Iceland: The Magnificent Island of Fire and Ice

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For centuries, Vikings tried to hide the secrets of Iceland—a lush paradise filled with many wonders. A legend about Iceland and Greenland being name-switched is also popular and being shared among the public. Today, Iceland is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and with the rising number of low-cost carriers passing through Reykjavik, more tourists are becoming interested in visiting the island on the north-western part of Europe.

Geologically speaking, Iceland sits on the center of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the divergence of the Eurasian and the North American plates causes a lot of volcanism in the country. This is where the poetic name of Iceland was gotten from – “the land of fire and ice” refers to the active volcanoes scattered all over the island and the glaciers and thick ice that covers eleven percent of its landscape.

There are many tourist attractions to see in Iceland, and it is recommended for visitors to stay for a week to maximize their time in the country. There are many accommodations in Iceland, especially in the capital city of Reykjavik, and it also varies depending on the budget. Backpackers and budget travelers can stay inside hostels, while those who have the money can stay in the best hotels in Iceland.

Traveling outside the capital city can also be a challenge, as the public commute is scarce. People in Iceland have their own cars, and when visiting the country, tourists are advised to sign up for a rental vehicle. This will make it easier for tourists to get to the places that they wanted to visit. To lessen the hassle, tourists are advised to book their rental vehicles before traveling to Iceland.

To book for a rental vehicle, simply visit www.lotuscarrental.is/our-rental-cars, and then choose any of the vehicles listed on the home page. The website displays brief information about the car and it also shows the rental price. Once a car has been booked, you can go ahead and ride the plane going to Iceland, get your rental car, and enjoy its most popular tourist attractions.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and many tourists are visiting it because of the hot springs coming out from the lagoon. It also boasts healing properties, as the hot water from the natural springs has been known to cure a lot of ailments. It is also good for blood circulation, and any skin diseases would start to heal thanks to the minerals mixed with the water.

The Gullfoss Waterfall is another natural wonder that draws in tourists from around the world. The waterfalls can be found on the south-western portion of Iceland, falling from a 32-meter high escarpment. Rainbows and mist cover the waterfalls, adding to its charm.

Iceland is also known as one of the countries in Europe where the Aurora Borealis can be clearly seen. You can chase the Northern Lights, getting around places that boast of the best view for the most spectacular light show in Iceland. Renting a vehicle like a campervan helps you carry out this personalized approach involving the Aurora Borealis. Weigh your options with the help of  this free travel guide. There are certain conditions that could affect the visibility of the Aurora, and be sure to contact your tour provider if the magnificent natural phenomenon can be observed during your visit.

For those who love to trek, they can put the Fjallabak Nature Reserve on their bucket list and visit its lush green mountains set on an alien landscape. Glaciers can also be found all over Iceland, providing an otherworldly feel to the visitors. The Vatnajokull Glacier is one of the largest in the country. Be sure to visit it and experience a different sense of adventure. Iceland is also considered as the last frontier for geologists because of the numerous alien-looking landscapes and sceneries that can be found in the countryside. Many geologists dream of visiting Iceland in their lifetime, similar to how pilgrims to the world’s holiest cities feel. Visiting Iceland can be a different experience, and there is a lot to learn in this small island country when it comes to Earth Sciences.

For those who want to experience a laid back city lifestyle, try roaming around Reykjavik and experience the Icelandic culture. Reykjavik is home to various museums offering insight into the culture of the locals, or you could enjoy visiting the numerous bars and restaurants around the city.

On your next holiday, be sure to check off Iceland on your bucket list. There are many tour operators and agencies that provide a hassle-free vacation to the island country, and every cent spent on Iceland is worth it.