Iceland
Iceland - located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the entire place is covered in volcanic lava, yet it is frozen for miles. Iceland often brings to mind frozen landscapes like those of Eskimos or being amidst snowstorms, but the actual climate is much milder than imagined, with distinct seasons. Moreover, it is filled with rare natural wonders everywhere, including volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls. No matter which angle you admire these places from, you will never be bored.
Iceland doesn't have polar bears or penguins, but it is home to various land animals such as cows, sheep, horses, Arctic foxes, rodents, minks, and reindeer.
Isafjordur
Isafjordur is the capital of the Westfjords region in Iceland, located within the Westfjords Peninsula and is part of Iceland's largest fjord, Isafjaroardjup. The fjord is home to several important towns and picturesque smaller fjords. The oldest house in Iceland is also found in Isafjorour, built in 1734 and now part of a folk museum. The city is known for its collection of wooden structures, most of which were built by foreign merchants in the 18th century. Notable buildings in the area include Tjoruhus (now a seafood restaurant) and Turnhus (now a maritime museum). In addition to exploring the old town and harbor, Isafjorour has a vibrant cultural scene, with charming museums, galleries, and various cultural events taking place throughout the year.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland, is the northernmost capital in the world and a charming city. It offers numerous landmarks and attractions for visitors to explore, including the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrimskirkja), the Sun Voyager (Solfario), Tjornin (The Pond), and the Old Harbour. Even strolling around the city is a delightful experience.
Hallgrímskirkja is a famous landmark and the largest church in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Its distinctive feature is the regular hexagonal basalt columns on its sides, and its avant-garde architectural style has captivated many tourists. It has become a must-visit and popular spot for visitors to take memorable photos.
Akureyri
Akureyri is located at the end of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, surrounded by a mountain range that stretches approximately 1500 meters. As a result, the area around Akureyri offers breathtaking mountain views.
Godafoss, also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods", is one of Iceland's popular waterfalls. While it may not be the tallest or have the highest water volume, it possesses an elegant and beautiful charm when combined with its surrounding scenery. This waterfall holds significant historical connections to Iceland. In the year 999 AD, during the Icelandic parliament, known as the Alþingi, the Lawspeaker Thorgeir Thorkelsson had to decide whether Iceland's official religion would be Christianity or Norse paganism. Despite being a believer in Norse paganism himself, Thorgeir Thorkelsson, after meditating for a day and a night, considered the potential conflicts that various religious beliefs could bring and ultimately declared Christianity as the official religion of Iceland. On his way home after the parliament concluded, Thorgeir Thorkelsson threw his Norse pagan idols into the waterfall as a symbolic gesture of his conversion to Christianity. Hence, the waterfall was named Godafoss, meaning "Waterfall of the Gods".
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon was selected as one of the "25 Wonders of the World" by National Geographic magazine in 2012, and its geothermal spa is a popular choice for those seeking an Icelandic experience. It is the largest outdoor hot spring in the world. The water originates from a volcanic aquifer found beneath the lava plain. It is rich in silica, algae, and mineral salts, which are known to relieve stress and improve blood circulation.
Geysir
Geysir, located in Iceland's Golden Circle, consists of three major attractions: the renowned Strokkur Geyser, which is recognized as one of the wonders of the world, the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, and the Thingvellir National Park. Geysir showcases the geological wonders of Iceland. The underground magma activity heats the groundwater, building up pressure until it erupts. It erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, reaching heights of nearly 40 meters, making it the largest geyser in Iceland. Currently, Geysir itself is dormant, but the smaller yet impressive Strokkur Geyser, which erupts to a height of around 30 meters, continues to captivate visitors.