Iceland |
| Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00 |
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Feel the romance of Iceland and cross this beautiful country and all its regions. Iceland is situated in the north Atlantic, just south of the northern Arctic Circle. The island covers an area of 64,000 square miles and
about 12% of the island is glacial. The climate is relatively cool, in summer temperatures barely rise above 60°F, so don’t forget a warm coat and some good shoes. Once you are well-equipped Iceland is a stunning place to simply drive around and let the countryside take your breath away. If you’re lucky a polar fox might cross your way or you might see a reindeer chewing thoughtfully on some moss in the eastern highlands. The most characteristic animal is the Icelandic horse, a robust, small horse bred especially as a heavy duty workhorse. Taking a car along the fjord-lined coast, keep a watch out for whales that frequent the fishy Icelandic waters, such as the humpback whale, the finback, and of course the blue whale. Should you start your itinerary in the east, you will encounter some stunning landscapes. The area is sparsely populated, the main town on the eastern fjords, Egilsstadir, is also the only town here. It is, however, definitely a great place to visit, where you can witness natural wonders like floating icebergs. Going northeast you get to Lake Mýcatn, formed 3,800 years ago, and the Dettifoss water falls, at 144 ft the highest in Europe. Driving towards Kverkfjöll you pass Iceland’s highlands, a unique mountainous region pitted with ice caves. One of the best trails on the island is the Kjölur highland road, an inland passage through the highlands. You should plan on needing at least 5 hours to complete the trail. Iceland’s south is a definite must-go on your round trip, as it contains the country’s most famous sights. The fantastic geysers like the Strokkur spit water and steam in 10 minute intervals, a natural phenomenon that is completely unique. Other worthy destinations in the south are the Gullfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, and the Black Beach in the village of Vik, which is easy to reach by car, and the marvellous beach along the cliffs make it worth your time. If you feel like seeing some crowds pay a visit to Reykjavik. The island’s capital has an overwhelming population of 188,000, making up almost two thirds of the overall Icelandic population. The town has a surprisingly large selection of cultural and other entertainment facilities and should not be missed. Iceland offers just the right mix of mystical natural beauty, tranquillity, folksy culture, and friendliness that make a holiday perfect. This is one trip you will not regret! |
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