"Why Iceland??" Iceland by annk

Iceland Travel Guide: 6,197 reviews and 14,643 photos

Skogafoss waterfall on the south shore - Iceland

I was reluctant to divulge in my plans to visit Iceland and with good reason too. Most, including close family thought I was nuts. Why would anyone want to visit an ice clad country in the middle of the North Atlantic? There are so many other places in the world to visit and Iceland would be close to last on most people's list. Or some would even ask not only WHY but WHERE? Even at work to my own group, I told most the day before I left that I would be gone for a week and only the date of return.

In my 5 1/2 days of touring, I lucked out with weather mostly sunny and in the 60's. Maybe if it had been rainy & cold I would feel differently about this beautiful country....but my memories are positive ones and now ingrained.

The name Iceland does it no justice as it is only a little more than 10% ice. It is in fact a land of contrasts, nature being the dominant force. A land of incredible beauty but also stark desert and barren terrain. There is sparse vegetation, barely any trees, desert, fields of lava, some black, some covered in a greenish-brown moss. There are green valleys, mountains of all colors, some snow-capped, magnificient glaciers, abundant waterfalls & rocky coastlines. Evidence that the land is geologically young is apparent with active geysirs, extinct volanoes and almost man-made looking basalt columns by the coastal areas.

Was asked upon returning, you wouldn't go back there would you? My reply, in a heartbeat.

PLEASE SEE TRAVELOGUES AS WELL

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful and natural, clean air, not crowded
Cons:unpredictable weather, usually cool

Last visit to Iceland: Jun 2002
Intro Updated May 6, 2003
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Reviews (16)

Hallgrimsskirkja Cathedral Things to Do (6)

Probably the most prominent landmark in Iceland and built to resemble a mountain of basaltic lava. The interior is light... more travel advice

The Blue Lagoon Things to Do (6)

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's best known attraction. Set in black lava the lagoon is a geothermal pool of mineral-rich... more travel advice

Vik - The southern most city Things to Do (6)

Vik is the most southern town in Iceland and situated along the coast but is quite unusual in that it doesn't have a... more travel advice

Reykjavik - the Capital City Things to Do (6)

If visiting Iceland, chances are you'll be spending at least some time in the capital city Reykjavik. It's only a 45... more travel advice

Favorites (3)
See All Glaciers
Hotels (2)
See All An alternative to expensive lodging
Restaurants (1)
You can't get any fresher than this!
What to Pack (1)
Layer

Travelogues (6)

1 - 4 of 6

Comments (90)

csordila Jul 15, 2009 at 1:46 PM Report Abuse

It was really a refreshing tour on your Iceland page in this hot summer evening! By the way many thanks for your visit on my Santorini. Best. Laszlo
K.Knight Jun 4, 2008 at 1:27 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ann, I am very jealous! Iceland is certainly on my "hit list" of destinations. I have always wondered if I would "glow in the dark" after taking a swim in the Blue Lagoon geothermal pool..LOL. G'day from Australia.
Toshioohsako Dec 4, 2007 at 6:26 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing nice photos and tips from Iceland. They are useful as I am going there next year.
agapotravel Sep 23, 2007 at 4:23 PM Report Abuse

Hey Ann! Thanks for visiting my Iceland pages. We had great weather while we were there, too. I hope you can visit again when you can stay longer. I was in waterfall heaven! :-)
Sininen Oct 15, 2006 at 12:43 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ann! Wonderful page on wonderful place. I was in Iceland in May and loved it so much. It was a long time dream come true. Happy birthday from Finland!
margaretvn Apr 30, 2006 at 2:38 AM Report Abuse

enjoyd your page and the lovely photos. Iceland has long been on my list of places to visit and finally we go there in 4 weeks
Igraine Apr 19, 2006 at 2:56 AM Report Abuse

This country is very high on my wish list! Excellent pictures
aussirose Nov 27, 2005 at 3:22 PM Report Abuse

Hey Ann. Awesome pix!! This is one place I would have never thought of visiting untill vt too :o) Blue Lagoon fascinates me! I really enjoy reading your pages.
sue_stone Aug 31, 2005 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

I felt the same way as you about Iceland!! Such an amazing and beautiful country : ))
aussiejen Jul 24, 2005 at 6:32 PM Report Abuse

You have some beautiful photos. I have never thought of visiting Iceland, but maybe one day.......... : )