Picturesque “Atlantic hermit”

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Iceland is an island nation located in the northern Atlantic Ocean. This place is stunned by its fabulous nature. Extraordinary volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs attract many tourists to the country.

The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is the northernmost capital of the world. In Icelandic, the name “Reykjavik” means “steaming bay”, which is exactly the impression one gets when seeing hot geysers, whose steam scatters around the area.

Reykjavik, Source: Pinterest

Unique Nature

Iceland, for its modest size, is the largest volcanic island in the world. The relief of the island is predominantly mountainous, the tops are the mouths of extinct and active volcanoes. Surprisingly, all kinds of volcanoes are represented in Iceland.

The most common vegetation is various shrubs, especially heather, marsh grass, willow, and dwarf birch. Throughout the country there are extensive areas of rocky rivers, sandy brooks and lava fields, where geysers and hot springs are often found. 

Blooming lava field, Source: Pinterest

Culture – a mixture of modernity and ancient traditions

The country is interesting with its customs, traditions and way of life, which have influenced not only the history but also the geographical position of the island state, as well as its rather harsh northern climate.

Over the past thousand years the culture of Iceland has remained virtually unchanged, carefully preserving its identity. 

Literature and art occupy a special place in Icelandic life. For a reason, they are considered to be one of the most literate peoples in the world, with the highest percentage of writers among the population. In addition, UNESCO has recognized Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, as a city of literature.

Source: Pinterest

Icelandic literature is rooted in Scandinavian myths, it is fabulous and mysterious. The most titled writer is Halldór Kilján Laxness, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.

Halldor Kilian Laxness, Source: krugosvet.ru

The main holiday of the country is Yule (December 21). It is very similar to Christmas in Europe. It has its roots in pagan rituals and is held in honor of the King Oak, who warmed the earth and awakened life in it after the winter cold.

The Icelandic mentality is also unique in its own way. Most Icelanders are balanced and resistant to problems, humor and peaceful, and there is a minimum of social prejudice.

What can you visit in Iceland?

  • Hatlgrímskirkya 

In Reykjavik there are very few houses with unusual architecture or high-rises. Perhaps that’s why Hatlgrímskirkja, the Lutheran church, stands out and attracts tourists.

Source: wikiway.com

  • Guidelfoss Falls

It is the largest, full-water, «golden» waterfall of the country. The two steps, 11 meters and 21 meters high, and the depth of the water down to 70 meters, made it one of the most visited and favourite tourist attractions. 

Source: Pinterest

  • Cape Dirholai

The description of the cape says that this is where you can see the pride of Icelanders – a bird sanctuary of puffins.

Puffin, source: Pinterest

  • Landmannaloigar Colored Mountains

Incredible landscapes and unique colours – all this is the colored valley Landmannaloygar. This valley is not without reason on the list of the most beautiful and colorful natural attractions in Iceland.

Source: wikiway.com

Interesting Facts

  • The homeland of parliament is not England, but Iceland. It was here that Althing (Icelandic for “general assembly”) began to meet in 930.
  • Iceland is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. Residents use geothermal and hydropower to produce 80% of the country’s energy.
  • There is no standing army in Iceland, so only 0.1% of the budget goes to maintain it. And police officers don’t even carry guns. The country has repeatedly been recognized as the most peace-loving country.
  • Icelanders have no last name in the traditional sense. They mostly use only first names, even in the telephone book subscribers are recorded without last names.
  • The cuisine here is quite peculiar, consisting mainly of seafood. One of the most exquisite and yet strange for tourists dishes is haukarl – dried pieces of polar shark

Haukarl, Source: bigpicture.ru

  • According to statistics, about 80% of Icelanders believe in the existence of elves and trolls. There is a belief that fabulous creatures live in the rocks, in this regard the road has even been changed, since it is believed that stones are better not to disturb.

Iceland is considered almost a model country in terms of media freedom. This island state fascinates with its fantastic, without exaggeration, ethereal nature. It seems that nowhere else on the globe have the powerful forces of nature shown themselves so expressively. Attention is drawn not only to the natural features, but also to the traditions and special way of life of the people inhabiting the island.