What a place! This small island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean packs a punch with wonder. From its stunning natural beauty to its colourful local culture, here are five of the things we most love about Iceland.
Iceland is a hotbed of geothermal activity, and the benefits are plenty. Year round you can soak up the country’s abundance of natural hot springs. In the wintertime, there’s no need to fret about chilly feet while exploring the streets of Reykjavík — the city has geothermically-heated sidewalks. Hello, toasty toes.
The iconic Icelandic horse is a quirky creature, small in stature but boasting two extra (fourth and fifth) gaits — tölt with just 1 foot on the ground and skeið (flying pace) with no foot on the ground. The horses arrived in Iceland with the Vikings in the 9th Century and have been making locals and visitors smile ever since — just don’t call them ponies.
Skyr, although similar in texture to Greek yogurt, is technically part of the cheese family. It’s beloved by locals in Iceland for its high protein and calcium, plus low fat, sugar and carbohydrates, scoring even better than yogurt on all of the above. Our recommendation: be the judge and sample a few flavours! You'll find North American takes on skyr at most major groceries around Vancouver.
Iceland is home to the world’s oldest parliament. Assembly was originally held in Þingvellir National Park, about a half hour’s drive from Reykjavík. While parliament's home has long since moved to the capital, the stunning landscapes and massive boulders of þingvellir still evoke scenes of Iceland's earliest gatherings.
You’ve likely heard of the midnight sun in Iceland during the summertime. We can attest that it’s true, in the height of summer, darkness is a total stranger to the skies. If you're planning a summer visit, we recommend packing a sleep mask and being prepared to get creative hanging up clothing around your windows if your accommodation doesn’t have blackout blinds or curtains.
The history, natural beauty and culture of Iceland come to life aboard Legendary Iceland, Flyover's immersive Nordic journey. Here, an exploration of mythology and geology are paired with a jaw-dropping thrill as you soar across, above and around Iceland. Get a taste of the otherworldly wonder of the "Land of Fire and Ice" — all without leaving Vancouver.
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