Amazing Landscape of Iceland
“We are going to Iceland, John,” I greeted my husband cheerfully when he came home from work, before he’d even got off his bike.
“Really? When?” He asked, a little breathless from his exertion.
“18th of November, a couple of months away.” I could hardly contain my excitement.
“November in Iceland? No Way! You’re joking, right?”
The Wedding Church, where America meets Europe
No, I wasn’t joking. Yes, we went. I wanted to be there for my friends when they tied the knot. Besides, John had accepted the dubious honor of being the ‘official’ wedding photographer and film-maker.
Today, I’m revisiting this memorable occasion and I’m taking you with me for a short tour of the magnificent, magical landscape of Iceland. Together we’ll explore this winter wonderland and learn a few interesting facts about this island , situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, just touching the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Reykjavík, Capital of Iceland
Iceland has the smallest population among the NATO member countries, in the region of 320,000 people, and most Icelanders live in its largest city and capital Reykjavík and surrounding areas in the southwest. It is known for its sand fields, mountains and glaciers, not to mention the active volcanic activities.
In April 2010, the volcanic eruption at Eyjafjöll caused enormous disruption to air traffic across Europe. Guess what? we were affected by that dust cloud while holidaying in Slovenia and our flight was cancelled, but that is another story.
The Photographer and Film-Maker
During our 4-day visit, we spent time in Reykjavík, where I explored the Lutheran Church of Hallgrimskirkia, the largest in Iceland, named after poet, author and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. At 24 degrees Celsius below freezing, it was too cold to wander around the city for more than a few minutes so I was really glad to take a dip into Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa liked to a power station which seemed hugely popular with tourists. They wallowed about in the warmth, caked in skin cream to deal with the caustic minerals in the water.
The most unforgettable treat was a day tour which included the fabulous Gullfoss, aka Golden Falls in English, and awesome geysers in the Þingvellir National Park, a tourist highlight for any visitors to Iceland. As you can see from the picture here as well as the video which will show Gullfoss in its full glory; Gullfoss which interrupts the glacial river Hvita is reputed to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and you can decide for yourself after viewing:
Iceland – Land of Ice, Gullfoss and Geysers
Before we conclude today’s virtual tour, I’ll leave you with a couple more interesting facts about Iceland: 1) It is one of the wealthiest and ranked at 14th most developed country in the world, despite its massive banking failure in 2008; 2) It maintains a welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education for all citizens.
I hope you have enjoyed your sightseeing in Iceland and make it there one day. As for me, I would love to go back, not in its sub zero winter times, but in the height of summer 
!
Gullfoss, The Golden Falls
Oh my, is there any corner of the earth you two haven’t been? Toronto, perhaps
As usual, amazing pictures, and love the fun facts!
eden
Yes, Eden,
Canada would be a great addition to my adventures
So you’re definitely on my list 
Beautiful! I’ve read some about Iceland and would like to visit one day. Thank you for the vitual tour, Junying! Great post.
Many thanks, Dannie. Yes, when you have a chance do visit – It would be a nice contrast to steaming hot thailand
I’ve never considered going to Iceland. That’s probably because I don’t know anyone who has been there, so I’ve never seen any pictures or heard how beautiful it is. After reading this post, that’s all changed. Your pictures and video are amazing and I’m stunned by the natural beauty. Despite the freezing temperatures, it looks like you and John had a wonderful time. Since you mentioned you’d like to go back in the summer months, count me in!
Marni, I never thought of visiting Iceland either, until this invitation came along
Now that I have been and it’s far too cold and brief to see it properly, I’d go back for more, and this time you’re included. It’s more or less half way, 60% from you 40% from us, so we can easily meet up there – we can hire a car and drive around – The friends who got married there loved it so much that they went back there three years in a row and drove around the island each time!
You just need to say YES and when and I’ll be there
What a cold and beautiful place. I am so happy to experience your adventures through your blog. Happy holidays, kind and beautiful lady!
Thanks, Amberr
Yes, it’s indeed cold but utterly beautiful! Glad to have you along, my sweet friend!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!
I usually go in January. Went the first time for the landscapes (I’m a geography teacher), but subsequently for the wonderful people, culture and literature, doing a great literary tour. It is not as cold as people think, despite the latitude, due to slightly milder ocean currents. Winter is a great time, with fewer crowds, really low prices, and meeting lots of Icelanders rather than foreign tourists. And for an Australian, it’s a welcome respite from our summer heat!
Carolyn,
Many thanks for visiting us here and sharing your views on wonderful Iceland – you certainly have more knowledge about that beautiful country and her people from your various visits in different seasons. You’re right, winters are very different, having less tourists and cheaper to travel, not to mention the amazing landscape. I’d love to go back one day
Hello, I lived in Akureyri the second largest city in Iceland for two years. I miss it a lot. Iceland changed how I view life and the world. In a very short period of time I became the healthiest I ever was. I began writing while living there. It is a wonderful place. Iceland is much warmer in the winter than where I currently live in the U.S. It is a wonderful magical place.
Wendy
You should go there for New Years Eve. My favorite time of year there.
Wendy, so lovely to hear from someone who actually lived there for a period of time. I would love to take at least a week to drive around in that country, but I am not very good at dealing with the extreme coldness, or extreme heat either, so I think summer may be a better bet for me
I agree that Iceland is a magical place!
Thanks for the comments and always appreciate the support