Fire and Ice

By Katie Silcox

Iceland, the land of fire and ice. And it is this unique combination that makes the country so truly spectacular; a place where landscapes seem mythical, and where myths come to life.

Traditionally a nation of story-tellers, Icelanders have a strong belief in folk law and the goblins and fairy-tales that make them. Perhaps it is as a form of entertainment through the long winter nights that so many literary legends have emerged from this nation, or perhaps, just possibly, the stories are true...

One such story depicts Iceland's volcanoes as the country's saviour when, in brief, a magician transformed himself into a whale in order to swim to Iceland and put the country under his spell. Luckily for Icelanders, he was scared by the fire sprayed from the volcanoes he believed the flames to be spirits.

Ice also plays a part in the islands mythology, many believing that the worn down rocks and ice, are in fact ice-trolls who stand proud with beyond human powers. And don't forget the ghosts and elves living in mountain caves and springs.

→ Page 2: Spa, sauna and massage....

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to one of the hot springs, and few countries boast such impressive natural spas.

The famous Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited, and you only have to imagine sitting in its thermal and therapeutic waters to understand why. Situated on the boundry of the earths tectonic plates, its waters are naturally heated at 36°C - 39°C year round, so you can relax wearing a only a bikini, while others watch from the side dressed in every possible layer in order to keep warm. Where else in the world can you experience such disparity?

Once your spa is over, the choice of what to do is vast. Why not treat yourself to further relaxation with a massage, sauna or treatment whilst there? Or accentuate Iceland's diverse qualities, by contrasting a morning in a thermal spa with an afternoon of snow-mobiling on frozen glaciers.

→ Page 3: Iceland's fascinating landscape

Geysers also help promote the incredible character of the country's landscapes. They occur when the cool water meets rock heated by magma, and are such a rare process that not many exist in the world - be sure to experience Iceland's share. Head to 'Strokker', for a spectacular display, this geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes.

Another natural display that shouldn't be missed is Iceland's incredible waterfalls.; Perhaps the most captivating is 'Gullfoss', its twisting waters crashing over cliffs, plunging depths of over a mile, and soaking anyone who's watching. Particularly impressive on a sunny day, when a spectacular rainbow is cast over the landscape.

Iceland's combination of sizzling hot volcanoes and freezing ice fields make up an almost inconceivable landscape, and somewhere that really should be visited for this alone. Although we're very sure you'll discover plenty more to entertain when you're there.

Getting There

Iceland is a facinating country with so much to see and do. Getting there is easy, head to our City Breaks page and click on 'Other Destinations' to see a full list of cities, including Reykjavik. Alternatively, you can browse a choice of Iceland cruises at the Sky Travel Virgin Holidays Cruises webpage.

→ Book a break to Reykjavik

→ Book a cruise in Iceland

See our Iceland destination guide for more information

→ Visit Iceland guide