Absolutely Breathtaking Photos From Iceland

What may be even more beautiful than a volcanic river? A volcanic lake. In many of Iceland’s volcanoes, especially in the western volcanic zone, crystal clear lakes have formed in the craters.

Yes, even this picture is real and comes from Iceland. What may look like an abstract painting is an aerial view of a volcanic river. Flowing through glacial fields and volcanic ash, there are many of such amazing rivers in Iceland.

Covering 14,200 square kilometers (5,500 square miles), Vatnajökull National Park is Europe's second largest national park. It also includes Skaftafell, a preservation area famous for its spectacular ice caves.

However, since ice is such a distinctive feature of Iceland, you can also come across these spectacular beaches with chunks of ice scattered around.

Obviously, Iceland´s unspoiled breathtaking nature is home to numerous animal species. Local wildlife is particularly rich with sea birds and marine mammals. Coastal cliffs, for example, provide perfect nesting places for abundant populations of Atlantic puffins.

The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá River from ledges of less porous rock in the lava. Hvítá means "white river" in Icelandic language.

Erupting volcano with the rare red northern lights in the background is an amazing combination that you can only see in Iceland.

Some people say Iceland and New Zealand have quite a lot in common and geysers and hot springs are certainly one of the great natural features these two countries share. Iceland has many geysers including the well-known Geysir and Strokkur. Located in the geothermal area in the southwest part of the country, Strokkur erupts every 4–8 minutes, usually 15 – 20 meters (50 – 65 feet) high, sometimes even up to 40 meters (130 feet).

After spending some time in Iceland´s nature, you just get used to the fact that almost everything around you is unearthly beautiful. Then, seeing a church like this is no surprise to you. Built in 1884, the Hofskirkja Turf Church is one of just six turf churches still standing in the country.

Located in a rural area in the south of Iceland, the Rangá Hotel is known for having excellent conditions for watching the spectacle. No air and light pollution in the area allows you to experience this wonderful phenomenon at its best.

Surprisingly enough, Iceland can also boast beautiful beaches. It is not the type of beaches you are probably used to but they are definitely still worth visiting. Located near the village of Vik on the south coast of Iceland, the Reynisfjara Beach with its typical black basalt sand and mesmerizing rock formations is one of the most popular.

What most people don’t know is the fact that Iceland is – from a geological point of view – relatively young country. It is believed to have formed only 16 to 18 million years ago.

Another dominant feature of the country is icebergs and glaciers. These can be found in Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake in southeast Iceland. With a depth of over 248 meters (814 feet), it is the deepest lake of the country.

Volcanoes are another thing Iceland is famous for. This volcano is a part of Eyjafjallajokull, a small ice cap located in southern Iceland. The volcano has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period, most recently in 2010, resulting in closure of airspace over many parts of Europe.

What makes the Iceland´s hot springs different from those in New Zealand though, is the freezing temperature of the surrounding air and the immediate proximity of ice and snow. Tourists in the picture bathe in the famous Blue Lagoon Hot Springs just outside Reykjavik.

Iceland occupies an area of over 100,000 square kilometers (40,000 square miles) but is home to only about 325,000 people. With a population density of just 3.1 inhabitants per 1 square kilometer (7.5 inhabitants per 1 square mile), it’s the most sparsely populated country in Europe. But it’s the lack of density which allows you to enjoy such incredible views.

And if you do come across a settlement when roaming the Iceland´s countryside, it can look as astonishing as this secluded picturesque house built in the middle of a green cliff.

The lake is also home to these bizarre black-striped icebergs which attract photographers from all over the world.

There are 3 national parks and several nature reserves in Iceland. Established in 1979, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve offers its visitors astounding mountainous landscape, sculpted by volcanoes and geothermal activity, covered by lavas, sands, rivers and lakes. Occupying about 47,000 hectares, the reserve boasts of over 150 types of flowering plants.

Iceland is also home to plenty of fantastic mountain ranges that could keep any hiker occupied for a lifetime. Covered with ice caps and icebergs, they may look like something from another planet.