Hotel Flatey is situated in the centre of the old village on Flatey, in the very heart of Breidafjordur. The houses in the old centre are timber structures dating from the island’s former times of prosperity, and most of them have been restored in their original style. Nowhere else in Iceland can you find an urban setting where the atmosphere of the past has been so faithfully preserved. The hotel’s dining room and guest rooms are in converted warehouses flanking the old market square. Guests can savour the unique ambience of the island in cosy and welcoming accommodation and enjoy choice food with a view over the village, the coastline and the nesting grounds of the Arctic terns in Skansmyri.

According to folk belief, it is impossible to count the islands and islets of Breidafjordur, the fjord that was carved out by glaciers in the Ice Age. Flatey is the largest of nearly 40 that form the Vestureyjar group. They are of volcanic origin, as can be seen from the common basalt columns and hot springs. Don’t expect to see much night sky there: in summer, daylight shines for up to 21 hours on this rocky one-mile hideaway in Breiaafjordur Bay. Lush meadows and multicolored timber houses dot the scenery, and the mainland’s Snæfellsjokull volcano is always within eyeshot. The Hotel Flatley stays true to simple Scandinavian design (blond-wood furniture; whitewashed walls), and the downstairs restaurant turns into a live-concert venue for local talent at night. Hotel Flatey now offers 7 double/twin rooms, 1 family room (3 persons), suites and 2 single rooms. In total 13 rooms with 27 beds.

Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar cluster also known as Westmann Islands. It is an archipelago located approximately 4 nautical miles (25 km) off the southwest coast of Iceland. Home to just under 5,000 people, Heimaey is only island in Vestmannaeyjar that is populated.

Swimming, hiking, golfing, sailing, horseback riding and bird and whale watching are just some of the popular activities at Heimaey.

Heimaey came to international attention in 1973, when the Eldfell (a volcano on the island) erupted. The fissure extended across the entire island, producing a spectacular curtain of fire. The lava flow nearly destroyed the town and nearly all of the island’s residents were evacuated.

101 Hotel is a boutique hotel, ideally located in the heart of Reykjavik near government and cultural buildings, shops and nightlife, next door to the Icelandic Opera House. The exterior is classic Icelandic design, but inside it’s all about refined elegance and stylish comfort. 

The hotel will provide you with a slick infusion of style of the minimalist variety. Created by Ingibjorg Palmadottir, it is a member of Design Hotels. The hotel features 38 spacious rooms, including 6 suites and junior suites with in-room amenities providing all the modern comforts such as DVDs and Wi-Fi.

Hotel’ Facilities: a small plunge pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym that allows you to completely unwind and relax. Massages can be arranged in your room. Also: 101 Gallery hosts special exhibitions, and has an impressive permanent collection of works by local artists, which spill out into the communal spaces of the hotel itself. Whether you are drawn to Reykjavik for work or play, 101 hotel is about you.  Official site: http://www.101hotel.is/

Landmannalaugar is a popular destination in Iceland for visitors seeking relief and tranquility. Whether you suffer from chronic arthritis, head-splitting migraines, depression, or simply stress, the hot springs are renowned for their healing and therapeutic powers.

Lying 1,970 feet (600 m) above sea level, and comprising one of the largest geothermal fields in the country, Landmannalaugar (which means ”hot springs of the people” in Iceland) is surrounded by volcanic peaks and black lava fields. This part of Iceland in the southern highlands is rich in geothermal activity – numerous hot and cold springs run down from the lava field and converge in vast open-air hot baths that are popular for swimming and bathing. It is reasonably accessible in summer, although the road is a bit rough.

One you have overcome the initial heart-stopping shock of getting undressed in such a chilly climate, it is sheer bliss to plunge into the steaming hot, mineral rich water. Arches and pains simply ebb away as the soothing heat works as magic. Th make the most of the spring,  ensure that you move around in order to experience the rejuvenating contrast between the hot and icy water swirling around.

Location: Near Reykjavik, Iceland. Photos by: Jevgeny Sh.

Svinafellsjokull, is one of the many outlet glaciers of the massive Vatnajokull glacier, Earth’s third-largest. The ice that feeds Svinafellsjokull comes spilling down from Iceland‘s high interior in an icefall that riddles it with deep and sometimes treacherous fissures called crevasses.

Svinafellsjokull is the place that tourists should make it a point to explore since it features some of the nation’s most gorgeous peaks. Visitors can experienced a guide which offers climb up the tongue of Svinafellsjokull and then proceed to the glacier valley that is found between Hrutsfjall and Hvannadalshnukur. On the tour, guests will get to cross several zones that feature various glacial formations and marvel at the astounding beauty of dizzyingly deep crevasses, enormous water cauldrons, and fantastically shaped ridges.

Ice climbing on the Svinafellsjokull glacier is truly an amazing experience. Not only will you be climbing in an extraordinary landscape, you will also be conquering gravity. Whether you are just beginning or looking for improvement, trips are adapted to all skill levels so bring the whole family. No prior experience necessary.

Distance from Reykjavik: 350 km. Guests are advised that all activities are undertaken entirely at their own risk and they must behave in a fit and proper manner at all times in accordance with Glacier Guides guidelines and must take proper responsibility for their own safety.

Photos by: Ford Cochran

The Blue Lagoon may be a man-made attractions, but it seems to meld into Iceland‘s unearthly lunar landscape. Located about 39 km outside Reykjavik and about 13 km from Keflavik International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is one of the country’s top attractions.

Measuring a massive 5,000 sq m, the giant outdoor geothermal baths are rich in natural mineral salts and algae, said to have a curative effect on the skin, especially for those, who suffering from psoriasis. Clouds of steam float above the milky blue waters, which top a toasty 40 degree Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), making it hard to drag yourself out, especially when wearing a bikini and the air temperature is below freezing.

In winter the lagoon is often surrounded by snow, and it is then that contrast between the icy-cold air and the cozy warmth of water is irresistible. In fact Icelander believe the ideal outdoor temperature to make the most of the lagoon is a teeth-chattering minus 10 degree Celsius (14 Fahrenheit).

Slather on silica mud, available in boxes around the pool, to cleanse and exfoliate, and if you get bored with bathing, head to the sauna and steam room. For a rejuvenating back massage, stand underneath the lagoon’s small waterfall, which pounds aay aches and pains.

The surrounding scenery is strange yet dramatic. The lagoon is nestled in among black lava rocks, there are mountains in the distance, and a power station nearby pumps the geothermally heated water from a mile belowground. Stay in until your skin is as wrinkled as a prune – it will do you the power of good.

Iceland‘s remoteness is an escape in itself, and this remote place offers an unusual way to enjoy it. Less than an hour drive from Reykjavik, is Glymur, a breathtaking spot with black-sand beaches, whale-watching trips, glaciers, lava fields, and wide pastures. The views are enough to soothe you and this is before you have taken in the best of the Glymur Resort. Menus there burs full of flavour. Photo by: Hlynur

Glymur Resort has twenty-two rooms, where all of them are on two floors and a series of themed two-person cottages. The hotel also provides yoga, peace and quiet for those who need it a lot. Some of the cottages are make of natural environment, like the House of Nature, which has a waterfall in its center and a cozy fireplace. However the Romantic Cottage has a large bed and a private tub. Photo by: glymur

I’ve written many times about the great nature of Iceland, an experience with unpolluted skies in which to wonder at night, sun in the summer and the northern lights in the winter; sure-footed, shaggy-coated Icelandic ponies on which to explore the lava landscape; and clear mountain streams leading to gushing waterfalls in otherwise silent mountains. It is soul cleansing with natural world. Photo by: jens_i_r

For more information visit: http://www.glymurresort.com/

The Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran parish church in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is located at the top of shopping street Skolavordustigur, Reykjavik. Rising 74.5 m (244 ft), Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Iceland. The statue in front of the church represents Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red.

You can see here a part of the organ, which is composed of 5200 pipes. Between mid-June and mid-August you can hear this mighty beast in action three times per week at lunchtime/evening concerts.

It built in 1974 and structure remember a basaltic mountain. The structure in a heroic, nationalist style to replace an earlier church that was destroyed by fire.

The 18th century witnessed terrible misery among Icelanders in the wake of enormous volcanic eruptions, resulting in drastic climate changes and destruction of grazing fields.

It covers area of roughly 8,100 km² and an average thickness of 400 m and the greatest thickness of about 1100m. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier mass in Europe and the biggest glacier in Iceland. Anyone who ever wondered how Iceland got its name would likely find the answer in the fact that the country’s largest glacier alone covers more than 8% of the country. The total ice volume of the glacier is approximately 3300 km³.

It is a very volcanically active region. Under the ice-cap are still active volcanoes and in Grimsvot volcano, Iceland’s most active since the Middle Ages erupted in 1996, 1998 and 2004. Seven central volcanoes are situated underneath the Vatnajokull ice-cap and most of them are active. The icecap rises between 1400 and 1800 m above sea level. 

Bright light, indescribable beauty, serenity – these words are often used by people to describe a near-death experience. Visitors can visit hot springs located within the glacier’s ice caves. Hiking or cross country skiing on the icecaps depends entirely on the travelers themselves.  They decide where to go and are responsible for the preparations and the gear necessary for such endeavors. Such trips or tours have to be reported to the police authorities on beforehand.

No man is an Iceland. Iceland is a mysterious land, nestled between Europe and North America with ties to Scandinavia. The countryside includes dramatic textures like moss, magma, roiling hot springs and glacial crevasses. Much of it tiny population lives in highly rational architecture in the capital, Reyjavik. The national language is literal and lacks preciousness. The highly efficient brand of economy is tempered by faith in fairies, the hidden people who inhabit stones.

 The population of the country is really small, only 300,000 in the whole land and it is always cold. Summers are more playful and people do not take work too seriously (like everywhere in the world). You also may see a sign on an office door reading ” Due to very pleasant weather, we are taking the rest of the day off”. Pleasant weather means more than 68 degrees. I reckon that many creative inhabitants fill their heads during the summer. You know winters are more for sitting down at your table taking those things that you collect in your mind during summer lifestyle.

Reykjavik has many designers, whose work is very craft-based, with materials like ceramics, wool and fish skin. Good examples of this are shops like Kirsuberjatred, Kraum and the work of ceramicist Kogga. You can sight see city shining in the creations of young desgners. For instance Mundi Designs is an exiting new fashion label directed by a young graphic designer.

Reykjavik is a big part of culture, but the countryside is even bigger. Many people have summer houses in the country. They take inspiration from nature and their sagas. They know where to look to create something new from their past.

Go to a local pool and you will find out that important conversations take places – about politics, culture, gossip, design and etc. During the winter go outside and fill the weather in all its strength.

Hof is a country residence in Iceland, located less than 100km from the Arctic Circle. The structure on the estate included a house, church, barn and cowshed clustered on a riverbank. The wide building has a mountainous rim punctuated with long valleys.

The displaced grass of the field is reinstated on the roof and the surrounding meadow is cut and folded in earthworks of turf and stone that open ways to the entrance and terraces.

The house is highly insulated and thermally stable due to the massive concrete walls, stone floors and balanced fenestration. Geothermal water is used for the floor heating and radiators as well as for all domestic use. Electricity use is minimized by design and the little that is required is sourced from hydroelectric and geothermal sources.

The dogleg route between the living and bedroom wings where lighting and reduced to a few pinpricks.

The Republic of Island is an island country situated in the North Atlantic Ocean between Greenland and mainland Europe. Iceland is the world’s 18th largest island, and Europe’s second largest island following Britain. The climate is sub-polar oceanic and warm, which ensures generally higher annual temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world.

If you are on vacation there, it’s useful to know that there’re a lot of bars, pubs and restaurants. Many bars stay open past 4 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The picture displays the northeastern edge of Tjornin, a pond in the center of the city that doubles as a home to ducks and swans.

This is the luxury Hotel Borg, built in 1930 on the city’s prettiest square.Weekend rates for a double room in late January start at 195 euros, $280 at $1.44 to the euro.

Because Iceland is a topographical marvel — craggy, desolate, the way you imagine the surface of the moon. Head to the stables at Eld Hestar, where a ride can be a whimsical way to absorb the scenery.

One of the leading clubs for live music is NASA, which is a stylish nightclub with bars scattered throughout and an auditorium-style main stage in front of which people dance.

Iceland is a very special land which offers very interesting nature for every traveler. Hotel Ranga is located in South Iceland just on the banks of premiere salmon river called the East Ranga. The river length is 96 km, east of Reykjavik near the main road.

The hotel offers very luxury atmosphere, excellent location for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights. As well as outstanding views over the river and the active volcano Hekla to the North. The hotel has 38 rooms, constructed almost entirely of heavy wooden beams.

The other facilities are a lobby complete with a welcoming 10-foot tall polar bear, a gourrmet restaurant, 3 outdoor hot tubs, a bar and lounge, a meeting room and on-site massage services.

For outdoor activities lovers there’re a world class-salmon, trout and char fishing in clear waters; play golf at one of Iceland’s best 18 – hole golf-courses; ride the Icelandic horse, valleys and beaches; snowmobile; ice climb or ride dog sleights; hike and practice white water rafting. This is amazing are to free your spirit.

Iceland is a stunningly beautiful place with strange and desolate landscapes, lava fields, lava tubes, plains of fractured rock, ice, fire, and steam. In a land of Earthly beauty, one natural wonder stands above the rest, Iceland’s beloved Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls”. With a 105-foot double-cascade, Gullfoss is by far Europe‘s most powerful waterfall. On a sunlit day, the mist clouds surrounding the hammering falls are filled with dozens of rainbows, providing an unparalleled spectacle of color and motion.

Gullfoss is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Iceland, capturing the imagination of 19th-century and modern-day travellers alike. This first painting of Gullfoss comes from Mrs. Disney Leith’s Peeps At Many Lands. The Gullfoss is often described as one of the most spectacular sights or natural wonders of the world. The wide White River rushes southward. About a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the left and flows down a wide curved three step “staircase” and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m deep. The crevice, about 20 m wide, and 2.5 km in length, is at right angles to the flow of the river.

The average of water running down this waterfall is by 100 – 180 m/s in the summertime and 50 – 110 m/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m. The watershed of the river region covers some 6100 square kilometres, or about one seventeenth of the entire area of Iceland. With each passing second they empty some 440 cubic metres of fresh water into the ocean, amounting to a total daily flow of 38 million tons. Many people received a soaking, others were even drowned, and there were people who claimed that mysterious monsters dwelt in these streams. Today the waters still flow from the mountains to the sea, a continuing source of wonder and mystery. Iceland boasts many waterfalls, but somehow you never stop gasping at the sight of yet another one.

During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about utilizing Gullfoss to create electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners to foreign investors; however, the investors attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money. The waterfall was later sold to the state of Iceland. Even after it was sold, there were plans to utilize, which would have changed the waterfall forever. This was not done, and later the waterfall was conserved.