How to vacation in Iceland – Nature, Culture, Adventure!
A vacation in Iceland is filled with adventure, mysticism, culture, and natural wonders. A trip to this island of volcanoes and glaciers offers landscapes found nowhere else in the world. Iceland is littered with steep fjords and highland deserts and green valleys that go on for miles. A visit to one of Iceland’s black lava beaches nudging against the North Atlantic is a must-do activity.
Nature lovers will enjoy a vacation in Iceland. Iceland is still a relatively untouched wilderness and it has one of the cleanest environments found anywhere in the world. Icelandic power needs are met by the forces of heat and water and farming is bio-friendly. If you want to learn about the ancient Nordic culture and history Iceland is the place to do it.
Natural history and hiking tours are a great way to vacation in Iceland and there is more to see and do on this island than in most areas of the globe. More than half of Iceland is 400m above sea level. This means that there are some magnificent views of the lava fields, glaciers, lakes and beaches. Hiking the trails is a great way to see Iceland in its natural splendor. Weekend and day tours are easily arranged during the winter and summer months.
A vacation in Iceland is also perfect for bird enthusiasts. There are an abundance of birds on the island. Because of its location so far north the island is home to many winter visitors. Iceland’s long coastline is home to a great number of birds that breed in the cliff areas.
Seabirds are easily spotted on the Westmann Islands. The world’s largest puffin population can be found here. On Lake Myvatn bird lovers will be able to spot the largest breeding duck population in the world. In the south, the world’s biggest Skua colony can be found. Other birds that are found on the island include Arctic terns, eiders and many species of wading birds. If you love birds a vacation in Iceland is second-to-none.
If its rest and relaxation you are looking for, a vacation in Iceland is ideal. There are a number of hot springs and sea-water pools to sample. According to legend these pools were blessed by Iceland’s patron saint Gudmundur the Good and can ease your stress and tension. Illnesses and ailments are apparently healed by bathing in these mystical water-bodies
Literature, language and the well-known Icelandic Sagas are another reason to vacation in Iceland. If you love books and words then Iceland will intrigue you. Did you know that more poets, writers and playwrights from Iceland have been published per capita than in the rest of the world?
The sagas of the old Norse people have been preserved for future generations too and here a tradition of storytelling has lived on. A vacation in Iceland isn’t complete without a visit to one of the museums and galleries on the island.
But there is plenty to see and do for the more adventurous traveler too. A vacation in Iceland offers a variety of adrenalin-based sports for those who want a more active holiday.
When you vacation in Iceland you can try ice climbing, fresh and sea water sports, angling, cycling, skiing, river rafting, and even the Reykjavic Marathon held every year. Forty-five golf courses will keep avid golfers occupied and you can golf all night in Iceland thanks to the illumination of the midnight sun.
There are many ways to enjoy a vacation in Iceland. It is easy to get there from both the United States and the U.K. It’s a great choice for a family vacation and makes an interesting honeymoon choice. If you want an active outdoor holiday then a vacation to Iceland offers plenty of magic and excitement.