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05 October 2007

Refreshing and completely unique Iceland

by Asberg Jonsson
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. KeflavĂ­k airport, Iceland's international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.

There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists' with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.

For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world's best whale watching spots and destinations.

This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world's youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.

As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.

Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
www.icelandvisitor.com

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