Iceland – Island of Fire and Ice
Iceland – Island of Fire and Ice

Iceland

Island of Fire and Ice  

Published: 17 January 2023, 11:00

Iceland is magical

Once you’ve been to Iceland, you’ll never forget the untouched beauty of nature. At the same time, a single holiday is definitely not enough to capture the full abundance and diversity of the volcanic island. However, the endless summer days when it doesn’t get dark at night provide plenty of time to discover Iceland. Time to bathe in hot pods, hike across moss-covered lava fields or admire bubbling geysers and spectacular waterfalls. And: once you’ve seen a troll, you’ll see them again and again!

Every trip to Iceland begins in the capital Reykjavík. The most famous route on the island, the “Golden Circle”, starts from there. It takes you past highlights such as the Skógafoss and Gullfoss waterfalls, Thingvellir National Park and the Strokkur geyser. Those who want to see more should take the 1340-kilometre Route 1 once around the island. Those drawn to very secluded areas should explore the lonely Westfjords in the north of the island. 

Numbers, data, facts

  •  Time difference: - one hour
  •  Population: 370,000
  •  Official language: Icelandic
  •  Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK)

Ten Iceland highlights

Reykjavík – Discover the world’s northernmost capital city

Colourful houses, an extraordinary church and a lively cultural and creative scene. Welcome to Reykjavík! The world’s northernmost capital city is home to just 130,000 inhabitants. Reykjavík translates as “Bay of Smoke” because smoke and steam were what the first settler Ingólfur Arnarson saw there. Located in the south-west of Iceland, the city is relaxed and lively at the same time. The city centre can be wonderfully explored on foot. There is a lake in the centre of the city that locals like to go to for picnics. The “Hallgrímskirkja” is the landmark of Reykjavík. The church offers a magnificent view of the small but beautiful city. The Saga Museum is a must for those who want to get to the bottom of Iceland’s myths and heroic stories.

A walk through Reykjavík

Piktogramm Info-i

Flughafen Reykjavik-Keflavik (KEF)

Five travel tips for ...

1.     Do the classic “Golden Circle” tour

2.     Visit the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik

3.     Walk behind a waterfall

4.     Take part in a whale watching tour

5.     Take in the vastness and beauty

1.     Ride in the wild on an Icelandic horse

2.     Go snorkelling in the clear glacier water of the Silfra rift

3.     Go hiking on the Landmannalaugar plateau

4.     Join a glacier hike in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve

5.     Relax your muscles at the Blue Lagoon thermal spa

1.     Go hiking through Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)

2.     Relax in the Myvatn natural baths

3.     Visit Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe

4.     Participate in a spa ritual at Sky Lagoon

5.     Climb the Snaefellsjökull volcano

Image source title: © neurobite/AdobeStocks

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