Discovering the Natural Wonders of Iceland

Iceland is a nation of spectacular landscapes created by the forces of nature. Iceland's natural landscapes include the Blue Lagoon, the midnight sun, volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls, which are mostly untouched and provide the ideal setting for photographers of all skill levels. These natural treasures have made a top tourist destination for nature lovers.

Here are some of the best natural wonders to see in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon

Nothing compares to soaking in a hot spring bath in the middle of nowhere. Iceland is home to a variety of unique hot springs as well as artificial geothermal pools. These natural wonders are in spectacular locales that provide incredible vistas. The Blue Lagoon, a milky-blue lake in the center of a rocky lava landscape, is Iceland's most visited hot spring. The spring has even earned a place on the list of the world's top 25 wonders by National Geographic.

The Lagoon's water combines fresh and saltwater and is very high in silica and minerals. These unique compounds benefit the skin and may even aid individuals with skin conditions such as psoriasis. The Blue Lagoon is a world-class spa with cutting-edge equipment and various supplementary services such as in-water massages, a sauna, steam rooms and a relaxation area. Visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland official website to discover more about this amazing wonder.

Here is my friend Kristin's account of her visit.

The Midnight Sun

If you visit Iceland during the summer, you will witness one of the country's most spectacular natural wonders, the midnight sun. During this time of the year, the sun has a distinctive position in the sky, thanks to Iceland's location on the planet. The Midnight Sun phenomenon occurs in Iceland during the summer solstice in June, when the sky is never dark.

As a result, there are 24 hours of sunshine. Although there are various summer solstice celebrations, the Midnight Sun may be enjoyed long into August when just a few hours of darkness fall at night.

Geysers

Iceland offers many active geothermal sites with boiling springs, fumaroles and other spectacular volcanic activity. In reality, geothermal power plants provide the country's energy. You won't miss seeing any of Iceland's active geysers while you're there. Explore the country's geothermal paradise of Haukadalur Valley, which is home to the Great Geysir, the geyser after which all other geysers get their names.

The latest activity occurred in 2016. When it was active, the Great Geysir could shoot hot water 150-200 metres (492-656 feet) into the air. Unfortunately, it is no longer very active but might explode at any moment.

Glaciers

About 11% of Iceland's territory is covered by glaciers, which are accessible through the Ring Road and may open for visitors anytime. On the southeast shore is Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier. The glacier gradually descending to the sea is accessible via a short walk. Summertime guided trips take hikers over the glacier and into its cracks.

Vatnajökull provides the opportunity to investigate the voids under the glacier in the winter. Because of the ice's shelter from the weather and compression under pressure, the Crystal Cave has an extremely blue hue.

If you are visiting in the winter, here is everything you need to know.

Here are some tours to consider:

• Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
• South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour
• Skaftafell: Guided Glacier Hike Day Trip

Volcanoes

In Iceland, a volcanic eruption occurs every 4-5 years on average. The most recent eruption occurred under Vatnajökull Glacier at Bárarbunga Volcano. The eruption ceased on February 28, 2015, so the next eruption might happen at any moment! With 32 active volcanic systems in Iceland, there is always something for adventurers to look out for. You may not see a live volcanic explosion during your visit, but being near an active volcano is a wonderful opportunity to sense nature's power.

Even if it is not presently erupting, you may see magnificent evidence of current activity, such as hardened lava flows, steam emanating from the ground, lava caverns, and even descending into the guts of a sleeping volcano! Even if they are not active, sleeping volcanoes are an amazing sight to see!

Here are some tours to consider:

• Skaftafell: Vatnajökull Glacier Explorer Tour
• Vatnajokull Glacier: Ice Caving and Glacier Hiking
• South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour

Waterfalls

Iceland's rocky, mountainous topography and enormous glaciers are ideal for waterfalls — many of them. The famed Golden Circle road passes Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss and Skógasfoss, all of which you can see in a single day from Reykjavik.

Seljalandsfoss provides the rare chance to trek behind a 210-foot waterfall. Visitors to Skógafoss may get up and personal with this approximately 200-foot waterfall. A neighbouring stairway brings guests up 527 steps for a better glimpse of these thunderous falls.

Gullfoss awes tourists with its massive breadth and cascading cascades. This 130-foot waterfall is concealed by rock, with just a short tunnel descending into the wide canyon under the falls. To get away from the masses, go to Gljfrabi, a hidden treasure.

How about you? Have you ever been to Iceland? If yes, which natural wonder was your favorite?

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