Belén Sánchez: ICELAND, A COUNTRY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE

Last August, I was so lucky to spend two weeks travelling around Iceland. I had never been so enchanted and impressed by a place.

Iceland is an amazing island located halfway between Europe and North America. Though not so far from Spain as many people may think, it is not the place to go if you are looking for a relaxing holiday lying on the beach, but, if you are looking for some adventure, this is definitely your destination!

The first thing that struck me in Iceland were its empty roads, and the absence of people. Despite the fact it is becoming a very popular tourist destination, everyday you find more fluffy sheep and small Icelandic horses than people.

The island became famous for a volcano with an unpronounceable name, Eyjafjallajökull, which caused an enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe when it erupted in 2010.

The natural landscapes across the country are so great and diverse that you hardly get bored: breathtaking waterfalls, huge glaciers and volcanos, hotsprings, geysers, blue icebergs, astonishing landscapes ... The view of the icebergs floating in the lake leaves you speechless.

The mind-blowing iceberg lagoon Jökulsárlón.

Something that you cannot miss in Iceland are its natural hotsprings and geysers. Thermal waters are not only a tourist attraction, but also an important source of energy. Imagine hot water (100 degrees) rising 40 metres into the air every ten minutes. Simply spectacular!

Geysir, the most famous geyser

But besides its stunning nature, one of Iceland’s many charms is definitely the people. Icelanders are extremely friendly and always helpful. Never chatty but ready to give information if asked for. Most of them are very proud of their country and are always delighted to show it to foreigners. Another thing I liked about them is that they really trust people. They leave the doors of their houses and cars open, and usually nothing happens. As a matter of fact, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.

Something that surprised me a lot is that a high percentage of Icelanders believe in elves and trolls! Incredibly enough, many roads in Iceland have been rerouted in order to avoid disturbing the rocks where these fantastic creatures might live.

Finally, if you go to Iceland, you definitely should try the extraordinary fish. Cod, salmon, even whale if you like it, are really fantastic. Also, if you are brave enough, you can try rotten fish, which is one of the national delicacies.

So Iceland is worth a visit for many, many reasons. I would thoroughly recommend this country to whoever likes travelling and discovering different places.

No doubt I will go back soon. It is, so far, at the top of my repeat-vacation travel list. Next time I will go in winter. There is one thing I missed this time that I’d really love to see: The Northern lights.