The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland, for a very long time in the bucket list of destinations wishing to go and finally a reality. And what can I say about this amazing country, other than wishing to have stayed longer and see more. Yet we knew four days was not going to be enough, the fact is that a week is still short for that many places you can visit, and all in this medium-sized island. A miniature continent full of fascinating natural wonders, the power of mother earth at every corner you go, no matter the season, the beauty is guaranteed any month. From being able to admire the spectacular Northern Lights and that winter wonderland snowy landscapes, almost isolated glaciers or icebergs on the beach to eerie empty grasslands, lava soil and powerful rivers and waterfalls with every shade of green from the fields; each of the seasons is more unique than the other.

Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world is the arriving gateway to this world of wonders. Small yet thriving, its metropolitan area is home to around 230000 people, that’s over 60% of the country’s population. Very organised, clean and the safest capital in Europe, is full of beautiful colorful wooden houses and mansions, churches, museums and a quite impressive nightlife especially during the weekends. Shops, bars and restaurants everywhere serving great food, notoriously good for fish and seafood, and whale steaks. Yes whale; Iceland and Japan are the rare nations still fishing it.

While visiting the capital will not take you even a day, the rest of the country we know would last several, but for the average visitor, some 5 days is good enough to capture the best spots allowing yourself a good reason why to come back, perhaps during a different season of the year to have a complete different view. After all, you are never too far away from Reykjavik from the top natural sights as the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, the stunning rock formations in the sea by Reynisfjara Beach and the Vatnajökull National Park.

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