Located between Europe and North America, Iceland is a mountainous island in the North Atlantic. Although she can be a bit austere, Iceland is a country of exquisite splendor. Eruptions of lava, hot springs, geysers, spectacular fissures and awesome glaciers seem surreal at times, but they make this land utterly remarkable. Iceland was settled by the Nordic and Celtic people, in the 9th century AD. Indeed, a Norwegian Viking named Ing?lfur Arnarson, established the first settlement on what is today known as Iceland?s capital, Reykjavik.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the most famous attractions for tourists. Although it is thought these lights are only visible in winter, the truth is they can be seen all year long. Another of Iceland?s attraction is the Midnight Sun. When this occurs in Scandinavia, during early summer months, the sun is visible at midnight. Its opposite is called the Polar Night, and occurs during the winter months.
At some point of their vacation, visitors usually find themselves in Reykjavik City. Iceland?s capital is thought to be one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. The nightlife in Reykjavik is vibrant, with an amazing variety of pubs, bars, cafes and dance halls. In fact, live music is fast becoming a trademark of this city. You can find a concert on almost every night of the week. There is also a variety of local craft shops and Scandinavian designer stores in Reykjavik, and the Kringlan shopping mall is a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.
No trip to Iceland is complete unless you try one of the whale-watching tours. Surrounded by an ocean that provides a natural habitat for whales, dolphins and seals, Reykjavik is ideal for this activity. The tours will also take you past Puffin Island, as well. Reykjavik?s landmark, the Perlan, or Pearl, is simply a must-do on any itinerary. Built in 1988 atop huge tanks, which store the natural hot water for heating the city, this rotating restaurant sits under a huge glass dome. The cuisine is top-notch, and the views breathtaking.
If Viking history is an interest of yours, you most definitely want to check out some of Reykjavik?s museums. The Sun Voyager should be another stop on your list of things to do. This Sun Voyagers is a huge steel sculpture of a Viking ship, by Jon Gunnar Arnason. You definitely want to view this sculpture at sunrise or sunset. Another attraction you can?t miss is the Restaurant Fjorugardurinn. Done up in the Viking style, and serving up a traditional Viking feast, this one-of a-kind eating establishment lets you to step back into time, and taste a little Viking culture.
If you have the time, don?t miss another of Iceland?s top tourist attractions, The Blue Lagoon. This outdoor, geothermal seawater pool, can be found about 45-minutes from Reykjavik, and is worth a trip. The steam-covered, fluorescent blue pool is 104-degrees all year long.
This amazing country offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences, and all of them delight and awe. Dramatic, striking, and eerily austere, a trip to Iceland is truly memorable.
