Iceland is the Land of Fire and Ice
The small, remote Nordic nation of Iceland lies towards the top of the North Atlantic and is often called the Land of Fire and Ice. They got that one right – it's one of the most geothermally active countries in the world. Its dramatic landscape of steamy geysers, tumbling waterfalls and sparkling glaciers have long drawn in photographers. While it's true that most come for the spectacular natural wonders, when you stay in an Iceland vacation rental you can also trace the country's Viking history, which left, among other things, the world's longest-running parliament.
Iceland is awash with natural and man-made attractions
If you're an Iceland first-timer, it's unthinkable not to at least while away an hour or 2 in the country's famed Blue Lagoon. Occupying a space 20 miles or so from the capital, the mineral-rich and naturally-heated pools are perhaps best experienced in the Icelandic winter, when steam rises from the water and the snowy landscape provides the perfect backdrop. You can't fail to see the Hallgrimskirkja Church when you stay in an Iceland vacation rental in Reykjavik. This striking piece of modernist architecture is well worth a closer look, however, as is the beautiful glass Harpa concert hall.
Iceland's wild and remote landscape
You'd be forgiven for thinking, given its name and position near the Arctic, that the country was always cold, but the surrounding oceans and abundance of geothermal activity keep it rather mild. When you stay in an Iceland vacation rental, you can have front row seats to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Spend a night camping under the stars to watch the aurora borealis light up the sky, or don crampons to trek over glaciers. It may have a lack of wildlife, but that doesn't stop scuba divers descending into Silfra, a crack between 2 tectonic plates.
Iceland isn't as cold as you might think
The passing Atlantic Gulf Stream keeps Iceland milder than you might imagine. During the summer months, between June and August, the number of travelers swell, raising the cost of Iceland vacation rentals with them. But this is by no means the best time to travel. Come in the colder winter months and the natural wonders are arguably even more beautiful. Icelanders often say to foreigners that if they don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes – and it's true. One moment, you could be basking in Icelandic sunshine, the next the heavens open.
The fauna of Iceland awaits
From the outset, it may not look like there is much fauna to be seen in Iceland, but dig a little deeper and there's actually rather a lot. Wild reindeer, sky Arctic foxes and bounding little rabbits will likely be spotted during treks. In the surrounding waters, whales migrate through fluking in the bays and dolphins jump in the wake of boats. While uncommon, polar bears sometimes catch a ride to Iceland on floating icebergs, as do noisy seals. If you point your binoculars towards the cliffs, you can spot cheeky little puffins and kittiwakes.
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