Sights of Iceland: nature, climate and interesting facts

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 mitigated thanks to 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 climatic conditions in Iceland?

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

The indicators of precipitation throughout the country are just as different as the temperature, because of different climatic zones. For example, the western coast of Iceland accounts for about 100 to 1500 thousand mm, in the northeastern 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 still untouched places, snow-capped peaks of mountains or ice fields and coasts with bays. Undoubtedly, tourists on the expanses of the island open a lot of interesting and unexplored, but in order to ensure that the country during the trip is not surprised by its natural conditions, it is better to know in advance what the weather is for each season.

Weather in the winter

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

Although at this time of the year the weather is windy and not particularly affectionate, tourists still rush to the island to see the unique natural phenomenon - Aurora Borealis. The season of this northern sowing lasts from October to March itself, and guests of the country can enjoy, perhaps, the most beautiful sight that can be seen in their entire life.

Not everyone knows that it is the amazing nature of Iceland that 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 up to 37 degrees Celsius. It is here that the Icelanders and tourists come to warm themselves in the cold winter.

Weather in spring time

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

In April, sea cruises begin, which take travelers directly to Greenland, to the island of Grimsay. Wildlife lovers can observe humpback whales in the bays of Fahsaflowy and Hervey during this period of the year.

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

Weather in the summer

In summer the temperature rises and it gets a little warmer in Iceland. Nature and climate in this period of the year are most favorable for travel and excursions around the island. Therefore, the season, which lasts from June-month 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 in the daytime and up to +10 at night. Tourists who decided to visit the resorts of the island in the summer, can see the amazing phenomenon of Iceland. Nature will surprise them with their white nights, which will leave unforgettable impressions and memories.

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

Weather in the autumn time

The beginning of autumn is characterized by a relatively warm and windless weather. In October, cyclones begin to flow through the Atlantic Ocean and the weather deteriorates sharply. And in November, the light day is already significantly reduced and on the island comes a dark time with long nights. Roads in the central part of the island and in the north of the country can be closed due to obstruction, icing and snow debris. Therefore, going in this period of time to travel around Iceland, you need to monitor information about weather conditions in the state.

Holiday cities of Iceland

This island is very interesting for tourists with its landscapes and contrasts. The nature and resorts of Iceland 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 to the popular glacier Vatnajokudl, which is the largest in the world. Another glimpse of this part of the country is the glacial lagoon of Jokulsaurloun.

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

Museums of the country and interesting facts

The state can attract many tourists from all over the world. Sights of Iceland - nature, museums, monuments and much more. For example, there is a non-profit organization in Husavik that was opened in 1997. There, various studies were conducted to get as much information as possible on whales. And later, in this way, a whole museum devoted to cetaceans appeared.

In Reykjavik there is a photo gallery, it has about 5 million different photos. The oldest is the one made in 1870. There are collected all the interesting facts about the traditions and customs of Iceland.

Interestingly, the Icelanders do not have names, they are replaced by patronyms - this is the same as the patronymic of the Slavic peoples. If suddenly the father for any reasons does not recognize the child, then he gets his patronymic by the mother, that is, the matron.

Residents of Reykjavik can easily go shopping to the nearest store in pajamas or home clothes, and it will not seem strange to anyone.

Iceland is considered the most sparsely populated country in the world, since it has about 320 thousand people. Compared to the years of World War II, this is even a lot, because at that time 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 frightened this cold country is with its impregnable climate and glaciers, at least once in her life many travelers and adventurers seek to visit.