Iceland is located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean
Iceland is located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean - As an island, it does not border on any other European country, although the territories closest to the borders are Greenland and the Faroe Islands .
Iceland is located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean - As an island, it does not border on any other European country, although the territories closest to the borders are Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Iceland in figures
Iceland boasts a population of over 350,000 . Think about it: there are more sheep (460,000) than Icelanders!
Geography
Iceland is located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean , west of Norway and north of the United Kingdom. As an island, it does not border on any other European country, although the territories closest to the borders are Greenland and the Faroe Islands .
The geography of Iceland is truly peculiar , as it is characterized by a vibrant volcanic activity and the presence of numerous glaciers (they occupy over 15% of the country's territory!). To the difficult geographic conformation of Iceland must be added the complicated climatology of the country, a factor that led to the absence of human settlements until the 9th century AD.
Official timetable
The official time of Iceland is GMT , which is one hour less than Italy in winter and two hours less in summer.
In Iceland, there are no timetable changes depending on the season . The timetable, in fact, remains the same all year round.
Electricity and sockets
In Iceland the sockets are the same as in other European countries, such as Spain and Portugal. They have two round holes and a voltage of 230 V.
Health care
- Similarly to other European countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is required to receive free health care in Iceland . The card is free and to obtain it you must show an identity document and apply for it in the competent health and social district.
Why visit Iceland?
The 103,000 square kilometers of Iceland's land area offers authentic natural wonders of all kinds: waterfalls , geysers , volcanoes , glaciers , natural spas and even sightings of whales and other native birds . Thanks to its difficult climatology and its rugged geography , the beauty of the country has remained unchanged for centuries, thus reaching us intact to the present day.
The immensity of Icelandic nature contrasts with the quiet of the cities and villages : Reykjavík itself , in fact, does not exceed 130,000 inhabitants! This contrast made Iceland the ideal country to discover ancient Viking legends and Nordic traditions. Not surprisingly, many of the villages in the country seem almost anchored to a timeless dimension!
In recent years, however, tourism in Iceland has increased exponentially, making it the ideal destination for all those who wish to immerse themselves in Scandinavian history , immerse themselves in unspoiled nature and live unique experiences , such as bathing in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon during a snowfall, admire the Northern Lights or feel like Jon Snow during a trekking itinerary on the Vatnajökull glacier , location of the "Game of Thrones" event series .
Where to start?
The gateway to Iceland's wonders is undoubtedly Reykjavík , the capital. In addition to discovering its culture , museums and gastronomy , you can enjoy various excursions and activities in the vicinity, since many of Iceland 's main tourist attractions are located right in the areas surrounding the capital, such as the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes
Ho too see
blue Lagoon
Located just 50 kilometers from Reykjavík , the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's main tourist attractions . Find out how to reach it and when to visit it!
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions not only in Reykjavík , but in all of Iceland. Its turquoise thermal waters and the volcanic landscape that surround it make it a real magnet for all tourists who are preparing to visit the country.
The Blue Lagoon
The Icelandic Blue Lagoon is a huge spa complex with an average temperature of 38 ° C, characterized by a bright blue color due to the abundant presence of silica in the water, a substance particularly beneficial for the skin. In fact, silica from the lagoon is used in one of the facial scrub treatments offered within the spa complex, as well as other algae-based or even lava masks.
This relaxing experience in the salty thermal waters of the lagoon is enriched by a whole range of services, including deck chairs, hydromassage waterfalls, a steam grotto, fountains, steam baths ... and even a poolside bar ! If you wish, in fact, you can order a beer or a soft drink without leaving the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Given the large number of tourists interested in visiting the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket for the Blue Lagoon well in advance .
If you want to fully enjoy the relaxation of the spa complex, the best times to visit the Blue Lagoon are early in the morning , late afternoon or even in the evening , depending on the time of year.
If you don't have much time to visit Iceland and don't want to miss the opportunity to go to the Blue Lagoon, you can consider visiting the complex just before reaching Keflavík International Airport , given the proximity of the points of interest in Iceland. question (20 kilometers). If you decide to opt for this method, the Blue Lagoon has special lockers in which to deposit your luggage at a cost of 600kr(4.30€) per suitcase per day .
Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
The answer is undoubtedly " yes, it's worth it ". The quality of the facilities, the impressive natural context in which it is inserted and the excellent properties of the water make the Blue Lagoon an essential stop on any trip to Iceland . Additionally, there is the option to combine a Blue Lagoon excursion with a Northern Lights tour . Two birds with one stone!
However, it is true that it is one of the most visited places in the country and, therefore, it can be excessively crowded. So if you want a quieter spa complex or more popular with Icelanders, other valid options are the Secret Lagoon , located near the Golden Circle , the Mývatn and Hofsós Baths , located in the north of Iceland .
How to reach the Blue Lagoon?
The fastest and easiest way to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík is to rent a car . In fact, in just 50 minutes by car, you will reach the large free parking area of the Blue Lagoon.
Another option to reach the Blue Lagoon is to take advantage of the transfer service offered by the establishment from Reykjavík or from Keflavík International Airport .
