Vikingtravelblog

Iceland Hiking!

Iceland has some of the best hiking in the world with a wide variety of terrain and many trails with different levels of difficulty. When you hike in Iceland you have the opportunity to traverse volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an expert there is a hiking experience that will safely allow you to witness the beauty of Iceland. Tour operators in Iceland offer hiking tours to many of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks and tourist attractions. These tour operators incorporate vehicle assistance to be able to cover more terrain and provide another level of safety and comfort.

There are so many different mountain ridges, peaks, and valleys to explore you will have a very difficult time choosing which tour you should take. The tour operators have Iceland hiking tours ranging from a day to month long. You will have to consider how strenuous of a hike you are capable of handling without putting your health at risk. Expert guides have been exploring these mountainous regions for years and will provide the assistance and guidance you need to safely enjoy the natural surroundings of Iceland.

Iceland hiking allows you to seek solitude and quiet in a modern world where that is nearly impossible. Also, there are many interesting attractions to see on these hikes beyond the scenery such as the hot springs and lava caves. You will be able to take a break from your hike and take a warm, soothing bath in the Iceland hot springs. You can also explore the underground caves that have been the source of many Icelandic superstitions and myths. If you choose to go on a multiple day hike the Iceland tour operators will provide all necessary equipment, food, huts, and transportation.

Hiking in Iceland is a refreshing way to experience the awe of nature and escape the urban lifestyle for short time. By taking one of these Iceland hiking tours you will get a better understanding of the land and have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in a foreign environment. Although an Iceland hiking tour can be challenging, it is all worth it once you reach the top!

Visit Greenland!

If you are considering an Iceland vacation you should keep in mind that Greenland is right next door. Greenland is an incredibly beautiful country with an intriguing culture and lifestyle. Iceland tour operators and travel agents frequently offer Greenland tours mainly consisting of cross country skiing and hiking. These tours to Greenland range in length from 3 day tours to month long expeditions, making them best suited for tourists who will be staying in Iceland for a substantial amount of time. The reason for this is you will want to leave yourself enough time to experience both countries.

Greenland is a country within the Kingdom of Denmark that lies just south of Article Circle with an extremely cold climate. It is the largest island that is not a continent and it is the least densely populated country in the world. The topography of Greenland includes icebergs, mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, lakes, rivers, and colorful villages. If you visit Greenland you will learn that in some villages, such as Ammassalik, the local residents still follow the Intuit ways of their ancestors. This Inuit lifestyle heavily revolves around fishing which still remains to be Greenland’s main income earner to this very day. Greenland enjoys long hours of daylight during the summer allowing more time for activities such as hiking and skiing.

The name Greenland comes from Erik the Red who was a Norwegian man exiled from Iceland for murder. When he arrived there with his family and slaves, he named it Greenland in hopes of attracting other settler. This is of course misleading considering most of Greenland’s surface is covered in ice. The inhabitants of Greenland are a mixture of Icelandic immigrants, Denmark immigrants, and native Inuit people. Both Danish and Greenlandic are the official languages.

Some Iceland tour operators feature a Greenland Crossing Tour which entails a month long expedition. This is the most challenging and physical demanding tour involving up to 8 hours of walking and skiing per day. If you are an avid outdoorsman and you are up to an intense challenge then this style of tour is perfect for your time in Greenland.

Overall, if you are considering Iceland travel and you have the extra time you should also tour Greenland. Enjoy a cross country ski or hiking tour while taking in the beautiful scenery and unique Arctic culture. Whether you choose an easy 3 day tour or a month long journey you will not regret seeing the picturesque Greenland countryside and discovering the ways of the natives. Hopefully this article has provided you with helpful advice for your trip to Iceland.