Blog | Iceland: Land of Gods

Iceland: Land of Gods
By Fernanda Aspe

In a country where the earth moves all the time, letting out snatched sighs here and there. Where the water roars moving through the valleys and into the black ocean, where you have the feeling of being on another planet. This is the land of myths and gods and here you will find them.

Iceland is part of Europe, an island in the northern Atlantic Ocean, and its remote location and small population gives it a feeling of being isolated from the world. It has great volcanic and geological activity which gives it a unique landscape: lava fields, geysers and hot springs, craters and lava volcanoes, sandy rocky beaches and black sands. It has huge glaciers protected in the national parks of Vatnajökull and Snaefellsjökul, thousands of waterfalls roaring furiously between valleys to the rivers that run through this country like veins, giving life and flowing into a dark sea.

People trace its origins to the Vikings who came in search of the land of the gods, as that is where they believed they lived. Undoubtedly, Iceland is a country that evokes the feeling of really getting to know something completely new for the first time, it is so different from any other we know and the experiences there are truly unique. It is a country that is really worth knowing.

To visit this country you need at least a week and the best way to visit it is by 4WD van to be able to travel around the country and to be able to get into the most remote parts of it.

The country can be visited at any time of the year, however, winter is long and cold, with few daylight hours and during this time some roads and national parks are closed. During the spring and summer from May to August, it seems to take a 180-degree turn, as the days become warm and with few to no hours of darkness. We recommend going at the end of August or in September and October when day and night are already marked and where you can see one of the most spectacular phenomena of nature: the Aurora Borealis. Iceland is a country where there is much to discover, the changing landscape, the solitary landscapes, the mysticism that surrounds it makes it as fascinating as dynamic.

These are our must-sees:

Reykjavik

Most of the population lives in the capital, which is the cultural, artistic, gastronomic and social center of the country. This small "city" is home to important museums such as the National Museum of Iceland, Einar Jonsson Museum, the House of Culture and the Art Museums Ásmundarsafn, Hafnarhus and Kjarvalsstadir. Not to be missed are the architectural and artistic wonders such as Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, Harpa Hall (the concert and convention center) and the contemporary sculpture of the Sun Traveler. Walk along Laugavegur in downtown Reykjavik for a day of shopping, pop into one of its many cafes, or simply enjoy the small streets with their colorful buildings.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Wild beaches, bird sanctuaries, Icelandic horses and lava fields, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the most spectacular places in Iceland. You can spend the whole day here, if you choose to be based in Reykjavík, or you can spend at least two days touring the area. Jules Verne took his inspiration from here when he used the icy peak of the volcano Snaefellsjökull as the magical portal to the center of the earth.

Vík i Mýrdal

It is the southernmost town in Iceland and is located just below the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and near the Katla volcano just 180 km from the capital. It enjoys volcanic sand beaches, totally black, and rock formations on its shores that characterize it and make it one of the most beautiful regions of the country. This small city is located within the Golden Circuit, which is the most popular way to visit the country if you have little time.

Western Fjords

The breadth of this fascinating country's superlative nature reaches a dramatic climax in the West Fjords. Wide beaches flank the southern coastline, its multicolored landscapes and towering fjords rise majestically above. There is nothing quite like it and although it requires more than a week in Iceland to really enjoy them, it is a worthwhile place. You can walk on reddish paths on the edge of the cliffs adding to the sense of adventure. Much of the area is still unspoiled, but certainly with much to explore.

Jökulsárlón

Hundreds of luminous blue icebergs glide gently across this immense lagoon before drifting out to sea. A dreamlike landscape gives the sensation of being in another reality. You can take walks among the ice formations by small boats and kayak or simply appreciate its surreal beauty by walking along the shore of the lagoon.

Vatnajökull National Park

It is the land of fire and ice. Europe's largest national park covers almost 14% of the country and protects the largest ice cap outside the poles: Vatnajökull. Dozens of glaciers flow from the icy mass, while beneath the mantle are active volcanoes and mountain peaks. The diversity in its landscapes is truly incredible. There are hiking trails, valleys to discover and small mountains to climb.

Borgarfjördur Eystri and Seydisfjördur

The story of two fjords on the east side of Iceland. Seydisfjördur is surrounded by mountains and dotted with roaring waterfalls. Borgarfjördur Eystri is of particular beauty. Although much of this stretch is a more rocky road, families of puffins can be seen here and locals say that mythical elves also dwell here. Both fjords have a natural splendor that will certainly take your breath away.

Landmannalaugar and Askja Highlands

The Highlands are only accessible a few months of the year. Here immense waterfalls, multicolored mountains and hundreds of rivers make up the varied landscape of Landmannalaugar. Askja is a gigantic caldera surrounded by mountains enclosing a sapphire blue lake. In order to get here it is necessary to have a 4WD van and at least three days to tour the area and hike. But to get to the mountains it is necessary to cross lava fields, landscapes of black sand and red smoky sand that give the sensation of being on another planet. Arriving at the rainbow mountains is one of the most majestic natural scenes you will ever see.

The Blue Lagoon

You can't leave Iceland without first soaking in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon. These pastel blue waters in contrast to the black rocks of the lava fields make it not only a delight for the eyes, but also a huge outdoor spa. The water, rich in silica, is known for its healing and nourishing properties for the skin. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least several weeks in advance.

Iceland awakens the adventurous spirit and the desire to discover the unimaginable. A country of surreal landscapes in constant movement, founded on mysticism and isolated within its own space and time, it is one of the most unforgettable places you can visit.

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