Summary
With intense volcanic activity and 11% of its area covered in ice, Iceland is often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. This photo essay will take you from icebergs to steaming lava fields and from glaciers to volcanic craters. Get transported to another world.
Land of Fire and Ice
Jokulsarlon Lagoon
The most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland is Jokulsarlon. Right next to the Ring Road, you can admire icebergs of various shapes and sizes detaching from the glacier and floating towards the ocean. I prefer it with fog, as icebergs seem to appear from nowhere. What do you think?
Jokulsarlon Beach
Jokulsarlon beach in South Iceland brings you both ice and fire: icebergs from the glacier float to the ocean and wash off onto the volcanic black sand of the beach. This site is intriguing in all weather, featuring white, black, and blue icebergs to admire up close.
Leirhnjukur Steaming Lava
Leirhnjukur is a little off the beaten path in North Iceland and well worth the detour. A track takes you through a lava field that is still steaming, 30 years after the last volcanic event. Just don’t venture off the marked path if you don’t want your soles to melt!
Fjallsarlon
Fjallsarlon is a glacier lagoon in South Iceland. Icebergs detach from the Vatnajökull glacier and float around. This lagoon has no escape to the sea, so the icebergs melt right there next to you.
Strokkur Geyser
Part of the Golden Circle in Iceland, the geyser of Strokkur erupts every 5 to 8 minutes and can reach heights of 20 meters (and sometimes 40 meters). It is one of the most visited places in Iceland, serving as clear evidence of the fire under the earth.
Glaciers at Every Turn
While exploring Iceland by car, you won’t get bored. Particularly in South Iceland, where you can unexpectedly find yourself facing a massive wall of ice. Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes are similar to those found in New Zealand.
Hverfjall Volcanic Crater
In North Iceland, you can climb the Hverfjall volcanic crater, a symmetrical formation thought to have been created by an explosion 2800 years ago. It is one of the largest of its kind, and the walk on the rim offers impressive views.
Hot Bath at the Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s factories pump water from deep underground to generate electricity from its heat. After the process, the still hot and mineral-rich water is used in the famous Blue Lagoon. Here, you can soak in a hot bath while enjoying a drink or perhaps even a massage.
The Glacial Water at Aldeyjarfoss
Iceland is also the land of waterfalls. With all the ice melting, the water flows into rivers and cascades down into breathtaking waterfalls. The water of the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall originates from the Vatnajökull glacier, plunging 20 meters in an intriguing setting with bare landscape and layers of basalt columns.
Geothermal Activity at Krafla Viti Crater
In North Iceland, hiking around the rim of the Krafla Viti crater offers an amazing adventure: geothermal activity, vibrant landscapes, and plumes of steam from the earth.
Do you prefer Fire or Ice landscapes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
