Natural wonders abound
Australian travel writer Sandip Hor discovers there is more to Iceland than the Northern Lights.
Upon my return from Iceland, nearly everyone inquired, "Did you witness the Northern Lights?"
This question is quite expected for anyone who has visited this North Atlantic island nation, renowned for a breathtaking display of green light ribbons that dance across the sky. Commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, this natural spectacle, scientifically called the Aurora Borealis, occurs when charged solar particles collide with atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere at astonishing speeds, reaching up to 724million kilometres per hour, resulting in luminous emissions that are typically green, although hues of pink and violet may also appear.
The phenomenon is generally visible in the Nordic region, spanning areas of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. Nevertheless, visibility is not guaranteed, as it is influenced by weather conditions and various solar factors.
Therefore, witnessing this occurrence is largely a matter of chance, akin to the likelihood of encountering a lion or a tiger in the wildlife reserves of Africa or India.
Regrettably, in this case, fortune did not favour me, and I departed from Iceland without experiencing the light show. Nevertheless, there were numerous other natural features of this European country that captivated me, making my week-long visit both unforgettable and immensely fulfilling. For someone like me from Australia, the most extraordinary experience was spending a few days in a completely ice-covered setting where the landscape, as far as I could see, was blanketed in white, due to some unexpected snowfall.
It is often said Mother Nature showcases her finest work in Iceland, and I wholeheartedly concur with this sentiment.
During my visit, I encountered an array of amazing natural wonders, including vast glaciers, cascading waterfalls, a coastline adorned with black sand, pristine blue lagoons, snow-capped volcanic mountains, extensive moss-covered lava fields and rejuvenating hot springs that are said to add an extra decade to one's life.
The island is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates converge, making it one of the most volcanically active areas on the planet. Home to over 100 volcanoes, some of which are still active, this abundant geothermal energy has significantly influenced not only the nation's rugged terrain but also its life, culture and economy by providing a sustainable and affordable energy source for domestic and industrial usage.
In stark contrast to the volcanic activity, Iceland is also home to a substantial number of glaciers, covering around 11% of the country's land area. These glaciers have developed in regions where the average annual temperatures remain below 0°C, allowing for snow accumulation to surpass melting rates.
Due to the coexistence of these extreme natural elements — volcanic fire and icy glaciers — the destination is often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice.
After spending some time in the capital, Reykjavik, I embarked on a four-day expedition with Iceland Travel, one of the region's reputed tour operators, exploring the renowned South Coast region, which showcases nearly all the natural forces that affirm the destination's nickname, from fiery volcanoes and geothermal marvels to freezing glaciers and lagoons.
The highlights of this extraordinary journey included visiting three magnificent waterfalls in Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss, exploring the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, and witnessing the periodic eruptions of the Strokkur geyser, all while strolling around various hot springs, steam vents, and sulfurous mud pots, admiring the presence of famous volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull, Katla and Hekla from a distance, walking on the black sand at the Vakurfjara Beach, posing for a selfie with the glittering icebergs on the Diamond Beach, getting immersed by the beauty of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and finally shaking over all my tiredness with a rejuvenating dip at the Blue Lagoon thermal pool before ending the thrilling and adventurous odyssey.
Revered as a shrine of Iceland due to its great geological and historical significance, the Þingvellir National Park was a key stop on our itinerary.
Located not far from Reykjavik, it's the place where both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, and this particular feature has brought geology to life through sprawling lava fields, rocky canyons and crystal-clear glacial lakes. While the beauty of the surroundings was very camera-friendly, more exciting for me was a rare glimpse of the edges of the two plates. I was told that something like this can't be seen anywhere else in the world.
It was also at this site, the early Norse settlers in 930 scripted the maiden page of the nation's history book by opening the world's first democratic parliament which remained in session until 1798.
Iceland was uninhabited until Norseman Ingolfur Arnarson discovered the island in 870 during the Viking age and commenced permanent settlement, initially as a "free state", later coming under the rule of the Norwegians and the Danes before becoming independent in 1944. My basic knowledge of Iceland's history was supplemented by visits to various museums in Reykjavik, to the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Maritime Museum and the Saga Museum, where the exhibits provided a deep insight into the Icelandic history from settlement to present day.
Reykjavik may be one of the smallest capital cities of Europe, but with a stunning natural setting and a fascinating history rooted in the Viking sagas, it buzzes with a melting pot of influences from the very old to new.
About two-thirds of the nation's population of approximately 390,000 live there. The 75m-tall Hallgrimskirkja Church is the city emblem. A view from its summit testified to me the splendor of the city's natural surroundings, dominated by the splashing of the Atlantic waves and overlooked by the snow-covered volcanic mountains at a distance.
Another must-visit in the city is the newly opened Volcano Express, which presents a cinematic experience that dives into Iceland's volcanic forces and provides the audience with a rare feel of the power of earthquakes, the rush of flight and freefall and the intense heat of lava which Icelanders have faced in reality. Travel notebook
Getting There: Fly Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.co.nz) from Auckland to London or Amsterdam, and then Iceland Air (www.icelandair.com) to Reykjavik
Stay: Fosshotel Reykjavik (www.islandshotel.is), and Hotel Stracta (www.stractahotels.is) and Hotel Klaustur (www.hotelklaustur.is) in South Iceland.
Tours: For info on tours to Iceland, check Beyond Travels (www.beyondtravel.com.au) or call 0800 550 065.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
A world-class wilderness adventure that's right in the backyard!
The adventure that you've been craving is on your doorstep, with the amazing Hollyford Wilderness Experience in Fiordland. Hollyford Wilderness Experience business manager Adam Dooney was inspired by many things when he first did the guided multi-day walk. Along with the stunning scenery, it was the guides and the hosting staff at the lodges along the way that impressed him most. 'I did not expect the quality of delivery, and how much passion and intimacy they bring to the experience,' he says. A true adventure, the all-inclusive Hollyford Wilderness Experience is extremely accessible to most walkers The unforgettable three night experience was a winner of Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Award in 2024, ranking it as one of the world's top attractions. Yet while international travellers visit for such experiences, many locals aren't aware of what's on offer right here. For those mature travellers in the lower South Island looking for an accessible adventure, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is the perfect choice. The low altitude walk will take you from the mountains to the sea, and includes spectacular transfers by jet boat and helicopter. Small groups of no more than 16 people are led by engaging local guides. The experience is coloured by their rich storytelling that takes in both the natural history, and that of Ngāi Tahu and early European pioneers. And comfort is not compromised on the Hollyford Wilderness Experience. You'll only carry the essentials, while well-appointed private lodges deep in the native forest offer private rooms, hearty cuisine, outdoor hot tubs, and warm hospitality. Adam Dooney says it's the entire experience that separates the Hollyford Wilderness Experience from other options in the area. 'It's not just another walk, it's a full experience,' he emphasises. 'The Hollyford is one of the most beautiful valleys in Fiordland. You see everything from the foothills of some of Fiordland's largest mountains, through the beech forests, and out to the coastal environment of the West Coast.' Walkers will be deeply immersed in the hugely diverse natural environment of this incredible part of Aotearoa. The extremely knowledgeable guides weave stories of the area throughout the walk. This includes the Hollyford's history as a pounamu trail, historical Ngāti Mahaki pā at Martins Bay, and the proposed European settlement of Jamestown from the Goldrush era. 'Our staff absolutely love the place and enjoy sharing it with people,' Adam says. 'Some have been working for us for 25 years, so there's a lot of knowledge and a lot of passion there. What shines through is the connection between our customers and staff, and that's what really brings the whole place to life for everybody.' What is on offer with the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is sure to appeal to an emerging segment of the adventure market who are focused on quality. They're looking for something different, a more fulfilling experience that they emerge from richer than when they went in. As Adam says, it's amazing what we have on our back doorstep in this country - and particularly in this region. 'Fiordland and the Hollyford Valley are right there for the taking,' he marvels. 'These walks are so accessible for many people, and on an international basis they offer great value for money.' Anyone looking for a superb experience should visit for more information, or have a chat with one of the reservation team on 0800 832 226.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Historic Inglewood Standing Proud With Help From NPDC Heritage Fund
The makeover of Inglewood's historic commercial heart for the town's 150th anniversary is continuing with help from NPDC's Heritage Building Fund. Originally built on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets in 1875, Fern Lodge is a two-storey building burned down and was rebuilt in 1905. The $30,000 grant from NPDC's Heritage Building Fund contributed to much needed repairs to the aging weatherboards, window frames and other fixtures as well as repainting the entire outside of the building, said owner Mike Smart. 'Inglewood is the hub of Taranaki with a lot of people coming in from all directions. The town's heritage buildings make it a place where people want to stop and visit, and they make it a great place to live. We're proud of Inglewood's historic character, so the funding is important to our economy and community identity,' said Mr Smart. NPDC District Planning Supervisor Lauren O'Byrne said it was important to protect and celebrate the district's heritage, especially in a town with as many historic buildings as Inglewood. 'Our history is essential to sustaining our district's prosperity. Looking after our heritage buildings ensures it remains a place where people want to live, work and invest and whānau want to raise their tamariki. The heritage building grants also help local jobs and businesses who do the work,' said Ms O'Byrne. The fund also contributed to sprucing up the Railway Hotel, built in 1876 on the corner of Rata and Moa streets, and the Deem and Shearer building, better known now as Caffe Windsor on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets, which dates from 1875. Applications to the fund are open until 4 July and building and business owners can apply through the NPDC website: Built, Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Funds FAST FACTS Inglewood/Kōhanga Moa was established in 1875 with many of the first European inhabitants coming from Britain, East Prussia (now in Poland), Denmark and Switzerland. The railway from New Plymouth reached the town in 1876 and its railway station is the oldest in Aotearoa still in its original location. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built by Polish immigrants on Standish Street in 1899, received $25,000 towards the cost of repainting the Category A protected building in 2023. Inglewood Library, one of five NPDC community libraries, celebrated its centenary in 2024. Inglewood's historic town hall was built in 1913 and can still be booked for events. Inglewood has 12 protected heritage structures in the 143 protected structures across New Plymouth District.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
All set for a European adventure
PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Kaikorai Valley College students Alyssa Bayne (left) and Amy Hitchcox, both 17, pose with a skull and a globe in front of their peers, ahead of their European trip later this month. The group of 25 students will spend eight nights in London and three nights in Paris as well as visiting World War 1 battlefields. The students will be hosted by the New Zealand embassies in London and Paris, where they will meet the ambassadors. Alyssa is holding the skull to represent the group's planned visit to the Globe Theatre in London to watch a Shakespearean play. Amy said she was "very excited" for the opportunity to go to Europe. "Some people I know haven't left the country, let alone gone to Europe." She was most looking forward to going to Paris, climbing the Eiffel Tower and eating a snail.
