| Many imagine Iceland to be a very cold place with | | | | is especially true during the Christmas season, when |
| frozen landscapes, which is partly true. However, this | | | | entire cities, towns and villages are illuminated with |
| island country in the North Atlantic Ocean has much | | | | twinkling nights and the thirteen Yule Lads wander |
| more to offer. To get you started, here are five | | | | around to spread mischief and Christmas cheer. You |
| reasons to visit Iceland. | | | | can even visit the Yule Lads in their caves near |
| Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice | | | | Akureyri. Although many roads are closed, there are |
| Iceland is a country of contrasting landscapes, which is | | | | still plenty of activities available, particularly winter |
| why it is called the Land of Fire and Ice. Indeed, you will | | | | sports like skiing, ice skating and bobsledding. The |
| find many glaciers when you visit Iceland, particularly in | | | | largest ski resort in Iceland is Blafjoll, which is just |
| the western parts of the country, including the largest | | | | several minutes away from the capital city, Reykjavik. |
| in Europe - the Vatnajokull, but at the same time, you | | | | Horse Tours and Other Exciting Outdoor Adventures |
| will also find dozens of volcanoes, both active and | | | | Iceland is also well known for its unique horse breed, |
| extinct, along with plenty of lava fields, hot springs and | | | | which, though small, is known for being hardy and easy |
| geysers. In fact, Iceland has more hot springs than any | | | | to ride, and the chance to ride one is one of the |
| country on earth while the term geyser itself is derived | | | | reasons why you should visit Iceland. Indeed, riding an |
| from Iceland's Great Geysir in Haukadalur. | | | | Icelandic horse is a rare and amazing experience |
| Aside from these, Iceland also has many waterfalls, | | | | which you should try out and it is definitely a great |
| including Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in | | | | way to explore Iceland's beautiful natural landscapes, |
| Europe and the beautiful Black Falls. It also has many | | | | especially since Icelandic horses remain sure-footed on |
| lakes, rivers, fjords, mountains, and small islands, like the | | | | most terrains. For this reason, there are many horse |
| Westman Islands, which are all worth exploring. To | | | | tours available in Iceland, with varying itineraries and |
| experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders, | | | | duration. |
| make sure you head to the Golden Circle, venture into | | | | Aside from horse back riding, there are many other |
| the Highlands, or drop by the country's national parks - | | | | exciting outdoor activities for you to try when you visit |
| Snaefellsjokul, Vatnajokull and Thingvellir - and prepare | | | | Iceland, such as playing golf under the midnight sun, |
| to be awed. | | | | cycling around Reykjavik and hiking in the mountains |
| Icelandic Folklore | | | | and fjords. Water sports abound, as well, such as |
| Iceland is not only rich in natural wonders. It also has an | | | | rafting, swimming, sea kayaking and sport fishing. One |
| interesting wealth of cultural heritage, which is | | | | of the things you shouldn't miss, though, is the wildlife |
| particularly evident in its family sagas and folktales | | | | encounters Iceland has to offer, like birdwatching in |
| concerning sorcerers, ghosts and mythical creatures | | | | Latrabjarg and catching a glimpse of the minke, blue, |
| such as dragons, elves, dwarves, trolls and ogres. If | | | | humpback and killer whales off the coast of Husavik. |
| you want to hear these tales or learn more about | | | | Music |
| these creatures, you should go to Lambi and | | | | Icelanders are music lovers so look forward to an |
| Hafnarfjorour, where elves are said to dwell or simply | | | | interesting music scene when you visit Iceland. Here, |
| ask one of the locals. You can also visit the Icelandic | | | | you will hear folk songs streaming from small villages |
| Wonders Museum to get a glimpse of the lives of | | | | and local pubs, classical music resounding from concert |
| elves and trolls or take a class at the Icelandic Elf | | | | halls and theaters, rock music pulsating in the various |
| School. | | | | night clubs and many other types of music. In fact, |
| Winter Wonderland | | | | Iceland even has its own metal scene, while jazz fans |
| Winter is a magical season in Iceland, when the | | | | will love hanging around during the Reykjavik Jazz |
| mountains and plains are covered in fresh snow, the | | | | Festival. Of course, Bjork's albums are sold in almost |
| lakes and waterfalls freeze over and the Aurora | | | | every music store, too, and if you're lucky, you might |
| Borealis or Northern Lights put up a heavenly show, | | | | even get to watch one of her concerts. |
| lighting up the skies in many parts of the country. This | | | | |