Language
Icelandic
Change
Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Area
102 775 km2
Population
362,800 +
Capital city
ReykjavÃk
Religion
Evangelical Lutheran
MY PERSONNAL FAVORITES IN ICELAND
This country is one of my big favorites since I fell in love with its landscapes the moment I set foot on this land of ice and fire. The contrasts are so unimaginable that sometimes I felt like I had just landed on another planet! I love Iceland for so many reasons: the nature, the really friendly locals, the simplistic villages and wide open spaces, the black sand beaches, the cute wild horses, the Nordic architecture, the road trips and that feeling of freedom that I have rarely found elsewhere. If the cost of living wouldn't be so expensive, I think I would sincerely have moved there! It is an oasis for outdoor photographers and one of the places where outdoor enthusiasts can easily fall in love at first sight. Some discover their territory by renting a motorhome and others simply do it by car. One thing is certain, you have to go there at least once in your life, whether for the volcanoes, the glacial lagoons or the natural hot springs.
Unique in its kind, this lagoon thrilled me with its enchanting decor. I remember thinking to myself that I felt like I was in a kingdom of ice and I can swear to you that I had never felt that! At sunset, the pastel shades change from mauve to pink, from light blue to turquoise. Located in the southeast of Iceland, it is one of the icons of this fabulous Nordic country. Whether it is to go and contemplate the floating icebergs, the Vatnajokull glacier (the largest glacier in Europe) or even to photograph the small heads of seals which come out of the water at times, you will find your little pleasure there. With a maximum depth of 248 meters, it is the deepest lake in Iceland. Its area is 18 km² and it takes about 5 hours to get there from ReykjavÃk , the capital of Iceland. The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, which means that it is composed of seawater and freshwater. This is what gives it such a unique color. The lagoon is made up of ice that comes from the glacier and therefore, it gets bigger every year.
The Askja is an interlocking of calderas (a vast circular or elliptical depression which is located in the heart of large volcanic buildings , resulting from an eruption which empties the chamber magma) which stretches over a hundred kilometers in length. The eruption that is responsible for the formation of this calderas took place in 1875. Located in the center-east of the country, it is possible to get there on your own but I strongly recommend taking an excursion with an experienced guide who knows the terrain. It's much safer and the guides are constantly aware of the seismic activity where he is working. It is possible to swim in this lake since the lake is still boiling, the water reaching 25°C. According to some sites, swimming is not recommended because of the presence of carbon dioxide, this which can cause swimmers to faint. On the other hand, all the companies that offer this excursion say the same thing, if you don't stay too long, the risks are low. Since I have a pretty WILD and adventurous spirit, I couldn't resist trying the experience and it was one of the most beautiful of my life. Who can really say to have bathed in the crater of a volcano?
3. Practice ice climbing
There are many places to practice ice climbing in Iceland and it is such an interesting activity to do because before being able to climb a glacier wall, you have to walk on a glacier in order to reach at the desired site. The landscape is once again, incredible to contemplate! You must book with a tourist company so that you are accompanied by a guide who knows the terrain. All companies will provide you with crampons, an ice axe, a helmet and your safety equipment. Bring waterproof and warm clothing, warm hiking boots, mittens, gloves, sunglasses, snacks and your camera or cell phone. You will learn a few tricks while climbing the glacier, such as how to drink from the glacier itself, identify risk areas and of course, you will learn the history of the site where you will be with your guide. Most of the sites are located in the southeast of Iceland. Good news for those on a budget, this is one of the least expensive activities in Iceland (although still expensive).
