"Cycling Iceland" Iceland by claudia1975

Iceland is one of the most scenic countries I have ever vistited. It was also one of the toughest trips though, since cycling Iceland by bicycle is not always fun - especially when the rain won't stop or the lava sand gets too deep ...;-). However, Iceland is one of the places with the cleanest air, the cleanest rivers, a lot of freedom to let you thoughts stroll, and probably the best visibility. All day you cycle towards a volcano, which you think must be only 20 km away. Later you find out that it was a hundred kilometres, because visibiity is so good - the air is so clear that objects seem closer than they are.

Godafoss in north-east Iceland

Low budget travel is hard to achieve. It can be though. Go by bike or hike around the island. Sleep in a tent (make sure it is strom proof) and don't go out to eat, except for maybe some cookies at the gas stations. Bring a lot of chocolate from home (maybe 100gr a day for good spirits and calories) and bring many packages of instant pasta sauce. Then you only need to buy noodles or rice to feed yourself on a campstove in the evening.

If you are wealthy then enjoy wonderful hotels and very good but extremely pricy dining out. Guess, which option I had when I was still a student in 1995? ;-)

Peat-houses close to Hoefn, south-east Iceland

In Iceland an outdoor vacation much depends upon your packing list. And on the current weather. When going in July be prepared for 30 deg. in the sun and a sunburn, but prepare also to waking up with a snow covered tent in the high lands. Think about rain and pack your clothes according to WHAT WILL DRY FAST. Jeans or cotton are no good idea on this island (unless you travel by car), the same applies to daun (feather) sleeping bags.

Apart from the scenery itself, Iceland will be even more fascinating when you read about its geology and geomorphology. The island is actually one of the few tips of the mid-atlantic magmatic ridge peaking out of the Atlantic Ocean. The land is extremely young (for geologic time scale) and you can basically experience a place, born not long ago.

If you get a little into the subject you will soon feel excited about the different volcano types, fumarolic minerals, geysirs, hot springs and mud-pools, about the "glacial series", the alkalic and the sour stones, the effusive and explosive volcanism and the powers boiling underneath your feet. Icelands capitol Reykjavik has so much geothermal power in its surrounding that the pavements are kept ice free in winter. How? They have tubes of boiling hot water circulating underneath the walk ways - and they get this hot water all for free ....

Enjoy reading more ....

• Pros:Clean, clear, sun, wind, rain, all the elements in your face...
• Cons:Expensive if you are a low budget traveler
• In a nutshell:A must for nature freaks and people who like it nordic