Why Iceland is a top travel destination -

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, a geothermal wilderness of glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Exploring this rugged environment is to leave behind civilization and discover an untamed landscape seemingly shaped by the gods themselves. 

Browse the gallery and enter a world of extremes.

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Blue Lagoon - One of the country's most visited attractions is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa whose mineral-rich waters are popular with those seeking relief from aching limbs and skin complaints.

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Svartifoss waterfall - Resplendent in Vatnajokull National Park is this spectacular waterfall. Hemmed in by incredible lava columns, the falls' English name translates as the Black Falls.

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Aurora borealis (northern lights) over Kirkjufell. - One of the most majestic mountains in Iceland, and certainly the most photographed, Kirkjufell summits at 463 m (1,519 ft).

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Mount Hekla - Located along the country's south shore, Hekla is Iceland's most active volcano. More than 20 eruptions have been recorded since 1874.

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Reynisfjara beach -

A black-sand beach of near mythical status, Reynisfjara is hemmed in by incredible rock formations.

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Reynisdrangar sea stacks - Besides Reynisfjara's volcanic beach, the region is renowned for its iconic cluster of basalt sea stacks, twisted and contorted over millennia.

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Hornstrandir Nature Reserve -

Puffins, arctic terns, and black guillemots are among the variety of birdlife that call this remote nature reserve, located in the Westfjords region, home.

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Thingvellir National Park -

This outstanding park unfolds itself across a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. 

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Thingvellir National Park - The Mid-Atlantic Ridge forms the boundary between between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

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Thingvellir National Park - The park, founded in 1930, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

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Silfra Canyon -

Thingvellir's natural wonders include the Silfra Canyon, a flooded fissure that allows scuba divers and snorkelers a rare opportunity to swim between continental plates.

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Silfra Canyon -

The fissure's crystal clear freshwater affords amazing views of the submerged North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

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Asbyrgi Canyon -

Another wonder of nature, the horseshoe-shaped depression, known locally as the "Shelter of the Gods," is located in Vatnajökull National Park.

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Vatnajökull National Park - The park encompasses the vast Vatnajökull glacier, the ice of which conceals a number of mountains, valleys, and plateaus. Delve below the ice cape and you'll enter a magical wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

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Lake Myvatn geothermal area - Sometimes called "Hell's Kitchen" for its collection of burping fumaroles and boiling mud pools, the area around Lake Myvatn in the northeast of Iceland is packed with volcanic and geothermal marvels.

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Lake Myvatn geothermal area -

An unusual lava formation embellishes a lagoon near Lake Myvatn.

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Lake Myvatn geothermal area -

Steam vents, geothermal pools, and an overwhelming stench of sulfur greets visitors at this amazing landmark.

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Dynjandi waterfall - The majestic Dynjandi waterfall in the country's scenic Westfjords region resembles a magnificent bridal gown train.

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Westfjords - Another sight to see in Westfjords is the picturesque Rauoasandur Beach, one of the very few stretches of sand in Iceland that is golden instead of black.

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Geysir - Iceland's famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, located in the country's southwest, is equally renowned for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.

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Dettifoss waterfall - This thunderous natural wonder unleashes the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe, pouring 500 cubic meters (17,657 cubic feet) of water per second over its edge.

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Reykjavik - The capital and largest city of Iceland lures visitors in with its vibrant art and music scene and an enviable collection of cultural and historical attractions.

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Reykjavik - A statue of Norse explorer Leif Erikson (c.970–c.1020) illuminated in front of the futuristic spire and concrete columns of Hallgrimskirkja, the city's iconic Lutheran church.

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Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon -

Iceland's deepest and most spectacular glacial lake is simply beguiling in its beauty and tranquility.

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Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon - The lagoon is celebrated for its icebergs, many of which drift out to sea.

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Vestrahorn mountain -

The outline of the landmark Vestrahorn mountain is spectacularly illuminated by a display of the aurora borealis (northern lights). 

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Icelandic horse -

Small, hardy, and seriously cute, the Icelandic horse is famous for its many coat colors. In fact, there are over 100 names for various colors and color patterns in the Icelandic language.

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Arctic fox - Almost invisible in its winter coat, this diminutive and nimble animal is well adapted to living in cold environments. In summer, the fox's coat morphs into brown.

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Husavik - Hugging the north coast of Iceland is this quaint fishing town, recognized for the wooden church Husavikurkirkja, built in 1907.

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Kirjufell -

The familiar outline of Kirjufell mountain. Its isolated position, jutting out into the sea, makes it a favorite subject for photographers and artists.

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Snaefellsjoekull National Park -

Unusual lenticular clouds resembling a formation of hovering UFOs add drama to this winter mountain scene. 

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Icelandic turf houses -

It's still possible to see traditional Icelandic turf houses scattered across the country. Pictured here is a turf church, located at the village of Hof, in the Skaftafell region.

See also: Norwegian islands that everyone should visit

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