Take Pleasure in a Mystical Adventure
Iceland is not usually on our tourist map, after all, what is the point for us to travel to a rocky island in the North Atlantic, especially one so close to the ever-freezing Arctic Circle? Still, travelling Iceland is one of the most exciting journeys one can take in Europe, full of mystical adventure, physical challenges, and surprising discoveries. After all, there are no reindeer in Umbria and no polar foxes in Nottinghamshire.
Don't Forget the Essentials
One of the essentials for a vacation in Iceland is warm clothing, this far the stereotype is completely true. In summer temperatures rise to 15°C, which is hardly weather for skinny dipping. Be sure to crank up the heating in your rented car. Once you are equipped with a warm pair of socks and some hiking boots, nothing stands between you and the stunning glaciers, green lands, and rugged fjords.
A Good Destination to Start
Your trip is most likely to start in Reykjavik, the capital and biggest town, though at 118,000 citizens it is hardly London. Yet, it has a delightfully charming atmosphere, and the locals, many of whom speak impeccable English, are friendly as can be. There is a number of great museums which reflect the style of the locals: unpretentious, friendly, and smart. Reykjavik’s nightlife is exactly what one would expect it to be: the alcohol is expensive, but the parties are great and nights are long (in summer literally).
Be Rewarded With the Natural Miracles
After a few days in the capital you will head out into the country, and you will soon be rewarded for your decision to spend you holidays in Iceland. The eastern fjords, though sparsely populated with the exception of Egilsstadir, is the first place where you will encounter stunning natural miracles such as icebergs floating on water like rubber ducks. Next on the itinerary should be Lake Mýcatn and the mighty Dittifoss water falls, 144 ft high (44 m). There are a few private guest houses in the area, so accommodation is not an issue.
Crossing the highlands towards Kverkfjöll, take your rental car down the Kjörlur highland road, one of the most scenic trails on the island, taking you past ice caves and incredible viewpoints. You shouldfor set aside at least 5 hours to complete the trail, leaving you enough time to get out of the hire car and take in the scenery. Should the road make an unexpected twist or turn, this might well been, because it was rerouted to avoid disturbing a rock under which elves are said to live, after all 80% of the Icelandic population believe in the existence of such creatures.
Shooting Streams
Moving on from here head south to the great geysers of which Strokkur is the most famous. You can almost set you watch by the 10 minute-intervals in which the geyser shoots steam and water into the air. While in the area also check out the Gullfoss waterfalls and the magnificent Black Beach of Vik.
If after a trip across Iceland you still think it looks like Britain there is only one explanation for that: you went during the winter when it is pitch black almost all day.
