What is in Iceland. Discovery of Iceland: Life and Work Prospects for Russian Migrants at the End of the World

And China is considered real and understandable.

Old house in Iceland

But for the Russians, who are used to living in the far north in the tundra and in the mountains of the Urals and the Caucasus, to be drawn to an even greater adventure, something extremely tempting must happen that will bring benefits. But in connection with the events taking place in Russia and Ukraine, in 2020 many began to consider all possible options for moving to calm countries with a higher standard of living.

However, not everything is predictable, sometimes fate makes such turns that it is impossible to prepare for, which you learn about at the moment of committing. If fate gives you a one-way ticket to Iceland, should you refuse? Maybe there you will find a paradise for your soul.

It is impossible to compare the mentality of the Icelanders with the European, but it is somewhat similar to the Scandinavian. Until the middle of the 20th century, this nation lived very ascetic, due to its remoteness from the mainland. The descendants of the Vikings have kept their traditions, they honor them today. True, modernity has not bypassed the island, which we will talk about further.

Panoramic view of Reykjavik

People here are hardworking, accustomed to making money with their own hands: fishing, farming, mining. When the United States and Great Britain considered Iceland to be their "territory", the inhabitants of the island responded to this intervention in a peculiar way, turning the situation in their favor.

They managed to establish the fishing industry with the sale of products to these countries, and then around the world. The state grew rich before our eyes. To this day, residents work in their traditional sectors of the economy, the service sector, for example, tourism, began to develop in part.

Europeans may consider Icelanders a redneck because of their habits from the past rural life, because the urban population has become relatively recent. They are simple people, but honest and accustomed to following the rules and laws. Sometimes pedantic, however, they have great fun and walk on holidays, pouring non-stop strong drinks and eating haucarle.

Haukarl - Iceland's national dish

This national Icelandic dish will seem to our taste completely disgusting and terrible in fact, since it is rotten shark meat. The Vikings also came up with such a way of eating the meat of Greenland sharks so as not to be poisoned by the poisonous compounds contained in it.

Another feature that is attributed to the national mentality is love for one's neighbor.

There are almost no accidents involving pedestrians in the country, since not a single motorist will allow a collision and let a person pass, even if it takes a long time to wait.

The same happens with other cars: Icelanders let each other pass courteously or wait obediently in a traffic jam while two drivers in front blocked traffic due to dialogue.

In the country, more than 98% of the inhabitants are indigenous Icelanders, they care about the purity of the nation and rarely mix with other peoples; there are very few visiting foreigners and they are obliged to strictly follow the local rules of life, so immigration to the country is insignificant.

Hospital building in Iceland

A high standard of living is manifested in the personal position of each citizen in relation to the whole society and the future. So, about 96% of the inhabitants of the island have true friends and, in general, trust politicians; voter turnout reaches 80% and embodies the good citizenship of the population. About 85% of people are satisfied with their lives and consider themselves happy.

Iceland Economy

Let's talk in more detail about work, because it is thanks to constant income that a person buys goods and services and is the engine of trade that contributes to the development of the region's economy as a whole.

We have already said that 80% of the active adult population has a job, and 90% are people with a diploma. Men are more employed than women, but the difference is small.

The average annual salary in Iceland is $ 40,000 or $ 3,300 per month: 20% of people each receive incomes above and below average, but in general the state provides equal opportunities, regardless of gender, age and education.

There is practically no long-term unemployment in the country, only about 13% of the active population are currently looking for work.

Now let us touch on the issue of pensioners, which become citizens (about half of all) at the age of 65–69 years. Perhaps, among all Europeans, these are the most courageous and risk-taking retirees, because there is no age limit in order to retire. A person can do this earlier, but then his income will be very small in comparison with others, so people work as much as they want.

This model exists in all Scandinavian countries, which probably explains the stable social life. Pension in Iceland averages 1550 US dollars, which is again comparable to all Scandinavian countries and is considered quite high in Europe.

Prices for staple foods in metropolitan Reykjavik in 2015: water costs US $ 2, the same price for bread; a dozen eggs will cost twice as much; 1kg of chicken breasts sells for US $ 20, while a bottle of wine costs US $ 17 on average.

As you can see, the prices are much higher than in Moscow. A liter of gasoline costs US $ 2.07, which is again higher than today in our capital.

A similar high cost of living applies to housing, be it renting or buying your own apartment. 1 sq. m of housing in a residential area of ​​Reykjavik costs $ 2,200 against $ 2,800 in the city center.

Residential building in Reykjavik

You can rent a one-room apartment in a residential area for $ 880, and for $ 1170 in the center. True, for a three-room apartment in the center, you will have to pay only $ 1,800. This is more or less the same with the Moscow rental market.

World Bank Headquarters

Since the collapse of the USSR, our countries have been perfectly cooperating on a number of economic agreements. Dialogues on increasing the volume of fishing, the aluminum industry and tourism are especially promising.

Iceland and the European Union

Iceland's relations with the European Union (hereinafter referred to as the EU) are complicated. Back in 2009, an application for membership was submitted; the current president of the country won the election on promises to improve the quality of life of the population after Iceland becomes a member of the EU.

Many expected that membership would take place by 2011, but the situation had changed dramatically by 2013. The fact is that the main income of many Icelanders is still associated with fishing, the quotas for which the EU decided to reduce in order to redistribute them among other coastal states.

fishing boat in Iceland

This situation did not suit the Icelanders, and they demanded that the government hold a referendum. It was there that it was decided to withdraw the application. A proud nation decided not to belong to the European Union. Someone did not like it, there were rallies, but in general, the life of the Icelanders remained the same.

Iceland is not a member of the European Union and will not enter it with the conditions that Brussels put forward to it. In 2015, she withdrew her application to join the EU.

Iceland and the Schengen Agreement

Since 1996, Iceland has been a member of the Schengen zone, and it has been granted the right to visit all other countries that are parties to the treaty. It also left a significant positive imprint on her foreign policy with neighboring countries and the rest of the world.

Internal migration among the Schengen countries remains at about the same level, although less developed countries are losing their inhabitants in favor of rich countries. External migration of the population is practically absent from Iceland. There are very few states in the world that can boast of the absence of foreign residents.

1. Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a population of about 320 thousand people, and before the Second World War the population of the country was only 50 thousand.

2. Since everyone in Iceland knows each other, when parting or divorcing, the couple always tries to maintain a good relationship. Cases when an ex-boyfriend does not communicate with an ex-girlfriend or ex-spouses do not talk to each other are extremely rare, because in any case, they have almost all friends and acquaintances in common.

3. Instead of surnames in Iceland, there are patronyms, that is, an analogue of our patronymic. The particle "sleep" (that is, son) or "dottir" (if it is a daughter) is added to the father's name, it turns out, for example, Silia Palmarsdottir, that is, Celia is the daughter of Palmars.

4. In the event that the father for some reason does not recognize the child, the son or daughter receives a matronym as a surname, that is, the same patronymic, but by the mother's name.

5. Since everyone in Reykjavik knows each other, the doors of houses are often left unlocked, car keys are thrown in cars, and children in strollers are left unattended at the entrance to a cafe, bar or shop.

6. In Reykjavik, it's normal to go to the nearest grocery store in your pajamas.

7. Residents of Reykjavik almost always pay for purchases with bank cards, even if they order coffee at a bar. Cash is not accepted here.

8. Icelanders are sure that blowing your nose is bad for your health, so in winter everyone here sniffs, that is, sorry, suck snot into themselves.

9. But spitting, on the contrary, is not considered indecent, even girls spit without any problems on the street and in public places.

10. In fact, Iceland in winter is not as cold as we used to think, the temperature here rarely drops below -6 degrees.

11. But in winter it is dark in Iceland, December 21 - on the shortest day of the year, dawn comes at 10.30, and the sun sets at 16.00. In summer, long nights are replaced by long days, compared to which the white nights in St. Petersburg are simply not about anything, in June Iceland the sun sets for only a couple of hours.

12. The lack of sunlight in winter is to some extent compensated by the northern lights, it can be observed constantly, so after a couple of weeks you no longer pay attention to it.

13. Since the sun does not shine in Iceland in winter, all residents of the country, in order to avoid rickets and other unpleasant diseases, take fish oil without fail, but not in liquid form, but in tasteless capsules.
14. Almost all residents of Iceland have a Facebook profile, according to the latest data, Iceland is an active country on the social network.

15. Even if a resident of Iceland, for some reason, does not have a Facebook profile, it can still be easily found on the Internet. All residents of the country, of their own free will, register on the website www.ja.is, where they indicate their name and surname, telephone number, address and place on the map where their house is located.

16. In Iceland, if a person is well disposed towards you, he demonstrates this by touching you every now and then.

17. There are an order of magnitude more blondes in Iceland than brunettes, so local residents like to dye their hair in a darker shade.

18. In order to spend the night with an Icelandic girl, long courtship is not required, most Icelandic women, as they say, are easy going, which is why Italians and Spaniards love to come to Reykjavik so much.

19. Icelanders are very tolerant, Reykjavik regularly hosts a gay parade, since 2010 homosexual marriages have been allowed here, and the percentage of bisexuals in the country is very high.

20 ... The most popular professions in Iceland are painter, musician or designer. Every second bartender or waiter tries to get an education in a creative profession, and at the same time plays in some rock or folk group.

21. For the reason described above, no one uses the services of designers, for example, in order to come up with a design for an apartment or a wedding dress. The inhabitants of Iceland are sure that each of them is his own artist, therefore they prefer to come up with the interior of the apartment and the design of the dress on their own.

22. Repairs in apartments are also done mainly with their own hands, without hiring workers.

23. The Israelites are crazy about Eurovision, they take the competition for young performers very seriously, and during the live broadcast the whole country is watching what is happening on TV.

24. There are no McDonald's restaurants in Iceland; the latter closed in 2008 during the crisis.

25. The most popular names in Iceland are male - Yon and female - Guvrun. Also, old mythological names are still common, for example, aðalsteinn, which means "main stone".

26. Icelanders, like Russians, like to use in everyday life not full, but abbreviated versions of names, so David in the diminutive Icelandic version will be Dubby, Guvrun - Gunna, Stefan - Steppi, Yon - Nonnie, etc.

27. The language of Iceland has remained practically unchanged over the past 1000 years, so there are letters in it that have disappeared from English, plus the inhabitants of the country can read the old Viking sagas in the original without any problems.

28. The local population is generally very fond of reading; today, according to some sources, Icelanders are the most reading people in the world.

29. The price of wine in Iceland is often influenced not by the year of its production or its quality, but by its strength. Thus, an expensive but light French wine can cost several times less than a 15-degree mumble.

30. Iceland has no armed forces, and the Coast Guard performs their functions to some extent.

31. Police officers in Iceland do not carry weapons, they are not given pistols.

32. For the most part, Reykjavik residents have a terrible parking lot, and may throw their car right across the street. Having tow trucks and parking fines in the wrong place is of little help.

33. Icelanders try to use only renewable energy sources, gas and petrol are used here only to refuel cars and boats, and that is because electric cars have not taken root in the country.

34. There is no need to pay for water in restaurants and cafes; it is still poured from the tap. This water comes from local thermal springs, and therefore it is absolutely drinkable.

35. But hot tap water in Iceland smells like rotten eggs. The fact is that it also enters the water supply system directly from hot thermal springs, and they are rich in hydrogen sulfide.

36. Hot thermal baths are a popular nightlife option in Reykjavik, and the cost of a visit with a subscription is around 5 euros.

37. In the houses of Iceland, as in Russia, there is a central heating system, which favorably distinguishes the country from Italy or France, where you have to pay for each activation of the heater.

38. Until the seventies of the twentieth century, Icelandic legislation for the inhabitants of the country to kill Turks with impunity. This is due to the fact that in the past, Turkish pirates have often robbed Icelandic ships and coastal villages.

39. To this day, Icelandic legislation allows the inhabitants of the country to kill polar bears for food.

40. Licorice is very popular in Iceland, it is added to any dishes, plus they produce chocolates filled with licorice.

41. Iceland's national dish is haukarl - rotten Greenland shark meat cut into small pieces. If you do not chew and just swallow it is still quite edible, but if you chew the meat, you will feel the "magic" taste of urea. The fact is that the Greenland shark does not have a urinary tract and its meat contains poisonous ammonia. In order for the meat to be eaten, it is left to rot out underground or in the basement for three months. The taste of this dish, among other things, was mocked by the creators of The Simpsons in one of the episodes of the animated series.

42. In Iceland, fish is mainly eaten, while all dishes are watered excessively with mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup, after which the real taste of the fish may not be recognized.

43. Most Icelanders have very bad teeth, while Iceland is one of the main sugar-consuming countries, and Coca-Cola is also very popular here.

44. Most Icelanders still believe in elves and trolls, which makes it difficult to build a house or road. Before starting construction here, they consult with local "witches" on the subject of whether it is possible to move this or that stone, or whether an elf lives under it. Sometimes, in order not to "offend" the elf and move the stone, Icelanders have to perform magical rites, for example, keep the stone in honey for some time.

45. 2,148 people in Iceland adhere to the pagan teachings of the Ásatrú Association, which is based on the revival of Icelandic and Norse pagan beliefs. This religion is officially accepted, and its ministers can perform a wedding ceremony, which is equivalent to the traditional registration of marriage.

46. In addition to the well-known Santa Claus, there are 15 more Santa Claus of different types in Iceland, by and large all of them are elves, in which the locals believe.

47. Every major store in Reykjavik has a playground.

48. All Icelanders wear lopapeysa, a knitted lambswool sweater with a characteristic national pattern. We can say that this is the very example of a national costume that has not disappeared over time.

49. Icelanders pride themselves on the fact that they have the oldest undisturbed parliament in the world, called Alþingi and was founded in 930.

50. Residents of Iceland are very trusting, when they are hired, they do not ask a foreigner for recommendations from a previous job, but simply take the newcomer's word for it.

Iceland is becoming more and more popular with tourists. This is not a tribute to fashion - with the development of social media, the beauties of the northern island are spreading across the globe. Hot springs, waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, green spaces - captivates at first sight. Come for an unforgettable experience, and we will tell you how to get it.

1. Visit the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the main symbol of Iceland. The world famous geothermal resort is open all year round. Here you can not only relax, but also heal - the water contains mineral salts, seaweed, medicinal mud. The water temperature in the lagoon is 37-40 degrees throughout the year. Admission is not cheap - such is the price of popularity. The lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik.

2. Buy an Icelandic sweater

The sovereign stores of Reykjavik have a huge selection of woolen clothing: sweaters, gloves, hats, etc. The Icelandic Lopapeis sweater has a special ornamentation around the neck. Despite the high price tag, it remains the most popular souvenir among tourists. The sweater will come in handy already on the trip - an indispensable item in the harsh climate of Iceland.

It is better to buy Lopapeis at the Kolaportið market: the quality does not differ from those sold in numerous tourist shops in the city center, and the price is lower. The market opens on weekends and you can buy whatever your heart desires, from old records and books to fresh fish.

3. See whales

From May to September, whales come to the shores of Iceland. Seeing the sea giant in its natural habitat is an unforgettable sight. Usually they go to the north of Iceland, to the village of Husavik - local companies promise to meet with whales in 98% of cases. A whale safari costs about 100 euros per person, and there is a chance to hit the unfortunate 2%, but it's worth a try.

4. Try Icelandic food

The basis of Icelandic cuisine is fish - dried, fried, pickled. Some of the local culinary delights can surprise even the most seasoned hiker, such as rotten shark meat, a whale dish or a whole sheep's head cooked. Especially impressionable, it is better to limit yourself to skyr - a dairy product that resembles yogurt and cottage cheese. Visit Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and sample a traditional Icelandic hot dog called polsa.

5. Swim in the Atlantic Ocean

You can take bus number 12 and go to the southernmost town of Vik. Four hours drive - and you are on a black sandy beach. Vik is not the only place in Iceland where you can go for a good swim. Take a look at Nautholsvik Beach, which is located in the bay of the same name near Perlan. Sea water here mixes with hot spring water, so you can swim - the water heats up to 20-35 degrees.

6. Enjoy nature

Only 300 thousand people live on the huge island. It is difficult to find a more suitable place for unity with nature - mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers are transferred to a completely different world. Explore Thingvellir Nature Park, the Western Fjords, the Valley of Geysers, the Ice Lagoon - and just look around, because Iceland has beauty at every turn.

7. Participate in the events of the "Culture Nights"

A traditional Icelandic festival called Culture Night takes place in Reykjavik in August. Every year it brings together 100,000 Icelandic residents and visiting guests. This day is special - all over the city there are screenings of films dedicated to Iceland, various photo exhibitions, all museums are open. The day when the streets of the city are filled with artists, musicians and actors. And if you feel strong enough, take part in the "Reykjavik marathon" race, which has been held since 1984.

8. View Reykjavik from the tallest building in the city

Hallgrimskirkja is one of the main attractions in the Icelandic capital. The Lutheran Church is also used as an observation tower and offers a wonderful view of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains.

9. Recalculate waterfalls

An impossible task - there are countless waterfalls in Iceland. This is due to geological features and glaciers. The most famous waterfalls are Skogafoss, Dettifoss, Godafoss, Gullfoss, Selfoss. They say that in the first days in Iceland you admire every waterfall, but by the end of the trip you just stop noticing them. Check if this opinion applies to you.

10. Learn Icelandic

Icelandic is one of the oldest languages ​​in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to get to know one of the locals and learn at least a few words - in just a few days it won't be a problem for you to quickly pronounce the name of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

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 cannot be found in any other corner of the Earth. Most of the attractions are natural objects - waterfalls, an ice lagoon, geysers, large national parks. A certain proportion of travelers are those who came to see the famous Northern Lights on purpose.

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. Sightseeing sites include the Whale Museum and the shocking Phallological Museum.

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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 museum building was built on the site of the 10th century huts, 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 to know 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 long-standing subject of controversy. Activists and scientists 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 the canned penises of various mammalian species, including humans. There are about 200 exhibits in the museum. Themed paintings and sculptures are also displayed, and some of the 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 technologies, they recreate the Northern Lights for visitors. The room with the projection of the Northern Lights is the centerpiece 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 advise 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 Lake Tingvadlavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, 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 as it has specially designated camping areas 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 in 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 Skogar. 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 colored hollow of the volcano 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

The hotel is 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 tours 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 shore 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 scale - the gray color of volcanic rocks smoothly turns into the black color of the sand on the coast 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 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 West Fjords - the dark time there lasts longer, which means there are more chances to see the longed-for multi-colored flashes in the sky. For those wishing to "catch" the northern lights, there are special organized self-guided tours.