Famous Icelanders. Interesting facts about Iceland

Iceland is called the "ice land" or "land of ice". It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean on the island of Iceland and a group of small islands.

Iceland consists of 8 regions: Hövüdborgarsweidid, Vesturland, Sudurnes, Vestfjordir, Nordurland-Eistra, Nordurland-Vestra, Syduyurland, Eysturland.

Reykjavik - the capital of a country with a population of 180 thousand people - is the cultural, business and financial center of the country. It is also the seat of the government and parliament. In addition to Reykjavik, major cities are Habnarfjordur (19 thousand people), Kopavogur (21 thousand people), Akureyri (17 thousand people), Seidisfjordur, Husavik, Akranes.

The country is headed by a president elected for 4 years by direct general elections. The Icelandic government includes the Prime Minister and ministers who are members of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party.

Legislature - Parliament (Althing) - consists of one chamber and has existed since 930. Iceland's constitution was adopted in 1920.

Until recently, fishing and fish processing were the main sources of income for Iceland. In 2001, they accounted for 32% of the industry. But in the last decade, there has been an active diversification of industrial production, which has become possible thanks to the use of renewable cheap energy.

At present, aluminum smelters are being actively built. Other promising industries for Iceland include banking, tourism, biotechnology, and information technology. Iceland belongs to the industrialized countries.

In 2007, Iceland was recognized by the UN as the best country for life in the world.

	Reykjavik
Population	317 630 people

Population density
	Icelandic
Religion	lutheranism
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	icelandic krone
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone on the Internet
Electricity

Climate and weather

On the southwestern coast, where Reykjavik is located, the average temperature in winter is -1 ºС, in summer - +11 ºС. Iceland's waters never freeze.

Thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the climate of the western and southern coasts of Iceland is quite mild in winter. At the same time, a large amount of precipitation falls in the form of rains. On average, January in Reykjavik has only 3 sunny days, July is even less - 1. The warmest period of the year is from July to August. The east and north of Iceland tend to be sunnier and warmer. Most of the sun is in the central part of the north of the island - in the region Akureiri and lakes Mivati... The warmest, as a rule, is in the eastern part, in the area Egilsstdoir... But even in these relatively favorable areas, unpleasant cold winds blow. On the coasts of the island, the weather is often worse than in the central parts. But on the inner part of the island, powerful winds and storms can interfere with rest. They lift large masses of sand into the air and create the so-called "sula".

Nature

The geological age of Iceland is small: the island was formed about 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. The most ancient areas are in the north, west and east.

In the west, in the area Snйfellsnes, there are many volcanoes, 20 of which were active when Iceland was already inhabited. In 1783, the volcano Laki erupted, located southwest of Vatnajökull. The eruption lava covered an area of 570 sq. km. In 1947 and 1970 the volcano Hekla erupted. In 1963, Surtsey Island was formed as a result of an underwater eruption.

There are many hot springs throughout the island. There are about 250 of them in total. The most famous gushing source is the Big Geyser. 85% of homes in Iceland are heated with energy from hot springs. Also, their warm water is used in swimming pools and greenhouses.

The northern, eastern and northwestern coastlines are indented by many fjords and bays.

Glaciers and ice caps cover an area of 11,900 km 2. The largest ice cap - Vatnajökull- is located in the southeast of the country and covers 8,300 sq. Km .. In the same area is the highest point of Iceland - Hvannadalshnukur reaching a height of 2,119 meters.

There are many fairly large rivers in the country, but they are all non-navigable. Rivers often fork and change direction, which impedes traffic. The largest Icelandic islands - Turisvati and Tingwadlavati.

Iceland is home to over 80 bird species. There are some species of whales and two species of seals in coastal waters. Fish species such as sea bass, halibut, cod and haddock are of great importance for Iceland.

sights

In 2000, Reykjavik (translated as "Smoky Bay") was declared the cultural capital of the world. The central part of the city - Old Reykjavik - is a huge space with a large number of lakes and lawns, which are replaced by old traditional buildings. Stables and sheepfolds are still found in this place today. Of course, they no longer contain livestock. Most of them have turned into cafes and shops. The most notable old buildings in Reykjavik are the 18th century government building and the House of Parliament, built in 1881. For museums in Reykjavik, the National Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavik City Art Museum are worth visiting. In Reykjavik, a luxurious botanical garden is open to visitors.

Iceland has a large number of waterfalls. The most famous of them are - Gullfoss, or the Golden Falls, Goudafoss, or the Waterfall of the Gods, Skogarfoss and Dechtifoss, or Cascading waterfall.

The northern capital of Iceland is the city Akureyri which is on the shore Eyjafjord... There is a lake nearby Mivati, or Mosquito Lake, which never freezes.

Iceland is one of the centers of extreme tourism and sport fishing. Here you can go rock climbing or go hiking. Such popular entertainment as safari is widespread here. You can go on horseback riding, fish for salmon and trout in streams and lakes. Diving enthusiasts can dive into the depths of the mineral waters.

Nutrition

Icelandic cuisine is not varied and rich. The reason for this is the monotonous flora and fauna and the harsh climate. Spanish national dishes are always extremely simple, but very tasty. The most popular dishes in Iceland are roast lamb and Icelandic chowder.

Original national Icelandic dishes - hrutspungur, hakarl and svid. Khrutspungur is a pickled lamb testicles that are pressed into cookies. Hakarl- this is rotten shark meat, placed in the ground for six months to bring it to the required stage of decomposition. Testimonial- a whole sheep's head, which is sawn into two halves, brought to a boil and consumed almost raw.

Less exotic dishes - blakey(charred meat) luindi and hardfiskure(haddock). You can also serve fur seal meat, whale steak and whale meat. Traditional dairy product in Iceland - skyr- prepared from bacterial cultures and milk cream.

If meat dishes in Iceland do not differ in sophistication, then fish dishes are surprisingly diverse here. The most famous local dishes are halibut, salmon, cod, scallops, shrimp and shark.

Coffee is very popular among drinks. Wine, beer and other spirits are very expensive here. A classic drink in Iceland - brennivine- made from potatoes and flavored with caraway seeds.

Iceland has a very high level of development of the restaurant culture: there are a huge number of restaurants throughout the country, which are sharply competing with each other and provide excellent service to visitors.

Beer was banned from producing and drinking in Iceland for 75 years, and now, in 1989, the ban was lifted. A large glass of beer will cost you $ 8, a small one - $ 4.7. In coffee shops you only need to pay for one cup of coffee, all the rest will be brought to you for free.

Accommodation

It is safest to book your accommodation before arriving in Iceland, but if this option is not possible, you will have to act on the spot. For the first few days, you can always find a hostel, tourist base or hotel. The most affordable prices are at the Salvation Army House in Reykjavik and at the Tourist Base, which is also located in the capital. The minimum cost of a room for one night is 33 €.

Since the real estate market in Iceland is vast and the purchase of apartments and houses accounts for 75-85% of the housing stock, the rental market is quite narrow. Renting in Reykjavik will cost you the most.

When renting a home, you pay a month in advance and a security deposit. It is best to ask the landlord to provide you with a written rental agreement.

Anyone over 18 years of age who rents housing under a contract for more than six months can receive monetary compensation. You can write such a statement at the social services bureau.

The average monthly rent for a room with kitchen and bathroom is ISK 40,000 per month. For a modest apartment you will have to pay 70,000-80,000 kroons per month. In suburban areas, the average cost per square meter is 1200 kroons, in the capital - 1500.

Entertainment and recreation

The most important holiday for Icelanders is Independence Day. This holiday takes place on June 17th. At this time, bright theatrical performances in the open air and costume parades are organized throughout the country.

In the first week of June, you can get to the holiday Syomannadagurini dedicated to sailors. On this day, tug-of-war, water rescue and swimming tournaments are held. June 24 is the day of the summer solstice, Midsummer. On the third Thursday of April, Sumardagurini Fursti takes place - a carnival holiday, which is dedicated to the first day of summer. In August, you can attend another local holiday called Pyodhatio Vestmannaeyar... On this day, Icelanders sing songs, make big fires, hold festivities and dances. Some parts of Iceland have a holiday Verslunarmannahelgi. It is held in August. On this day, it is customary to go camping with an overnight stay with your family, barbecue.

There are many excursions in Iceland. The most entertaining of them take place in the following places:

East Iceland
East fjords
Westman Islands
Valley of Geysers
Thingvellir National Park
Caldidalur
Glaciers
Snayfell
Lake Myuwati
North Iceland
fjords of West Iceland
Central Iceland.

Iceland is a great place to organize hiking, often extreme, hikes. The most notable hiking trails are in Latrabjarg, Landmanialaugar and Horistrandir. Well-equipped ski resorts can be found in Akureiri, Reykjavik, Hitarfjalla and Blufjolla. On Mount Langyokull you can go sledging, in the Hallmundarhraun caves you can try yourself in sports speleology, plunge into geothermal springs and ride horses. Iceland also hosts the Arctic Open golf tournament (in the city of Akureiri). The competition takes place on one of the nights of the polar summer, which is why it is called the "tournament of the midnight sun".

Purchases

Icelandic shops are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 14:00 (rarely until 16:00) on Saturdays. Sometimes large shopping malls are open until 22:00 on Friday. All shops are closed on weekends during summer.

Most of Iceland's goods are imported, which is why prices for food, real estate and transport services are very high. Iceland has the second highest cost of living after Japan. If you want not to deny yourself anything, you will have to spend at least $ 500 per day.

Transport

Iceland's largest airline, Air Iceland, is the only airline to provide safe domestic passenger services during the winter. The Icelandic road network is one of the most undeveloped in the European region, with no railways at all.

At the same time, the bus transport company "Bifrightastod Islands" does an excellent job of transporting passengers in very harsh conditions. The largest Icelandic ports are connected by ferries.

There are several government-owned firms in Iceland that provide taxi services 24 hours a day. For 1 kilometer, a fee of about 100 CZK is charged, on holidays and at night the price rises by 10-15%. Taxis can be found at special parking lots, stopped on the street or called for free by phone.

Connection

There are not many places in Iceland where you can find Wi-fi. But everywhere you can use the services of an Internet cafe.

The cellular standards in Iceland are GSM 900/1800.

Telephone communication is very well developed in Iceland. Telephone booths are located at every corner. You can call them using coins in denominations of 10, 50 and 100 kroons, or use a telephone card worth 500 kroons. Calling cards can be bought at a telephone exchange or post office. The cost of a call, both local and international, depends on the day of the week and time of day. You will pay the regular price on weekdays from 8:00 to 19:00. On weekends and weekdays from 19:00 to 8:00 you will be given a 25% discount.

Security

If you are walking in mountainous areas, be very careful and attentive, as volcanic activity is possible in these areas. You risk falling into a mud pit or "run into" a geyser eruption. When walking, it is best not to deviate from the hiking trail.

With regard to the crime rate, in this sense, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Recently, Reykjavik has become an exception: cases of petty theft have become more frequent here, and information about more serious violations appears in the news every now and then. Going to a nightclub, be prepared to witness a fight. Don't get involved - just call the police.

Business climate

If you come temporarily or permanently to work in Iceland, you need to register with the National Register. You will be assigned an identification number, and the State Revenue Department will give you a tax card. You also need to have a work permit. You can consult the Employment Committee or the Immigration Office about its provision.

In Iceland, you can open a company of any form of ownership. If you are a self-employed entrepreneur in Iceland, you will need to pay 38.58% of your profits to the treasury every month. The partnership is taxed at 26% of its profits. Companies and their affiliates pay 18% of their profits to the Icelandic treasury. The most common choice when starting a company is the form of a closed limited liability company. This is due to the low tax rate and the ease of maintaining the company. The tax rate for such firms is 5%.

Real estate

The real estate market in Iceland is very wide. You can buy an apartment in Iceland only if you have a residence permit. If you want to buy an apartment, you need to consult the State Finance Fund on housing issues or a local bank.

Reykjavik is one of the five cities in the world with the most expensive real estate. In the last decade, house prices in Iceland have been rising.

Iceland has enough real estate to buy and sell. Every year the country is visited by a huge number of tourists, which stimulates the expansion of the real estate market. It is important that the influx of tourists to Iceland occurs throughout the year, which is also a prerequisite for the development of the housing market.

In Iceland, driving on the right. In winter, road traffic is hampered by snow drifts and strong winds. Penalties for drunk driving and violation of other traffic rules are very high. But you will never have problems with parking in Reykjavik: there are several multi-storey car parks and a large number of ground ones. Parking is charged on an hourly basis. You will pay 80-150 kroons in a regular parking lot, 50-100 kroons in a parking lot. You need to pay for parking at the machines at the entrance to the parking lot or at the parking attendant.

Iceland is allowed to import no more than three kilograms of food. At the same time, it is forbidden to carry meat, dairy products, raw eggs. If you are over 20 years old, you can take with you up to 1 liter of spirits, 6 liters of beer and 1 liter of wine. Upon reaching the age of 18, passengers can also take with them up to 200 cigarettes and 250 grams of tobacco.

Icelanders have no surnames. The inhabitants of Iceland have only a name and patronymic. The endings of the patronymics "-son" are worn by men, "-dottir" - by women. You can often meet people with the same surnames. Icelanders address each other only by name.

Alcohol can only be bought in state-owned specialty stores. Alcohol is 5-7 times more expensive here than in duty-free at airports.

There are camping areas near the most popular natural monuments. For an overnight stay in such an area, you will have to pay 2-3 dollars. In other places, camping is allowed only with the permission of the local authorities.

Tipping in Iceland is only given to doormen in hotels and restaurants. In other situations, the tip is already included in the bill.

Visa information

Getting a visa to Iceland is not as difficult as it might seem. To do this, you will need to collect a standard package of documents, including: a valid passport, tickets to the country and back, copies of the necessary passport pages, confirmation of hotel booking.

The visa is issued within 8 working days. The consular fee is about 35 €.

The Icelandic Embassy is located at 121069, Moscow, Khlebny lane, 28.
You can get detailed advice by calling the appropriate phone number (+7 495) 956-7604. The embassy is open all working week from 09:00 to 17:00.

Evgeny Melnik

Composes music, poetry, prose. He reads and writes a lot: about art, football, rock and nu-jazz. Crazy about Dada, Iceland and Mamleev's prose.

Iceland is one of the most mysterious places on earth. This is where elf rights are constitutionally enshrined, and postmen and police play football better than guys who can spend 250,000 euros on champagne in one night.

Perhaps now you will want to learn more about the Land of Ice and Fire, or maybe you will even start saving your salary to visit this mysterious island someday. And you will have to postpone a lot, since the prices in the country of sheep and dumplings are one of the highest in Europe.

Anthony Doudt / Flickr.com

Products and prices

Iceland is known for its high food prices. A liter of milk here costs a little less than a euro, a kilogram of potatoes - 1 euro, bread - 2 euros. At the same time, the prices for meat are fantastic. For example, one kilogram of pork is sold for 14 euros, chicken for 17 euros. But this is not the worst thing.

If you want to chick with some blonde lady in a restaurant, then you should take a loan, because for a three-course meal you can easily shell out more than a hundred euros! But there is also an alternative - go to a local fast food and gorge on "some" 15–20 euros.

/~helmar/Flickr.com

But souls tormented by narzan should better stay at home. Icelanders are known for their drunkenness. At the same time, in the morning they go to work as if nothing had happened. But your head may start to ache after you become familiar with the cost of "firewater" in Iceland.

For a bottle of ordinary wine you will have to pay about 15-18 euros, beer - 2-4 euros. The stronger the drink, the more expensive it is. So a bottle of mumble may be worth more than a bottle of decent but light French wine.

When simplicity is better than stealing

Vegetables in Iceland are also very expensive, as they are grown in greenhouses. Vegetable stalls are just on the street, only there are no sellers in them. Prices are written on the plates, and there are scales and money boxes nearby. Yes, yes, people themselves come, weigh, put money in a box, take change and move on. This is not easy to believe, so it is better to go to Iceland and see for yourself.

The doors in the houses are also not locked here, but this is not the most unusual thing. It is interesting that a complete stranger can enter a lonely house lost in the mountains, and they will immediately give him a drink, feed him and put him to bed. At the same time, if you are a prominent man, and there is only one defenseless woman in the house, the alignment and attitude will not change in any way - it has been tested on our own experience.

Freedom of views

Freedom of opinion on certain taboo topics is legendary in Iceland.

For example, it is common knowledge that one of the prime ministers of Iceland, Johanna Sigurdardottir, is known as the first person in history to rule the government in the status of an open bisexual. Such a free attitude towards orientation is not surprising, because it is absorbed with mother's milk.

How? There are many geothermal springs in the country, which are visited not only by tourists, but also by local residents. It is necessary to take a shower before visiting them.

Shriram Rajagopalan / Flickr.com

There are showers in Iceland, although they are located in public places, while most of them do not have doors or walls. And the fact that it is customary for Icelanders to ask the name of a partner only after sex, and even then not always, is probably known to many.

A nation of multitankers

In Russia, the concept of a "multi-stationer" is usually associated with a person tortured by life, who turns to several jobs to feed the family. Oddly enough, but Icelanders also have something similar.

Here people do not order designers for themselves and make repairs exclusively by themselves. Every second Icelander considers himself a great artist, a creative person. For this reason, many things, which sometimes include sewing clothes, selection of furniture, home improvement, they do exclusively with their own hands.

But that's not all. In Iceland, a comedian musician can become a prominent politician, a hairdresser's son a president, and a bank CEO a fisherman. World-famous commentator Gudmundur Benediktsson is not even a professional commentator, since his main place of work was the football club Reykjavik, where he held the position of assistant coach.

And the son of a hairdresser, President Oulawur Grimsson, has been in office for 20 years. At the end of the fourth term, he wanted to resign, but the citizens did not let him in.

Iceland and its music

Music in Iceland is not only self-sufficient, but also influential in the context of world culture.

In 1997, the now cult group Sigur Ros was founded here. Their music is called "magic", "heavenly", "divine". They play a mixture of ambient, post-rock and minimalism. Band leader Jonesi Birgisson is known for his unearthly falsetto, as well as being openly homosexual and playing the electric guitar with a bow. Moreover, of all the participants, only he has the appropriate education.

Icelanders' compositions are often used as soundtracks. If the titles of the films "Vanilla Sky", "Immortals: War of the Worlds", "Penelope", "Slumdog Millionaire" tell you something, then it's time to listen to the track Hoppipolla.

Iceland is a country of amazing ratios

Gary Lineker (legendary English footballer) admired the fact that Iceland has more volcanoes than professional footballers.

There are actually more volcanoes - 126 versus 120. There are indeed a lot of things "more than people", so it is not surprising that people master many different professions. For example, there are more sheep than homo sapiens - 420,000 versus 332,500.

But there are even more adorable tupik birds in Iceland, of which there are as many as 4 million!

David Reid / Flickr.com

On the other hand, there are absolutely no ants on the island, and scientists do not know why.

About conservatism

From the outside, Iceland may seem like an extremely liberal country. The doors in the houses are not closed here. Any person from the street is welcomed as a long-awaited guest. There is no army in the country, almost no police. Products are on the street without any vendors. A naked person in a public place is a common occurrence, and sexual orientation does not have conservative social labels. But in fact, Iceland is one of the most conservative countries in the world.

It is extremely difficult to obtain a residence permit here. Moreover, Icelanders are so meticulous that they even have a special language commission. For what? If a foreign word is introduced into the language, then the commission is engaged in creating a local equivalent for it. For this reason, Icelandic is almost the only language that has almost no archaic forms, words with an emasculated meaning and other relict phenomena.

In what language the Skalds wrote the Elder Edda 1,000 years ago, it is read in the same language today. Iceland is very jealous of everything national, here literally everything is shrouded in traditions. Each encyclopedia says that the local parliament (Althingi) is considered the oldest in Europe - it is 1,000 years old. Icelanders also wanted to join the EU, but changed their minds.

In general, if you decide to splash in the geysers and admire the northern lights - fill your suitcases with Icelandic crowns and go on your journey! True, in this country it is better to use credit cards, since it is not customary to pay in cash here.

Are you wondering how waiters and other service personnel live without a tip? Yes, they live great! Leaving a tip in Iceland is considered an insult.

Iceland is a small state on the island of the same name. Despite the fact that Iceland is located far to the north, hardworking descendants of the Vikings managed to recreate a real corner of paradise on earth. Iceland has been at the top of the list of countries with the highest living standards for many years. The harsh northern nature, the friendliness of the indigenous Icelanders, the incredible beauty of the landscapes - all this is undoubtedly worth visiting this region at least once.

Due to severe weather conditions, the territory of Iceland was inhabited by one of the last on Earth - people came to this region only in the 9th century AD.
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is the northernmost capital on Earth.
Iceland is consistently among the ten most prosperous countries in the world.
The inhabitants of Iceland seriously believe in the existence of trolls and elves - for example, before the design of a new road begins, builders consult with experts in folklore, so as not to accidentally invade the possessions of these fantastic creatures.
Icelanders often build small churches in their gardens, hoping to convert to Christianity the small Huldufolk people, who, according to legend, hide in the local mountains.
The Icelandic Parliament is the oldest working in the world, it was first formed back in 930.
Icelandic cuisine is widely known for its unusual dishes - for example, Icelanders eat slightly rotten shark meat (hakarl), as well as sheep thighs soaked in lactic acid.
Horses are not allowed to enter Iceland for some unknown reason. If the horse is taken out of the country, it cannot be returned back either.
Iceland has no armed forces of its own, and no firearms are issued to Coast Guard and police officers.
Hot and cold water supplies to Icelandic homes are provided by local springs and geysers. The water in them is so clean that it is drinkable without additional filtration.
The inhabitants of Iceland have patronymics, but no surnames. The name for the newborn is chosen from a special register. If the desired name is not there, you need to contact the authorities and agree on this issue with them.
There are no railways in Iceland. Yes, none at all.
There are practically no borrowings in the Icelandic language, due to which it has remained unchanged for more than a thousand years. It will not be a problem for an Icelander to read a book published several centuries ago.
The widespread belief that Iceland is very cold is not true - for example, in January the air temperature averages -0.4 degrees.
Iceland, modest in size, thanks to its natural resources, could provide energy to all of Europe (see).
Until May 1, 1989, residents of Iceland were prohibited from selling and drinking beer. Today, the day of lifting the ban is almost a national holiday.
Iceland is the world leader in sales of scientific literature.
Almost all residents of Iceland (90%) have access to the Internet - such a prevalence of the network can not boast even the United States.
There is not a single mosquito in Iceland.
Icelandic waterfall Dettifoss with a width of 100 meters and a height of 40 meters is the most powerful in Europe (see).
There are 130 volcanoes on the territory of Iceland, almost half of which have erupted in the last 1000 years (see).
Iceland is the only European country where striptease is prohibited by law. The ban was introduced in 2010.
Iceland's Latrabjarg Cliffs are not only the westernmost point of Europe, but also the world's largest bird habitat.
Iceland has the largest glacier on Earth (not counting those that shelter the poles) with the unpronounceable name of Watanjökull.
Icelanders go to the movies more often than people in any other country in the world.
Iceland has the largest number of children in the world (65%) born out of wedlock.

What is Iceland interesting and famous for? 9 facts about the country that cause confusion, admiration, surprise and sometimes baffle.

Despite the harsh northern climate, remoteness and far from cheap services, Iceland is a popular tourist destination. Even seasoned travelers who have traveled halfway around the world say Iceland is the most exciting experience they've ever had, and rarely seen elsewhere.

So what makes Iceland the most interesting?

Reykjavik looks like a provincial town, but it is the capital of the "Iceland"

1. Names of cities, streets and major landmarks. Don't try to remember them. All that will remain in memory is Reykjavik and its main shopping street, Leygavegur. Words like "Hallgrimskirkja" (a skyscraper with a view of the entire city from the top) will have to be written down. The names of glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls are also difficult to pronounce.

2. Wherever you go, there will be waterfalls everywhere. Driving through the fjords, you gradually get used to the fact that this is an ordinary landscape. The highest waterfall is “Glymur”, but there are also more beautiful waterfalls on the island, for example, “Hreinfossar” near the town of Borgarnes or the huge cascade of “Dynjandi” waterfalls. It is difficult to list even the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, there are so many of them.

The largest number of tourists in Iceland is concentrated in the south (the route is called the "Golden Circle"). This is partly due to the proximity to the capital and the fact that there are a large number of waterfalls.

Remember that you may need a raincoat to keep you dry. At an air temperature of +13 (even at the height of summer), splashing water is not a very pleasant thing.

3. If you come to Iceland in July, you will have another unforgettable sight: the whole country is covered with purple lupine flowers, among which flocks of sheep and horses roam freely.

4. The northern sun is very insidious and shines constantly in summer. Therefore, despite the cool weather, Iceland needs sunscreen. The main piece of clothing is not a jacket, as one might think, but a swimsuit, because hot baths are everywhere here.

5. What is Iceland famous for in the first place? , which amazes not only with its amazingly colored water, but also the number of people wishing to visit it.

Despite the fact that the lagoon is called a "tourist trap", swimming in it will be remembered for a long time. Although it will be rather not “bathing”, but soaking, since the depth of the lagoon is not more than 1.6 m. The entrance ticket costs from 35 to 165 euros, depending on the chosen procedures. A similar geothermal source in the north of the country in Myvatna is no worse.

What's interesting about Iceland? First of all, waterfalls!

6. In the western part of the island it seems that you are on the lid of a boiling cauldron. Hot springs burst from the ground and steam spreads around. In the north there is a place called "Hverir", where all this turbulence smells of sulfur, and there is no vegetation. No wonder the crater of the nearby volcano bears the name "Viti", which means "hell" in Icelandic.

The crater itself looks very peaceful and has long been filled with turquoise water, but the surrounding landscape bears little resemblance to the landscape of planet Earth.

7. Unusual beaches with absolutely black sand and basalt rocks in the form of pillars.

8. Another miracle of Iceland - dark tunnels several kilometers long... If a car is moving towards you, you must blink your headlights and drive into one of the marked safe zones.

Remember that in Iceland you will need a raincoat to stay dry. At an air temperature of +13, splashing water is not a very pleasant thing.

9. It would seem Iceland and diving- incompatible concepts. However, Thingvellir National Park suggests wearing a warm wetsuit and snorkelling to explore the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The entertainment is not for the faint of heart, because after half an hour in the icy water it seems that the nose is already frozen.

Iceland is called "the land of ice". Where there is no ice, there are mountains, volcanoes, bare land or lakes. Tourists come here as to the "end of the world", because such landscapes can not be found in any other corner of the Earth. Most of the attractions are natural objects - waterfalls, ice lagoon, geysers, large national parks. A certain proportion of travelers are those who came purposefully to see the famous Northern Lights.

However, you shouldn't think that Iceland has nothing to show in the cultural aspect. The capital of the country is actively developing and can offer travelers many places to explore - a concert hall where world celebrities often perform, and various museums. The city of Husavik is popular among tourists. Objects include the Whale Museum and the shocking Phallological Museum.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

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What to see in Iceland?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.

1. Hallgrimskirkja

2. Sculpture "Sun Voyager" (Reykjavik)

The name translates as "sun wanderer". The sculpture, popular among tourists, is installed on the embankment in the very center of the city. The author of the monument, artist Jon Gunnar Arnason, created the sketch being seriously ill. Simple in appearance, it carries deep symbolism. The ship-like design means the pursuit of dreams and new horizons. The structure is 3 meters high and 4 meters long.

3. Laugavegur Street (Reykjavik)

One of the most popular shopping streets in Reykjavik. The atmosphere of the "old" city is felt in it. In the past, this street led to hot springs where laundries were located. Some of the most popular goods for tourists on this street are items made from volcanic lava. The second most popular souvenir from here is a lamb's wool sweater. In the evening, shops stop working, and bars, nightclubs and restaurants open.

4. Perlan (Reykjavik)

City boiler house building. Its hemispherical dome is like a flower, each petal of which is a reservoir of hot water. The building is multifunctional and is popular not only among tourists, but also among city residents. On the ground floor there is a winter garden, in the center of which there is a geyser. Some of the floors are occupied by shops. On the top floor there is an observation deck with telescopes.

5. Concert Hall "Harpa" (Reykjavik)

The concert hall building looks like two giant shards of basalt - the rock that makes up most of Iceland's mountains. The construction of the hall took several years due to funding problems and was completed in 2011. Harp's premises include not only 4 concert halls, but also conference and seminar rooms, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as an observation deck overlooking the center of Reykjavik.

6. Exhibition "871 +/- 2" (Reykjavik)

The exhibition is located in the city center. It contains ancient and ancient artifacts from the times of the first settlers. Also on display are a variety of interactive exhibits. The building of the museum was built on the site of huts of the 10th century, and the exhibition is located in the basement of this building. Exhibits of the exhibition are household and cultural items of the 9th century. The central exhibit is a hut from the time of the first settlers.

7. National Museum of Iceland (Reykjavik)

The exposition of the museum contains the most valuable objects of culture and everyday life of the Icelandic people. Here you can trace the history of the country in different eras. The museum was opened in 1863, and in 1950 he settled in a building specially built for his needs. The permanent exhibition of the National Museum is about 2,000 exhibits. The number of photographs, prints and drawings exceeds 4 million. The museum organizes educational events.

8. Arbaeyarsafn

Folklore open-air museum. Founded in 1957 to preserve traditions from generation to generation. The museum complex includes dwelling houses of peasants, a Catholic church, and workers' workshops. Each building houses a thematic exhibition. The place is popular with tourists. They come to get acquainted with the culture and way of life of Icelanders, distinctive folklore and interesting architecture.

9. Whale Museums in Reykjavik and Husavik

Whaling in Iceland has been a longstanding subject of controversy. Activists and academics opposed to him have founded whale museums. The exposition of the museum in Reykjavik consists of 23 life-size whale models. It creates the illusion of being under water - with the help of blue lighting and a sound system. The Husavik Whale Museum is less technologically advanced than the Reykjavik Museum. Its main exhibit is the skeleton of a whale.

10. Phallological Museum (Reykjavik)

The museum has no analogues in the world in terms of the uniqueness of the exposition. Visitors can see canned penises of various mammalian species, including humans. There are about 200 exhibits in the museum. Themed paintings and sculptures are also on display, and some artworks are made from the genitals themselves. Museum founder Sigurdur Hyartarson has been collecting this extraordinary collection since 1974.

11. Aurora Reykjavik (Reykjavik)

An interactive center where, thanks to the latest technology, the Northern Lights are recreated for visitors. The Northern Lights projection room is the focal point of the museum. Other sections provide photographs, educational materials and the history of the study of this natural phenomenon. Visitors can take colorful photos in a special photo booth. There is a souvenir shop with themed goods.

12. Monument to Leif Eriksson (Reykjavik)

Located at the entrance to Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church. Leif Eriksson or Leif the Happy was born in Iceland at the end of the 10th century, became famous as a great navigator and ruler of Greenland. The sculpture of a significant person in Icelandic history was donated to Reykjavik by the United States in 1930 in honor of the millennium of the Icelandic Parliament. The sculptor Stirling Calder symbolically depicted the navigator standing on the bow of the boat.

13. Blue Lagoon

Geothermal natural complex. The resort is known all over the world, some call it the symbol of the country. The peninsula, where the natural pool is located, is formed of porous lava, through which sea water seeps, forming a sky-turquoise color. The water temperature even in winter is not less than + 37 ° С. The mineral water of the complex has a unique composition, it does not contain bacteria. The bottom is covered with healthy white clay.

14. Route "Golden Ring"

The most popular excursion route in Iceland among tourists. The most interesting natural attractions in it are the Gullfoss waterfall, the Thingvellir National Park, the hot river in Hveragerdi, the valley of the Høykadalur geysers with the Strokkur and Geysir geysers. Some tour operators offer day trips along this route, but experienced travelers are advised to devote at least 2-3 days to it.

15. Laugavegur

The most famous hiking trail in Iceland. It is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque in the world. The hike takes 3-4 days on average, the length is 55 km, the highest point is 1050 meters. On the way, there are small bases where you can spend the night. The trail goes through mountains, glaciers, lava fields. On the way, tourists come across many waterfalls, lakes and picturesque rivers.

16. Thingvellir

The national park is included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO. Founded in 1928. The park is located 40 km from the capital, on the border of two lithospheric plates. Earthquakes are not uncommon here. The park includes the largest lake in Iceland, Tingvadlavatn, with a depth of about 100 meters. Part of the park is an active volcanic zone. The most notable volcano in this area is the Hengil volcano.

17. Skaftafell

Founded in 1967. The natural landscape of the national park is formed by the interaction of fire and water, namely the eruptions of the Eraivajökull volcano under the Skeidaraurjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers, as well as the flows of the Morsau and Skeidarau rivers. The park is partially covered with birch forest. The area is popular with tourists, it has specially designated areas for camping and hiking trails.

18. Surtsey

The emergence of the island is due to the eruption of an underwater volcano in 1963. Similar geological events took place on Earth millions of years ago during the formation of continents. The height of the island is 50 meters above sea level, the area is 2.5 km². From the first days of its existence to the present day, the island has been the object of close study of the processes of the origin and spread of life.

19. Valley of Geysers of Høykadalur

The unusual valley is located in the south of Iceland and is part of the Golden Ring route. The abundance of geysers in this place attracts the attention of many tourists. The geyser with the name Geysir is noteworthy. The Great Geyser throws out large jets of steam several times a day, but not periodically. The second popular geyser called Strokkoyur is more predictable - it releases jets of hot water every 10 minutes.

20. Gullfoss waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Consists of two steps 21 meters and 11 meters high. The steps are located at an angle of 90 ° to each other. The volume of water passing through the waterfall is impressive - in summer it reaches 130 m³ / sec. At the top of the waterfall is the Sigriudur Toumasdouttir monument. This is the daughter of the owner of the land, on the territory of which there was a waterfall at the beginning of the 20th century. According to legend, it was she who did not allow the use of the waterfall for the needs of the hydroelectric power station.

21. Dettifoss waterfall

It is known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Its name means "seething waterfall". Located on the territory of the large national park Jokulsaurgluvur. Near it are two other picturesque and popular waterfalls - Selfoss and Hafragilfoss, as well as Lake Myvatn. The Dettifoss waterfall is 100 meters wide. Its waters fall down from a height of 44 meters. Water consumption during a flood reaches 600 m³ / sec.

22. Skogafoss Falls

It is one of the most visited not only in Iceland, but also in the world. Located next to the Eyjafjallajökull glacier near the village of Skougar. In the past, there was a coastline in this place. Especially for tourists, a hiking trail has been laid to the top of the Fimmvurduhalus pass. It offers a beautiful view of the 60-meter waterfall. Its width is 25 meters. You can see a rainbow in the spray of the waterfall on a sunny day.

23. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

It is located on the Seljalandsau River at the site of the former coastline, over which it rises 60 meters. Behind the waterfall, inside the rocky cliffs, there is a deep indentation. It is accessible to people, so the Seljalandsfoss waterfall can be viewed from all sides. It looks especially beautiful at sunset hours. Near the waterfall there is a site for setting up tents and resting tourists.

24. Landmannaloygar

The Landmannaloygar Valley is part of a large nature reserve in Iceland. Lava and water formations create an unusual landscape of the valley. The mountains of this bridge are created by crystallized formations of volcanic rock. The color of these stones changes depending on the lighting. It can be yellow or red with purple or green streaks. Routes of varying difficulty are laid along the valley.

25. Kerid

Crater lake in the south of Iceland. It is included in the volcanic zone together with the Langjökull glacier and the Reykjanes peninsula. The red volcano hollow is typical of volcanic rock. It is 55 meters deep and 170 meters wide. The basin of the lake is quite ancient - it was formed about three thousand years ago. The lake is about 10 meters deep and has an unusual color with a bright aquamarine hue.

26. Fjadrarglufur Canyon

Located next to a small fishing village in the east of Iceland. The scenic views of this canyon attract travelers from all over the world. In terms of its size, it is one of the largest among such canyons. Fjadrarglufur Canyon was formed more than 2 million years ago after a large glacier disappeared. It is distinguished by its vertical walls. Its length is about 2 km, a small river flows along the bottom of the canyon.

27. Mount Kirkufell

With its steep slopes, the mountain resembles the roof of a Lutheran church. The slopes got this shape after the glacier disappeared. The height of the mountain is 463 meters. At the foot there is a small waterfall, photos from this angle are especially successful. Travelers usually take a walk around the mountain - it will take no more than an hour. You can climb to its top only with special equipment.

28. Lake Myvatn

A beautiful lake in the north of Iceland. The diameter of the lake is 10 km. The area around it is considered the most popular tourist area in the country. On the hills by the lake, there are both indoor geothermal pools and outdoor hot water pools. Fishing in the lake is carried out only under a license. For fans of the "Game of Thrones" series, the lake is interesting because several scenes of the fifth season were filmed on its shores.

29. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

The ice lagoon is the largest in Iceland. The area of the lagoon is 20 km², the depth reaches 200 meters. From the coast you can see a large ice cap, from which icebergs often break off. Blocks of ice can be up to 30 meters in size. Jeep and snowmobile excursions are popular to see the icebergs stuck to the lagoon. The Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a popular filming location for films and commercials.

30. Diamond Beach

The name "Diamond Beach" comes from the ice crystals scattered on the black sandy shore. Ice shards of various sizes and incredible shapes are pieces of hundreds of icebergs in the Jokulsarlon Lagoon. Crystals on the shore and icebergs in the water look especially beautiful under the rays of the setting or rising sun. At such moments, shards of ice shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow.

31. Reynisfjara Beach

Popular with tourists due to its black volcanic sandy coast. It was formed over many years of crushing frozen lava with water. Picturesque grottoes of black shining stone on the shore seem to transport vacationers to another reality. The beach is more than 5 km long and several tens of meters wide. Near the coast there are tall basalt columns called "Troll's Fingers".

32. Cape Dirholaei

Locals call this cape "a hole in the door". By their shape, the rocks on the shore really resemble doorways. The landscape is striking in its color range - the gray color of volcanic rocks smoothly turns into the black color of the sand on the shore and the blue water of the ocean. Cape Dyrholaey is a conservation area. Therefore, during the nesting season of birds from mid-May to mid-June, access to the cape is prohibited.

33. "Column of Peace"

The memorial was erected in memory of the musician John Lennon. The installation was initiated by his widow Yoko Ono. The monument is a white stone pedestal. Rays of light go from it to the sky, forming a tower. In good cloudless weather, the rays can reach four kilometers in height. As conceived by the authors of the project, the tower symbolizes the struggle for world peace, which began by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 60s of the XX century.

34. Wreckage of the Douglas DC-3

The skeleton of an aircraft that made an emergency landing in 1973. None of the crew were injured. The military took all the valuable equipment from the plane, and left the empty hull at the landing site. A 4 km long paved route leads to the plane from the car park. Tourists who have been there talk about the incredible impressions of the sight of the wreckage of the plane in the middle of the deserted kilometers of the black beach.

35. Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the few countries where you can see the Northern Lights. The most likely period to see this natural phenomenon firsthand is from September to April. It is also recommended to go to the north of the country or to the Western Fjords - the dark time there lasts longer, which means there are more chances to see the coveted multi-colored flashes in the sky. For those wishing to "catch" the northern lights, there are special organized self-guided tours.