Sights of Iceland: nature, climate and interesting facts

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

The territory of Iceland is located on an island with the same name, which is located on the very edge of Europe and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its icy name, the country is not Arctic, its climate is softened by the North Atlantic Current closer to the coast, and the Gulf Stream does not allow the island to turn into a cold desert with eternal ice.

What are the climate conditions in Iceland?

In general, we can say that subtropics reign in the country, but in the central part, the climate and nature of Iceland are considered continental. The weather on the island can change in a few minutes. It was just warm and the sun was shining, when suddenly it became cold and dank. Even the locals themselves joke about this, they say: "If something does not suit you in our weather, then wait fifteen minutes, and it will change." Affects climate and arctic drift ice.

Indicators of precipitation throughout the countryas different as the temperature, due to different climatic zones. For example, the western coast of Iceland accounts for approximately 100 to 1500 thousand mm, in the northeast their norm can be about 700 mm per year, but in the southern regions of the island (on the hills) precipitation can reach up to four thousand millimeters.

But despite such a changeable climate, the nature of Iceland is famous for its beauty. On its territory you can find places still untouched by man, these are snow-capped mountain peaks or ice fields and coasts with bays. Undoubtedly, many interesting and unknown things open up for tourists in the open spaces of the island, but in order for the country not to surprise with its natural conditions during the trip, it is better to know in advance what the weather is like for each season.

Winter weather

Winter daylight lasts only about five hours, and during this period of the year comes the darkest time in Iceland. The nature of the entire state is under the domination of cold strong winds. January is considered the coldest month, the thermometer on the coast during the day can drop to 0 degrees Celsius, and at night - to -4.

Although the weather is windy and not particularly gentle at this time of year, tourists still rush to the island by the thousands to see the unique natural phenomenon - Aurora Borealis. The season of this northern sowing lasts from October until March, and visitors to the country can enjoy perhaps the most beautiful sight to see in their entire lives.

Not everyone knows what exactly amazingThe nature of Iceland is famous for its valley of geysers, which is located in the south of the country. The water temperature in one of these hot springs - in the Blue Lagoon - can reach +37 degrees Celsius. It is here that Icelanders and tourists come to warm themselves in the cold winter.

Springtime weather

The air temperature in March continues to be relatively low, around +3 degrees Celsius, but the amount of precipitation is significantly reduced. In April and May it becomes much warmer and the mercury columns already rise to + 7-10 degrees Celsius. Even in winter, drifting of ice begins off the coast of the island, and this process continues throughout the spring period in Iceland. The nature of the island, despite such a still cool temperature, can please tourists.

In April, sea cruises begin, which take travelers straight to Greenland itself, to the island of Grimsey. Wildlife lovers can watch humpback whales in Fahsaflowi and Hervey bays during this period of the year.

In the spring, Icelanders still celebrate many holidays, which are accompanied by folk festivals. At the beginning of March, they celebrate the day of beer, and during the first spring months Lutheran Easter lasts. These days it is customary to treat guests with an Easter lamb.

Summer weather

Temps rise in summer and get a little warmer in Iceland. Nature and climate during this period of the year are mostfavorable for travel and excursions around the island. Therefore, the season, which lasts from June to September, is considered to be high in this state.

The warmest weather is set on the island in July, when the air warms up to +17 degrees Celsius during the day and up to +10 at night. Tourists who decide to visit the resorts of the island in the summer can see the amazing phenomenon of Iceland. Nature will surprise them with its white nights, which will leave unforgettable impressions and memories.

Lovers of quiet hunting in the summer will be able to enjoy plenty of fishing, as the Gulf Stream attracts whole shoals of various aquatic inhabitants to the sea. In the rivers of the island, you can catch salmon, which is here until the month of September. Undoubtedly, this is also the best period for excursions and for exploring the whole country as a whole.

Autumn weather

The beginning of autumn is still characterized by relatively warm and calm weather. In October, cyclones begin to pass through the Atlantic Ocean and the weather deteriorates sharply. And in the month of November, daylight hours are already significantly reduced and a dark time with long nights sets in on the island. Roads in the central part of the island and in the north of the country may be closed due to impassability, icing and snow blockages. Therefore, if you are going to travel around Iceland during this period of time, you need to follow the information about the weather conditions in the state.

Resort towns in Iceland

This island is very interesting for tourists with its landscapes and contrasts. nature andIcelandic resorts simply fascinate travelers with their magical and cold beauty. The most popular are Reykjavik (the capital of the state and the largest city) and Akureyri (commonly considered the northern capital of the country).

South Iceland can attract its guests with the popular Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest in the world. Another attraction of this part of the country is the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon.

Lovers of amazing landscapes, devoid of any signs of modern civilization, can take a jeep ride through the highlands of central Iceland, which is practically not populated by people.

Museums of the country and interesting facts

The state can attract many tourists from all over the world. Landmarks of Iceland - nature, museums, monuments and much more. For example, there is a non-profit organization in Husavik that was opened in 1997. Various studies were carried out there in order to learn as much information about whales as possible. And subsequently, in this way, a whole museum dedicated to cetaceans appeared.

Reykjavik has a photo gallery with about 5 million different photos. The oldest is considered to be made in 1870. It contains all the interesting facts about the traditions and customs of Iceland.

It is interesting that the Icelanders do not have surnames, they are replaced by patronymics - this is the same as the patronymic of the Slavic peoples. If suddenly the father for some reason does not recognize the child, then he receives his patronymicby mother, that is, matronym.

Reykjavik residents can easily go shopping at the nearest store in pajamas or home clothes, and this will not seem strange to anyone.

Iceland is considered the most sparsely populated country in the world, as approximately 320 thousand people live in it. Compared to the years of the Second World War, this is even a lot, because at that time the territory of the country was inhabited by about 50 thousand. The population of this state is considered the most reading people in the world, they are very fond of books.

No matter how frightening this cold country is with its impregnable climate and glaciers, many travelers and adventurers seek to visit it at least once in their lives.