Iceland

Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland, is a country in northwestern Europe, comprising the island of Iceland and its outlying islets in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavík.

Religion in Iceland was initially the Viking religion that believed in Norse mythology. Later the nation became half-Christian and then more fully Christian. This increasing Christianization culminated in the Pietism period when non-Christian entertainments were discouraged. At present the population is overwhelmingly, if nominally, Lutheran. However there are also Catholics, Jehovah's Witness, Mormons, Muslims and others. There are also folk beliefs concerning elves that do not rise to the level of religion.

The culture of Iceland is rich and varied as well as being known for its literary heritage which stems from authors from the 12th to 14th centuries. Other Icelandic traditional arts include weaving, silver crafting, and wood carving. The Reykjavík area has several bookstores, cinemas, and museums.

Reykjavik: It is the capital of the Icelad, with its stunning settings os majestic mountains and the deep blue North Atlantic Sea, is the cosmopolitan city of nature’s dooestep. Reykjavik combines the beautu of its pristine nature with enough style of sophistication to attract avid shoppers, epicurean treat to temp the palate, Earth-warmed pools to delight countless swimmers, and amiable people who reflect their rich culture heritage. Reykjavik has always been rich in culture. You can enjoy superb performances from the internationally reknowned Icelandic opera, ballet and symphony orchestra. Reykjavik has a fabulous nightlife, you can dance your heart out at non-stop discos, sip coffeeor cognac at dimly-lit nightclubs, and find fascinating conversations at casuals pubs. In Reykjavik, you’ll have the time of your life!

Gullfoss Waterfall: Gullfoss waterfall is the “Golden Waterfall”. Gullfoss is a beautiful double-folding fall that many believe to be the most scenic in Iceland. It thunders 32m over a fault into a gorge, which measures 2.5km in length and up to 70m deep in places.

The Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of geothermal seawater in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, is one of the most interesting places to visit in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a combination of many factors, the most important being the origin of the geothermal seawater from 2,000 meters beneath the surface. The Blue Lagoon is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin and attracts visitors from all over the world in search of health, relaxation and an exotic experience. In addition to the main lagoon, exciting geothermal spa options await Blue Lagoon's guests.

Thingvellier National Park: Thingvellierpark is of great ecological, geological and historical interest. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the border of Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding the lake are impressive faults and gorges that are considered among the finest examples of the results of tectonic movements in the world. This is where the Alþing, the Icelandic parliament, was founded in 930 and where most of the greatest moments of Icelandic history took place over a period of 750 years, before the parliament was transferred to Reykjavik after a major earthquake at the close of the 18th century.

Vatnajokull Glacier: Vatnajokull is Europe's largest glacier. It´s size is 8300 km2 and it covers 8% of the Iceland. It has the highest point in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur, which peak is 2119m over sea level. The glacier-ice is on average 500 meters thick, but is 1000-1100 meters where thickest. Vatnajokull is known for it's volcanic activity, so there's a true interplay between ice and fire. Those strong forces of nature have played a key role in forming the landscape in southeast Iceland.