Iceland is a wild and pristine place where the human soul can escape, where time stands still, where fire meets ice, and where the land takes you backwards to ancient times. From epic towering glaciers to rugged jaw-dropping sea-side cliffs. There is so much to see and explore. In Iceland massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks which take up a large percentage of the country. The Vatnajökull Glacier is also the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland.
Founded by accident in the late 18th century by Naddod, a Norse Faroese Viking who was blown off course sailing from Norway to the Faroe Islands in 1861. Naddod would call the new island Snowland, because of the abundance of snow. Naddod returned to Norway soon after and told people of his discovery. Six years later, Floki Vilgerdarson was the first Viking to set out for Snowland and find it. Snowland was later known to called Iceland.
Reynisdrandar Beach and Dyrhoaey Cliff are the gladiators of this primitive ancient land clashing against each other. The mysterious, spiky, enormous sea stacks and basalt columns of Reynisdrangar Beach is what makes this place famous, while the wild and untamed ocean pound the shoreline and columns in an incredible display of power and harmony. Dyrhoaey Cliff is a marvel on its own as it’s strange and unusual appearance give it a sense of wonder. Viking Legends and myth surrounds this strange arch like dense fog on the open ocean.
Iceland is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Massive waterfalls such as Morsárjökull measures in at 240 feet making it the tallest waterfall in Iceland. The second highest waterfall is Glymur measuring in at 190 feet. Legend has it that if you stand next to any of these two waterfalls you will feel the earth shaking under you! Lastly, the magnificent Skógafoss where you feel the power of nature, Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the waterfall, perhaps one of my most favorite waterfalls (bring a raincoat!) and Dettifoss regarded as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Iceland will forever be engraved in my memory, mind, and heart.