Iceland’s unique natural attractions ensure that it remains one of the ‘hot spots’ to visit. Imagine crisp clean air, panoramic landscapes of cinematic proportion where geysers gush, mudpots gloop, ice-covered volcanoes rumble, and glaciers grind deep pathways through the mountains while glacial melt rivers thunder over massive lava cliffs.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is very much a bridge between two continents. It takes three hours to get there from London, five hours from New York and 25 hours from Coffs Harbour! It is a country of sharp contrasts, where you will marvel at the spectacle of fire and ice, dark winters and summer’s midnight sun. Millions of years of volcanic mayhem and glacial sculpturing have produced an amazing countryside only found on this remote island. The natural hot pools, mud pools and geysers are sure to capture your imagination.
Don’t think for a moment that it is only about the great outdoors. The counterpoint to so much natural beauty is found in Iceland’s cultural life, which celebrates a literary legacy that stretches from medieval sagas to contemporary prize winning thrillers. Live music is everywhere, as is visual art, handicrafts and locavore (local) cuisine.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate marine climate with refreshing summers and surprisingly mild temperatures in winter. Insular existence has spurred a rich and vibrant culture which has been shaped by isolation and the extreme forces of nature. These conditions have created resilient people, where family ties are close, sense of tradition is strong and the bond with nature is tight.
The capital, Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital and home to the majority of the population. Harnessing geothermal power, the city offers a renowned nightlife scene and for its size Reykjavik is surprisingly cosmopolitan. It has excellent museums, captivating art, funky cafes and lively bars which all seem to capture the Viking spirit even today. The locals are egalitarian, green thinking, and effortlessly stylish.
Iceland has its very own Blue Lagoon! Located in a magnificent black-lava field, the milky teal spa is fed by geothermal water which originates 2,000 metres below the surface and is the result of freshwater and seawater combining at extreme temperatures.
Iceland is not a destination – it is an adventure!
