In Iceland the skies dance in front of you

If you are in search of mystery, adventure and the unexpected — head to Iceland to experience something different — far away from the beaten tourist trail.

Plainly speaking, Iceland is not a destination but a country of many contrasts.

The moss-covered lava fields; the barren highlands and the soaring fjords are a proof of great diversity in Iceland.

Where else have you seen the skies dance before your eyes? It can only be in Iceland!

This Nordic island lies between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic covering an area of 40,000 square miles. With a population of just 329,100, it is the most sporadically populated country in Europe.

The largest city is the capital Reykjavik, in the south-west where 200,000 — two-thirds of the country’s population live in the 106 square mile city and the capital region.

It is the world’s northern-most capital of an independent nation.

WARM PEOPLE

In spite of its isolation, Iceland and Reykjavik, in particular, are very popular with foreign tourists.

Icelanders are very warm and welcoming people. Iceland’s rich culture is inspiring in its own way.

The rugged and beautiful nature makes the country a spectacular exhibition of beauty. The largest glaciers in Europe are found in Iceland.

The country known as the Land of Fire and Ice simply escapes definition.

Others call Iceland the Land of Light and Darkness because it is located just below the Arctic Circle where the temperatures can be below freezing in some parts of the country.

Here, you can enjoy long summer days with some 24 hours of daylight and during the dark winters there is very sparse sunlight.

Icelanders enjoy their summers playing golf or participating in other outdoor adventures in the midnight sun. In Iceland you have close encounters with Nature.

While most of us shun winter and prefer to stay warm indoors, in Iceland the extreme darkness has its own perks.

MAGICAL COLOURS

Here you can witness a magnificent natural display. The Heavenly Light Show — the phenomenon of Aurora Borealis — or commonly known as the Northern Lights will leave you mesmerised as you watch the skies dancing in front of you.

The phenomenon is named after the Roman Goddess of dawn Aurora followed by the Greek name Boreas (the north wind).

A fabulous solar display swirling in the sky gives a Heavenly Light Show with luminous multi-coloured streaks painting the sky with a symphony of magical colours and lights.

This phenomenal display of colours, varying from greenish yellow to beautiful shades of pink, purple, red, blue and white is a sight you will never forget.

NATURAL SPECTACLE

A visit to the Northern Lights must be included in your sightseeing plans but the show can be elusive sometimes as it depends on the vagaries of the weather.

You can only see the natural spectacle on the nights when the sky is clear. The best time is between April and September.

You must check with the tour operator about the chance of seeing this extraordinary display.

It is also worth going on the Golden Circle Route which takes in spouting geysers, tumbling waterfalls and ancient volcanoes.

On the other side of the scale, Iceland is also well-known for its volcanic lava eruptions in the Icelandic Highlands north of Vatnajokull. This area is now its largest basaltic lava flow centre. Lava eruptions occur sporadically only. There is an abundance of geothermal power and Icelanders use it generously.

The country has naturally heated water that powers 90 per cent of homes, baths, public and private pools. It is a local culture for Icelanders to visit outdoor recreational pools to socialise and for bathing in thermal baths. They enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs and geothermal lagoons such as the famed luxurious Blue Lagoon located in a lava field in Reykjanes Peninsula and Myvatn Nature Baths.

GOLDEN SANDS

Reykjavik boosts its own geothermal beach at Nautholvsik Bay lagoon where thousands of locals and tourists relaxing on the golden sands and enjoying a dip in the warm ocean water helped by an injection of geothermal energy. The beach is open in the cold and warm weather.

These baths have high level of silicates and other rich minerals which rejuvenate the skin.

I have come across Icelanders who still prefer to take a dip in the cold Atlantic!

Reykjavik, the little capital with a big heart, is a sleepy little city devoid of the whirlwind daily chaos of a metropolis.

A few skyscrapers grace the skyline and there are odd traffic jams. But the city is bursting with energy and its heart beat is live with pulsating excitement.

In the summer, the city is alive with picnickers, sunbathers who fill up the green Austurvoller square.

Buskers stand on the sidewalks. Marching bands attract everyone’s attention. Tourists and locals also head for the Laugavegur for shopping, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

The numerous art galleries and museums are also an attraction. Live shows in popular areas such as 101 in downtown Reykjavik attract big crowds.

Iceland is worth considering for a short vacation if you are visiting Europe this summer.