The mentioned book
by Jules Verne, takes part in Iceland. It is about an eccentric old scientist
named Professor Hardwigg that finds directions to the centre of the earth in an
old book.
He sets out along with his nephew Henry, and an Icelandic guide named
Hans to Iceland, where he enters a dormant volcano, that supposedly leads to the
centre of the earth. After many weeks of travelling, they come to a huge sea in
the middle of the earth.
Photo. Icelandic monster.
Have you even seen a creature like this?
So they tried to find their way back again, but they were caught in a lava
stream of a volcano that was on the brink to erupt. When they come out, they
find themselves thousands of miles away from their starting point. The nature is
so diverse and unique. The amazing scenery described in this book is fully
inspired from Iceland. It describes the features of Reykjavik and
Snæfellsjokull, the volcano that is served as the gateway to the centre of the
earth. This adventurous journey is just what I got some tastes of when I entered
Iceland.
It is truth that the sky over Iceland always is blue. It's hard to believe if
you don't see it. Most of the year, you can't see the sky and the sun. It`s also
truth that after it rains the sun will shine again. Seldom do the inhabitants
see the sun shine over this beautiful country, but when I set my first foot on
the island the sun shined. Also for the coming day of my stay it was light whole
the time, even in the daytime.
The day I returned few days later it started to rain. It`s amazing to see how
the rains make this Viking island even more mythical. Gullfoss Waterfall
Approximately 80 % of the country's areas is uninhabited, and lies about the
so-called 400 metres line above sea level. This was just as I experienced.
On my excursions
I travelled through deserts
and unspoiled nature. In south central Iceland I experienced the beautiful
two-tiered waterfall Gullfoss. Here I really felt the force of the nature. The
nature is so diverse and unique. So I can fully understand why the author Jules
Verne was inspired from Iceland`s scenery when I wrote the mentioned book. When
the sun shine, which happened very seldom, it is possible to see a rainbow too.
Photo. Gullfoss Waterfall, a beautiful natural
phenomena.
For a time ago the area was offered for sale for international bidders for
hydroelectric development, but fortunately the government purchased it and it is
now a national monument.
|
Photo. Statue of a famous protector of the
beautiful waterfall.
She become a big hero in Iceland for her protection of the
beautiful waterfalls. |
 |
Earthquakes and volcanoes
I
can understand that Neil Armstrong and his colleagues did their training on the
moon look a like landscape before they made their venture to the moon for the
first time in the history. The Icelandic wonder of nature could be explained both mythical
and religious.
So it`s true that
you can interact with Iceland´s world of natural wonders in endless ways.Stories about the
Viking Gods start with heat and ice, and end with flames and floods. It is just
what Iceland is like: a land with fire and ice. Has "Rangarok" just been a
mythical disaster? Enormous forces from earthquakes and volcanoes have shaped
the island. When I look back on Iceland's history today, I am willing to believe
that "Ragnarok" has been a reality in the past. The Vikings thought that the
first world ended at a great battle called "Ragnarok".
Photo. The Volcanic crater called Kerio.
I am sure that it has been a "Ragnarok" here. Since Iceland is know for
earthquakes and volcanoes is natural to believe that it is much smoke around in
the country. The capital in Iceland is named Reykjavik, directly translated to
"Smokey Bay", the world's northernmost capital. Despite its name, it is now
known as the "smokeless city" regarding its incessant wind and reliance on
geothermal heat. The only thing that makes the sight unclear sometimes must be
the weather.
Photo. The nice and lively capital Reykjavik in Iceland.
Read more about Iceland. This
article continues in part 2.
Stein Morten Lund, 15 July 2002
Additional information
Iceland has the last
years been one of Europe`s hottest destinations. It`s natural wonder, various
range of activities and party life appeal much to people who look for an
extraordinary adventure. In Iceland you can get everything! Why not try a
combined tour?
Facts about Iceland:
Full country name:
Republic of
Iceland
Area:
103,000 sq km (39,768 sq mi)
Population:
279,000
Capital city: Reykjavík (pop
171,500)
People: 97% Icelanders
Language: Icelandic
Religion: 95%
Evangelical Lutheran, 3% other Protestant denominations, 1% Roman
Catholic, & some followers of Ásatrú, an ancient Norse
religion
Government: Constitutional
republic
The Official Travel
Guide to Iceland: click on the link for more information about Iceland
www.icetourist.is
Frequent flights operate to
Iceland from
main cities in Europe and North
America and many gateways are served daily.
Check out the routes and prices on Iceland Air`s website: www.icelandair.no.
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