Close to nature but rich in colorful culture, Iceland is a unique place to spend a fascinating vacation. Icelanders are very welcoming people and they are always happy to share their beautiful country with visitors on their Icelandic holidays. And although the native language is Icelandic, almost everyone in Iceland is also fluent in English, making it very easy for people on vacation in Iceland to explore this magnificent country.
Iceland is a Nordic island country, located far north in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But despite its far north location, Iceland is far from inhospitable, and even during 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 might expect. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, is warmer in winter than New York City.
Holidays in Iceland offer a spectacular amount of variety, and Iceland is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Dramatic landscapes include glaciers, geysers and volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls and fast-paced glacial rivers, steaming hot springs, bubbling clay pots, lava flows, strange rock formations, and a large sheet of dazzling white ice. Its long and rugged coastline includes towering cliffs and a variety of scenic inlets, bays and fjords. Some of Iceland’s absolutely beautiful landscapes are so exotic that they are almost supernatural. And whales, along with excellent Icelandic horses, puffins and ptarmigans are also among Iceland’s many natural national treasures. In truth, Iceland is one of the most spectacular countries on Earth.
As beautiful and dramatic as Iceland’s countryside can be, nature isn’t all that this sub-arctic country offers people on Iceland vacations. Its culture is almost as rich as the great breadth of its natural wonders. The streets of Reykjavik are clean and safe for walking, and they are full of friendly people who will be happy to help you experience the local Nordic culture. The small city center is quite accessible on foot and has a wide variety of cultural venues, restaurants and shops to explore. But even though Reykjavik is small, this very modern city is bustling and is considered the “nightlife capital of the north”.
Those who yearn for culture find abundance in this beautiful country. Museums and art galleries, along with the symphony orchestra, opera and other musical events featuring international artists and local artists, are easy to find during Icelandic holidays.
However, let’s face it, most people go on vacation to Iceland so they can explore some of the most unusual and rugged landscapes in the world, all of which have been shaped by some of the fiercest forces in nature. 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 for people on vacation in Iceland.
Don’t let the name Iceland fool you. Even winter doesn’t stop anyone in Iceland, where horseback riding and snowmobiling are popular winter pastimes. Some outdoor activities get an added twist during the Icelandic winter, like the ability to swim outside in a naturally heated pool. You can do that in various places around the world, so what’s the big twist? Well, in Iceland you can take a nice swim in the open air in the middle of a snowstorm and you will still be comfortably warm.
When in Iceland, do what Icelanders do. Delight in the beauty of the country outdoors. Many people on vacation in Iceland want to do something unique in this unique country. Something 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 on a bus, then allow you to use a snowmobile or modified jeep to explore on your own.
Iceland’s midnight summer sun means that outdoor activities don’t stop at night. Due to Iceland’s wide variety of natural waterways, including many glacial rivers, rafting at all levels of challenge is popular. Boating and sea fishing are also popular with tourists and locals, reflecting Iceland’s close ties to the sea. Cycling in Iceland is challenging and scenic due to the country’s wildly variable topography and the abundance of stunning sea views. Mountain hiking while on vacation in Iceland is equally 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.