Iceland is an island located near the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic. Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is not completely covered in ice. In fact, the landscapes are varied and exquisite and most were created in part by hundreds of years of volcanic activity. Iceland is one of the most volcanic countries on earth and volcanoes like Helka have erupted more than 15 times. Iceland’s untamed and vibrant terrain includes bays, fjords, waterfalls, hot geysers, red sulphur, rivers, glaciers and mountains. Iceland’s terrain is so rugged in places that the United States even tested their lunar landing gear here before actually using it on the moon. Among the stranger things you will find in Iceland is that there are almost no trees on the island. There is only one tiny forest and it is protected as a national reserve. Another thing you should be aware of is Iceland’s dramatic variance in daylight hours. During the beginning of the summer, June in particular, the sun sets only briefly and never gets fully dark. The midnight sun is truly a sight to behold and it easy to keep going all day long when the sun is still high in the sky at 11pm. Winter is another story all together, especially in December when there is nearly 20 hours of darkness.

Outdoor adventure, activities and exploration are Iceland’s main attractions. So what are some of the best places to see and things to do in Iceland? First of all, if you do absolutely nothing else, soak in the blue-green waters of the Blue Lagoon. The mineral rich, geothermal seawater has renowned healing and health benefits, making this one of the most visited site in the entire country. You will never feel quite this good and relaxed again. Some of Iceland’s other main attractions include hiking, fishing, rafting, museums, whale watching, horse back riding, camping, snowmobiling, skiing, bird watching, Viking ruins, volcanoes and lava fields. One of the country’s most spectacular sights is the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights. From September to March, the vibrant curtains of lights dance across the northern sky. Take the chance to witness the wonder. It will be a moment that you will remember forever.

For those who have a real taste for adventure and perhaps a bit of bravery, you will want to try some of Iceland’s local culinary delights. The country’s diet is generally based around fish, hearty vegetables and lamb. Some of the local specialties include gravlax salmon, hangikjot – smoked lamb, Harofiskur- dried fish, smoked puffin, reindeer, guillemot and Icelandic sild – marinated herring. The locals seem to get a good laugh by testing the limits of visitor’s stomachs. If a local offers you the chance to try real Viking fare, beware! They will most likely give you putrified shark and make you swallow it down with what they call Black Death. It is kind of like being on Fear Factor but you don’t actually win anything for doing the dare. No matter what finally makes you decide to visit Iceland, you will definitely be glad you did.