Pile of Rock Covered by Ice

Iceland has been described as a country of fire and ice, a powerful combination of the earth’s primal elements. The pile of rock in the middle of the Icelandic ocean is often covered with ice that forms glaziers.

Vatnajokull is the largest glazier in Europe and third largest in the world. Vatnajokull is also the home to one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. In 1996 that volcano erupted, melted chunks of the glazier and caused a gigantic flood of water. More glaziers than Vatnajokull can be found in Iceland, some are small and some are large. Tourist services have been built on the attraction glaziers have. Tours by jeeps, snow cats or by foot are available. Driving near the glaziers is easy and from Skaftafell is only an hour walk to the nearest glazier. Seeing a glazier up front and personal is an experience, but walking and driving on top of Vatnajokull is a life changing experience. The never ending sight of white ice, cracks and amazing view is worth every dime and every second spent, even for an Icelander.

Posted on: Jan 23 2006 in Active Iceland