Iceland Vacation – a Different European Holiday
Touring Iceland – Sightseeing in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Aug 8, 2009
The Nordic country of Iceland is located close to the Arctic Circle, meaning the summer months boast 24 hours daylight. The first experience of this can be unsettling as the human body clock struggles to adjust to the bright sunlight beaming through the window at 2am, but with the help of an eye mask it soon becomes the norm.
Getting Around Iceland
In a country without railways and very limited public transport, hiring a car is the only way to get around. Route 1 is a ring road looping 832 miles around the perimeter of the island. The ringroad is mainly paved, however with single lane bridges, blind bends and blind hills drivers must be cautious and stay alert. The only stretch of multi-lane motorway is through Reykavik itself.
Sticking to the ring road is easy driving and gives spectacular views, however, getting off the beaten track is an experience not to be missed. Driving on the gravel roads can be quite daunting at first, trying to avoid not only the endless potholes, but also the numerous sheep grazing at the side of the road.
The F-roads are mountain passes, these should only be attempted in a high-clearance 4 wheel drive car. Many F-roads (particularly through the interior of Iceland) involve crossing deep, fast-flowing fjords. Hire companies have strict rules about which roads their cars are insured on.
Iceland’s Geology – Mountains to Volcanoes
Iceland is a geologist’s dream with active volcanoes bubbling away under icecaps, giving the country its reputation for being a nation of fire and ice. Combined they produce a spectacular mix of geothermal and glacial features. From snow-topped mountains to black beaches, virtually every geological feature imaginable can be found in Iceland.
The cause of all the geothermal activity is that Iceland has the dubious honour of being the only country situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This can be seen first hand as visitors are able to stand in the giant rift where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have drifted apart. To emphasise its importance in the geological world, a visit to the village of Geysir is a chance to see Giant Geysir, after which all other geysers in the world are named.
Waterfalls of Iceland
No matter how impressive the vast multitude of geological features, Iceland’s prize possession is its endless waterfalls. From Skogafoss to Svartifoss and Godafoss to Gulfoss, waterfalls come in every possible shape and size imaginable.
No trip to Iceland is complete without a journey to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. 110,000 gallons of water thunder over the drop every second and unlike its American counterpart, Niagara Falls, there are no walls or safety barriers. Standing right on the edge of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls is as close to nature as one can get.
Reykjavik and the Golden CircleLocated in the south-west of Iceland, Reykjavik is the capital city and home to over half of the country’s inhabitants. At 74.5 m tall, Hallgrimskirkja towers above the city, the huge church is the tallest building in Iceland and, in a city with few notable sights, it has come to symbolize Reykjavik.
Few tourists will visit Reykjavik without touring the Golden Circle. The popular tourist route includes stops at three main sights: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Combining tectonic plates, geothermal activity and a waterfall, the Golden Circle epitomizes Iceland.
A popular day trip from Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon. The country’s top tourist attraction is probably the only place in the world anyone would consider paying in excess of £20 ($30) to swim in the waste water of a geothermal power plant.
For the younger generation, Reykjavik has an up and coming nightlife. Many of the pubs and clubs stay open and serve alcohol past 4am. Despite the popular drinking culture, the city has a friendly, relaxed feel that is missing from many European cities. Locals and tourists happily mix together, moving between bars as revellers partake in the traditional runtur (pub crawl).
Visiting Iceland – a New Type of Vacation
One of the main deterrents of visiting Iceland has always been the cost. Despite affordable air fares, the cost of food, car hire, petrol and alcohol have put many holiday makers off. However, following the recent collapse of the Icelandic economy, the country has now become one of the more affordable places in Europe.
The friendly people and laid back culture make Iceland a top destination for escaping the rat race. Whilst the breathtaking scenery is responsible for Iceland fast becoming a major tourist destination.
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