Iceland has a varied and interesting area in which we can distinguish the following types of landscapes mountains, plateaus, highlands desert stone and sand, fjords, glaciers, islands and the lowlands with vegetation. The interior of the country is characterized by high plains desert, uninhabited, with a height of between 400 and 1000 meters, in these areas, due to the permeable soil, rainwater penetrates immediately to prevent vegetation from growing. This area is particularly attractive during the summer season because of the multiplicity of colors, volcanic mountains, the clearness of the air that allows visibility of up to 200 km and the great glaciers south leave an indelible memory in the memory of the traveler.
Never go for a long hike without being well equipped. Since the time Icelandic is uncertain and that's an understatement. You may bitterly regret not bringing with you warm clothes. In fact, it can snow or even freezing, even in summer large sweaters, waterproof clothing, boots or plastic sandals to overcome the fords. It is always until you have brought a compass, but remember that here the magnetic north is 20 degrees west of true north. The shores of Lake Myvatn are infested with gnats. Opt for the second half of July, when they are almost absent; otherwise, avoid white garments that attract them.
It is here that nature has chosen to lash out. The water, air, earth and fire have fashioned the Icelandic landscape, and with our great pleasure, are still active. At least two hundred volcanoes with their warmth playing tug of war with the cold glaciers that cover 10 percent of the territory. There is nothing better than a dip in water at 40 degrees with an outside temperature close to zero! Some prefer to discover the country in the summer, considering that at this time the sun never sets almost never. In return, the night owls prefer the winter season, when the sun comes out of his burrow only for a few hours a day. However, no matter the season, provided there is the aurora borealis.
One of the most common thoughts on the organization of a trip to Iceland is thought to be a very expensive destination. This is a half-truth and this article aims to be a small guide with practical tips for organizing a trip to Iceland do-it-yourself at affordable costs. Dispelling a myth now: life in Iceland is very dear. Life in Iceland does not cost much, the one that has the most influence on the cost of the trip may be essentially two things: the rental car and restaurants. We will see later in detail these two aspects.
Iceland is an island more or less as big with less than 400,000 inhabitants, of which the majority live near the capital Reykjavik. In the middle of the island is a huge glacier that generates many thousands of perennial streams and waterfalls that give life to a wonderful show on the outer coast. The typical trip in Iceland begins with the arrival in the capital, rent a car and a turn clockwise or counterclockwise around the island.
For a complete tour takes at least a week leaving the fjords of western and eastern. The ideal is, however, to have at least 10-12 days. In Iceland are defined town small towns with a population of some along the number 1, which is called the road that runs around the island ring, you will only see nature and farms. Hotels are few and tend to be quite expensive, much better spend their nights in farm holidays, farms offering rooms warm and comfortable and affordable style B & B. Business travelers will find several campsites in a tent, but must be willing to sleep often seen under the water that rains down easily and the weather is quite changeable throughout the day. Another smart formula is to rent the pick-up that mount a kind of tent-trailer over the back of the medium.
Reykjavik is different from any other European city. It is the northernmost capital in the world and, in spite of its name which means Smoky Bay, is called the smoke-free city thanks to the wind that blows incessantly and use of geothermal energy. Reykjavik has all the infrastructure of a modern European city, as well as an interesting old town and very white wooden buildings and rows of brightly colored concrete houses. Almost everything that is of interest is within walking distance from the old allocation.
Old Town, the center of the city, is a rustic area with grassy parks, lakes, markets and museums. Anyone who is even remotely interested in the Icelandic and Norwegian culture should visit the National Museum, which houses objects of sacred and popular addition to tools from the period of colonization. The most famous object is the portal of a church carved around 1200, depicting a battle scene Norwegian, while the ground floor there are agricultural tools and nautical models of the first fishing boats and ingenious tools for working on farms. Immediately behind the museum is the Árni Magnússon Institute, a must for lovers of manuscripts. The building contains a famous collection of volumes, including the Landnámabók and Njáls Saga, that were returned from Denmark to Iceland after independence.
The modern Reykjavik extends to the east of the old town and has several attractions such as the Hallgrímskirkja, an imposing church that looks like a mountain of basaltic lava. While not particularly beautiful, it is still one of the most characteristic of the city. Construction began at the end of the 40s of the twentieth century and was finished in 1974. The name comes from the most famous Icelandic poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. You can visit the austere and bright inside and then take an elevator to reach the summit of the tower, 75 meters high, from which you have a beautiful view of the city.
On the lawn is a statue of Leif Eriksson, triumphantly called Son of Iceland, discoverer of Vinland identified with Newfoundland or Labrador. Another uninviting looking place is the Volcano Show. Again, do not be discouraged by appearances: this theater offers the unique chance to see the volcanic nightmare under or over who are living Icelanders. Here you can see the dramatic images of some of the largest eruptions of the country, including the award-winning film about the birth of the island of Surtsey, which emerged from the sea during an eruption in 1963. There are also pleasant botanical gardens, a popular recreational park and a number of museums dedicated to the works of the leading Icelandic artists.
The accommodation, restaurants and shops are located in the old city budget or in its immediate vicinity to the east. As for the entertainment you can go to the movies films are in original language with subtitles in Icelandic, or watch cultural performances theater, opera, classical music and dance and light shows sagas, whimsical reenactments of colonization and Viking Age. The runtur is a kind of institution in this city: means turning to the most fashionable bars, clubs where concerts and discos, to be sure not to miss something important.
The most visited tourist attractions in Iceland are both located in the south-central part of the island. Gullfoss is a waterfall at two levels very scenic and when the sun shines which is rare you can see the rainbow. The place had to be sold to international contractors for hydroelectric power, but was then bought by the government that has made it a national monument. Nearby is Haukadalur, once one of the great centers of learning of Southern Iceland.
Immediately east of Gullfoss Geysir is located, the area that contains the best geysers in the country. The main attraction is the Great Geysir which began its activities in the fourteenth century to cease at the beginning of the twentieth century, after thousands of tourists had tried to choke him throwing in stones and earth. Fortunately survives the nearby Strokkur, whose jets reach 20 meters, have a frequency of 3 minutes, but the photographers have to be quick because they last only a few seconds. Around the site there are other hot springs, warm streams, psychedelic algae and mineral deposits.
Myvatn in the northeast of Iceland, is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Most of these places has volcanic or geothermal features, but the gem of the reserve is a beautiful blue lake populated by a variety of birds. In addition, thanks to its unique location, protected by a huge glacier, the reserve has a climate among the best of Iceland. Travelers can relax and spend a week here camping, or make excursions to the National Park of Jökulsárgljúfur, the caves of ice Kverkfjöll, the Askja caldera or crater Hverfell.
The best time to visit Iceland is from May to September the months of daylight. The island, though you will find just below the Arctic Circle, is washed by the Gulf Stream that help mitigate the climate, which in reality is never as cold as you might expect. The nearby Greenland, which you can reach in one of the many organized tours on the island in less than an hour by air, it is much colder.
The influx of tourists has increased in the period July-August to coincide with the period of greatest light. In this period the prices of car rentals and accommodation also double because the island has a limited capacity of beds. If you do not plan to travel in a tent, book last minute in the months of July-August, or just buy the ticket and then think about finding the nights on the road is crazy, at that time everything is already full and therefore should not even thinking about it. Something different for another period where you can safely travel and day-to-day decide where to stop.
A lot of times both as a favorable climate as prices are June and September. If, like us, want to go to the high turnout the advice is to book well in advance. In this way, you can travel in high season at lower prices. The main national holiday is Independence Day (June 17), characterized by lively parades, concerts and dancing in the streets, outdoor theater and various entertainment.
Other holidays are national in character: Sjómannadagurinn first week of June, dedicated to the sailors, during which participants will compete in swimming races, tug of war and rescue at sea; Midsummer (June 24) - according to tradition the dew of Midsummer Night possesses magical healing powers and who can heal it rolls from 19 different ailments; Sumardagurinn Fyrsti third Thursday in April, a festival-style carnival that celebrates the first day of summer well in advance.
Local festivals, Pjódhátí Vestmannaeyjar, in August, Vestmannaeyjar, is a wild party with immense bonfire, outdoor camping, dancing, singing, eating and solemn booze. In other parts of Iceland's party Verslunarmannahelgi also in August is celebrated with barbecue, horse racing, camping, family gatherings and large consumption of alcohol.
On August 31 of each year, someone pulls the brakes and the car slowly stops the Icelandic tourism. Hotels close, as well as youth hostels and campsites, and buses suspend the service. Many tourists who travel to the end of the summer are disappointed by the fact that many attractions are virtually inaccessible already September 15 and two weeks later the whole country seems to have gone into hibernation. Probably the situation will change in the coming years, but for now it is best to plan your trip keeping in mind this data.
On rugged territory of Iceland has resulted in a culture independent, created over the centuries by the descendants of farmers and warriors who fled the tyrannical medieval Scandinavia. The flight into a new country to be colonized led to the construction of solids settlements and farms, and the emergence of a rich literary tradition dominated by the sagas reports of fights, battles, heroic deeds and occupations which are considered the most valuable works of the whole Western medieval tradition.
Iceland has also made an important contribution to modern literature and Halldór Laxness, the best known Icelandic writer, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. Traditional music cowboy songs and chants tearful - remains popular, while an extraordinary international success had the Sugarcubes and the unpredictable former lead singer of the group, Björk. Though Iceland is officially Christian, the ancient Scandinavian religion called Ásatrú is is spreading not only as a novelty, but as a sect officially recognized.
The Icelandic Ásatrú was revived in the 1970s by a sheep farmer: it is a cult that focuses on the forces of nature and harmony of nature represented by the ancient gods. traditional Icelandic food is not as bad as you might thinking, and some recipes are very tasty. The one glaring exception is the hákarl, rotten shark meat buried held up to six months for it to be decomposed enough. Are slightly better l hrútspungur ', ram's testicles required to swim in the whey and then pressed to form a cake, and the devel, sheep's head complete with eyes burned, sawed in half, boiled and eaten fresh or pickled.
You can also try the slátur, a mixture of sheep offal stuffed into a casing and then boiled. There are also dishes less bizarre hardfiskur haddock, bleikja char, lundi puffin, and if you are not averse to eating, fat steaks and whale and seal meat. The specialty is the Icelandic skyr, a product similar to yoghurt made from pasteurized milk and bacteria. Coffee is a national institution, while beer, wine and spirits are expensive. The drink is the traditional Icelandic 'brennivín', a kind of spirits from potatoes and flavored with caraway.
The first inhabitants of Iceland were Irish monks, who regarded the island as a country retreat until the beginning of the ninth century, when the first settlers came from Norway. Then started the era of colonization (870-930), during which the political struggles that tore the Scandinavian Peninsula forced many to flee. The new inhabitants of Iceland opted for a system of parliamentary government. Were also set up a district and the Althing National Assembly and was put in place a civil code. Iceland became Christian in 999, and this created a semblance of national unity in a period of internal strife.
The country experienced a great flowering in the next century, with a few internal problems and a prosperous agrarian economy. Iceland became a starting point for exploration of the North Atlantic: Erik the Red, the son of an exiled Norwegian, grew up in Iceland and colonized Greenland in 982. The Icelandic son Erik, Leif Eriksson, is commonly regarded as the first European to explore the coast of North America that he called the Vinland the Good. One of the most reliable Icelandic sagas, however, suggests that Leif Eriksson has heard of Vinland from another Icelandic, Bjarni Herjolfsson, who had spotted 14 years before.
Whatever the truth is, these shipments constituted the material of one of the great flowering of literature in Europe. literary tradition The first to emerge was poetry, usually of heroic argument, which, however, lost its importance during the Age of Legends, by the end of the twelfth century to the end of the thirteenth century, when they were recorded and disseminated epics based on the dramatic accounts of early appropriations and the tale of romantic adventures and disputes.
This material gave a kind of cultural homogeneity, the Icelanders, providing the topic for fascinating adventures to tell in the long and cold winter nights. beginning of the thirteenth century, the period of peace that lasted for about 200 years was over. The country entered the infamous era of Sturlunga turbulent period of political violence and deceit.
Taking advantage of the favorable opportunity, the Norwegian king Hákon Hákonarson invaded the country and Iceland became a province of Norway to plunder at will. To aggravate the situation further thought about the Hekla volcano, which erupted in 1300, in 1341 and in 1389, causing death and destruction. Even recurring epidemics ravaged the country and the Black Death that struck Norway in 1349 reduced considerably trades and supplies.
At the end of the fourteenth century, Iceland came under Danish rule. Disputes between church and state led to the reform of 1550 and the predominance of Lutheranism as a religious doctrine. Over the next two centuries Iceland was sacked by the Danes of prey, threatened by pirates international and subject to an increasing number of natural disasters. Danish control lasted until 1874, when Iceland drew up a draft constitution and could begin to manage internal issues.
The Danish sovereignty ceased in 1918 and Iceland became an independent country within the Kingdom of Denmark, Copenhagen but maintained control of the defense and foreign affairs. In 1940, however, when Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, Iceland realized that the Danish kingdom could not continue to control the affairs of the country and, a year later, he asked the independence, which he obtained on June 17, 1944 . After the occupation of Denmark and the declaration of national sovereignty by Iceland, the defense of the island began to worry that the Allied forces they sent to British and U.S. troops. The Americans are still present on the island, in spite of the many Icelanders who would like to see them go.
Helgafell the sacred mountain is so present in the history and literature of Iceland. It is a high hill just 73 meters, but in return retains part of its magical aura: who, while the scale, follow a few simple rules will grant three wishes. First, you have to go up the southwest slope to the ruins of the temple without speaking or looking back. Second, the wishes must have noble intentions and must be made by an innocent heart. Finally, it must descend from the eastern slope and not tell anyone what you want. Helgafell is located 5 km south of Stykkisholmur, west-central in Iceland.
Kerlingarskar The name means step which according to legend, this strange place was inhabited by a female troll until it was transformed into a stone pillar at the foot of Kerlingarfjoll, the mountain that forms the eastern side of the pass. Nearby is a lake, where it is believed that the witch pescasse. In the nineteenth century, a local resident said he saw huge footprints that led to water and have also been some reports of sightings of mysterious creatures like Loch Ness. For the daring, you can camp and explore the lake, but the weather is often thankless. Buses from Reykjavik to Stykkishólmur through this step.
A part of the island of Grimsey, 41 km north of Iceland, is the only portion of the Icelandic territory within the Arctic Circle. In addition to the charm of this magical line on the paper, the main reason to visit Grimsey is to admire the cliffs in some places reaches 100 meters in height, forming a perfect place for the colonies of birds that nest here. The island is also the home of the most passionate chess players Icelandic, and in the past many games have ended in a tragic dip in the sea of losers from the high cliffs of the island. The enthusiasm for the game has been resized, but if someone asks you to play a game you should not take it too lightly.
The immense caldera of Askja (50 sq km) is a remote and lonely place like many others in Iceland. Cold, windy and prohibitive, provides ample proof of the creative power of nature. The cataclysm that gave rise to the caldera occurred in 1875, when the fragments erupted from the volcano reached up to Continental Europe. The activity continued for the next 30 years, culminating in another massive collapse of the land surface.
This new depression was filled with water and then forming a lake which, with its 217 m, is the deepest lake in Iceland. Although the lake, a deep blue color, remains frozen most of the year, a smaller crater and the most recently formed inside it is still warm and ideal for swimming. Askja in Iceland is central and can be reached by a jeep or participating in an organized tour.
The National Park of Jökulsárgljúfur the name means gully of the frozen river is the most recent reserve established in Iceland. Sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Iceland, the park has the largest gorge in the country, lush vegetation, bizarre rock formations and caves, the steep valley Ásbyrgi and myriad waterfalls. Among other attractions there are the rocks with the echo, Hlió akletter, the green and beautiful sources, and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The park is located east of Húsavík, north-east in Iceland.
Iceland is one of the most coveted and desired by photographers around the world: a primordial nature, breathtaking views, ice and fire come together in unusual shapes and colors as much as they are spectacular.
In Iceland the Blue Lagoon that lies to the north of the island is much more intimate and its unique selling point is you have no idea what it means to enjoy this beautiful location in the midst of the aurora borealis. A trip to Iceland is not complete without a day at the Blue Lagoon, located about fifty kilometers from Reykjavik.
The famous Blue Lagoon is only approx 30 min from Reykjavik and 15 min from Keflavik airport where nature and science merge to load you with energy and wellbeing with their unique natural ingredients geothermal marine water, minerals, silica and algae. It is a unique wonder in Iceland. The lake is formed by geothermal water with temperature ranging from 37 to 39 ° C, the color of which is blue and milky due to the presence of Cyanobacteria, algae with large cosmetic and healing properties.
The treatments are carried out not only in the clinic, even directly into the lagoon, floating on special mattresses for an amazing effect. The lagoon itself, with its blue water situated in the middle of a black lava field, a waterfall, three different kinds of saunas, the presence of the precious mud spread on him, offering a truly memorable and unique experience.
This alga, combined with minerals and mud silicate white of the lagoon helps regenerate skin leaving it radiant and smooth. Next to the tank's natural Blue Lagoon , you can take advantage of a center with sauna, possibility of silicate mud treatments and massages. The Blue Lagoon is formed inside the volcanic eruption arisen as a result of over 800 years ago, the reservoir is filled with six million liters of water naturally warm, mineral rich.
The spa pool is huge, criss crossed by bridges, set in a desolate landscape of lava fields. The water really is turquoise color, which contrasts with the gray of the sky and the green-brown moss that covers the black lava. It has a temperature of about 40 degrees and is very pleasant and relaxing stay there to float, while maybe you rains in the head and you smear handfuls of silicon paste on the face, which they say makes the skin soft and smooth.
But as soon as you open your eyes and you turn on the wrong side, instead of the black and brown lava fields catches your eye the gray of an industrial building and the white clouds of steam which rise from long chimney towers: the geothermal power plant Svartsengi . In fact, the blue waters of the lagoon does not come directly from the underground but the discharge of the plant. The water is channeled from underground, near a deposit of molten lava, and used to turn turbines that produce electricity.
The boiling water and steam are channeled into a heat exchanger which feeds the municipal heating system. It works almost everywhere in Iceland: it exploits the geothermal energy to provide hot water to the inhabitants for heating and bathing. In the vast majority of homes Icelandic not exist boilers for heating, is not burned oil or gas, there are no unsightly chimneys, and especially in the country air pollution is very low. At the end of this process, the water, now cooled to about 40 degrees, is entered in the spa pool.
The spa is well organized, of course, spotless. Icelanders have a very strict hygienic code for all of their pools because the water never gets disinfected with chlorine or other chemicals. Everyone must take a full shower before entering the pool. Complete and unabridged naked, without even a swimsuit.
In the changing room of the swimming pools there are servers that control the tourists and explain what is the right procedure to follow and if the attendant is distracted, will be one of your fellow shower in some way to explain how to behave, perhaps taking the situation and Crouching chest of the costume. There are openings for the tub, but at least there is a waterfall that to stay there under the same effect. And there's a nice sauna. Are arranged along the edges of the buckets from which you can withdraw from acidic slather the cream on the skin.
Go back to Reykjavik and get ready for another winter night on this extraordinary island in the midst of the aurora borealis.