Nature of Iceland - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Icelandic nature is unique and authentic. There are virtually no trees on the island whose northern coast almost reaches the Arctic Circle. Most of the greenery exists in all kinds of greenhouses in the form of shrubs and various species of trees. Many of them even contain tropical plants. Icelanders like to visit them just to breathe the fresh southern air. On the island, a large number of rare bird species live side by side with people. The territory of Iceland has become the only habitat for some of them.

The most famous beauties of Iceland, also called the Land of Ice and Fire, are extinct and active volcanoes, incredibly beautiful waterfalls, and powerful geysers. There are so many waterfalls in Iceland that you can meet more and more new ones at every few kilometers. Typical Icelandic landscape can hardly be imagined without glaciers or lava fields. Every year more and more tourists come to see all these beauties. Environmental and ecological issues are not just empty words for Icelanders. In Iceland, they are given great attention. The Islanders are very careful and anxious about their vulnerable nature. Therefore, several national parks have been created on a relatively small area of the island. They're aimed at preserving and protecting the environment from the harmful effects of human activities.

Thingvellir is the country's oldest national park opened as far back as 1928. It is located 40 kilometers away from the Icelandic capital in the valley, which was formed because of a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Volcanic faults filled with crystal-clear water cut the entire park. Tingvallavatn, the largest lake on the island, can be found here in Thingvellir. At its bottom, there is Silfra Rift known to divers all over the world. On the Öxará river, there is the 20-meter high Öxarárfoss waterfall. Another attraction of the park is the Penningagja Canyon. Tourists throw coins into its perfectly clear water from a height of 50 meters. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The largest national park of the European continent is located in Iceland. The area of Vatnajökull Park founded in 2008 is 12 thousand square kilometers. It includes all the island's peculiarities such as pristine lakes, beautiful rivers, frozen glaciers, volcanoes, picturesque mountains, valleys, and roaring waterfalls. The park consists of 4 zones patrolled by rangers. But Svartifoss and Dettifoss waterfalls can rightfully be called the highlights of the national park. The waters of Svartifoss fall from a height of 12 meters along a basalt wall framed by black columns that look like organ pipes. Dettifoss is recognized as the most powerful waterfall of the Old World. It is only 9 meters lower than Niagara Falls. Its width is 100 meters and height is 44 meters. Dettifoss is the pride of all Icelanders. The central attraction of Vatnajökull is Hljóðaklettar rocks. Thanks to columnar lava formations, one can hear an amazingly clear unique echo at the rocks. The rocks are also known as Echo Rocks.

The purpose of Snæfellsjökull National Park founded in 2001 was to preserve special areas of the landscape, as well as flora and fauna. It is the only national park whose area includes the coastline. The main natural object of the park is the glacier of the same name. Snæfell Volcano is covered by the 200-meter thick glacier. In the coastal zone of the park, you can see surrealistic lava formations along the coastline. Snæfellsjökull is home to a large number of birds, foxes, mink, as well as whales and killer whales swimming close to the shore. The park boasts of a very diverse flora. Many algae are found in lakes and rivers, mosses and lichens grow on rocks. In the autumn, one can collect lingonberries, blueberries, blueberries. In the park, archaeologists have found dome-shaped buildings dating back to the 10th century. Opinions were divided regarding their purpose. Some believe that these are religious structures, others think they were intended for fish processing, while there are people who are sure that the buildings are a sign of the aliens.