Close to nature but rich with colorful culture too, Iceland is a unique place to spend a fascinating vacation. Icelanders are very welcoming people and always happy to share their beautiful country with visitors on Iceland vacations. And although the native language is Icelandic, almost everyone in Iceland also speaks fluent English, making it very easy for people on Iceland vacations to explore this magnificent country.
Iceland is a Nordic island country, situated far to the north in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But despite its extreme northern location, Iceland is far from inhospitable, and even during the winter its climate is surprisingly mild. The island is a hotbed of geothermal activity and that, along with Iceland’s location in warm Gulf Stream waters, makes the country much warmer than you might expect. Reykjavik, the country’s capital city, is actually warmer in the winter than New York City.
Iceland vacations offer a spectacular amount of variety, and Iceland is a perfect destination for nature-lovers and outdoor adventurers. The country’s dramatic landscapes include glaciers, geysers and volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls and rushing glacial rivers, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, lava flows, weird rock formations and a large glaring-white icecap. Its long, rugged coastline includes towering cliffs and an assortment of scenic inlets, bays and fjords. Some of Iceland’s starkly beautiful landscapes are so exotic, they’re almost unearthly. And whales, along with fine Icelandic horses, puffins and ptarmigans are also among Iceland’s many natural national treasures. Truly, Iceland is one of the most spectacular countries on the Earth.
As beautiful and dramatic as Iceland’s countryside can be, nature isn’t all that this sub-Arctic country offers to people on Iceland vacations. Its culture is almost as rich as the wide breadth of its natural wonders. The streets of Reykjavik are clean and safe to walk, and they’re full of friendly people who are happy to help you experience the local Nordic culture. The small city center is quite walkable and features a wide array of cultural venues, restaurants and stores to explore. But even though Reykjavik is small, this very modern city is buzzing and it’s considered to be the “nightlife capital of the north.”
Those who crave culture find an abundance in this beautiful country. Art museums and galleries, along with symphony orchestra, opera and other musical events featuring international performers as well as local performing artists, are all easy to find during Iceland vacations.
Let’s face it though, most people take Iceland vacations 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 most ferocious forces. More than 80{56e94487539310e8c611ec1a332f28059d6b4b561a913cf06d6420f600d8537b} of this rugged country is uninhabited, and dramatic landscapes are as close as a 15-minute drive away from Reykjavik’s city center. Iceland’s outdoor wonderland is easily accessible to people on Iceland vacations.
Don’t let Iceland’s name fool you. Even winter doesn’t stop anyone in Iceland, where horseback riding and snowmobiling are both popular winter pastimes. Some outdoor activities gain an added twist during Iceland’s winter, like the possibility of swimming outdoors in a naturally-heated pool. You can do that in several places around the world, so what’s the big twist? Well, in Iceland you can take that toasty outdoor swim 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 country’s beautiful outdoors. Many people on Iceland vacations want to do something unique in this unique country. Something they’re not likely to do anywhere else. One option is to explore one of Iceland’s several glaciers. Some organized tours take you there on a bus, then let you use a snowmobile or a modified jeep to explore on your own.
The Midnight Sun of Iceland’s summer means that outdoor activities don’t stop at night. Because of Iceland’s huge variety of natural waterways, including many rushing glacial rivers, white water rafting at all different levels of challenge is popular. Boating and sea fishing are also popular with both tourists and natives, reflecting Iceland’s close ties to the sea. Cycling on Iceland is challenging and scenic because of the country’s wildly varying topography and an abundance of stunning seaside views. Mountain hiking during Iceland vacations is equally challenging and, again, very beautiful.
Iceland vacations are spectacular – every bit as spectacular as the country itself. Indoor, outdoor, culture, nature. With Iceland vacations you can take your pick.
