Iceland
Exactly why Iceland came to have so misleading a name remains to
this day a subject of contention. Some speculate that the Norseman
who first set foot on the island wanted to protect its unspoiled,
abundant beauty and endowed it with this foreboding name as a
deterrent to other travellers. Others hypothesize that this same
Norse explorer felt so disappointed with his discovery that he
coined the disingenuous name out of spite. Whatever the reason, the
fact remains that the country's name is in no way indicative of the
natural surroundings in indeed, just as many travellers are
discouraged from journeying to the land because its name suggests a
less than hospitable location, an equal number who have explored the
country themselves find Iceland a highly rewarding destination, the
natural environment being the number one reason for a return visit.
Iceland does have some ice between its borders, but it comprises
only about 11 per cent of the total landmass. Much of Icelandic
countryside resembles sceneries you'd expect to find on the Moon
more than you would on Earth and in fact, the rocky wasteland was
once the staging ground for astronaut training. There certainly is
an otherworldly quality exuded by the barren and rugged territory of
Iceland, whose green, forested lowlands see far more rain than snow
throughout the year and for travellers with a passion for water,
this is the place to be, with its plethora of beautiful, cascading
rivers and waterfalls that sprinkle the area. The sterling
landscapes of Iceland are only enhanced by the fact that many of its
abundant natural wonders are seasonal, meaning that not only can
travellers experience Iceland's beauty all year round, but also that
they can visit it on numerous occasions at varying times of year and
each time experience something different. For most, Iceland's hot
springs of world-renowned fame are a must-see attraction and
together with the bubbling mud pools and desolate lava fields, it is
a sight that shows the primordial face of this geologically young
land still under construction by Mother Nature.
Just as Iceland's remarkable natural surroundings warrant thorough
exploration, so too do its inhabited areas. The booming metropolis
and capital city, Reykjavik, is home to over half of the people
residing on the sparsely populated island and is itself an
attraction not to be missed. Here, travellers can socialize with the
ever-friendly locals and discover the fascinating history and
current lifestyles of these people of ancient Viking descent.
A tour to Iceland and Greenland, often raises the question of whether their names should be interchanged. Iceland, world famous for its geothermal spas, springs and geysers, displays only a slight percentage of snow and ice between its borders, where Greenland has a staggering 80 per cent of its landmass covered in ice. Iceland spellbinds travellers with rich folkloric tradition, tumbling waterfalls and a highly unique and friendly people and Greenland makes up for its lack of typical tourism favourites, like sun-drenched beaches, with extraordinary scenic wonder and otherworldly beauty.