Iceland Thrills & Spills
Iceland
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Iceland is a country of extremes: it has a fiery volcanic centre, consistently blowing out hot water, in contrast to its several glaciers and freezing temperatures. With four hours of daylight in the winter and 24-hour daylight in summer, this place makes for a really interesting visit and that’s without trying any adrenaline-pumping sports.
Iceland is a European country, found in the North Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the country is a plateau; the remainder is mountainous highlands and glaciers. There are three major glaciers: Vatnajokull, Langjokull and Hofsjokull with several smaller ones covering about 11 per cent of the land. While... (Read more...)
Iceland is a European country, found in the North Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the country is a plateau; the remainder is mountainous highlands and glaciers. There are three major glaciers: Vatnajokull, Langjokull and Hofsjokull with several smaller ones covering about 11 per cent of the land. While... (Read more...)
some of the country rests 100m below sea level, the highest point of this geologically youthful island is just over 2000m. The bays and fjords make its coastline a tempting feature, and the many glacial rivers running from the highlands to the ocean are among the wildest in Europe
While Iceland’s position would suggest a sub-polar climate, the North Atlantic current helps to warm the coastal areas, bringing it more temperate conditions. The south has milder temperatures but is windier than other areas. The north is the most likely to experience snow, yet the coldest place is the central highlands.
So much of the country is inhospitable that residential areas have grown around the coast, with the majority of settlements in the south-west. This is where the capital, Reykjavik, has been established. The airport at Keflavic is slightly further south. Other major towns include Borganes in the west, Isafjordhur and Saudharkrokur in the north and Egilsstadhir in the east. The main method of transport is by car and a circular route allows access around the whole of the coast.
While Iceland’s position would suggest a sub-polar climate, the North Atlantic current helps to warm the coastal areas, bringing it more temperate conditions. The south has milder temperatures but is windier than other areas. The north is the most likely to experience snow, yet the coldest place is the central highlands.
So much of the country is inhospitable that residential areas have grown around the coast, with the majority of settlements in the south-west. This is where the capital, Reykjavik, has been established. The airport at Keflavic is slightly further south. Other major towns include Borganes in the west, Isafjordhur and Saudharkrokur in the north and Egilsstadhir in the east. The main method of transport is by car and a circular route allows access around the whole of the coast.
Snow Kiting
If you want maximum fun and manoeuvrability on the slopes give snow kiting a go. The kite helps you glide over the snow and ice in all wind directions, as well as up and down hills. The Icelandic highlands and glaciers are a perfect setting for this extreme activity as there are few obstacles to crash into and the vast open spaces allow the kites to make best use of the winds. The Langjokull glacier in the east is a popular spot for kiters. Here you can cover great distances, try out skills, cross different terrains and free-style searching for maximum air.
Ice Climbing
Europe’s largest glacier, Svinafellsjokull, is set in the Skaftafell National Park. A typical ice climbing tour will begin early in the day with safety advice and kitting out. Your instruction covers all the basics on how to get started, and for those experienced climbers more technical skills and tuition are included. The ice walls vary in height and difficulty, so this is not only good for all levels of experience but also for all ages. And once you have scaled the wall you are rewarded with fantastic views across the glacier.
Whitewater Rafting
Whether you are looking for a team-building experience, family adventure or pure adrenaline rushing fun, Iceland can cater for your needs. In the south the Hvita River has grade 2 to 4 rapids. The grade 2 is suitable for families, while the grade 4 is for an extreme enthusiast. In the north there are two rivers to ride, the Jokulsa Austari for the experienced rafter and the Jokulsa Vestari for the novice. Whichever route you choose, be sure to take a dip in the glacial waters river and follow it with some well earned relaxation in the hot springs.
Scuba Diving
The Silfra ravine in Pingvellir National Park is one of the most amazing dive sights in the world. It is a unique location for several reasons: the ravine is a crack between the American and European plates, the cold clear waters offer visibility of over 100 metres, and the current is slow making it safe for divers. The rock formations make for fascinating viewing and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Caving and Potholing
Waiting in the Blue Mountains between Pingvellir and Laugarvatn, east of Reykjavik, is an underground adventure. If you like a challenge than caving will be your kind of sport. Once the innate fears of darkness and small spaces have been overcome, prepare yourself for a fascinating journey. Below the ice and rock you will discover rock formations from past volcanic activity. In the coldest months there are also intricately shaped icicles to negotiate. Just to see the light of day again you will have to crawl, walk and climb your way through caves and tunnels.
Trekking
While the majority of hiking trails are not technically difficult, they are an endurance challenge, some lasting up to 14 hours. There are some local routes to follow where the going is easy. Guides are recommended for the longer and harder trails as their local knowledge ensures your safety, particularly useful to help avoid crevasses. In the east, the fjords are a beautiful sight, while Hvannadalshnjukur, Iceland’s highest peak at 2,109m, provides panoramic views of the country’s mountains and glaciers, and the ocean.
Classic Itineraries
No trip would be complete without a visit to the hot springs and the Great Geyser. While this particular geyser is no longer active, there are plenty of others nearby.
Iceland is an adventurer’s dream. Its remote location offers some of the most extreme landscapes, which have been turned into a playground of activities to test even the most daring.
Other Activities
There are so many activities available here that you could soon see Iceland from every aspect imaginable. To test your water skills take a kayak tour in Lake Pingvellir or along the fjords to catch some of the most amazing lava formations in the ice. A more tumultuous journey can be had by travelling in a canoe along the rapids. Quad biking takes you further into the mountains faster than anything else, but be sure to hold on tight. Multi Activity breaks give you the chance to totally relax on holiday while the entire organisation of activities is taken care of. This way you can enjoy everything and miss nothing.
