Iceland review - 2015, Page 94

92 ICELAND REVIEW
SPECIAL PROMOTION
South Iceland boasts around 500 km (311
miles) of coastline, as well as the Vestman-
naeyjar islands, and stretches far inland to the
highlands. Nowhere else is Iceland’s old nick-
name, ‘The Land of Fire and Ice,’ more evident
as the region is home to the country’s most
famous volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and
black, sandy beaches, eternally under attack
from the relentless North Atlantic waves. The
region is also known for its countless water-
falls—gushing in spring, humble in summer
and half-frozen in winter, they’re awe-inspiring
in every season.
CULTURE AT EVERY TURN
Despite the impressive ferocity of some of South
Iceland’s attractions, the region also has a soft-
er side and geothermal hotspots, resulting in a
large number of swimming pools and natural hot
springs, as well as geothermally-heated green-
houses which produce much of Iceland’s fresh
vegetables.
The region’s rich soil and moderate climate
mean that the country’s most productive farms
are here. Add to this South Iceland’s famous lan-
goustine, Arctic char, milk, lamb and game, and
it’s easy to see why the region is the bread basket
of the nation—and a tasty destination for gour-
met travelers. Food is an important part of South
Iceland’s culture and the region’s numerous ho-
tels, restaurants and cafés make it easy and plea-
surable to dive right in.
The creative flair of the people of South Ice-
land is evident in the region’s museums and gal-
leries—as well as at any number of concerts to
be found in bars, community halls and festivals.
The unique Icelandic horse; with its stocky
build, shaggy hair, and unusual fifth gait; is in-
tegral to the region’s flair, culture and history,
and roams far and wide over the plains and hills
THE PURE AND
POWERFUL SOUTH
South Iceland is the country’s biggest region—world-famous for its glaciers, water-
falls, beaches and volcanoes—but there’s so much more to it…
Waterfall in Eyjafjöll.
Northern lights in Almannagjá, Þingvellir National Park.
SOUTH ICELAND