It`s interesting how some
destinations are unattractive to most people we know, even they don`t know much about them. Simply, they
are not on their mind, they are not in their focus. Is it the influence of mass
media and majority, which are tightly linked to specific destinations installed
in peoples head by someone else? Well, it is very much possible. I have faced with
such reasoning of the majority, when I told people about my plans to visit
Iceland. The reactions were incredible, from: "why there, what`s there?", "you're crazy" ( in a positive sense ), "you're
really mad”, to: "You`ll freeze your balls off there"... Well,
there`s been positive comments. Mostly from people who know how much I love to
explore unusual places. Iceland is just such a place. Unusual, like some other
planet, something you are not ready for, eyes simply aren`t accustomed to
such scenery. I know that many hard-core travelers would disagree with the
title of this post, it sounds too fancy – like some commercial, but there is
no better description for this incredible country. Fire + Ice = Iceland, the
end.
Believe it or not, In the last
ten years Iceland has become very attractive destination for visitors who
prefer active holidays. There`s a large
number of Americans, Germans, Brits, Spanish people, Chinese and others
during " high season ", from the beginning of July until the second
half of August. All come for the incredible landscapes, volcanoes,
waterfalls, geysers, glacier, geothermal fields, baths with thermal water
in a natural environment... Iceland is the youngest geological mass on Earth,
which is constantly changing, maturing. Figuratively speaking, Iceland is a
baby compared to other continents on Earth. Located at the junction of two
geotectonic plates, the North American and Eurasian. This literally means
that Iceland is partially located in America, but with larger part in Europe. Island
is part of the Middle Atlantic ridge that extends from the Arctic to the
Antarctic .
Geologic rift between the North American plate and the Eurasian
plate
With over 130 active volcanoes
and 30 volcanic systems, Iceland is a paradise for volcanologists, but also a
constant threat to airline traffic in the northern hemisphere. Famous
Eyjafjallajökull volcano caused the biggest interruption of air traffic in
Europe since World War II, throwing huge amounts of ash in the air, in April
2010.
Volcanic systems in Iceland
During your landing on Iceland,
you`ll see how unusual and unique this island can be. It looks like landing on
some other planet. Maybe that's the
reason why many of Hollywood SF movies are filmed here. The island has much to
offer, it all depends on how much time you have available. The main advice for
all: Rent a car and get ready for a lot of driving! It is possible to visit the
island by bus (" Stern " carrier), but the car gives you much more
flexibility. Incredible scenery, nice little towns, horses walk freely across
the wide areas, you will be constantly forced to stop your car and enjoy the
scenery. Island is considered as one of the best destinations for photographing
in the world.
Lake Klefarvatn near Rejkavik
Almost all tours around Iceland
begin landing at Keflavik International Airport, 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Reykjanes
Peninsula is the most populated area of
Iceland with a pleasant climate compared to the rest of the island. It is known
for its geothermal springs which can be found at every turn. Reykjavik,
translated from Icelandic – Smoky bay, is the northernmost capital of the
world, with about 120,000 inhabitants (around 205,000 in metro area). City of
interesting architecture, unusual atmosphere, creative people and crazy
nightlife! All that reminds me on stories from Pedro Almodovar movies, but the
Norse, Viking way. It`s enough to say that their mayor, a comedian by
profession and a former punker, won the elections with a promise to enable funny life in the city, free towels at the
baths and polar bear at the zoo. One of
the unusual attraction of the city is Phallological Museum, probably the unique
one in the world. There you can see "pride" of various animals,
even replicas of "tools" of some famous Icelanders. Reykjavik is
usually a quiet town, but on Friday night everything changes and creates a
madhouse, the boiling atmosphere. Almost the whole city is one big party that
takes place at numerous clubs and pubs along Laugavegur Street, the center of
all happenings in Reykjavik. Wild party runs until morning, closing time in
all clubs is at 5, when party continues for few more hours on streets and
squares. The same is repeated on Saturday. It`s quiet during the working days and then again follows the madness. I`m telling
you, ice and fire, that`s Reykavik, that`s
Iceland.
Reykjavik
Here are some recommendations what can be seen in Reykjavik:
• Hallgrimskirkja Church, one of the symbols of the city
• Walk along the coast, especially at dusk
• Harpa concert hall
• Perlan viewpoint
• Hofdi house
• Try the famous hot dog. Served with special supplement of caramelized
onion!
• Visit museums
• In the City Hall you can see the relief map of Iceland
• Visit the old port and maritime museum
• Boating and observing whales, dolphins and puffins
Skolavordustigur, favorite street of locals and
Hallgrimskirkja
Usually, Reykjavik is the starting
point of the tour of Iceland, the best introduction to the incredible
attractions of the island. In the next post you can see stories about "
Golden Circle ", Reykjanes tour, famous " Blue Lagoon ", gravel road experience and much more.
To be continued...
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