HURTIGRUTEN VOYAGES AROUND ICELAND
Iceland has volcanoes and glaciers, long dark winters and summers lit by the Midnight Sun, as well as vast expanses of unspoilt nature lying at the doorstep of highly modern urban communities.
Sitting at the top of Europe, Iceland is the land of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, of fire and of ice - a land of contrasts. It is the most sparsely populated country in Europe but is rich in wildlife, scenery, culture and history. However, despite its cold sounding name, Iceland enjoys temperate climates year round due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream and there are no polar bears!
Iceland is home to a huge variety of bird life and the dramatic and rugged landscape provides a spectacular setting for the almost 300 different species of birds. The cliffs around the coastline abound with a myriad of seabirds such as puffins, skuas, and kittiwakes who nest on the cliffs in massive numbers. Large colonies and breeding grounds can be found in various areas throughout the country and have provide spectacular viewing for birdwatchers and travellers alike. From Flatey Island and Latrabjarg in the West, to Skalanes in the east and Lake Myvatn in the north, Iceland is a haven for many bird species who thrive in the isolation of the island.
Apart from the bird life, the rivers and lakes can be found abundant with trout and salmon, providing great fishing for locals and visitors alike. The seas around Iceland are rich with marine life, including seals, whales, dolphins, porpoises and over three hundred species of fish. Although the only native land mammal was the Arctic Fox, over the years settlers have introduced many other domestic animals which have remained unchanged in isolation. The Icelandic horse is perhaps the most well-known example of this, but the list also includes Icelandic sheep, cattle, chicken, goat, and the Icelandic sheepdog.
Conservation of the environment is a high priority for Iceland, being a country that depends on natural resources and their sustainable management. Nature conservation in general is of increasing concern and Iceland has some of the few remaining large wilderness areas in Europe including Vatnajökull National Park, Þingvellir National Park and Snæfellsjökull National Park and their natural features are in many ways unique.
Iceland straddles the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is an integral part of the global mid-oceanic ridge system. There are more than a hundred volcanos on the central plateau which have remained dormant for the past thousand years, but there are 30 to 40 that are active and have erupted within last few centuries. On average, Iceland experiences a major volcanic event once every 5 years.
There are many different ways to enjoy Iceland. Be inspired by the culture, the nature, the creativity and adventurous spirit. Find the Iceland that you want to see.
Iceland Voyages :
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