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Surprisingly green given its name, the land of fire and ice is a sparsely populated but developed country situated on top of a geological hotspot. The result? Over 30 different active volcanoes, numerous hot springs, and geysers – all coexisting alongside fields of glaciers – the most famous of which, Vatnajökull, holds the record as Europe’s largest glacier. While large tracks along the coastal fridges are green; interestingly, a large portion of central and northern Iceland is also very barren, with a moon-like appearance. Large valleys cut out by valleys are filled with uninhabitable sand fields and soft rock.
Destinations to see in Iceland include Reykjavik, the country’s capital, within which Old Reykjavik is a well preserved strip from the 18th century, as well as the National Museum and the National Gallery which showcase a number of archeological treasures from the island. Heading out, see Gullfoss. The “Golden Falls” is a 105 feet double cascade waterfall considered Europe’s most powerful. One will also find Geysir, a geyser capable of jetting steaming water up over 200 feet high. Nearby, Strokkur (“the churn”) spouts a still impressive and more frequent 60-100 foot jets at a far more frequent every 5 minutes. Get really immersed on site by going to Lake Myvatn, filled with bubbling mud flats and volcanic craters, or head over to Thingvellir to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge itself, responsible for all this activity. Finally, consider a stop at Blue Lagoon, an unbelievably vivid mineral rich blue body of water naturally heated to 40 degrees C. For those interested in out-of-this world geological formations, and a change in pace, Iceland should be a top place to consider.
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0413I'm going to Iceland with my girlfriend for 2 weeks....any reccomendations on what to see or do?
13124598Where is the best place in Iceland to go whale watching?
298119Where is the best place to go on a day hiking trip in iceland?
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Travel Tips from people who've been to Iceland
054When you visit Iceland you should split your trip. Spend some days in Reykjavik to meet Icelandic people! After that you might rent a car and explore the wonderful rough nature of Iceland!
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094Iceland is a great place to visit for up to a week. Just don't stay in Reykjavik for the whole time... you will get bored. Rent a car and drive into the countryside fro a lot o variety.
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02717dont use the public toilet on the main street...
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