Iceland, a Frozen (-like) tourist destination

In our travels throughout the world, we finally reach the place of never-melting snow, so welcome to Iceland, a Frozen (-like) tourist destination. How about we take a look at this amazing country of volcanoes, glaciers, ice and tradition.

Iceland is the least populated country in Europe. It is situated between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean and, as the name suggests, it is a place of harsh weather conditions, with temperatures rarely rising above 14 degrees Celsius in July! The absolute lowest temperature was registered on on January 22nd 1918 (-38 degrees Celsius).

Norwegians (and a few other Scandinavians) permanently settled in Iceland from the year 876 CE on. Between the 13th and the 19th century, Iceland was ruled by the Norse and then the Danish and the country gained its independence in 1918. In 1944, it was proclaimed a Republic.

So what is there to do in a place where winter rules over endless plains of snowy cliffs and glaciers? Here are a few ideas:

1. See the Northern Lights at least once in a lifetime. Visible throughout the winter season (September to March), this amazing phenomenon fills the dark skies with spectacular fractal lights that seem to come from the heavens.

2. Visit Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and sample the mixture of tradition and modernity, with the old culture and architecture contrasting with the active nightlife that warms up the atmosphere.

3. Take a walk along the glaciers, especially the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Jokulfirdir Fjord. Oh, I almost forgot: if you ever feel exceedingly cold, go to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in the naturally heated pool that feeds straight off the geological forces.

And if you feel you’d rather admire the general frozen magnificence from the air con comfort of a rental car, you can rent a car in Reykjavik!