{"id":18001,"date":"2021-08-05T17:13:03","date_gmt":"2021-08-05T17:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/?p=18001"},"modified":"2021-08-05T17:20:31","modified_gmt":"2021-08-05T17:20:31","slug":"northern-nordic-wonders-need-see-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/travel\/northern-nordic-wonders-need-see-iceland","title":{"rendered":"Northern Nordic Wonders: Why You Need to See Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"

This small island nation goes way beyond natural beauty.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the past decade, tourism in Iceland has exploded. And the northern Nordic nation is now more popular than ever. You\u2019ve probably seen pictures of Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon<\/a> on the Instagram page of someone you know. This attraction is actually man-made. It was formed by water released from a geothermal power plant, which never seeped back into the earth as they expected it to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the Blue Lagoon, there are<\/span> countless natural, totally unique wonders packed into this small island nation that is only about the size of Kentucky. And most of these incredible features of nature were formed by two things: volcanic activity and glaciers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at some of the best sights and experiences Iceland has to offer\u2014and how you can enjoy them:<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed by Volcanoes: <\/b>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Iceland is home to around 130 volcanoes\u2014and many of them are still active!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Warming up in a natural hot spring after a day of hiking? Yes please!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hot springs<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Volcanic activity throughout the island means underground heat has a huge impact on the land and water (most of the country is powered by clean geothermal energy). Hot springs are basically everywhere, so come prepared to take a soak! They range from rustic settings in the wilderness to well-maintained pools with all the amenities in urban centers. Take your pick!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to find: throughout the country, but many are within reach of<\/span><\/i> Reykjavik.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"
You may have seen white sand beaches, or even pink…but Iceland’s black sand is truly unique.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Black sand beaches<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve never seen beaches like these before (unless you\u2019ve already been to Iceland)! This curious black sand was formed from volcanic eruptions. When molten lava mixed with the cold water of the north Atlantic ocean, it turned black and broke into tiny parts, which you can walk over today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of the most famous. It features \u201csea stacks,\u201d or ballast columns jutting out of the waves nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to find: on the south coast.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"\"
Iceland’s craters are yet another unique land formation here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Craters and \u201clunar landscapes\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

Going to Iceland can feel like you\u2019ve stepped off the earth and onto the moon. There are large craters throughout the country\u2014dramatic additions to the landscape. When a thin layer of molten lava flowed over a wetland, it boiled the water, built up pressure, and caused a steam explosion! You can (safely) walk into some of these craters today. Another great way to see them? Looking down from a helicopter!<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to find: near<\/span><\/i> Grundarfjordur<\/span><\/i><\/a> and<\/span><\/i> Reykjavik<\/span><\/i><\/a> in the west, and<\/span><\/i> Akureyri<\/span><\/i><\/a> up north.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Created by Glaciers:<\/b><\/p>\n

Iceland is sometimes included as part of Scandinavia, depending on who you ask. One big thing it shares with other Scandinavian countries<\/a> (especially Norway) is a land shaped by glaciers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Norway isn’t the only country with fjords!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fjords<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Fjords are long narrow inlets that extend inland from the open ocean. Most fjords were formed by glacial movement long, long ago. Iceland has many fjords along the western and northern coasts that offer beautiful views out to sea. Eyjafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is one of the largest fjords in the north of Iceland that sits between sharp mountain ranges and open valleys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to find: near<\/span><\/i> Grundarfjordur<\/span><\/i><\/a> and the city of<\/span><\/i> Akureyri<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"\"
Iceland is home to the largest ice sheet in Europe!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ice sheets:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

As the name suggests, Iceland has ice. Getting up close to the remaining ice sheets is another otherworldly experience you have to see. Flying over parts of the country will let you appreciate the size and scale, especially Vatnaj\u00f6kull glacier, which is the largest ice sheet in Europe!<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to find: inland from<\/span><\/i> Reykjavik<\/span><\/i><\/a> near<\/span><\/i> Akureyri<\/span><\/i><\/a>, and in Vatnaj\u00f6kull National Park.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This small island nation goes way beyond natural beauty. Over the past decade, tourism in Iceland has exploded. 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