Wondrous Wanders: Iceland

Today we feature the 6th post in our guest blog travel series.  This series highlights the favorite travel destinations that inspired wonder in each guest blogger as they wandered there.  Today's post is from Zach Sundquist and he is the Air Service Analyst at the Chicago Rockford International Airport in Rockford, IL. When he's not talking to airlines or other airports about new routes, Zach is exploring the world, spending time with friends across the country, or taking a road trip to a new city he's never been to.

In May of 2009 I had the opportunity to visit the most incredible place on Earth. Sitting near the arctic circle on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, the country of Iceland awaits. The task was to drive all the way around the island in seven days and see and do everything there is to see and do in Iceland. Needless to say I failed, because the fact of the matter is there isn't enough time in life to see and do everything there is in Iceland. The ever changing landscape is growing every year and every time you look away and come back something has changed. So allow me to give you a quick overview of some of the highlights of Iceland.

Once you touch down in Keflavik (35 miles outside Reykjavik) you really wonder if the pilot didn't take a wrong turn and you ended up on the moon. Lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see with a mountain range off in the distance. As you continue to drive you slowly start to change scenery as you enter Reykjavik and start to encounter about 75% of the country's population (Only 300,000 total).

For a quick visit there is plenty to do in the capital of Reykjavik. Take in a concert at Harpa, shop at one of the many boutique stores, eat a wide variety of seafood, and then party into the night at one of Iceland's many pubs and clubs. Reykjavik is always hosting some sort of Festival from fine arts to music and Film. In an effort to recover from the economic collapse of 2008 Iceland has been focused on inspiring tourism and has a campaign Inspired by Iceland (www.inspiredbyiceland.com). The President of Iceland is inviting you to a pancake breakfast with his family! How's that for hospitality! If a breakfast with the president is a little too personal for your tastes don't fear, there are many companies which offer one day tours of the Golden Circle where you can enjoy three of Iceland's most unique venues, Geysir, Gulfoss, and Thingvellir. All three are amazing and give you a quick glimpse at what this country has to offer.

Another great trip is only 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and that is the Blue Lagoon. Who knew a power plant could be so fun as you soak in a geothermal pool. This is Iceland's number one tourist attraction. While it is a bit pricey, it is after all a tourist stop, you will leave feeling rested and rejuvenated.

If commercial tourism isn't for you, then head off into the countryside. Trust me, you won't regret it! Once you leave the Reykjanes Peninsula the views are astonishing, with your brain telling you this had to be computer generated because nature doesn't do this! Every fjord you encounter is unique and then coming out of a fjord and over a ridge you see a huge Glacier. Iceland is home to Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. A little further down the road you encounter glacial runoffs and one of the most incredible sites in all of Iceland is the icebergs that have broken off from the glacier and are slowly making their way to the North Atlantic.

As you travel further in to the country you encounter Volcanoes around every turn and it is clear based on the lava fields and black sand beaches that this is an ever evolving landscape. My second favorite place in all of Iceland are the black beaches along the southern coast. They stretch for miles and being the only one standing on that beach with a mix of grays, green and black you literally feel as though you're on a different planet.

Heading north you come to Iceland's second city and my personal favorite, Akureyri. This little town in the far north of Iceland sits at the end of Eyjafjordur, one of Iceland's longest fjords. Surrounded by mountains it’s a great place for skiing in the winter and sensational hiking in the summer. A quick 45 minute drive from Akureyri is my favorite place in the world. Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). Here snowmelt and glacial melt run north from Iceland's interior to the Greenland Sea. While I've seen thousands of waterfalls, Godafoss has the most incredible power and beauty. It is a definite stop on any itinerary that ventures to the north of Iceland.

All in all if you are looking for a trip away from the norm, but incredibly scenic and cultural then Iceland is a place you must visit.

Have you ever visited Iceland?  If not, what about this post inspires you to visit this scenic destination?  Are you a fan of colder weather vacations?