its double cascade of about 105 feet Gullfoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. In sunny days the small clouds surrounding the cascading water flow among rainbows turning the reality into a fairytale.

Gullfoss

Years ago large hydroelectric plant using the waters of the waterfall had to be built on Gullfoss. The local legend says that one of the daughters of a local farmer went to Reykjavik and threatened the authorities that if the project is not canceled, she will jump into the waterfall. After this event, the government announced Gullfoss and its surroundings a national park. A stone memorial to Sigriour Tomasdottir depicting her profile is located above the falls.

96km on the northwest of Reykjavik is Snaefellsjokull the closest, the most famous, and the most mysterious glacier which can also be seen from the city on clear days. This is the glacier, where the legendary French writer Jules Verne’s characters started their “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. It is located by the lands known as Peninsula.

Eldhraun lava field

One of the reasons why Icelanders like this place, even the area filled with lava caves, waterfalls and hot springs, is its remarkable history. Some of the most famous and important sagas tell about these areas. Another story tells that Christopher Columbus spent entire winter in Ingjaldsholl collecting stories of lands to the west.

Bubbling muddy waters, lunar craters of volcanoes, and lava fields – this are the surrounding of Lake Myvatn. This is also one of the most active volcanic areas in Iceland. Its name translates as “Lake of mosquitoes” and insects are indeed the staple food for the fish in it.

Snaefellsjokull

The active volcanic activity over the last few thousand years has created unique geological forms. Dimmuborgir, east of the lake is a field of lava rocks, some of which reach 15 meters in height. Another unforgettable spot by the lake is Eldhraun lava field (its name also means lava field) – where the crew of Apollo 11 was training for its lunar expedition in the late 60′s.

This is only a small part of the uniqueness of Iceland. Another unforgettable experience is the “white nights” typical for this latitude. During the weeks around the summer solstice in June sunsets are late, sunrises are early and darkness is never complete.

Going to Reykjavik?

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