Close to nature but also rich in colorful culture, Iceland is a unique place to spend an exciting vacation. Icelanders are very welcoming people and always happy to share their beautiful country with visitors during their holidays in Iceland. And while the native language is Icelandic, almost everyone in Iceland is fluent in English as well, 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 might expect. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, is actually 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. 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 great sheet of dazzling white ice. 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 otherworldly. 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 the Icelandic countryside can be, nature is not all that this subarctic country offers to people on Iceland holidays. Its culture is almost as rich as the breadth of its natural wonders. The streets of Reykjavik are clean and safe to walk, and they are 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 plenty 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 be real though, most people take vacations to Iceland 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 only a 15-minute drive from Reykjavik city center. Iceland’s outdoor wonderland is easily accessible for people vacationing in Iceland.
Don’t let the Icelandic name fool you. Even winter doesn’t stop anyone in Iceland, where horse riding and snowmobiling are popular winter pastimes. Some outdoor activities gain an added twist during the Icelandic winter, like the chance to swim outdoors in a naturally heated pool. You can do it in various places around the world, so what’s the big twist? Well, in Iceland you can swim outdoors right in the middle of a blizzard, and you’ll still be comfortably warm.
When you’re in Iceland, do what the Icelanders do. Delight in the beautiful 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 and then let you use a snowmobile or modified jeep to explore on your own.
Iceland’s summer midnight sun means outdoor activities don’t stop at night. Due to Iceland’s wide variety of natural waterways, including many mighty 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. Biking in Iceland is 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 the holidays in Iceland you can choose.