Planning our 6-day Ice-adventure to Iceland to explore the breathtaking Volcanoes,massive glaciers, geysers,hot springs & Lava fields

My dear readers: In my last post dated #11/5/25 ,I had described about our trip from Delhi to Eindhoven(NLs) to reunite with our son & family and to celebrate birthday of our cute granddaughter ‘Tarinni’ on 19/5/25 for which we will be going on ‘Iceland trip’ from 17/5/25 to 22/5/25.As a preparation for the tour of Iceland I have collated some information on the country for convenience & planning the spots to be visited on this short trip(four days sightseeing+ two days traveling).Here I will like to share the information with my valued readers & co-bloggers who may kindly respond with their comments if the same was useful & worth it.I will be posting regarding our experiences on the Icelandic trip after return from Iceland on 22/5/25

ABOUT ICELAND :

Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. 

Iceland is island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Lying on the constantly active geologic border between North America and Europe, Iceland is a land of vivid contrasts of climate, geography & culture. Sparkling glaciers, such as Vatna Glacier (Vatnajokul), Europe’s largest, lie across its ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges; abundant hot geysers provide heat for many of the country’s homes and buildings and allow for hothouse agriculture year-round; and the offshore Gulf stream provides a surprisingly mild climate for what is one of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet.

Iceland was founded more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled by a mixed Norse and Celtic population. The early settlement, made up primarily of Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, fostered further excursions to Greenland and the coast of North America (which the Norse called Vinland). Despite its physical isolation some 500 miles (800 km) from Scotland—its nearest European neighbour—Iceland has remained throughout its history very much a part of European civilization. The Icelandic Sagas, most of which recount heroic episodes that took place at the time the island was settled, are regarded as among the finest literary achievements of the Middle Ages, reflecting a European outlook while commemorating the history and customs of a people far removed from continental centres of commerce and culture.

Flag of Iceland :

Blue with a red cross outlined in white. The colours are symbolic for Iceland: Red represents the volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and glaciers, and blue is for the skies above, the sea and the mountains.

Iceland has more hot springs and Solfataras—volcanic vents that emit hot gases and vapours—than any other country. Alkaline hot springs are found in some 250 areas throughout the country. The largest, Deildartunguhver, emits nearly 50 gallons (190 litres) of boiling water per second. The total power output of the Torfajökull (Torfa Glacier) area, the largest of the 19 high-temperature solfatara regions, is estimated to equal about 1,000 megawatts. Earthquakes are frequent in Iceland but rarely result in serious damage. Most of the buildings erected since the mid-20th century have been built of reinforced concrete and designed to withstand severe shocks from earthquakes.

Traditionally, Iceland has been divided according to the four points of the compass. The centre of the country is uninhabited. In the southwest several fine natural harbours have directed interest toward the sea, and good fishing grounds lie off the shores of this region. Because of its extensive lava fields and heaths, the southwest has little farmland. The middle west is divided between fishing and farming and has many places of great natural beauty. The western fjords have numerous well-sheltered harbours and good fishing grounds but little lowland suitable for agriculture. The north is divided into several smaller districts, each of which has relatively good farmland. The eastern fjords resemble the western fjords but have, in addition, an inner lowland. The southeast, locked between the glaciers and the sea, has a landscape of rugged splendour. The southern lowland comprises the main farming region. Soil and climatic conditions are favourable, and it is close to the country’s largest market, Reykjavík and its environs.

Climate of Iceland :

Temperatures do not vary much throughout the country. The mean annual temperature for Rekjavik is 40 °F. The mean January temperature is 31 °F, and the mean July temperature is 51 °F. Snow falls about 100 days per year in the northwest, about 40 days in the southeast. Annual precipitation ranges from 16 inches on some high northern plateaus to more than 160 inches on the southern slopes of some ice-capped mountains. In the south it averages about 80 inches. Gales are frequent, especially in winter, and occasionally heavy fog may occur, but thunderstorms are rare. Although winters are fairly dark, Reykjavík averages nearly 1,300 hours of bright sunshine a year. Often the aurora borilis is visible, especially in fall and early winter.

General facts & practical things to keep in mind while visiting Iceland.

The best month to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is between September & April to see the northern lights, or between May and August for summer activities. While travel to Iceland may depend on your desired itinerary.Generally, the best time to visit iceland is during the summer.

Arrival in Iceland:

Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and Keflavik International Airport in connection with all arriving and departing flights, and seats are guaranteed. Buses depart to and from Keflavík every 45-60 minutes. The drive between the airport and Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes. For departing flights, it is recommended that you take a bus leaving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. It is possible to arrange hotel pickup. Taxi services are available to and from the airport. The car -ferry MS Norrona sails weekly between Denmark, and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland giving visitors the option of bringing their own vehicle.

Language :

Icelandic is the national language. English is spoken widely and Danish is the third language taught in schools in Iceland.

Medical Attention :

Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Only a few are open at night. Medical Care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Centre, called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Icelandic, during opening hours.

For information, call +354-585-1300 or visit the website about Health Care.

Medical help: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.
Health insurance: Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full. Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full. Special vaccinations are not required to enter Iceland.

Also view patients without Icelandic health insurance(pdf). For further information, contact the Icelandic Health Insurance: Tel.: +354-515-0100. Office hours: 10:00–15:00 & The Icelandic Health Insurance website.

Area of Iceland :103,000 Sq km

Population :387,758 (2023). Mean age: 38.5 years.

Capital City :Reykjavík.

Largest municipalities :Reykjavík (125,000),Kópavogur (37,000), Hafnarfjörður(30,000),Akureyri(18,000), Reykjanesbær(18,000).Cities in capital region.

Government :Parliamentary constitutional republic.

Currency :The Icelandic króna (plural krónur) –ISK.

Time :Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

Highest point :Hvannadalshnjúkur peak at 2,110 m.

Natural resources :Fish, hydropower, geothermal energy.

Useful websites

1)Safetravel 2)Icelandic Met Office 3)Road Conditions & weather 4)Post Office.

Emergency phone numbers :

Emergency number: 112 , Police: 444 1000 , Medical assistance: 1770

Accomodations :In Iceland, accommodations are as diverse as the landscapes. Whether you want to camp under the midnight sun, unwind in a cozy bed & breakfast hot tub beneath the Northern Lights, or experience nature on a charming holiday farm, there’s something for everyone. From boutique hotels and secluded cottages to stylish downtown apartments and laid-back hostels, Iceland offers options to suit every taste and budget.

The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise :Every day, there is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland. With its abundance of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves and otherwise rough terrain waiting to be tackled, Iceland is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But, it is also a warm and welcoming place for all of us.

Hiking in Iceland.

Caving in Iceland

Iceland for Teens & kids:

Electrifying adventures whether they are a history buff interested in Viking battles, a thrill seeker who wants to come face to face with lava,a burgeoning Sci-Fi & fantasy fan.

Whale watching.

Geothermal Wellness in Iceland.

Camping in Iceland.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Iceland.

Helcopter tours.

Birdwatching .

Iceland is often refered to as a birdwatchers paradise ,as large colonies of seabirds & waterfowl are indigenous & easily visible around the coasts.

Motorized Adventure.

Unforgettable Horse Riding tours in Iceland.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Iceland.

Various Adventures & activities on snowfall for the beginners & professionals in Iceland:-

1) A leap out of a helicopter onto frozen slopes, 2)Skiing across frozen lakes & snowcapped landscapes,3)Sledge riding across the slopes,

Northern Lights between months of September & April:

Its a magnificient natural display of the phenomenon of Auora Borealis.

Ice Climbing in Iceland(4,500 Sq miles of Glacier) .

Stunning Ice Caves Exploration & Going inside a Glacier

(This activity may to be undertaken with expert guided tours)

Cycling in Iceland is both challenging & rewarding as the weather is unpredictable & distances you will need to cover can be long.

Places accessible only in summer :

Whether its the long August twilight or midnight sun of June ,summer is the only time when certain areas of Iceland like the highlands are accessible in June.

River rafting in Iceland :

River rafting tours are designed both for the beginners/ families as well as for the seasoned rafters as per the difficulty levels assigned for both the categories .

NOTE : I am very very grateful to the Wikipaedia & Official site of Visit Iceland http://www.visiticeland.com for the precious information on the subject.