{take me away № 43 | travel guide № 8 : iceland}

written by sarah klassen for {this is glamorous} | view previous articles





The poetry of Iceland lies, in part, with the ferocious fires, volcanic landscapes, and its counter: brisk ice.  And through its dramatic lands -- its rustic and magnificent mountain ranges and vibrant fields, and in them, we discover a breeze of life that soars throughout the island -- a mythical, otherworldly breeze of life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed . . .



Take inspiration from the honesty and authenticity of the lands, from the merriment of the people, who joyfully swim in the brisk waters along the coast; take inspiration from a place brimming with natural splendour and unspoiled destinations.  For today, we set off to Iceland to uncover some of the greatest treasures to see, things to do, and of course, many little surprises along the way . . .



For those who long for adventure, Iceland will certainly not disappoint.  Though its population is rather small compared with many other parts of the world -- with just 320.000 residences -- its culture is not bound by numbers.





Whether you enjoy spa treatments, and plan a day at the famous Blue Lagoon, immersed in the geothermal spa set amongst nature [alongside many offered beauty treatments], or wish to soar above the land, by helicopter, for a private tour alongside the birds . . .

And don't forget to look up! Many look forward to enjoying not only  the earth, but the skies as well -- particularly the Northern  Lights.

We suggest a day or spent within the capital city of Reykjavik, with its unique architecture, music scene, and of course, many different shops and delights throughout.  Stop by Skolavordustigur street, with its many galleries, independent shops and designers, coffee shops, and homes to take in. Additionally, while in this city, do pick up a copy of Grapevine magazine, which highlights different events that take place around the city.



Not so far away from the capital, one can take a tour out on the waters, and go whale watching, enjoying views of the city and landscape from afar . . .



For here in Iceland, mountain ranges are topped with glistening alabaster snow, met by foggy mist, and rolling hills blanketed in soft, vibrant green moss, and valleys untamed.



We highly recommend a custom-guided tour, highlighting some of the greatest sites to see, including national, historical, and of course, the famous Gulfloss waterfall.



To enjoy Iceland at the utmost, we suggest planning a trip during the Spring or Summer months -- bird watching is at its best, as are the wildflowers, and of course, hiking.  Many activities can be enjoyed during the daytime, so be sure to bring along your camera, your bathing suit, and many cozy  layers [as the weather is constantly changing] and prepare for an  experience unpararrelled, for Iceland is a place unlike any  other . . .



{puffin watching in iceland}

For those who find these charming birds as adorable as we do, you will be happy to learn that while visiting Iceland, you are likely to see many of them!  Puffins, scientifically named : "Fratercula arctica", means "little brother" or "little priest".  Their bold colouring and upright stance often remind people of penguins, though in fact, the two birds aren't at all related.



Additionally, it is said that about 60% of the world’s Atlantic Puffins breed within Iceland, and remain on the island from the beginning of April until September.  They are also every bit as sweet as they appear, being very social, yet loyal birds, generally remaining with just one mate for life.



SPOT THEM >> be sure to look for these sweet creatures while visiting : Skrúður, Papey, Seley, Andey, Hafnarhólmi, Hólmar in Reyðarfjörður [Stórhólmi], Bjarnarey, Gerpi and also, at Hestur on the southern side of Barðsnes.



{a few fun facts about the city}

* An international study done in '06 claimed Iceland as the “4th Happiest Nation” in the world
* Iceland is said to be the most sparsely populated country in all of Europe
* in January, the sun does not rise until 11:00 a.m. and sets at roughly 4:00 p.m.
* Iceland's life expectancy is one of the world's highest : 81.3 years for women and 76.4 for men
* Greater than 13% of Iceland is covered by snowfields and glaciers
* For the past 1000 years, the Icelandic language has been unchanged
* And of course, interestingly enough, pop star Bjork was born in Iceland and calls it home



—Sarah

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previously :

* take me away № 01 | perfectly packed* take me away № 02 | luggage to last a lifetime
* take me away № 03 | tips for buying luggage
* take me away № 04 | vintage & antique luggage
* take me away № 05 | the travel file
* take me away № 06 | an equestrian escape
* take me away № 07 | la maison du chocolat
* take me away № 08 | holiday etiquette
* take me away № 09 | st. petersburg, russia
* take me away № 10 | holiday etiquette, part two
* take me away № 11 | travel by train
* take me away № 12 | venice, italy
* take me away № 13 | a wintry escape
* take me away № 14 | the magic of winter gardens
* take me away № 15 | bora bora
* take me away № 16 | valentine's inspiration for a romantic getaway
* take me away № 17 | the most beautiful rose gardens around the world
* take me away № 18 | a glamorous guide to champagne
* take me away № 19 | barcelona, spain
* take me away № 20 | a tour of a few of the best millinery studios around the world
* take me away № 21 | city guides № 1 : paris
* take me away № 22 | what to pack for paris
* take me away № 23 | dublin, ireland
* take me away № 24 | hong kong, china
* take me away № 25 | the enchanting world of lace
* take me away № 26 | the cherry blossoms of tokyo
* take me away № 27 | mykonos, greece
* take me away № 28 | the lavender fields of provence
* take me away № 29 | city guides № 03 : london, england
* take me away № 30 | sail away with me
* take me away № 31 | gelato tasting in italy
* take me away № 32 | the best beach cottages to stay around the world
* take me away № 33 | lisbon, portugal
* take me away № 34 | city guide № 4 : new york city
* take me away № 35 | the charming farmhouses of italy
* take me away № 36 | city guide № 5 : vancouver
* take me away № 37 | the extravagantly lovely silks of lyon
* take me away № 38 | prince edward island
* take me away № 39 | the magnificent castles of germany
* take me away № 40 | city guide № 6 : vienna, austria
* take me away № 41 | city guide № 7 : stockholm, sweden
* take me away № 42 | the most beautiful countryside retreats in peru

[image sources & credits : ana carrera // _rebekka via krisatomic // berta... via kristatomic // hlaus // hlaus // iceland poppies // vulture labs // ystenes // brynjar ágústsson // dalla* via kristatomic // andri elfarsson // stephen waterfall // kevin cooley via krisatomic // luke shadbolt // luke shadbolt // luke shadbolt]