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Iceland is known as the "Land of Ice and Fire." Ice because a good percentage of its area is occupied by glaciers and fire thanks to its geothermal sources of hot water. The sizable drop in the value of the ISK, the local currency, has made Iceland a travel bargain.
Iceland is divided into 8 regions:
The Capital Area includes Reykyavik, the capital, and some 2/3 of the country's population. The city and neighboring towns are the venues of numerous festivals throughout the year.
East Iceland: Large forests, lakes and waterfalls are the attractions of this region. Djúpivogur is s fishing village in an area of unusual beauty in the shadow of Mount Búlandstindur. The Smyril Line runs a ferry from Seyðisfjörður to the Faroe Islands and Denmark.
Northeast Iceland: Here are the Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, whale watching at Húsavík, the spectacular Lake Mývatn, and the Ásbyrgi National Park.
Northwest: Interesting tourist destinations are Hofsós, an old important trading center, Blönduós, and Hvammstangi
Detailed information about the Southern Peninsula is found in the official Touring Guide for the region which is available online. The region is the home of Iceland's International airport, Keflavik KEF and the Blue Lagoon, a very popular geothermal spa. The spa is located in the town of Grindavik on the southern coast of the peninsula. Its mineral-rich water has a temperature around 100 degrees F and is said to be of great benefit to sufferers from a variety of skin ailments.
South Iceland: Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest park, offers a combination of glaciers and geothermal activity.
Westfjords: Ísafjörður, the heart of the region, is the site of numerous events and music festivals.
West Iceland is also known as Sagaland, inasmuch as most of Iceland's ancient sagas originated there. Snæfellsjökull National Park was the locale of one these sagas. Snaefellsjokull Glacier is an active volcano. |
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