Iceland is that one super random country on my list of places to visit before I die. I don't know when or why my fascination with Iceland began, but it's definitely a place I hope to visit sometime, for a variety of reasons. Iceland has a wonderfully rich history and unique culture. Many of the sagas and eddas that are our prime source of information about Scandinavian history during the Middle Ages were actually written in Iceland (information gleaned from a Scandinavian Literature Writing course I took in college). Icelanders have a very unique language and culture due to their centuries of isolation from external influences, and this has also led to them becoming a very community-centric and independent culture. Furthermore, Iceland is one of the best places in the world for women to live, because of their emphasis on equality between the sexes (no wonder I'm dying to go there =p).
Besides the fascinating culture, Iceland has also drawn my interest due to all the incredible adventures and sight-seeing opportunities. From the Northern Lights to ice climbing to caving to entering a volcano, there are SO many cool things to do and experience. The Northern Lights are one of the world's coolest phenomenon, occurring when particles emitted from the Sun interact with the atmosphere in the Earth's magnetic field, causing energy to release and forming the colorful streaks through the sky that can be seen. To see them in person would probably be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime.
Ice Climbing is another cool activity available to adventurous visitors. If climbing up a glacier using ice axes and crampons doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, I don't know what will. Obviously such a risky endeavor should never be taken up without the help of trained professional, but it'll still be one of the most exhilarating things you've ever done!
Yet another extremely unique adventure that Iceland offers is touring the inside of a volcano's magma chamber. Magma chambers typically collapse after a volcano erupts, but the Þríhnúkagígur crater has one that has been kept perfectly intact, and visitors get the opportunity to descend into it and explore the inside of a dormant volcano.
Aside from the ice climbing, caving, and volcano-climbing adventures, Iceland also offers a variety of relaxing activities, including bird watching, whale-watching, hot springs and spas, and hiking. But because all these activities take place in Iceland, they are exponentially more amazing!
Visiting Iceland would be one of the most unique and adventurous experiences of my lifetime! Can't wait =]
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