Facts About Iceland

Jokulsarlon Iceland

Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon (Icelandic: Jökulsárlón) is a breathtaking lagoon in South Iceland, only a thin strip of land separates it from the sea.

On the inland side of an otherworldly iceberg-strewn lagoon are very large glaciers, seemingly streatching off and filling the horizon to every side. The most breathtaking sight is seeing the glaciers meet the lagoon where they break off into giant icebergs and fill the lake with bizarre shapes.

This is a place where filmmakers love to come and car companies too, taking photos of their latest models. It was here that James Bond was pursued in a car chase on ice in front of the Jokulsarlon in Die Another Day.

Photo: Jokulsarlon by Kenny Muir from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Jokulsarlon_lake,_Iceland.jpg
This file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License

Blue Lagoon Iceland

The famous Blue Lagoon is situated only a short distance from the international airport at Keflavik. Many visitors choose to begin or end their vacation in this unusual place.

The Blue Lagoon is a pool of geothermal seawater. The seawater is led directly from its natural source (at a depth of ca 2000 meters) to the Blue Lagoon Iceland spa site where you can take a bath in this wonderful blue water.

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland

Skaftafell is in the southern part of Iceland, not very far from the village of Höfn. It has a marvellous scenic beauty and contrasts. Green woodland, black mountains and white glacier.

When the sky is clear you'll be able to see Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland's highest peak, a little over 2100 m. You will definately not want to miss Skaftafell, which is one of the most famous places in Iceland.

Lake Myvatn, Iceland

Lake Mývatn lies in northern Iceland, east of Akureyri. It is the fourth largest lake and among the most famous places in Iceland. The lake is a bird sanctuary and is surrounded by interesting lava formations, volcanoes, hot springs and craters. On the lake are some volcanic islands.

Don’t forget to try Myvatn Nature Baths – the latest addition to the many attractions around the lake.

Dettifoss Iceland

Dettifoss, in northeastern Iceland, is Iceland's biggest waterfall. It is also said to be the biggest waterfall in Europe. The falls have a vertical drop of 44 m. Dettifoss is on the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, the second longest river in Iceland.

Thingvellir Iceland

The national park of Thingvellir (Icelandic: Þingvellir) is one of the most spectacular places to see in Iceland. The name applies also to one of the biggest lakes in Iceland and a historical site on the northern shore of the lake. From 930 to 1798 it was the annual meeting place of the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi (Althing).

Thingvellir counts among the most famous places in Iceland.

Gullfoss Iceland

The great waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is in the southwestern part of Iceland, a short distance from Geysir. It is 32 m high and very majestic in it's beauty. It is on the river Hvítá. Take good care when you visit, the surroundings can be dangerous.

Geysir Iceland

The one and only Geysir, "father" of all geysers, lies in southwestern Iceland, near the settlement of Haukadalur. Nowadays it doesn't spout often, but when it does, its height can reach around 61 m. A few meters away lies Strokkur, another hot spring which obliges visitors by spouting every few minutes, quite high sometimes.

Be careful, the water in the hot springs is VERY hot.

Other names people use for the great Geysir are e.g. geyser, geysers, geysirs and geisers.