Iceland lies in between two continent plates where natural wonders collide bringing a spectacular show to every visitor. The island is scattered with countless waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanos. Hills are covered with moss, and the volcanic landscape resembles the moon surface. It's all spiced with geysers, northern lights and incredible wildlife. What else do you need?
Life is too short to see everything in Iceland. The unique landscape on the island changes incessantly so even when you revisit the same spots you can get a whole new experience. Let me take you on a magical journey through the land where elves and humans live side by side and magic awaits behind every corner (or waterfall).
Chapter I: The waterfalls
Google claims that there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland and I'm willing to believe that. What's even cooler, there are all kinds of waterfalls: the ones that run warm with geothermal water, or that appear frozen in mid cascade during winter. There is also one where you can walk behind the water curtain, or another one hidden in a cave.
Chapter II: Mountains
Waterfalls need elevation, hills and valleys, so water can give itself up to the gravity and freely flow down. As you can imagine, with the abundance of waterfalls, come plenty of mountain ranges and landscape diversity. All the hiking lovers – this is your good place.
Chapter III: Space
Iceland covers slightly over 100 square kilometres which can be compared to England's size. When we consider population, Iceland is inhabited by 360,000 people – which gives you 3 people per square kilometre. You can really sense the space there.
Chapter IV: Coastline
From massive cliffs, to other rocky formations, and black-sand beaches – the ocean and mother earth did a great job with carving beautiful sculptures along the coastline.
Chapter V: Glaciers
Glacier lagoon is one of those places where you can actually sense the power of nature. Ice calving is a spectacular and pleasant thing to watch. Huge masses of ice break off from the glacier and slowly make their way towards the ocean.
Chapter VI: Geysers and hot springs
Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the activity of divergent tectonic plates brings heat and magma closer to the Earth´s surface, Iceland is one of the most dynamic volcanic regions in the world.
Chapter VII: Elves and their homes
Icelanders are known for their hospitality and peaceful attitude towards life, but also for their strong belief in elves. Many legends about so-called hidden people have been made up and passed on generations after generations. These photos are not the elf houses, but the Icelandic turf houses. This is a reconstructed viking-era house or farmstead – Þjóðveldisbærinn, which was buried under volcanic ash in 1104 following the eruption of the volcano Hekla. It was reconstructed 45 years ago and nowadays it serves as a museum.
Chapter VIII: Horses and other creatures
Animals outnumber humans on Iceland and sheep lead here.
Chapter IX: Reykjavik
The capital of Iceland is home to a one third of the country's population. It is a beautiful, modern city, with a Scandinavia scent and rich culture life.
Chapter X: Rainbows
The weather is unpredictable and constantly changes, so chances are you will spot several rainbows during one day just driving around.
Chapter XI: Moon landscape
The volcanic ground and flat terrain makes some parts of the island look like moon surface.
Chapter XII: Northern lights
This is probably the most beautiful thing you can ever see in your life. Hands down.
