Iceland's Northern Nordic Marvels: Reasons to Explore This Enchanting Island
This quaint island nation offers much more than breathtaking scenery.
In the last ten years, Iceland has seen a dramatic rise in tourism. This northern Nordic gem has become increasingly popular. You’ve likely encountered images of Reykjavik’s iconic Blue Lagoon on the Instagram feeds of your friends. This attraction is actually a human-made wonder, created from water that was diverted from a geothermal power plant, which did not seep back into the ground as anticipated.
Apart from the Blue Lagoon, there are numerous natural, one-of-a-kind marvels crammed into this compact island nation, which is roughly the size of Kentucky. Most of these remarkable natural features have been shaped by two primary forces: volcanic eruptions and glacial movements.
Here’s a glimpse of some of the top attractions and experiences Iceland has in store—and how to make the most of them:
Born from Volcanoes:
Iceland boasts approximately 130 volcanoes—many of which remain active!
Relaxing in a natural hot spring after a day of hiking? Count me in!Thermal springs
The volcanic activity across the island results in substantial underground heat, significantly influencing the land and water (the majority of the country is powered by clean geothermal energy). Hot springs are abundant, so be ready to enjoy a soak! They vary from rustic locations in nature to well-kept pools with all the modern conveniences in urban areas. Choose your favorite!
Location: scattered throughout the country, but many are easily accessible from Reykjavik.
You might have encountered white sand beaches or even pink ones, but Iceland’s black sand beaches are genuinely one-of-a-kind.Beaches with black sand
You’ve never encountered beaches quite like these (unless you’ve visited Iceland)! This intriguing black sand originated from volcanic eruptions. When molten lava came into contact with the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, it turned black and fragmented into small pieces, which you can stroll over today.
Reynisfjara black sand beach is among the most renowned. It showcases unique “sea stacks,” or basalt columns rising dramatically from the waves nearby.
Location: along the southern coast.
Iceland’s craters represent yet another fascinating land formation found here.Craters and “lunar landscapes”
Visiting Iceland can feel like you’ve stepped onto the surface of the moon. The country is dotted with vast craters—striking features of the landscape. When a thin layer of molten lava flowed over wetlands, it heated the water, built up pressure, and triggered a steam explosion! Today, you can (safely) venture into some of these craters. Want a different perspective? Take a helicopter ride to view them from above!
Location: around Grundarfjordur and Reykjavik in the west, and Akureyri in the north.
Formed by Glaciers:
Iceland is occasionally classified as part of Scandinavia, depending on who you consult. One significant aspect it shares with other Scandinavian nations (particularly Norway) is a landscape sculpted by glaciers.
Norway isn't the only country boasting fjords!Fjords
Fjords are elongated, narrow inlets that stretch inland from the open sea. Most of these stunning formations were created by ancient glacial movements. Iceland features numerous fjords along its western and northern shores, providing breathtaking views of the ocean. Eyjafjörður, one of the largest fjords in northern Iceland, lies nestled between steep mountain ranges and expansive valleys.
Location: around Grundarfjordur and the city of Akureyri.
Iceland boasts the largest ice sheet in Europe!Ice sheets:
True to its name, Iceland is a land of ice. Experiencing the remaining ice sheets up close is a surreal adventure you must undertake. Aerial views of the landscape will reveal the immense scale of these formations, particularly the Vatnajökull glacier, which holds the title of the largest ice sheet in Europe!
Location: inland from Reykjavik, near Akureyri, and within Vatnajökull National Park.
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