Nature
Some facts about the Icelandic nature
Iceland lies just south of the Arctic Circle. This influences Iceland’s nature, although it is surprising how many species thrive in the country. This is the result of the warm Gulf stream ocean current which minimises the cooling effect of the polar air masses.
Fire
There are about 130 volcanoes in Iceland but only 15 are active.
Water
Iceland has a great natural supply of water and the groundwater is clear and free of undesirable chemicals, nothing is added and nothing taken away.
- Geysirs
In Iceland there are over 800 hot springs and they are found all around the country. Iceland’s most powerful hot spring is Deildartunguhver. Iceland’s most famous geyser or spouting hot spring is Geysir.
- Glaciers
In Iceland there are 17 glaciers which cover about 11% of the country. The largest glaciers are Vatnajökull which is Europe’s 3rd largest glacier, Hofsjökull, Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
- Waterfalls
In Iceland there are many beautiful waterfalls. Iceland’s most famous waterfalls are Gullfoss, Skógafoss, Glymur, Dettifoss and Goðafoss.
- Lakes
There are many lakes in Iceland and there is fish in many of them. Most common are salmon, trout and char.
- Rivers
And of course Iceland has many rivers as well and also there is fish in many of them. The same fish are like in the lakes.
Iceland’s longest rivers:Þjórsá 230km Jökulsá á Fjöllum 206km Hvítá/Ölfusá 185km Skjálfandafljót 178km Jökulsá á Dal 150km Lagarfljót 140km
Air
- Northern Lights
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible in Iceland from September till April. The best time in the day to see them is around 9pm till 2 am.
There is a strong connetion between the solar winds and the Northern Lights. The Lights are caused by the speed of the solar winds, and the direction and magnitude of their magnetic fields.
- Clouds
The clouds give us information about the development in the weather. When new clouds start to form then it is save to assume that the weather will change soon.