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The extraordinary and harsh nature of Iceland can fascinate any tourist. Here you can find a lot of fascinating things - active volcanoes and powerful waterfalls, raging geysers and endless glaciers. Weather conditions can be very diverse. During the day you can see all four seasons, which replace each other. Here you can find huge icebergs and glacial lakes, rain and sun, wind and snow. No wonder Iceland is considered the arena of the eternal struggle between heat and cold.
The nature of the island is extremely vulnerable, so local residents protect it in every possible way. Rare bird species live in close proximity to people, which can only be seen in Iceland. Vast expanses of the islands are empty, so for the birds there is real freedom and freedom. Even some species of birds fly from the southern pole of the earth almost to its northern part, which indicates favorable conditions for them on the island, which residents of the state greatly enjoy. For almost three decades now, birds have chosen one of the islands - Surtsey, which rose from the bottom of the ocean. Thanks to the warm flow of the Gulf Stream, the island's territory is covered with grass, many representatives of the animal world live there, and there are also bird nests. This amazing area has been declared a nature reserve, which is prohibited from visiting. Unfortunately, this unique place is shrinking in size due to its absorption by the ocean, but no one knows how long it will last. Among representatives of other animals of Iceland, on the island you can meet reindeer and polar bears, which live in the vast expanses of glaciers.
The Scandinavian island has practically no forests, but nevertheless, its nature is charming and beautiful. The vegetation of Iceland is not particularly diverse; most of the territory is occupied by rocky areas, large lichens and mosses. Vast meadows covered with cereal crops are common, and you can find beautiful birch groves and peat bogs.
The island's wildlife is carefully protected. For this Four national parks, many natural monuments and reserves have been created. Agricultural areas occupy a small area, most of them are designated as pastures.
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Iceland is a small capitalist state in the north-west. Europe. It occupies the island of Iceland, located in the Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 960 km from Norway, 820 km from Scotland and 260 km from Greenland (Denmark Strait). Coordinates of the extreme points: 63°23` and 66°33` N. latitude, 13°W1` and 24°30`W. d. The area of Iceland is 103 thousand km2. Population 150 thousand people. The capital is Reykjavik.
The total length of Iceland's coastline is approx. 6 thousand km. To the north-west (Northwestern Peninsula), the N. and E. shores are high, fjord (Hunafloui, Eyjafjord, Seydisfjord bays), in the south - low-lying lagoonal; On the 3rd, the large bays of Faxafloui and Bradyfjord (the latter with skerries) jut out. Fjords and large bays are formed by faults and the work of Quaternary glaciers.
The surface of Iceland is a plateau 400-600 m high, plunging steeply to the sea shores on almost all sides. Higher plateaus and rows of conical and shield-shaped volcanics rise on the plateau in ledges. mountains with a height of 1200-2000 m. The lowlands (Western, Southwestern and Southern), swampy in many places, occupy only 7% of the entire territory of the country.
Icelandic terrain
Geologically, Iceland is a young country, formed as a result of volcanic eruptions over the past 60 million years (corresponding to the Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary periods in the history of the Earth). The most ancient parts of the country are located in the west, north and east. These are mainly plateaus composed of ancient basaltic lavas. The plateau-like nature of the surface is best preserved in the north-west, while in the east and north of the central part of the island the relief takes on an alpine appearance. A vast zone extends across the entire country from north to southwest, mainly composed of palagonite tuffs and breccias, which were formed as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions.
A large number of volcanoes are confined to this zone, as well as to the Snæfellsnes region in the west, of which 20 erupted after the settlement of the country. Iceland has almost every type of volcano found on Earth. The most characteristic are chains of craters resulting from eruptions along cracks and faults. In 1783, during the eruption of a volcano of this type, Laki, located southwest of Vatnajökull, the largest lava flow observed on Earth in historical times was formed. It covered an area of 570 square meters. km. To the southwest of Vatnajökull is the Hekla volcano, which erupted in 1947 and 1970. As a result of an underwater eruption off the southwestern coast of Iceland in 1963, the small island of Surtsey appeared. In 1973, during a volcanic eruption on the island of Heimaey, the population of the city of Vestmannaeyjar had to be evacuated.
Hot springs scattered throughout the country (there are more than 250 of them) are closely related to volcanic activity. Fields of sulfur fumaroles (solfatars) are confined to areas of young volcanism. Of the gushing springs, the most famous is the Great Geyser, the name of which has become a household name for all such formations. Iceland widely uses thermal energy. 85% of the population lives in houses heated by their waters. In addition, warm water is supplied to numerous greenhouses and swimming pools.
Iceland's coastline is approx. 5 thousand km. In the northwest, north and east, the rocky shores are dissected by numerous bays, fjords and islands. The inner parts of many fjords are lined with hook-shaped pebble spits, which protect natural harbors from storms blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. Coastal cities and towns are often located on such spits. The southwestern and southern shores of Iceland are sandy and level; There are no natural harbors there.
Ice caps and other glaciers cover an area of 11,900 square meters. km. The largest of the ice caps, Vatnajökull with an area of 8300 square meters. km, located in southeast Iceland. The highest point of the country, Hvannadalshnukur (2119), is also located here, which is the raised edge of the caldera of the Éraivajökull volcano. Other major ice caps are Hofsjökull and Langjökull in the interior of the island, and Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull in the south (covering active volcanoes).
Thanks to the abundance of rainfall, Iceland has many fairly large rivers, but they are not navigable. South of Vatnajökull, the rivers branch into branches that often change their position. This is a serious obstacle to transport. During subglacial volcanic eruptions and when ice dams break on subglacial lakes, huge masses of meltwater cause violent floods on rivers. The largest lakes in Iceland are Thingvallavatn and Thorisvatn.
Geological structure of Iceland
The geological structure of Iceland is determined by volcanic. origin of the island. The most ancient rocks are basalts that erupted in the middle of the Tertiary period. Somewhat later, huge masses of palagonite volcanics formed. breccia. Throughout the Quaternary period, the outpouring of basaltic lavas continued. In places there are layers of clay with the remains of Tertiary plants and numerous petrified tree trunks, indicating the existence of large forests on the island in Tertiary times. Marine Pliocene deposits are known in the north. A large area (6700 km) is occupied by lava (basalt) fields, including the Oudadach Rhein lava desert (3400 km2). In Iceland there are more than 140 volcanoes of various types (crater rows, shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, mud volcanoes, underwater volcanoes, etc.), of which 26 are active.
Characteristic are rectilinear rows of volcanic rocks. cones and domes associated with large cracks in the earth's crust. The Laki fissure, which opened in 1783 and erupted huge masses of lava, has a length of over 30 km. Most of the volcanoes are located in a wide strip extending from the southwest. in the north-east, in the middle of the country. The largest and most famous volcanoes in Iceland: Hvannadalshnukur (2119 m) on the glaciated Eraiva-Jokull massif in the south-east. islands; Hekla (1447 m), one of the most active volcanoes in the country; Askja (1412 l") with a huge crater to the east. on the outskirts of the lava desert Oudadahröin. Earthquakes are quite common in India. Volcanic eruptions release a lot of loose volcanic material. material. Vulkanich. The ash spreads to the shores of Scotland and Scandinavia, and on the island it covers meadows valuable to Iceland. Especially a lot of ash is released during explosions of subglacial volcanoes, when massive melting of glaciers occurs and mud flows rush to the neighboring plains, carrying huge blocks of ice to the sea. With volcanic Gas outlets, hot springs (sulfur, carbon dioxide, etc.) and mud lakes are also associated with activity. The most famous is the Great Geyser.
Climate in Iceland
The climate of Iceland is cold marine (classification Cfc), according to Alisov it also qualifies as marine subarctic. However, climatic conditions are moderated by the North Atlantic Current, which passes along the southern and western coasts of the island. The weather is influenced by air masses from the Arctic and ocean waters from the tropics and subtropics. The climate of Iceland is also influenced by Arctic drift ice, which often accumulates off the northern and eastern coasts of the island in winter and early spring, bringing lower temperatures and decreased precipitation.
The weather is windy and changeable all year round, there is frequent drizzle and light rain, and snow often falls in winter and spring. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are rare. Annual precipitation ranges from about 500 mm in Akureyri to more than 1500 mm in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands. Wind speed in Iceland averages 18-20 m/s; in a storm it can exceed 50 m/s. Winter in Iceland is mild for latitudes in the 60s northern, with an average temperature of about 0°C. In summer the average temperature is about +10 °C. In the mountainous inland areas it is much colder at any time of the year. Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, nights in summer and days in winter are extremely short on the island.
Soils and flora of Iceland
The soils of Iceland are partly mineral, loess type, partly marshy, enriched with mineral material derived from volcanic ash, and partly aeolian, silty and sandy. Less than 1/4 of the country's territory is covered with vegetation (versus 2/3 when the country was settled 1,100 years ago). The vast interior plateaus are almost entirely devoid of vegetation. The vegetation is dominated by mosses and grasses. Until recently, woody plants occupied only 1% of the area. These are mainly birch trees, which usually have twisted trunks due to strong winds. In recent years, significant coniferous plantations have been created in some places.
Wildlife of Iceland
The species composition of Iceland's fauna is poor. At the time the country was settled, there was only one species of land mammal - the arctic fox. At the end of the 18th century. reindeer were introduced. In addition, mice, rats and mink were accidentally introduced to the island. Breeds in Iceland approx. 80 species of birds. Mountain lakes and rivers are home to many swans, ducks and geese, and on the sea coast gulls, terns, etc. are common. Trout is found in the lakes, and salmon is found in the rivers. Two species of seals and some species of whales are found in coastal waters. Here are feeding and spawning areas for fish (up to 66 species). The most important are cod, sea bass, haddock, halibut and shrimp.
Population of Iceland
The amateur population is 106 thousand people, of which 36% are employed in the village. x-ve, 21% - in fishing, 18% - in industry and crafts, 15% - in trade and transport, 10% - others. The national composition is homogeneous: St. 90% of Icelanders are descendants of Scandinavians who speak Icelandic. The country is also home to Danes, Norwegians, etc. The average population density is approx. 1.5 people per 1 km2. About 60% of the population is concentrated in the southwest. parts of the country.
The settlements are located Ch. arr. along the coast and deep in the fjords. In the central part of the island there are only single “yards” (20-30 people each); the majority live in cities and fishing villages. In the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, approx. 1/3 of the population of I., other significant points are Aku-reyri, Hafnarfjörður, Siglufjörður, Kuipstadur (Vestmannaeyjar).
Iceland does not have much species diversity in its fauna. This was largely due to the isolated position of the island state. The same fact determined the characteristics of the flora. The latter occupies about a quarter of the country's territory. Among the species diversity there are both introduced plants and endemics.
The diversity and growth patterns of plant and animal populations are also influenced by:
- climate;
- relief;
- short daylight hours in winter (about 5 hours).
Flora of Iceland
Due to the fairly cold climate and landscape, which is dominated by high mountain plateaus and lava fields, the leaders of the flora of Iceland are mosses and lichens. They grow everywhere, on rocks, stones and near geysers.
Also found:
- fern plants;
- lycophytes;
- seaweed;
- mushrooms;
- various herbs, etc.
The list of plants also includes flowering herbs: polar poppy, round-leaved bellflower, forest grass, wild lupins, etc. Lupines have become a real disaster for the Icelandic ecosystem. The plant grows very quickly and entire fields of it are no longer uncommon. Wild lupins, in parallel with the growth of their population, are also actively displacing other plants, threatening mosses and lichens with extinction.
Forests are very rare in Iceland. Trees grow on only 1% of the entire country's territory. Most of them are birches, but birches are a little unusual. Strong winds affect them, bending the trunks and forcing them to grow at a greater angle.
Coniferous trees are also found in Iceland. They are not naturally occurring plants. Local residents planted them themselves, in accordance with the decision made by the local administration.
Wildlife of Iceland
During the period of settlement of Iceland by people, the arctic fox was the only animal that lived on these lands. Subsequently, deer were brought to the island. This event occurred at the end of the 18th century. Around the same time, the needs of the local population brought cows, sheep and horses to the lands of the island state. They are bred and kept as domestic animals to this day.
Also, small animals and rodents came to the island from the mainland: minks, rats, mice and foxes.
The bird world of Iceland is distinguished by great species diversity. There are about 80 species in total. On the territory of the country in its different regions you can find: geese, swans, waterfowl, terns, puffins, gulls, etc. Iceland is the only European country where the Barrow and Harlequin ducks are found.
There are two species of whales and seals in the waters off the coast. Iceland also has many species of fish, both river and sea. These are trout and salmon, cod and halibut, haddock and sea bass. Rich in water and seafood, such as shrimp.
There are also insects in Iceland, but it is almost impossible to notice them while walking around the island. Hiding from strong winds, they live in secluded places.
We want to tell you about the amazing and majestic nature of this distant country. This is a real kingdom of wild nature; you will not find such a concentration of unique natural phenomena as here anywhere else. Iceland is not without reason called the land of “fire and ice” - it is here that volcanoes and glaciers - amazing natural artifacts - have been preserved in large numbers. And the waterfalls? And the beautiful mountain gorges - canyons that amaze with their beauty? The flora and fauna of this beautiful small country attract tourists from all over the world, and even the capricious climate is not a hindrance to them.
It is the unique climate, due to the combination of the island’s proximity to the Arctic Circle and the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, or rather its continuation, the North Atlantic Current, that largely determines the natural characteristics of this region. Therefore, despite the fact that there are enough glaciers here, this is by no means an Arctic country - the waters along the coast of the island are free of ice all year round. But there is a huge amount of precipitation here and the weather can easily change several times within one day.
Icelandic waterfalls
Speaking about the nature of Iceland, it is impossible not to start with waterfalls - this is the calling card of the island and its “zest”. There are more than a thousand beautiful waterfalls here, for a small area of the island, this is simply a record number! The most famous of them are Skógafoss and Gullfoss. Few tourists leave here without capturing at least one of them. Skógafoss is a giant waterfall, located in a valley with a very unusual landscape - one of the rocks adjacent to it “in profile” resembles the face of a person carefully looking at powerful streams of water. The very place where the waterfall is located has long been considered mystical and shrouded in a number of secrets. According to legend, the valley next to which Skógafoss is located is named after the son of the famous god Thor, known for his violent temper, like the waterfall. It is believed that an ancient Viking hid a treasury next to the waterfall, which was found by a local boy. He failed to save the jewelry, it was carried away by the stormy flows of the waterfall, but the ring remained, which can still be seen today among the exhibits of the museum in the village of Skougar.
On clear, fine days, visitors to this waterfall can see a wonderful sight - drops of water form a bright rainbow in front of it, and sometimes more than one! This view is especially mesmerizing in winter - just imagine - powerful streams of water falling vertically from a height of 60 meters, a rainbow, and bright white snow all around. It's worth seeing! Moreover, the surroundings of the waterfall are no less picturesque - here you will see real glaciers, passes, and amazing landscapes.
Gullfoss waterfall (also called the “Golden Falls”) is almost as good as Skógafoss. Although its height is significantly less - 32 meters. But the volume of water passing through the waterfall is very powerful. Here, too, you can sometimes see a rainbow. This majestic waterfall is also located in the south of Iceland, in the Høykadalur valley. The waterfall is formed by the flows of the glacial river Khvita, which fall into a picturesque canyon 2.5 kilometers long. The area around the waterfall is inviolable - it was bought by the Icelandic government in order to protect the land around the waterfall from development (they planned to build a power plant here). Gullfoss is a two-stage waterfall, which makes it even more picturesque. The approach to the waterfall is equipped, so you can approach it without fear for your safety. When coming here, you should remember about strong winds, so a windproof jacket will definitely come in handy here.
Another famous waterfall in Iceland, Detifoss, is known for its power. It has no analogues in all of Europe. As much as 200 cubic meters of water per second - this is the average “flow” of this waterfall. And often this mark reaches 500 cubic meters! It’s not for nothing that they call it a “bubbling waterfall”! The impressions from contemplating Detifoss can be compared in strength to the impressions produced by Niagara Falls. This waterfall is one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions. It is located in a national park with the interesting and, as usual in Iceland, difficult to pronounce name Jökulsárglúvur and has impressive dimensions - 100 meters wide and 44 meters high. Surrounded by dark rocks, Detifoss is an incredibly atmospheric, even mystical place. This impression of it is further supported by the tremors that can easily be felt while standing at the waterfall. No wonder the famous director Ridley Scott filmed this place as a prototype of the prehistoric Earth. And the height of the waterfall, along which the path to it goes, is simply breathtaking. And splash, splash! In a word, a force of nature.
It is very interesting to see the Höngifoss waterfall - it is not as popular among tourists as those mentioned above, but don’t let that stop you - it is amazing! The mountains here seem to be made up of layers (stripes), which is why Hengifoss is literally a “big striped waterfall”. These stripes form basalt rocks with layers of red clay. As you climb the path, you will be shocked by the sight that opens before you - the waterfall, consisting of two main cascades, resembles a fairy-tale creation. The lower part of the rocks is shaped like an organ. It may not be easy to get here, and the road is very cloudy, but throughout the entire journey you will be able to see bright, beautifully shaped rainbows. It’s better to come here early in the morning, because the entire walk will most likely take at least three hours. But the views are amazing!
Next to Höngifoss waterfall there is another similar waterfall - Litlanesfoss. It is located about a kilometer from Höngifoss, downstream of the same Lagarfljout river, the waters of which have been processing the stone bed for many centuries, creating amazing rectangular columns, which tourists from all over the world come to admire. The waterfall seemed to separate two giant blocks of stone, richly decorated with these natural columns. The view of the waterfall from above is especially impressive.
Another local waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, is incredibly popular among tourists - it doesn’t seem to be as big as the others, but it is very, very picturesque. If you are looking at a book or calendar about Iceland, there will definitely be photographs of this waterfall and its surroundings. The most convenient observation point here is a large depression in the rock next to the water stream. Seljalandfoss is unique in that you can easily walk behind the waterfall; in other places this is not possible. So you can get close to the waterfall. We recommend not to miss this opportunity!
Svartifoss (Black Waterfall) is the main attraction of Skaftafell National Park. It is surrounded by luxurious hexagonal “columns” that were formed in the depths of a lava flow. The streams slowly froze, forming a bizarre black relief, which gave the name to the waterfall. The stones are pointed - the columns have changed their shape under the influence of water, but even in its present form, this creation of nature has inspired many architects to create buildings whose facade follows the shape of these basalt columns. For example, in Reykjavik there is a Lutheran Church created in the image of this natural phenomenon.
As part of our “Irish Around the World” we will see not only all these waterfalls of the island, but also many others, unique in their own way.
Thermal springs and geysers
But waterfalls are not everything. This is just a small part of Iceland's natural treasures. This country is also a kingdom of amazing underground springs - geysers, which have long become the hallmark of Iceland. These powerful hot "fountains" are everywhere in Iceland. You can swim in many geysers with great pleasure, which we do with pleasure on each of our trips. By the way, this is where this natural phenomenon got its name. “Spouting” means the word “geyser” in Icelandic. There are more than 7 thousand such sources in Iceland - no other country in the world has such a concentration. It is not for nothing that Arnanson - the famous Norwegian navigator called Reykjavik a “smoking harbor” - located 100 kilometers from the city, the Valley of Geysers every minute produces clouds of steam that envelop the area for many miles around.
The valley is called Haukadalur and is located next to Lake Laugarvaten. Here are the “star” representatives of the Icelandic geyser family - Gelsir and Strokkur. Also in the valley is Gullfoss, a picturesque waterfall that we told you about above. In addition to the giants, there are a lot of small geysers, both mud and water, bathing in which is considered an incredibly useful procedure. Local residents are also not averse to basking in the springs - the weather here is conducive to relaxing in the warmth. Well, God himself ordered tourists to try swimming in a real Icelandic geyser!
In general, the island is very lucky - geothermal springs not only decorate it and attract tourists here, but also literally heat the country. Hot water goes to the central heating pipes directly from the hot springs, creating an incredibly environmentally friendly system. And it works properly, by the way!
And to see powerful jets of hot water and steam released several meters upward, it is best to turn to Strokkur and Geyser. Although the second geyser is more capricious - it has been “working” for a long time, so today, in order to wait for the “show”, you will have to wait - it either erupts a couple of times a day, or completely subsides for several months. The power of the famous geyser has also begun to decline - instead of a 60-meter fountain, it now produces a 2-meter fountain, and when it is silent, it resembles a small greenish lake. And yet, seeing the Geysir eruption is a rare piece of luck - we also expect to be among the lucky ones.
But Strokkur, Geysir’s hardworking neighbor, knows no rest either day or night. This handsome giant, located next to the Khvitau River, produces a huge fountain of hot water 20-30 meters high every 5-7 minutes! It’s not clear why such beauty is called a “barrel of oil” (this is a literal translation of the name of the attraction), perhaps by analogy with hot oil that hisses and splashes? But the spectacle itself is certainly breathtaking. The calm water suddenly forms a dome of green-blue color and then bursts upward in a powerful fountain, causing the audience to gasp in surprise.
Near the geyser you can see very beautiful water depressions of a luxurious blue color - these are underground waters coming to the surface. These depressions are very deep, and the water in them is clear, like in a picture.
It is important to know that observing geysers in the Valley, even “quiet” and small ones, is a potentially dangerous activity. The water temperature in underground springs sometimes reaches 150 degrees Celsius, which means you shouldn’t forget about precautions - maintaining distance is an important rule in force in the Valley.
But there are special “geyser” places where it is not dangerous and you can swim. The water in such springs is hot, but does not burn, it is also odorless, so health treatments here are very comfortable. It is believed that the water in thermal springs treats migraines, joint pain, obesity and even depression! In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the skin and promotes overall health of the body.
All thermal springs in the country are conventionally divided into “wild” - those located in the lap of untouched wild nature. And ennobled by human efforts - “civilized” thermal springs. Everyone can choose an option to their liking, and best of all (this is what we do) is to combine both options. Each of them has its pros and cons: for example, public thermal springs can often be overcrowded with visitors, but the entrance fee is either absent or symbolic. A number of public springs are located directly on the ocean, allowing you to appreciate the contrast between the warmth of the water in the springs and the low temperature of the ocean water. Comfortable places for swimming are often equipped with additional sources of pleasure - there are Jacuzzis, slides, bars and other amenities of civilization. Such resorts are also equipped with changing cabins and showers. Luxurious, but not cheap.
The most popular hot spring resort in Iceland is definitely the Blue Lagoon. Every traveler strives to see the beauty of this fabulous place with his own eyes. The entire infrastructure of this famous resort is completely created by human hands. For about 40 euros you can swim in one of the most beautiful places in Iceland - the water in the source is blue and glows, so you can swim here even at night, which is especially romantic. The water temperature is 37 degrees, here you can not only relax in the warmth, but also undergo a number of rejuvenating and healing procedures. The very place where the resort is located is very picturesque - there are mountains nearby, steam rises from the water - a bewitching picture! Therefore, visiting the Blue Lagoon is one of the obligatory points of our stay in Iceland.
Another attractive place for tourists is Landmannalaugar - this resort with thermal springs is famous for the unusual mountains located nearby, which are painted in different colors - white, yellow, turquoise. Each thermal pool here is equipped with an information sign indicating the water temperature, so you can easily choose the one that suits you. Bathing in the springs is available here all year round, which tourists enjoy with great pleasure. And in this beautiful place you can stay for a few days, breathe in the fresh air, ride horses - there are many of them in Iceland and they are very flexible.
The largest spring in Europe is the Icelandic Deildartungukver in Reykholt. But the water here is too hot - 97 degrees. But it supplies hot water to the entire population within a radius of 100 kilometers!
In general, you can’t do without swimming in the springs here. This is one of the unique, nature-created pleasures that make Iceland so attractive.
Volcanoes of Iceland
Another “hot” highlight of the local nature is volcanoes. A significant part of Iceland is a volcanic plateau, the average height of which is 2000 meters. The name of one of Iceland's volcanoes is on everyone's lips because of the eruption that occurred in 2010. This is the Eyjaflatjökull volcano, which, by the way, was covered with a cap of ice before the eruption. The height of this volcano is 1666 meters, and the size of the crater is 3-4 kilometers. After the eruption, the volcano became a local celebrity, and we also always include a visit to it in our Icelandic itinerary.
However, there are no less interesting and famous volcanoes here - for example, Krapla and Grimsvetn.
Krapla is a mythical place. According to Icelandic legends, somewhere here, at the foot of the volcano, there was an entrance to the underworld. In the 70-80s of the last century, this volcano was under the close attention of researchers. Still, for almost 9 years, it erupted continuously, sometimes producing fountains of lava 100 meters high. Due to regular eruptions, the volcano received the name “Krapla Bonfire”. Here, on a deserted volcanic plateau, there is a huge lake with boiling water coming to the surface of the earth from a depth of 2.5 kilometers. Since 1997, a geothermal power plant has been operating here, supplying energy to most of the country.
Grimsvetn is an active volcano; its last eruption was recorded in 2011. The volcano is located in the uninhabited area of the Vatnajökull glacier, and its name means “dark water”. Perhaps the volcano was named so because at the time of eruptions it throws out a huge amount of ash, which quickly spreads around. The average frequency of eruptions of this volcano ranges from 3 to 10 years. It is believed that lithospheric faults connect Grimsvetn with two other large volcanoes in Iceland - Laki and Krapla. Eruptions of this volcano are not only frequent, but also very dangerous - one of their main consequences is the rapid melting of glacial waters, threatening serious flooding of the surrounding area. And powerful ash emissions seriously complicate the work of aviation - for example, after the eruption in 2004, due to the concentration of ash, communications with a number of Icelandic air ports, including Reykjavik, were interrupted. Unfortunately, majestic nature can be dangerous.
We have already mentioned more than once the contrast of this country. Iceland is also called the land of fire and water. Thermal springs, volcanoes and glaciers are huge and majestic. By the way, the above-mentioned Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in all of Europe. In general, Vatnajökull is not only a glacier, it is an entire national park that includes the glacier itself with a stunning ice cave located directly below it. How are such caves formed? There are several options. Often their formation occurs due to melt water, mainly along the edges of the glacier, as well as under the influence of thermal waters. The inside of these spheres is simply fabulously beautiful. Centuries-old ice absorbs almost the entire color spectrum, since it does not contain air bubbles, so it looks bright blue, creating an incredibly beautiful sight. However, due to the constant movement of the glacier, entering the cave can be dangerous, but Vatnajökull is magnificent from the outside too!
Canyons of Iceland
When traveling around Iceland, you should definitely see the local canyons. This is another calling card of the island - there are many canyons here, and we never miss the opportunity to visit them. The Ausbyrgi Canyon, located in the northeast of the island, is considered the most beautiful - an iconic landmark of the Jökulsargljuvür nature reserve. This gorge, which looks like a giant horseshoe, is striking in its size - in some places the height of its walls reaches 100 meters. The length of the gorge is 3.5 kilometers. The canyon was formed under the influence of floods, which were provoked by the melting of glaciers. And according to a beautiful legend, this is a giant footprint of the magic horse of the god Odin named Sleipnir - the famous mythical giant. In the middle, the Ausbyrgi canyon seems to be divided by a rocky strip; in summer, the gorge pleases the eye with greenery, so a visit to this picturesque place is a must. That's what we'll do in the summer.
Fjðrárglúfúr is another Icelandic canyon that can easily compete with Ausbyrgi for the title of the most beautiful gorge. It is located in the southeast of Iceland, in the rocky part of the island, and is famous for its lush vegetation and fabulous views. The length is about two kilometers and the height is 100 meters, just like Ausbyrgi. There is a walking trail along the shore of the gorge, following which you will see stunning landscapes and literally feel one with nature. From above you can see green plains and frozen glacial streams. The beauty is incredible! Not far from Fjrdrarglufur is the small village of Kirkjubaerklaustur, a very popular place among tourists, in the vicinity of which there is not only the famous Laki volcano, but also the Skaftafell National Park and the pristine Lake Laungisiour.
Yes, it looks like we can talk about the nature of Iceland forever. But there are also amazing beaches with volcanic black sand that look like alien plains, many national parks and a center where you can see giant sea animals - whales.
But it’s better to see once than to read a hundred times, so we invite you to come here with us this summer to see with your own eyes everything that we told you about in this article. They're waiting for us !
In 2018, our tours to Iceland will take place in and.
