Recent events have caused me to reflect on Iceland, the amazing country that I am fortunate to call home. In the past few days, we’ve seen how extraordinary this island in the North Atlantic can be when its volcanoes begin to erupt.
It is fortunate that the most recent eruption may be considered a true tourist eruption because it is located far from settlements and infrastructure. We Icelanders should be grateful for this location because it is not certain that it will continue to be so in the near future. Geologists speculate that the Reykjanes Peninsula has begun a phase of seismic activity and volcanic eruptions that might last between two hundred and three hundred years.
Moments from the new eruption in Reykjanes, Iceland yesterday 🌋🇮🇸 #iceland #eruption #volcano pic.twitter.com/OMfQn3PP3E
— Garðar Ólafs (@gardarolafs) July 11, 2023
The preceding illustrates that Iceland is an unusual country with unique characteristics as well as experiences that set it apart from many other nations, and the following are a few more characteristics that contribute to Iceland’s exceptionality:
Stunning Scenery Obtained From Nature: The landscapes of Iceland are stunning and varied in their appearance. It is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” due to the high number of glaciers and active volcanoes that can be found there. There are impressive waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, beaches with black sand, towering mountains, and enormous lava fields. It is extremely astounding how much of the country’s natural beauty has been preserved.
Geothermal Energy: Because of the country’s high level of volcanic activity, Iceland is home to a rich supply of geothermal energy. Because of this, the nation has been able to establish itself as a pioneer in the field of renewable energy on a global scale. Iceland is able to meet a considerable amount of its demand for electricity and heating through the use of geothermal power plants, which contributes to the country’s status as an eco-friendly and sustainable nation.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): If you’ve ever wanted to see the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights, Iceland is a perfect place to do so. From the end of August to about the middle of April, particularly during the winter months, it is possible to witness the mesmerizing dancing lights in the night sky of the Arctic.
Iceland’s geographical seclusion and range of ecosystems have each contributed to the development of a fauna that is distinctive to the island. The country is well-known for the rich variety of birds that can be found there, including puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds. Wild reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and other marine mammals call Iceland their home. Whale-watching cruises are very popular because they provide tourists with the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
The Icelandic sagas are historical narratives that date back to the Viking Age. They are a significant part of Iceland’s cultural history and contribute to the country’s rich literary heritage. The early history and culture of the country can be better understood with the help of these sagas. Icelanders have a high literacy rate and take great pleasure in their country’s rich literary history. In addition, there is a thriving artistic community in this country, and throughout the year there are a number of cultural festivals held here.
The phenomenon known as the “Midnight Sun” occurs in Iceland during the summer months due to the country’s high latitude. During this time, the country also experiences “Polar Nights.” This ensures that the sun is visible for a significant portion of the night, resulting in an increase in the amount of daylight available. On the other hand, during the winter months, Iceland is subject to polar nights, during which the sun does not appear in many regions for a period of several weeks or months. Visitors will have one-of-a-kind experiences thanks to these naturally occurring phenomena.
These are only a few of the things that help distinguish Iceland from other countries. The special allure of the country is due in large part to the unique contributions made to it by its natural wonders and cultural heritage.
When you live in a place like Iceland, you become biased. My country is amazing, and it is still in the making in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. We welcome you to experience Iceland with us!
