Iceland: City of the seafarers
Only the coastal regions of Iceland are inhabited. Probably the best way to enjoy the tourist attractions is to take one of the coach tours arranged all over the island and use the coastal towns as a base. The main fjord areas are in the far northwest and southeast while along the southern coastline are […]
Only the coastal regions of Iceland are inhabited. Probably the best way to enjoy the tourist attractions is to take one of the coach tours arranged all over the island and use the coastal towns as a base. The main fjord areas are in the far northwest and southeast while along the southern coastline are sandy beaches, farmlands, waterfalls and glaciers. The central region consists of spectacular highland plateau, volcanoes, glaciers and mountains. Waterfalls abound in Iceland and, with the many glacial streams and rivers in the country, are among the largest in Europe . Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’ – near Geysir, is one of the prime tourist destinations.
Reykjavík, the caital is the world’s most northerly capital (although Nuuk in Greenland runs a close second). The city was given this name after a geothermal stream and actually means ‘ Smoky Bay ’. It is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs providing it with a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. The city has a wonderful mix of natural beauty and lively sophistication. There are plenty of parks and wild outdoor areas for hiking, walking and exploring, but enough nightlife, shopping and museums to keep the chic city-dweller happy. Reykjavík is a busy city of around 100,000 inhabitants, with a combination of old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. There are many nightclubs, cafes, art galleries and museums as well as numerous bookshops selling books in English, German and Icelandic. Icelanders are said to be among the most prolific readers and writers in the world, and literature plays an important part in Icelandic culture and history. The Icelandic Sagas, the oldest of which was written in AD 930 as a chronicle of Iceland ’s history, are still very much alive in Iceland today. The language used over 1000 years ago in the sagas remains virtually unchanged.
In the South, about 50km outside Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field in the Icelandic wilderness. Known for its special properties and beneficial effect on the skin, the warm waters of the lagoon – approximately 35EaC (90EaF) all year round – are one of Iceland ’s most popular tourist attractions. Another natural spring is Krysuvik.
Flights can be booked to visit the Westmann Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) off the south coast, and Heimaey. This is a great place for bird watchers. There are also trips to the hot springs and geysers close to the capital. Also to be found in the south of Iceland is Pingvellir National Park , Gullfoss ( Golden Falls ) and Geysir, with its geothermal fields and views of the active volcano Mount Hekla . There are also charming villages in the south, such as Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, where visitors can see beautifully preserved old houses and the village of Vik, which is a base for cruises through Dyrholaey cliff. A number of companies operate daily excursions from Reykjavík throughout the southwestern part of Iceland as well as city sightseeing tours and special itineraries.
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