Ski resorts in Iceland. Icelandic resorts: eternal winter and harsh holidays in the mountains Icelandic resorts

Is in the north Atlantic Ocean amazing island, which contains so many natural attractions that it could be fully declared a UNESCO heritage. Ostrovnoye is spread over an area of ​​just over 103 thousand km 2, some of which are occupied by volcanoes, geysers, lakes, forests and waterfalls.

Since this is a maritime country, the main industries that generate income for the state are the fishing and processing industries.

People live along the coast, making a trip to Iceland a time-saving experience.

Capital of Iceland

Reykjavik is the country's northernmost capital in Europe and home to most of the country's population. The city was founded by the Viking Ingolf Anarson in 874, who, after turning to the gods with a request to indicate where to build a new settlement, threw 2 sticks into the water. Where they washed ashore, there the first farm grew, which became the basis of Reykjavik.

The hot springs surrounding the city gave rise to its name, which means "smoking bay" in Icelandic. There are several features of the capital that distinguish it from others:

• Firstly, the city is recognized as the cleanest on the planet, and this is due to the fact that there is not a single production in it. As guests of the city note, the air there is so clean that people who come from large cities and industrial areas feel dizzy.
• Secondly, in 2000 he was recognized as the most cultural capital in the world as defined by UNESCO.
• Thirdly, the inhabitants of the city are so accustomed to each other's honesty and decency that they do not close the doors of houses and cars.
• Fourthly, this is the only city on the planet where the parliament has existed for more than 1000 years and has not been disbanded during periods of war or crisis.
• Fifthly, the weather in Iceland, namely in Reykjavik, is conducive to sightseeing without the fuss and fainting from heatstroke or freezing. On the hottest summer day, the temperature rarely rises above +15, and in winter the average is -6 degrees.

These are not all the distinguishing features of the city. For example, his old architecture- These are most often converted farmhouses with outbuildings, from which shops, bars and museums have been made. To feel its beauty, purity and originality, you can find out what tour operators offer to Iceland and buy those where Reykjavik is given maximum attention.

National parks of the country

Iceland has three national parks, one of which - Thingvellir - is included in the list of natural treasures of the world recognized by UNESCO. Although it is the oldest in the country, its area is only 5000 hectares. Next to him is the youngest nature Park Vatnajökull, which was organized in 2008, seems like a giant. It occupies 12% of the island's area and is the largest in Europe.

Travelers who prefer eco-tourism to all other beauties of the world (Iceland has something to boast of in this regard) should definitely visit here. The most famous object of the park is its eponymous glacier. Its dimensions are simply amazing. It occupies an area of ​​8100 km2, and its thickness ranges from 400 m to 1 km.

The most amazing thing is that 7 volcanoes still operate under it, which make it “cry”, resulting in the formation of stunningly beautiful caves with hot springs and lakes located on the surface. A trip to Iceland is unlikely to be forgotten if you take a dip in one of the underground springs, as the local population does.

The third national park is located in the west of the island and has the unpronounceable name Snaefellsjokull. This is also a glacier, but much smaller. Not only it is interesting, but also the villages that nestled near it. See a real fishing village in which old traditions have been preserved, visit a museum under open sky, go fishing with local fishermen, eat fresh seafood dishes in local restaurants - these are the tours to Iceland that active people choose.

Blue Lagoon

Another natural phenomenon, which has no equal in Europe - a geothermal complex Blue Lagoon. Azure-colored water, steam smoking above it, equipped wooden platforms, bridges, stairs to the source and an emerald frame made of moss growing along the shore - all this makes the rest truly unforgettable.

The spring water has healing and antibacterial properties, has a good effect on the immune system, it contains silicon, quartz and microelements from algae. The resort operates year-round, as the temperature of the source is always +16 0 or higher.

It is important to remember that visiting many natural objects countries are paid, so you should find out the prices in advance. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Iceland every year, and visiting the hot springs brings a good income to the country. For example, the entrance to the Blue Lagoon for an adult will cost 30 euros. For children under 13 years old - free of charge, disabled people and teenagers from 14 to 18 years old are given a 50% discount.

famous volcanoes

Often, when offering tours to Iceland, operators advertise it as a land of ice and fire, and this is generally true. Part of the country is covered with glaciers, and the other - active and extinct volcanoes. Some of them are famous.

Another attraction with the unpronounceable name of Eyyafjallajokull awaits guests in the southern part of the country. Its height is 1666 m, and the crater is 4 km in diameter.

For 200 years this giant slept. During this time, it was covered with a glacier until its activity began in 2009, which lasted until May 2010. During the volcanic eruption, hundreds of thousands of aftershocks were noted. For example, in March, 3,000 of them were counted with a strength of 1-2 points in just a day.

The Eyjafjallajökull volcano immediately became famous, as its 3 eruptions, which occurred with some interruption, threw ash to a height of 8 to 13 km, which meant it entered the stratosphere. All flights in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and parts of the UK were suspended, for example, on April 15, 2010 alone, a total of 6,000 flights were canceled in these countries.

Today, Eyjafjallajökull is an attraction that many tours to Iceland offer to visit. Especially impressive over its crater.

No less popular with tourists is the Laki volcano, which consists of 115 craters going one after another for as much as 25 km. Some of them are active, others have been dormant for more than one hundred years. Its most famous eruption was the "explosion" of 1783-1784. He destroyed 20% of the country's population, almost all livestock. Because of the emissions of gases and ash in Europe came famine. Today it is visited by 8,000 people a year, making a jeep tour. You can also choose such trips to Iceland, although you should remember about safety when visiting such places and be sure to use the services of a guide or guide. For the safety of both volcanoes and people, Icelanders have specially equipped trails with decks, from which it is better not to leave.

waterfalls

Tourism in Iceland is associated primarily with the natural attractions of this country, and waterfalls are one of their manifestations. There are so many of them that not even all of them have names. Iceland is at its best in the summer, when glaciers begin to melt and water flows increase significantly, which affects the power and beauty of the waterfalls.

The most famous of them - Gullfoss - consists of two steps, one of which has a height of 21 m, and the other - 11 meters. There is evidence that once they wanted to build a hydroelectric power station on it, and the legend that the daughter of the engineer Toumas threatened that she would throw herself into its waters if her father destroyed this natural beauty.

It is not known what prevented people from mutilating this natural object but today thousands of people come to stand up for observation decks near this majestic miracle and enjoy its power.

For those who travel around Iceland by car, there is a unique opportunity to live near such a miracle. The Skogafoss waterfall overthrows its waters from a height of 60 meters, and there is a campsite very close to it, where you can get comfortable to enjoy the stunning view of this handsome man.

Tourism in Iceland is famous for extreme sports, which people so often lack in everyday life. A visit to the 196-meter Glymur waterfall is a prime example. This wonder of nature has a natural arch on one of its steps, and there are caves nearby, which are included in some trips to Iceland. A trip to this natural beauty will cost an average of 70 euros, this amount also includes a visit to extinct volcanoes.

Rivers of Iceland

Since there are waterfalls in this country, it means that there are rivers that give birth to them. They are absolutely not suitable for navigation, as they have countless rapids, but they are a real joy and challenge for rafting enthusiasts. This sport is one of the most popular in Iceland.

The longest rivers in the country are the rivers with difficult to pronounce names - Tjoursau (230 km) and Jökulsau-au-Fjödlum (206 km). They originate in glaciers, and if the first flows into the Atlantic Ocean, then the second - into the Greenland Sea.

When tourists think about what to see in Iceland, one of the interesting activities will be a visit to the Elfusau River, which is famous for its width at its confluence with the Atlantic. It reaches 5 km, which makes it the deepest and richest in salmon river in the country. Its floods are a truly majestic and often dangerous natural phenomenon.

Resorts of Iceland

Tourism in Iceland has nothing to do with the understanding of the word "resort" that travelers are used to. There are no hot sand beaches and warm sea, but still thousands of people come here every year to spend time at local resorts and improve their health.

All of them are associated with thermal springs, which, like nothing else, have a wonderful effect on the human body, launching programs for self-healing and improving immunity.

West Iceland is the most popular due to the huge number of attractions. There are mountains here, the air of which has an invigorating effect on visitors, and geysers, and glaciers, and forests, and lakes full of fish, and bird colonies, and geo thermal springs, and whales. The latter chose the western part of the country for recreation and food.

If the weather in Iceland allows, Langisandur, the golden beach, awaits travelers. Located in the west, the most ancient settlement of the country, Reykholt, is famous for its outstanding sons. Here lived and worked composed in the XIII century the most famous Vikings once lived in these parts, whose exploits are immortalized in the history of the Icelandic people. Here you can meet a diverse tourist audience - climbers, fishing enthusiasts and those who love to explore the fjords and admire their beauty.

Customs of the country and people

To fully appreciate the beauty of this country and its traditions, you need to know when Iceland is most hospitable. The season for tourism here is from July to October. It is during this period that the island is warm, less humid, and all the famous festivals and National holidays countries.

And what will help you get to know the Icelanders better than participation in one of the festivals? Musical meetings are especially popular. If earlier these were mainly folk groups, then since 1980, for example, rock (Iceland Airwaves) and jazz festivals Reykjavik Jazz Festival began to be held in Reykjavik.

According to tradition, all Icelanders know how to knit, even men. Their traditional lambswool sweaters and jumpers are still considered the warmest and are popular all over the world.

A feature of the people of this country is their friendliness to foreigners with complete internal closeness. It is difficult to obtain citizenship here, and expats must change their name to traditional Icelandic.

Like hundreds of years ago, they lead a calm lifestyle, rarely leave the borders of their country, and they are rather indifferent to their own sights.

Hotels and Cuisine of Iceland

Be aware that prices in Iceland are high compared to other European routes. Here, excursions, souvenirs, food, and housing are all quite expensive. If you choose hotels in Iceland, the cost of living in them depends on the location. In the capital, it will be from 3,000 to 12,000 rubles. per day, in other cities - from 2000 to 11600 rubles. per day. Cheaper will cost a room from the locals, which can be rented on the Internet.

Traditional Icelandic cuisine can be tasted in any cafe and restaurant, as they prefer to treat guests with hearty and simple food, but if you want, you can find Asian food and fast food here. The most popular dishes are from shark and whale meat, lamb, dried fish with special sauces, and from sweet - buns.

Amazing facts about Iceland

This country can surprise even seasoned travelers:

• Many tourists mistakenly think that Iceland "dies" from the cold in winter, but in fact, in the inhabited part of the country, the temperature rarely drops below -6 degrees.
• Residents of the country do not have surnames, but simply add the name of the father with the ending son boys or daughter for girl.
• Each Icelander, in addition to the main profession, also masters a creative specialty, such as a designer or an artist.
• has not changed for over 1000 years.

This country was created to surprise, so it's worth changing the next warm coast to her cold and unique beauty.

4.7k (48 per week)

When most European ski centers closes for the summer, Iceland's ski resorts remain open. This is especially true of the north of the country, where the bulk of winter resorts are located. Paying only 120 euros for a single ski pass, you can compare the quality of the slopes in 5 different ski centers. The excellent snow conditions in this northern country significantly extend the ski season. In addition, every day the duration of daylight hours here increases, so skiing can be longer and longer. Although local resorts provide excellent artificial lighting.

Spa Blaufell

After landing in Reykjavik, you need to head along the Ring Road towards the north until the fishing villages begin. Already near Reykjavik there is a mountain ski resort Blaufell, which is more suitable for family vacation with kids. It is equipped with 11 lifts, two of which are cable cars. There are trails for skiers. of varying complexity and the backlight allows you to ride at night. For lovers of cross-country skiing, there are flat trails: short for 3.5 kilometers and long for 10 kilometers. In addition, in the Kedlingadalur valley there is a 7 km long track with difficult terrain.

Saudarkrokur-Tindastall Resort

A few kilometers west of the famous Icelandic city of Akureyri Saudarkrokur-Tindastall resort is located. In it, if necessary, modern snow cannons are used. Here expanse for a family skiing holiday, but the resort can also satisfy the requirements of venerable skiers with its comprehensive Snowcat program to make the most of the valley's charms. For freestylers and snowboarders, specially equipped snowparks are designed.

Siglufjordur Resort

The resort of Siglufjordur has become part of a fishing village, which is lost in one of the narrow fjords of the northern coast of Iceland. And his the trails are considered the best on the island. On the lifts, you can reach the mark of 650 meters (for Iceland, this is a very decent height). Going down from here on skis, at the same time you can admire the breathtaking views of the Siglufjord.

Olafsfjordur resort

Olafsfjordur is located in the northwest of Iceland, near the mouth of the very beautiful Eia fjord. The terrain here is mostly hilly, the slopes are gentle, suitable for different ways of skiing. Since the local tracks are not very long, slalom is mainly practiced here. If such a relief does not suit someone, then he can contact the local association, which organizes ski trips to places where you can go down the virgin snow.

Dalvik Resort

Half an hour drive from the city of Akureyri, a little further from other resorts, there is another Dalvik ski resort. It has trails of different difficulty levels. The most popular here is the main descent with a length of 1200 meters. Toward the end of the season, there is enough natural light almost around the clock. In case of vagaries of the weather, modern snow generators can work on the slopes.

Resort Hlidarfjall

Another resort in the vicinity of Akureyri, which is part of a pool of five resorts and is served by one ski pass, is Hlidarfjall. This is one of the oldest ski resorts in Iceland, which has been operating for over 40 years. Here the snow is of excellent quality and very beautiful slopes on Mount Herdubreid, from where a beautiful panorama of the Eia fjord opens up.

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Given the small size of the island, Iceland tourism has an interesting feature. Living in one of the many hotels you can easily get to almost any corner of the country. At the same time, for the implementation of this project, it is not necessary to use tourist buses with an obligatory English-speaking guide, it is enough to rent a car.

Resorts of Iceland

Due to their small size resorts in Iceland represented by two main types of tourism business. The first part of such places includes large hotel complexes located in such big cities islands like Reykjavik. In particular, the most popular hotels in the country include Reykjavik City Hostel, which is located near the center of the capital. It is this hotel meets all modern requirements of European level hotels.

Living in Reykjavik City Hostel, you can enjoy not only the historical sights of the capital, there are many places where tourists should visit. For example, sitting on one of the tourist buses, you can take a magnificent walk through the protected corners of the island, and when you reach the coast, book an equally exciting sea voyage.

The second type of resorts in Iceland include small hotels located in close proximity to one or another attraction of the island. At the same time, the level hotel service in these hotels it will be no worse than in the same Reykjavik City Hostel.

Ski resorts in Iceland

It is even difficult to imagine that, being characterized by mountainous terrain and the presence of heavy snowfalls in the winter season, ski resorts in Iceland are only in their infancy. And among such sights of Iceland, it is imperative to note such ski resorts in Iceland as Bláfjöll, located almost next to Reykjavik, and the same Skálafell, which, unlike the first, has only one chairlift and three drag lifts.

Medical resorts in Iceland

It just so happened from ancient times that almost any country that has mountain ranges on which snow and multi-year ice accumulates has its own healing geothermal springs, and accordingly equips tourism and in this area. And in this regard, medical resorts Iceland are illustratively represented by the Blue Lagoon or Blue Lagoon geothermal complex. More than 300,000 foreign tourists visit such places annually; exotic bathing areas made in lava heaps are open for them.

Iceland Tours

To date Iceland tours are widely represented in almost all travel agencies in Europe and Russian Federation. Unlike previous years, in addition to group tours, there are also individual trips, which include not only the opportunity to admire the amazing nature of the island and other attractions in Iceland but also a fishing trip. Fishing can be organized near the Hekla crater and in other areas of the Atlantic Ocean where whales arrange their mating games.

Holidays in Iceland

If you are going to holidays in Iceland and agree not only to a long flight or a short sea voyage across the Atlantic, but also to pay an almost exorbitant cost for alcoholic drinks, then a holiday in Iceland is a pleasure for you.

At the same time, at the very beginning of the proposed trip, it is worth deciding what exactly you would like to see in this country. What attracted you Iceland. And if you're more interested in skiing or real fishing for Icelandic herring, then in this regard it is worth deciding on the time of year. In other seasons, travel impressions can be somewhat blurry.

Icelandic beaches

Unlike numerous sea and river beaches located in various parts of the world, beaches covered not with white sand, but with black remnants of volcanic ash and lava, can only be seen in Iceland. Such a miracle of nature is located near the small town of Vike, which is only 180 kilometers from Reykjavik.

It should be noted that the "Black Beaches" of Iceland are not intended for swimming and sunbathing - these Icelandic beaches mostly suitable for enthusiastic contemplation of their beauty. It is best to do this while standing under the drops of Icelandic rain that never stops almost all year round.

Iceland Hotels

After this Island state headed for the comprehensive development of the tourism business, began to build various hotels throughout the country, including special attention Deserves Reykjavik City Hostel, located almost in the center of the capital Reykjavik. At the same time, it is worth noting the fact that Iceland hotels are multilingual. So, regardless of the number of rooms of a particular hotel, all its staff can communicate with you in almost any language of the European continent.

Iceland is the land of Vikings, elves, trolls and other mythical creatures. This is a place with amazing untouched nature, beautiful resorts and must-see attractions. Despite the northern location, the hearts of Icelanders never freeze.

General idea of ​​the country and resorts

Iceland literally translates as "land of ice". The title justifies the content the world severe, but this does not affect the beauty of the region. Citizens appreciate it and try to follow the call of the heart in order to keep everything in its original form.

The territory of the state is located on the island, where 350 thousand people live. Everyone knows each other and is often related. Icelanders try not to quarrel with each other, because then they will have to live, build relationships and work side by side with enemies.

Iceland has many interesting places, despite the small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe state: ski resorts, hot springs, geysers and volcanoes, among which the most famous is Eyjafjallajökull. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists arrive in European country for pleasant experiences and interesting stories.

How to get to the resorts of Iceland from different CIS countries

From the CIS countries there are no direct flights to Iceland, you should use the options with transfers. Residents of Ukraine and Belarus prefer to get to Poland first, and from there by plane via Oslo or Stockholm to Reykjavik.

The Russians are trying to find a budget way to get to Scandinavia, and then by plane or ferry to get to the island of Iceland. There are options, but the wishes and financial capabilities of travelers are of primary importance.

The choice of the most suitable route should be started 4 months before departure, then the chances of finding a cheaper alternative increase. We recommend using European low-cost airlines, which regularly depart in a given direction.

Health resorts and national parks in Iceland

Iceland is proud of nature, the country is located a large number of national parks. Here the locals spend free time enjoying fresh air. Such a pastime allows you to strengthen your health, which increases the level of longevity. Everything that the locals enjoy is available for foreign guests: waterfalls, geysers, hot mineral springs, rocks, caves, black sand beaches.

10 years ago in Iceland, the largest national park, Vatnajökull, was formed. This site includes several older sites such as Skaftafell and Jekulsaurgluvur. The management carries out large-scale activities to improve the area, because nature is the greatest wealth.

Modern centers for the reception of citizens have been built on the territory of the parks, which allow you to have a great time. Here you can undergo a complex of procedures for rejuvenation and recovery. Note that not far from Reykjavik is Thigvellir, which is known for the place where tectonic plates meet. Every year, the edges between them increase by 6-7 millimeters.

Ski resorts and outdoor activities in the country

Iceland is a harsh country, which is limited in the directions of tourism development. Along with this, prominent figures are trying to take a worthy position among the ski resorts in Europe, which is successful. There are several modern recreation areas on the territory of the state, where it is proposed to use well-equipped slopes and developed infrastructure for a good time between skiing.

The most successful and recognizable complex is Hlidarfjall. A huge number of tracks of varying complexity have been built here: blue, red, black. Both beginners and experienced athletes come here. Not far from Hlidarfjall, the Tyndastoll resort was built, which is much smaller in size. Usually people come here for primary education.

If you go inland, you will find yourself in the resort of Dalvik. A major reconstruction was carried out at this place, a new snowmaking system and several lifts were installed. Snowboarders will definitely enjoy the longest descent, which is 1.5 kilometers long.

There are other places for winter holiday. In some regions, the delivery of athletes is carried out using a helicopter. A striking example is the Troll Peninsula. locals it was previously believed that trolls lived on this peak, with whom jokes are bad. However, instead of trolls on the mountain, amazing panoramic views of the local valleys open up.

The main things to do in Iceland, how to spend time

There is not much entertainment in the country. People come here to renounce the bustle of the city, to improve their health and for the sake of amazing views. The main entertainment for locals is a trip to nature: rocks, fjords, waterfalls, caves and thermal springs. In winter, all sports fans go to ski slopes. Families with children prefer bathing in hot baths.

In the coldest days is viewed Northern Lights. Icelanders have long been accustomed to it, but for tourists it is a curiosity. Visitors are offered excursions by jeep around the island. gold ring- the most visited route, which allows you to see the main attractions on the island at once.

By national parks tours on horseback are offered: from one-day to week-long walks. Offers for leisure and recreation are constantly growing, as Iceland for recent times has become a popular destination among travelers from all over the world. For lovers of fun and relaxation in clubs, it will be boring here.

Attractions where to go

Iceland has created attractions that are not related to wildlife. Not far from the center of Reykjavik is a large folk village, where guests are introduced to the ancient traditions and customs of ancient generations. Life has something in common with the Vikings, beliefs and myths.

The Icelandic language is so conservative that it has hardly changed over the centuries. In the village, visitors either walk on their own, entering each house, or book a tour, during which the guide will tell and explain in detail how the Icelanders used to live, what they wore, what household items they used.

In the capital, the building of Hallgrimskirkja stands out, the Lutheran church in central area cities. Construction began in 1945, but dragged on for almost 40 years and ended in 1986. The church serves as a landmark for tourists, as it is visible from any part of Reykjavik.

In the center of the capital there is an unusual monument - the Solar Wanderer. Externally, the monument looks like the skeleton of an ancient Viking ship. As conceived by the author, the sculpture symbolizes the hope for the new and the desire for long trips and amazing discoveries.

Modern Iceland has not only beautiful nature, but also interesting features in the context of life, culture and entertainment. Let's talk about some facts about this country here:

1. Most Icelanders do not have surnames, they use constructions in the form of father-name-son or father-name-daughter;
2. Icelandic women, after entering into an official marriage, do not take their husband's surname, since it simply does not exist;
3. In the telephone directory, telephones are arranged alphabetically according to the addressee's name;
4. The English word geyser comes from Icelandic (this is the only borrowing);
5. Icelandic is spoken in Iceland, which is similar to ancient Norse;
6. About 270 thousand people live in the modern country, while most of them live in Reykjavik;
7. The water in Iceland is clean and without impurities. In the water supply, the liquid does not undergo chemical treatment;
8. Heating and water heating is due to natural phenomenon geyser, that says it all;
9. Winter in Iceland is not as cold as many people imagine. The climate is influenced by sea currents, which make the winter period mild and rainy;
10. In Iceland, there is no army in any of its manifestations. There is only a coast guard here.

We present tips for a comfortable stay in the country:

1. We recommend that you carefully consider the route and accommodation options. In Iceland, all prices are high. If you do not want to spend a significant amount on hotels, you will have to spend the night in Spartan conditions.
2. For independent trips, rent a car, although it is an expensive pleasure, this is a necessary condition for a comfortable stay in the country.
3. Be careful with the choice of clothing, which should be comfortable and warm. In summer it is cool here, consider this fact.
4. Drivers will have to regain the ability to read a paper map. Satellite navigators do not know about all the roads in the region. And some directions are difficult to pronounce, let alone introduce into the program.
5. If you are considering an option with a car, choose an SUV. It is impossible to travel to the regions without such a means of transportation.
6. In hotels, there is no way to eat in a restaurant, you will have to think in advance where and how you will buy food.
7. When you go camping, take care of a thermos that will keep you warm even in the most severe weather.

Reviews of tourists about a trip to the country

Nina: “I have mixed feelings about going to the country. The state is not like other European regions, although it correlates to some extent with Finland and Denmark. Northern landscapes and good-natured inhabitants leave a pleasant impression. At the same time, harsh nature will not provide decent rest. In one of the restaurants, we dared to try shark meat, the taste is specific.”

Alexei: “We have long dreamed of going to Iceland, as my brother lives there. The road is difficult, and even more difficult with living in harsh conditions. Thanks to my brother, I managed to visit the geysers, walk along the famous black sand beach, and go to the popular fjords. It was suggested to go to ski resort, but the inability to ski did the right thing ... If we consider independent trip, without the help of a brother, I do not advise you to visit. Expensive, difficult to get to and terribly cold.”

Do you like skiing and silence? Then be sure to go to Iceland. Be prepared for the cold, big waste and complete independence.

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