Iceland, a mysterious island of geysers, volcanoes and glaciers, is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic. It is situated between Greenland, Norway and the British Isles, and belongs to the Old Continent. There are about 315,000 inhabitants on the island, most in the wider area of the capital Reykjavik, which is Iceland’s largest city.
The island in the middle of the North Atlantic so far known for geysers, volcanoes and tundra has become a true tourist destination in recent years, so authorities are even thinking of limiting the number of tourists in the future.
Until eight years ago, a completely unimportant economic branch in the country that relied on fisheries and financial services, which in 2008 led to financial collapse, tourism now plays an increasingly important role in Iceland. Last year, tourism for the first time in the history of the country has removed fishing as the most important economic branch. Numerous and frequent airliners are introduced to Iceland.
The “explosion” of Icelandic tourism began with a volcanic eruption. The volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010, drawing the ash cloud above Iceland. Then there was a break in a large number of airline lines between Europe and North America, which brought Iceland under the spotlight of media reflectors. In spite of the negative publicity, the Icelandic tourist community launched an international advertising campaign that quickly produced fruit.
Interesting facts about Iceland:
The Iceland is full of hot springs, and if you plan to visit it you will surely dip in one of them. Iceland has many volcanoes and volcanic energy used to produce electricity.
Icelanders have no surnames. When a daughter is born in the family instead of her last name, her father’s name comes in addition with the “dottir”, while in the case of the son the continuation is called -sson.
Most Icelanders believe in the existence of elves. Elves live in rocky areas, they have magical powers and cause distress to those who dare to disturb them.
Icelandic cuisine is based on smoked fish and dried products served with traditional laufabraud bread. They love to drink coffee and fruit juices everyday, while drinking alcohol is widespread, but very expensive. They are eating skyr every day for every meal, something like yogurt.
During June and July the day in Iceland last for 24 hours. And while you can figure out a million other things you could do during the 24-hour, many Icelanders use that time to enjoy playing golf. Handball is Iceland’s national sport, although football took the stomach and even 40% of women play football. Sport, recreation and a healthy way of life are very important to them.
If you do not just want to meet Bjork on the streets of Reykjavik, visit Island because of the beautiful Blue Lagoon, diving in the crags between the tectonic plates of Europe and America, a wonderful view of Aurora Borealis’s polar light or just look at the taps and wait for the longest day of the year.
Iceland „tak“ (thank You) for your beauty and see you soon ! 😊
Written by: Dora Jagodić
Sources:
https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/sve-sto-morate-znati-o-islandu-zemlji-vatre-i-leda-1127628
http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/turizam.90.html:378251-Island-Zemlja-leda-i-lave
https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/winter-10-day-adventure-package
https://www.icelandtravel.is/tour/item510837/northern-lights-mystery-1/
https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/blue-lagoon-the-ultimate-guide
Pictures:
https://pixabay.com/en/iceland-panorama-hut-cottage-cabin-1904295/
https://pixabay.com/en/kirkjufell-river-river-flow-1601874/
https://pixabay.com/en/iceland-aurora-borealis-2111811/
https://pixabay.com/en/iceland-kirkjufell-sky-clouds-1768744/