Iceland is a unique place on Earth. Its ice caps and volcanoes are nicknamed the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Iceland is one of the most beautiful lands on Earth; Iceland has been a must-visit for all travelers looking to explore something amazing and unique.
The island of Iceland is geologically active, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is also known for the glacial ice covering much of the country. Iceland is in constant change, which is reflected in its topographies.
Glaciers are melting, new icebergs are forming, and earthquakes are felt every month in a country where 90 percent of the land mass rises from the once mountains’ seabeds. And where seismic fissures frequently open up, volcanoes sometimes burst in Iceland.
The country’s name, “Iceland,” refers to the fact that it is covered in a strong mix of ice and fire. This is due to the constant melting of glaciers and the explosion of volcanic eruptions all over the island.
The capital city, “Iceland,” is especially popular during the winter months for ice-skating, alpine skiing, and snowboarding, all loved in the name of ‘heating’ the country up in the ever-cold temperatures.
Brief Introduction to Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic. It is considered one of the most scenic countries in the world, with several lakes, numerous glaciers and volcanoes, lush vegetation, and many waterfalls. Iceland is a country of many, sometimes cruel contrasts. It is the land of fire and ice, the home to volcanoes and glaciers that constitute over 10% of the world’s total glacial ice volume.
The way Iceland is spread out over a series of fjords and peninsulas, you can get lost in the country without ever becoming hopelessly turned around. But even with these natural road signs, some visitors still get lost. So you might want to consider investing in a good map or two before you begin your journey through the country, especially if you’re planning to explore some of the more remote terrains without a hired guide.
Planning a Trip to Iceland
Yes, it can be dangerous to explore Iceland’s natural beauty. But the island’s dazzling landscapes are also part of why it’s a traveler’s dream destination. And much of that danger comes from going off-road without proper equipment or experience.
- Most tourists assume that going to Iceland is a safe activity. After all, it’s supposed to be a modern country with good infrastructure and first-world safety standards. However, Iceland is one of the most dangerous places to go hiking.
- The first step in planning your trip to Iceland is deciding how long you want to stay and what you would like to see and do. Moreover, Even if you’ve never been there before, you can have a look at what Iceland has to offer via the many online guides and videos available.
- Travelers can travel to Iceland through direct flights available from the respective locations. Moreover, it is essential to understand that Hotel Booking should be made before entering the premises of Iceland.
- Although most hotels and guesthouses are in the capital city, Reykjavík, others are scattered across the country. Iceland’s a popular vacation destination, so make reservations as early as possible to get the best deals and avoid disappointment.
- These self-catering options are ideal for travelers on a tight budget. They offer more privacy because they don’t require check-in times and allow you to use the facilities as long as you want without additional charges.
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth but also incredibly dangerous. However,
There are many sites online that allow you to search for both hotel accommodations and airfare. Moreover, planning everything before traveling to Iceland will give you an edge over others.
How to explore Iceland
Even though nature looks wild, Iceland has a widely-developed infrastructure, which makes traveling here easy. Icelandic roads are in good shape, and public transportation is wide-ranging.
You can drive around the island in about five hours, so if you’re on a tight schedule, you can easily see several places in one day. Most major attractions have their campsites or guesthouses nearby.
And if you’d rather travel with less stress and save some money simultaneously, you can rent an RV from one of the companies in Reykjavik and explore the country from behind the wheel. Some beautiful and must-visit places are:
- The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis
- Maelifell Volcano
- Skaftafell Ice Cave
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Lake Myvatn
- ATV Treks
Iceland is a country that defies stereotypes. Its landscape of unworldly beauty has attracted tourists for decades, yet it never seems to lose its aura of mystery and romance. However, to explore Iceland completely, tourists can opt for these two options.
- Using a Rental Car
The road system in Iceland is excellent, and there are no toll roads anywhere. Roadside pullouts are fairly common in Iceland but are less common on bridges. Several car rental companies operate across Iceland, providing an easy and cheap way to drive around the country.
Luckily, Iceland is quite safe and easy to drive. The roads range from paved to gravel, but by and large, they are in good condition. Fences separate the lanes in rural areas, but not all of them are marked very well.
- Using Public Buses
Not only is it possible to have your own set of wheels in Iceland, but it’s the way most people get around. In Reykjavík and the other main towns, there are some buses used by many people because there aren’t enough cars for all the inhabitants.
In the old days, there was no central place for buses so buses would stop every few blocks on main roads. With the new, centralized station and its computerized timetables, it’s rare to see a bus stop now. Even during rush hour, you’ll see plenty of open street side spaces for buses to pull over.
Best Time to visit Iceland
Iceland is a country of stunning geothermal landscapes, amazing geological formations, and volcanoes. Intrigued yet? Allow your imagination to run wild and let your thoughts drift to the molten lava deep within the planet’s surface erupting through fissures, spewing hot steam into the air! However, the best time to visit Iceland is summer, when the weather allows travelers to explore Iceland peacefully.
Summer Season
A summer visit is recommended for travelers visiting Iceland for the first time. In summer in Iceland, you get the chance to hike and explore the beautiful Icelandic wilderness, experience one of the most northern parts of Europe, swim in the Blue Lagoon, catch a puffin, and enjoy all that Iceland has to offer. However, mid-summer can be uncomfortably crowded in Iceland’s capital city Reykjavík, and it is a more expensive time to travel as everything is fully booked.
Spring and Autumn Season
The months of September and October are often overlooked on tour brochures but are an excellent time to visit Iceland if you don’t mind the morning frosts. The weather is much more pleasant than in the summer, with clear blue skies and near-constant daylight – perfect for exploring the spectacular scenery. Moreover, the weather and temperature remain perfect in spring and autumn and make travelers comfortable.
Winter Season
In winter, the days are short, and there’s no sun. Iceland might seem like a strange destination in January, but one of the reasons this is such an attractive time to visit Iceland is because you are likely to see the Northern Lights. Iceland offers one of the best places to see this natural phenomenon, and Aurora tours depart around four times a day during the darker months. Although everything may seem closed and quiet here in winter, much of the beautiful scenery, from serene beaches to superb mountains and waterfalls, is hidden from summer crowds.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Beaches in Goa
Final Words
One of the best reasons to visit Iceland is the ‘other-worldly’ quality. The whole insular ecosystem is somewhat content-free – you won’t find any humans there, for example, and very few land mammals. It’s just beautiful rock formations and glaciers, the occasional puffin, whales in real life, and wild green mountains. Iceland has transformed more than any other time of year in the winters. The fiery volcanic deserts are transformed into white snowy lands that reflect the dark blue sky like vast ice mirrors. In many places, snow can be seen for up to four months a year.