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Close to nature but also rich in colorful culture, Iceland is a unique place for a fascinating vacation. Icelanders are very welcoming people and always happy to share their beautiful country with visitors during their Iceland vacation. And although the native language is Icelandic, almost everyone in Iceland is also fluent in English, making it very easy for people vacationing in Iceland to explore this magnificent country.
Iceland is a Nordic island country, located far to the north in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But despite its location in the far north, Iceland is far from inhospitable, and even in winter its climate is surprisingly mild. The island is a hotbed of geothermal activity and that, coupled with Iceland’s location in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, makes the country much warmer than you’d expect. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, is actually warmer in winter than New York City.
Vacations in Iceland offer a spectacular amount of variety, and Iceland is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The country’s spectacular landscapes include glaciers, geysers and volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls and rushing glacial rivers, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, lava flows, bizarre rock formations and a dazzling white great ice cap. Its long and rugged coastline includes towering cliffs and a variety of picturesque inlets, bays and fjords. Some of Iceland’s beautiful landscapes are so exotic that they seem almost supernatural. And whales, along with beautiful Icelandic horses, puffins and partridges, are also among Iceland’s many natural national treasures. Truly, Iceland is one of the most spectacular countries on Earth.
As beautiful and dramatic as Iceland’s countryside may be, nature is not all that this subarctic country offers people on Iceland vacations. Its culture is almost as rich as the breadth of its natural wonders. Reykjavik’s streets are clean and safe to walk, and full of friendly people who will be happy to help you experience the local Nordic culture. The small town center is quite walkable and has a wide variety of cultural venues, restaurants, and shops to explore. But despite the fact that Reykjavik is small, this very modern city is full of life and is considered the “nightlife capital of the north”.
Those who crave culture find abundance in this beautiful country. Museums and art galleries, along with the symphony orchestra, opera, and other musical events featuring international and local artists, are easy to find on vacation in Iceland.
Let’s face it though, most people take Iceland holidays so they can explore some of the world’s most unusual and rugged landscapes, all of which have been shaped by some of nature’s fiercest forces. More than 80% of this rugged country is uninhabited, and the spectacular scenery is just a 15-minute drive from Reykjavik city center. Iceland’s outdoor wonderland is easily accessible to people vacationing in Iceland.
Don’t let the name of Iceland fool you. Even winter doesn’t stop anyone in Iceland, where horseback riding and snowmobiling are popular winter pastimes. Some outdoor activities gain an extra twist during Iceland’s winter, like the chance to swim outdoors in a naturally heated pool. You can do it in various locations around the world, so what’s the big twist? Well, in Iceland you can swim outdoors right in the middle of a snowstorm, and you’ll still be comfortably warm.
When in Iceland, do as the Icelanders do. Revel in the beautiful outdoors of the country. Many people on vacation in Iceland want to do something unique in this unique country. Something that they are not likely to do anywhere else. One option is to explore one of Iceland’s several glaciers. Some organized tours take you there by bus and then let you use a snowmobile or modified jeep to explore on your own.
Iceland’s midnight summer sun means outdoor activities don’t stop at night. Because of Iceland’s wide variety of natural waterways, including many fast-flowing glacial rivers, whitewater rafting at all different levels of challenge is popular. Boating and sea fishing are also popular with tourists and locals alike, reflecting Iceland’s close ties to the sea. Bicycling in Iceland is both challenging and scenic due to the country’s highly variable topography and abundance of stunning sea views. Mountain hiking on vacation in Iceland is just as challenging and, again, very beautiful.
Holidays in Iceland are spectacular, as spectacular as the country itself. Interior, exterior, culture, nature. With holidays in Iceland you can choose.