Iceland: The coexistence of ice and fire

▪️Iceland｜Iceland Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, it is known as the "Land of Ice and Fire" and has active geological activities, with a large number of glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal fountains and waterfalls. Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle, where you can observe the aurora borealis in winter and polar day in summer. - ▪️Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Located in the south of Vatnajökull glacier, the lake is filled with ice blocks of different sizes floating on the surface, formed by the meltwater from the glacier. The lake water flows into the Atlantic Ocean through short rivers, and the ice is slowly moved by the tides. Boat trips are available in some areas, allowing you to observe the ice floes up close. 📍 Jökulsárlón, Iceland - ▪️Golden Circle｜Golden Circle Iceland's classic tourist route includes three major natural landscapes: 📌 The geyser is located in a geothermal area. The Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, with a water column up to 30 meters high. 📌 Thingvellir National Park is located at the intersection of the Eurasian Plate and the American Plate, and the surface fault zone is clearly visible; 📌 The Golden Falls is a two-level waterfall. The river water falls into the canyon from a height of 32 meters, and the water volume is abundant all year round. 📍 Golden Circle, Iceland - ▪️Black Sand Beach｜Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Located on the south coast of Iceland, it was formed by the cooling of lava after a volcanic eruption, and the beach is black. The basalt columns along the coast are arranged in an orderly manner, and there are three sea stacks in the nearby sea area, which were formed due to long-term erosion by wind and waves. The area is windy and rough, with waves changing rapidly. 📍 Reynisfjara, Iceland - ▪️Volcano Adventures There are many volcanoes in Iceland and geological activities are active. The Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010, leaving lava debris around the crater. The Turismok geothermal area offers the experience of going inside a volcano and observing the magma pathways after an eruption. - ▪️Blue Lagoon Hot Spring｜Blue Lagoon Located in a geothermal area near Reykjavik, the lake water is rich in silica and minerals, giving it a milky blue color. The water temperature remains at 37-39°C all year round. The lake is surrounded by black lava landforms and the water comes from underground thermal energy circulation. 📍 Blue Lagoon, Iceland - ▪️Aurora Borealis Iceland is located in the Northern Lights belt, and the aurora can be seen from September to April of the following year. Observation points include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri and Thingvellir National Park. The appearance of auroras is influenced by solar wind activity, and their intensity and frequency vary depending on weather conditions. - ▪️Natural hot springs and waterfalls 📌 Seljalandsfoss: The water falls from a 60-meter-high cliff. There is a trail behind the waterfall that allows you to go around to the back of the waterfall. 📌 Skogafoss: The waterfall is 25 meters wide and 60 meters high, with abundant water. Rainbows are common due to long-term water mist. 📌 Reykjada Hot Springs River: Located in the geothermal area, the river water is kept at a suitable temperature due to the influx of underground hot springs, and it can be used for natural hot spring soaking. - The following is a detailed guide for Icelandic volcano tourism, combining the latest developments and classic attractions to help you experience Iceland's "Song of Ice and Fire" safely and in depth: --- ### **1. Recommended volcanic attractions** 1. Thrihnukagigur - **Features**: The only volcano in the world that can be entered from the inside. The last eruption was 4,000 years ago. The internal magma chamber solidified to form colorful volcanic rock walls, just like the "center of the earth". - **Experience**: You need to book a professional expedition group 2-3 months in advance, take the elevator down to the bottom of the volcano 198 meters deep, and explore the 100,000 cubic meters of cave space. - **Note**: The number of places per day is limited. You need to prepare wind and cold protection equipment. You will be led by a guide throughout the trip. 2. Reykjanes Peninsula Volcanoes - **Current situation**: On April 1, 2025, the Songznuk volcanic zone erupted again (the 8th time in recent years), with a fissure up to 1,200 meters long and active lava flows. Currently, surrounding areas (such as the town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon) have been evacuated and tourists are advised to avoid the outbreak area. - **How ​​to watch**: You can take a helicopter to see the spectacular volcanic eruption (from a safe distance), or follow the real-time updates from the Icelandic Meteorological Office. 3. The Golden Circle - **Thingvellir National Park**: The boundary between the Eurasian and American plates, with magnificent graben landscape. - **Geysir**: Geothermal activity is frequent, erupting every few minutes and reaching a height of 40 meters. --- ### **Second, safety tips and latest developments** 1. **Avoidance of outbreak area**: - The eruption area and surrounding roads on the Reykjanes Peninsula are closed and entry is prohibited. Volcanic ash and harmful gases may affect health and evacuation orders from the Icelandic Civil Protection Department must be followed. 2. **Travel Advice**: - Follow the real-time warnings from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (vedur.is) and the Civil Protection and Emergency Management Authority (almannavarnir.is). - Avoid flying drones in no-fly zones. Violators will face heavy fines. --- ### **3. Volcano theme itinerary planning** **Recommended route (6 days and 5 nights)** - **Day 1-2: Reykjavik and surrounding areas** - Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall and join a Northern Lights tour. - Relax at the Blue Lagoon (if open), paying attention to the evacuation of the outbreak area. - **Day 3-4: South Coast Adventure** - Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss (volcanic landforms and glacial meltwater interweave). - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (a glacial lagoon formed by volcanic activity). - **Day 5: Golden Circle Day Tour** - Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geyser. - **Day 6: Volcano Special Experience** - Expedition inside the Srinukkag volcano (book in advance) or helicopter tour over the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanoes. --- ### **Four. Practical Tips** 1. **Visa and Insurance**: A Schengen visa is required and it is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers the risk of volcanic activity. 2. **Clothing and equipment**: waterproof and windproof jacket, non-slip hiking shoes, and helmet (essential for volcano exploration). 3. **Transportation**: It is recommended to rent a car (four-wheel drive is best), or choose a local volcano theme tour group. 4. **Accommodation**: - Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel (combination of hot springs and volcanic landscape). - The Reykjavik Edition Hotel (overlooking the city and volcanic landscape). --- ### **V. Linkage between volcanoes and surrounding landscapes** - **Geothermal hot springs**: Blue Lagoon, Myvatn Hot Spring (formed by volcanic geothermal resources). - **Black sand beach**: Reynisdrangar (volcanic rock weathering to form a black sand beach). - **Glacier Hike**: Vatnajökull Glacier (a wonder where volcanoes and glaciers coexist). --- **Summary**: Volcano tourism in Iceland requires a balance between adventure and safety. It is recommended to plan the itinerary based on real-time geological dynamics and give priority to professional guide projects.