Iceland is a top adventure destination for those looking to immerse themselves in sheer natural beauty. Located atop a giant subsurface volcanic hotspot and splitting asunder at its middle as two geotectonic plates form and diverge, Iceland is home to breathtakingly spectacular natural wonders. Your best bet is to tour Iceland by car. You’ll want to take advantage of auto rentals in Iceland to ensure you can visit as many as possible of these beautiful scenic phenomena up close and personal.
Iceland: Where Geology is King
Iceland is among the most geologically active places on earth. Volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, fjords, geothermal pools, deep green valleys and roaring streams give rise to sharp contrasts: The land where fire and ice coexist. Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland is bisected by a great volcanic fissure, where basaltic lava is building the newest parts of the Atlantic and European plates. The volcanic fissure is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The 130 or so basaltic volcanoes are nurtured by a long-lived “hotspot”, where heat rising from the mantle focuses the magmatic activity.
Despite the name, ice covers only about 10% of the island. Nonetheless, it is home to the largest mass of glaciers in all of Europe. These ice rivers are nature’s master sculptors, giving rise to absolutely gorgeousscenery and vistas. All these geologic processes result in breathtaking natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
Some Key Destinations for Natural Beauty
Iceland’s south coast is the home of Vatnajokull Glacier, Skogafoss Waterfall, Geysir and many other natural wonders. Further north be sure to visit Vatnajokull National Park, Assbyrgi Canyon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss Waterfall. If you are particularly keen on seeing volcanoes, the drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula is sure to please.
Don’t Miss the Cultural Sites as Well
In addition to the natural beauty, you’ll also want to become familiar with the unique Icelandic culture. Settled more than 1100 years ago, Iceland was inhabited by people coming from Scandinavia and the British Isles. A country of some 329,000 people, Icelanders are a resilient people shaped by a fair degree of isolation as well as the extreme forces of nature. Most folks live in or near the capital, Reykjavik, a five-hour flight from New York and three hours from London. Despite its sparse population and relative isolation, Iceland boasts a tremendously varied art and music scene. The island country prides itself as one of the most progressive societies in the world.
Ice Rental 4X4: Your Choice for Auto Rentals in Iceland
Ice Rental 4X4 is your best bet for auto rentals in Iceland. With Ice Rental, you will find low prices, quality vehicles and the latest models of rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles, that best enable you to thoroughly enjoy your tour of Icelandic natural beauty. Enjoy unlimited mileage with the fine vehicles offered by Ice Rental 4×4.
