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From the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights with some hot mud in between.
The country with the chilly name is rapidly becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. Much of Iceland's popularity is due to its natural features, which include glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, portentous peaks and vast lava deserts.
In addition to its expansive landscape, Iceland has a rich history and folklore tradition. However, this appeal is tempered by the most expensive prices in Europe.
That doesn't mean it can't be visited on a shoestring, but it does mean that budget travellers will have to work a little harder.
Every year after 31 August, someone puts on the brakes and Icelandic tourism grinds slowly to a halt.
Outside the capital, many hotels, hostels and camping grounds close; bus services are severely reduced or stop completely until May or June the following year; the interior highlands become inaccessible; and even the puffins fly off and the whales swim away. But Iceland's amazing scenery never shuts down.
If you're prepared for short, dark days and icy weather, there are still plenty of bus tours from Reykjavík, and extra wintry delights to see, such as the ethereal Northern Lights. |
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