Iceland, “Country of ice and fire,” is the country of amazing contrasts and incredible beauty, created by the forces of nature and inhabited by a peaceful and civilized people.And the capital Reykjavik is the northernmost in the world and at the same time the cleanest. & Nbsp;
Iceland is an island country, bathed by the waters of the Altatic Ocean and located where Europe meets America, geologically speaking.At the same time, Iceland is also the youngest country in the world built in the play of fire and water, volcanoes and geysers.
About
Best period
- Vremea este plăcută în peste 0% din teritoriul Islanda pe parcursul întregului an
- Cele mai bune luni pentru a merge în Reykjavík sunt lunile Iulie și August
- În medie, cele mai calde luni din Reykjavik sunt lunile Iulie și August, iar luna cea mai rece a anului este luna Decembrie
Tourist Attractions
While planning your time in Iceland, reserve an evening for a concert at Magnifica Harpa, the main concert hall in Reykjavik.If time or performance hours do not match your schedule, plan to pass at least here to admire the award -winning architecture of the building.The night is one of the best moments to see the range of colored lights that emanate from this honeycomb -shaped structure.Enjoy dinner at one of Harpa's two restaurants and go for a walk outside the water of the water after the show.The gift shop is a wonderful place to buy unique souvenirs, many made by local artists. N Nadress: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik
Regardless of what period of the year you intend to travel to Iceland, the observation of whales takes place throughout the year, although summer is the most popular period to see these giant gentle.In the warmer months, the trips take day and night, including watching the whales at the midnight sun.The best, the surface often takes place right next to the boats, so you may enjoy a place near the ring for one of the most amazing shows of nature. There are other trips on the ocean, such as observing birds and visits to the islands.The tours are convenient, because there are several types available and leave the old port in Reykjavik.Stop for a fresh code dinner after you return to one of the many small, rustic restaurants located in the port area.
In the south of the country, the Vatajökull National Park is a magnificent ice and ice caves that attract adventurers from all over the globe.This vast national park (one of the three in Iceland) is divided into four sections and consists of the Vatajökull glacier and its surroundings.Those in Skaftafell Ice Cave and Höfn are open throughout the year, while Skriðuklaustur and Jökulsárgljúfur are closed in winter.The best time to visit the Skaftafell ice cave is in winter, after the heavy rains have washed the upper layer of the glacier.Group visits in all areas can be arranged outside the season.If you are in a good form, you can think of making a glacial trip with an experienced guide.Treks put you on the ice for an unforgettable experience to see glacial cracks and caves and even drink fresh water from the small basins on the surface.
Iceland has a fascinating history of the Vikings that have settled on the island and folklore that involve trolls and other creatures that influence culture today.One of the most interesting ways to learn about the varied tentacles of Icelandic culture is to visit some of its museums.Some of them are apparently mainstream, while others, sometimes found outside the beaten roads, explore a few quite unusual discoveries. N in Reykjavik, the National Museum of Iceland is a good place to explore history and Icelandic settlements.The Saga Museum also offers a perspective on the Vikings inheritance, with natural size replicas of the first colonists, offering a beautiful history lesson before you venture into some of the other types of museums.The Open Air Museum (within the Reykjavik City Museum) is another experience that is worth trying, because you see more than 20 buildings that form a small early settlement village.Exhibitions that detail the northern settlement.The small museum presents a collection of over 300 copies of preserved birds representing over 180 species and an extensive collection of eggs.The Westfjords Supid Museum is a strange stop to enjoy a large collection of random objects, from sugar cubes to police hats that came from forces around the world. To those who are interested in a deep dive in the history of Icelandic folkHólmavík.This museum offers a perspective on some of the stories and history on which Icelandic beliefs are based.This can be a difficult visit to some, and parents should give them a preview before taking their children inside.
While Iceland has some amazing beaches, the Reynisfjara black sandy beach on the southern coast of the country has a look of another world.This unique beach is known for the black sand and the high rock stacks that come out of the often ferocious waves coming from the Atlantic Ocean.The lighting of this beach is added to its contrasting allure, which is why it is a mandatory visit to anyone who likes photography.The legend of Iceland says that the rocky stacks in the basalt were once winning trays navigators during the night and turned into stone during the sunrise.2.5 hours to the beach is easy from Reykjavik, or you can take a guided trip along the south coast, which includes it as a stop, if you want to spend more time in some of the other features on that part of the island.
The country of fire and ice has so many interesting natural elements that visiting is an interesting science lesson about how volcanoes work.One way to find out is by visiting the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel in southwestern Iceland. In 4,461 feet, it is one of the longest lava tubes in the country.You can take a guided tour to the cave to get closer to the amazing lava rock formations and the colored walls that have formed under the ground.These tunnels were formed as the flowing magma strengthened and thickened, creating a crust roof that resulted in a lava tube.It is only half an hour from Reykjavik and you can visit all year long.If you visit winter, plan to wear additional layers and resistant boots for ice and moisture conditions.
A modernist Reykjavik modernist icon, this visual amazing church is one of the top attractions of the city, and when you see it, you will understand why.Hallgrimskirkja is the highest and most recognized building in the country.A climb to the tip of the 73 -meter tower is particularly satisfied.Here, you will be treated with spectacular views on the city and the surrounding landscape. In the front of the church there is a statue of the Ieslandic Leifur Eiriksson ("Laif the Lucky"), the first European to discover America around 1000 AD.It seems to have defeated Cristofor Columbus for about 500 years.For a small fee, you can take the elevator up and get the best panoramic view of Reykjavik.
To the south of Landmannalaugar is the Park of the Myrdalsjökull glacier, which for safety reasons can only be visited in the summer.Large amounts of rain soaks the area, especially in winter, when roads can be severely damaged.The Maelifell volcano is the undeniable jewel of the crown of this wild and injured glacial landscape. In the perfect form of the cone gives Maelifelll the appearance of a classic volcano, however, during the hot season, a luxurious green cover gives it a surrealist appearance.The park is full of volcanoes, thermal springs and other remarkable sites.West by Myrdalsjökull is a smaller glacier, Eyjafjallajökull (Mount Island's Glag).A popular and thrilling way to explore is with the snowmobile.
30 minutes by car east of Reykjavik, you will reach Mount Esja in Kjalarnes.The mountain is 914 meters high and is very popular among the hikers.Even for inexperienced climbers, it is a relatively easy trip.There are wonderful views of Reykjavik and the landscape and the surrounding ocean. You can go through more routes to the top, depending on the energy level and how long you have.You can reach the main starting point from Mount Esja with a 10 -minute trip by bus with public transport leaving Hlemmur Main Station to Artun.Check the ora and bus hours before the visit.
While Iceland is full of natural miracles, one of the most spectacular is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.You will walk with a boat through large pieces of ice that have separated from the glacier.Assist in the blue hue of the formations of glacial caves and birds that fly above in this natural environment.The tour also includes visits to two beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views of the mountains and glacial rivers along the south coast.
The best way to start your trip to Iceland is to visit the tourist attractions in the capital Reykjavik.This is an accessible city on foot, with many museums, restaurants, attractions, public art and entertainment.You will be glad to walk up and down on the streets of the city and you may stop in one of the many artistic and boutique stores to buy a wool or lava ceramic sweater.Try an authentic Icelandic hot dog. In the best of the best resorts in Iceland is in Reykjavik, so you can rely in the city and make a day trips.An extremely popular way to visit the nearby areas is in a whole day tour on the south coast with the minibus in Reykjavik.
One of the popular thing to do and one of the most adventurous ways to experience Iceland is on the back of an ATV, the hiking on the rugged lava fields, riding the latent volcanoes and the passage near the pastures with wild Icelandic ponies.Tours like the ATV Quad Tour Tour two hours from Reykjavik allows you to experience the off-road adventure with the ATV without a huge time commitment.Many tours leave Reykjavik, but are available in most regions of the country.
Dettifoss, in the north of the Vatnajökull National Park, is truly an amazing example of the gross power of nature.With a depth of 45 meters and a width of 100 meters, it is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe.Along the lightweight paths from dettifoss, Selfoss is a smaller waterfall about one kilometer upstream, with a fall of about 10 meters.Under Dettifoss, the Hafaragilsfoss waterfall collapses 27 meters in a steep canyon.It is more advisable to drive than on foot to Hafragilsfoss.
Initially, the gigantic place of thermal water tank in the city, "Perlan", as it is known locally, is one of the emblematic buildings in Reykjavik.It occupies an enviable location on Öskjuhlíð Hill, where there are over 176,000 trees.The observer offers amazing views on the city.Also, on the spot is a rotary restaurant, as well as gastronomic and souvenirs.The deck of observation is a real pampering.The new planetary is spectacular, with a virtual trip to Iceland, with the natural elements of the country.
Aurora Boreala, or Aurora Boreala, are among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.This is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. In the water is related to the solar wind, a flow of ions that radiate from the sun.These particles become trapped in the magnetic field of the Earth and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing energy explosions, which appear as large circles around the poles.This spectacular spectacle of natural light is best admired in distant places and is particularly impressive during periods of increased solar activity.for a short time window.For one of the most optimal opportunities to experience Aurora borealis, you can take a tour like the Northern Lights night tour in Reykjavik, which takes you to the distant rural area for the best chance of seeing this natural miracle.
In the south of Iceland, 180 kilometers from Reykjavik, is the Landmannalăugar National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.The main features of this mystical landscape are the riolite mountains with several shades, the Hekla volcano and the extended lava fields.You can visit from June to the end of September, after which the road is closed.A mountain cabin (Landmannal Hut) with basic facilities can accommodate 75 people.Expect your cruel nature, rugged landscapes and completely spectacular views.
Just over an hour by car to the east of Akureyri is Myvatn, in northern Iceland.He is a district of lakes famous for his wealth of birds, the rich fauna and the large deep water.It is estimated that the area was formed about 2,500 years ago by a giant lava rash.The picturesque characteristics of Myvatn is the roots without roots formed by the volcanic eruption.While the forms of relief resemble craters, they did not have a lava flow, but the volcanic activity led to their creation, adding an amazing and unique appearance around the lake.The area is also a paradise of bird observers.
The magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall is about 90 minutes west of Reykjavik and is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.The Hvítá river collapses in a canyon, which forms three-step terraces, creating a strong torrent.Gullfoss comprises two waterfalls;The upper one descends 11 meters, while the bottom falls in the waterfall about 21 meters. In the gullfoss flower flows with an average speed of 109 cubic meters per second, although the strong floods have registered an amazing rate almost twenty times higher than the one.A word of warning: there are no rails or barriers, but only a show that ants the spine to enjoy in the middle of the surroundings, as nature wanted.
Just 40 minutes driving by Reykjavík, the blue lagoon, the most emblematic of the geothermal spa resorts, is a mandatory tourist attraction.Here you will find a natural bath in pale blue water in the shade of a power plant. In no whole Blue Lagoon industry has grown around this attraction since it became a success among locals in 1976. The water in the underground thermal springs reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius and it is said to be extremely beneficial for both health and Icenda.Understand, don't get rid of theory.In addition to bathing in a single frame, there is a store that sells skin care products, a wide range of spa treatments and places to eat and drink.Do not visit Iceland without coming here. Infrect a natural mask in minerals from one of the falls on the edge of the lagoon.For a supreme relaxing visit, you can stay at one of the two hotels at Blue Lagoon and you can add a day to Retreat SPA.lead.Back with the bus to the hotel.
In the northern region of the Vatnagaökull National Park, Caldera Askja and the geothermal pool in the Dyngjufjöll mountains are not for the weak heart.However, if you want to say that you have taken a bath in a living volcano, then this is for you. N Nickja has an impressive 50-square-kilometer size.The surrounding mountain chain formed during the volcanic activity, and Askja was partially created by a burning ash eruption that collapsed the roof of the magma chamber of the central volcano.A word of warning, the banks can be very slippery, especially in wet weather.
About 2.5 hours with the northwest car of Reykjavik is the small city of Grundarfjördur, a charming village of fishermen located centrally on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.The city is located in a picturesque fjord, surrounded by mountains, with Mount Kirkjufell, which is profiled as a striking landmark.In winter, Kirkjufell is a great place to watch the amazing Aurora borealis.The Eybygga Heritage Center organizes exhibitions on the history of navigation in Grundarfjördur and is the information center for the entire peninsula.
In the north of the country, Akureyri is in the middle of the mountains, on the longest fjord in Iceland, about 40 kilometers south of the Polar Circle.With a population of about 18,000 inhabitants, the landscape and culture of Akureyri make one of the best cities in Iceland.Summer days occasionally reach 25 degrees Celsius and, although winters bring abundant snow and cold weather, the calm and unwavering weather predominates.The ski area is the best in the country.The points of interest include the Akureyri Museum and the impressive aviation museum at Akureyri Airport.
At 50 -minute drive by Reykjavik, Strokkur Geysir (after which all the geysers are called) is the most popular well -fountain in the country and is famous worldwide.This area with extremely active thermal springs is located in the southwest of Iceland, near the Hvítá river and is a favorite stop along what is known as the Golden Circle.Every few minutes, Strokkur throws water 30 meters in the air.Visit the Geysir center for information and informative presentations throughout the year.Also, visitors can help a cook to boil eggs in a hot spring to accompany the bread.A popular day trip to the area is the classic one -day Golden Circle trip from Reykjavik, which has more stops and can make sure you get the emblematic photo of your trip.
