In search of the Northern Lights

Sobre o destino: Reykjavik não é a típica capital, não possui edifícios magníficos, um centro histórico ou grandes monumentos, esta cidade é muito mais do que isso. A capital da Islândia é diferente, cheia de vida e muito próxima da natureza. A sua localização, à margem do Oceano Atlântico, entre dois fiordes e rodeada por um quadro vulcânico lunar, torna a cidade, cujo nome significa literalmente Baía de Fumaças, incomparavelmente especial. A capital mais setentrional do mundo é o lugar perfeito para amantes de atividades ao ar livre e da vida selvagem. Rodeada pelo mar, a observação de baleias é uma das atividades turísticas mais populares. A cidade tem muitos espaços abertos: parques, áreas para pedestres, um lago situado ao lado da prefeitura e a praia geotérmica de Nauthólsvik a apenas 15 minutos do centro da cidade. Por toda a cidade existem 7 piscinas geotérmicas municipais onde os locais vão para socializar e relaxar após o trabalho. Outras atividades como ciclismo, caminhadas, equitação, vela e pesca podem ser desfrutadas à porta da capital. Além de todas as suas maravilhas naturais, Reykjavik sempre tem algo a oferecer. É uma cidade cosmopolita e dinâmica, cheia de museus, galerias de arte e aconchegantes cafeterias. A sua vida noturna é emocionante e ultrajante, durante uma noite fora, parece que os locais estão compensando a proibição de cerveja que vigorou até 1989 e os pontos noturnos tendem a ficar abertos até as primeiras horas da manhã. Durante o dia, a capital é um lugar muito mais relaxado, com suas casas coloridas, ruas livres de lixo e um ritmo de vida tranquilo. Reykjavik é considerada uma das cidades mais limpas, verdes e seguras do mundo. Perder-se nesta cidade é quase impossível: a igreja Hallgrímskirkja e a colina Öskjuhlíð são visíveis da maioria dos lugares no centro da cidade e são marcos essenciais para a orientação. Reykjavik é dinâmica, criativa, moderna, aconchegante e muito especial. Sua personalidade peculiar e arredores magnéticos farão você concordar que não há cidade melhor no mundo.

About the destination: Arnarstapi is a small town located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This area is home to several quaint and historic houses, each with their own unique stories, and is well-known for its stunning natural beauty. The beach at Arnarstapi is a particular point of interest. It features a naturally eroded stone arch, known as Gatklettur, where the combination of the sun's light and the crashing waves creates a mesmerizing display. The area is also a nesting ground for large colonies of arctic terns, making it a favorite spot for photographers. A former horse trail that runs through the Hellnahraun lava field is a popular hiking destination due to the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds it.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town located in the northern part of Iceland. It holds the distinction of being Iceland's second largest urban area and the fourth largest municipality. Often referred to as the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri serves as a significant port and fishing hub. Akureyri is a visually appealing town, situated by a picturesque fjord, featuring a mix of architectural styles and streets that meander through gorges. Take some time to explore the town center, where you can see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally "the art canyon"), which houses a variety of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The peaceful municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is also worth a visit, as are the several small museums scattered throughout the town.

About the destination: Hofn is the only urban center you'll encounter after passing Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Although it's a rather gray and unattractive town, it's a convenient place to stay overnight due to its close proximity to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (78 km) and the massive Vatnajokull. Hofn is located on a peninsula in the southeast of Iceland and is surrounded by several small islands, with Mikley being the largest, followed by Krókalátur and Hellir to the east of the city. The name Hofn translates to "port" and it's one of the few fishing ports in southern Iceland. Navigation here requires caution due to the formation of sandbanks that need to be frequently dredged to maintain a minimum depth of 7-8 meters. This port can freeze over during the harshest winter months. Hofn also has an airport that only operates domestic flights. It's located on the Ring Road, accessible via route 99. The most significant cultural event in Hofn is the renowned lobster festival, which takes place on the first weekend of July. Hofn is home to several museums, including the Glacier Museum, the Museum of Folklore, and the Nautical Museum, among others. We stayed in Hofn for two nights as we made a round trip to the south of Iceland (Iceland: Organizational Data). During our stay, we took several walks through the streets, visited supermarkets, gas stations, and dined at the port's restaurants, which were very close to our apartment. We couldn't do much more after arriving in the village in the afternoon with almost everything closed. The most striking aspect of Hofn is the wild nature that surrounds it. Here are some examples of the landscapes near this town.

Informacje o miejscu docelowym: Islandia to niezwykła wyspa wypełnione przepiękną naturą - wulkanami, gejzerami, wodospadami i lodowcami. To kraj, który przez wiele wieków zamknięty był na migrację dzięki czemu rodziny potrafią wskazać swoich przodków na wiele pokoleń wstecz. Tu latem słońce nie zachodzi w ogóle, ale za to zimą ciemności panują przez cały dzień. Nie odstrasza to jednak turystów spragnionych krajobrazów rodem z baśni oraz niesamowitej kultury. Bo tu nawet zimą mimo minusowych temperatur wszystko wygląda magicznie - nawet ośnieżone dachy domków wyglądają niczym wyjęte wprost z krainy świętego Mikołaja. Warto również wiedzieć, że gorące serce chłodnego państwa to stolica - Rejkiawik. Jest to czyste, zadbane, estetyczne miasto, otoczone czarującą przyroda. Tu również można wspiąć się na wieżę kościoła Hallgrimur, by podziwiać panoramę miasta, czy spędzić czas w Błękitnej lagunie nad brzegiem jeziora, gdzie się znajdują SPA i inne centrum wypoczynkowe. Dla spragnionych wrażeń jest też wisienka na torcie - Islandia uważana jest za jedno z najlepszych miejsc na obserwację nocnego nieba na którym podziwiać można zorzę polarną.