by Kyle Schwartz

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2009

Sadly, Iceland has long been ignored by the masses travel destination due to the long-standing stereotype of the retreat. When one thinks of paradise, they are instantly reminded of sandy beaches, blue cloudless skies,and a cheerful myriad of coconut palms, but almost never recall the bitter cold, striking atmosphere, and utterly haunted beauty that is Iceland. Indeed, the mid-tropics may appeal to people of a particular disposition, but it does not take a truly special person to appreciate a land as beautiful, unique, and steeped in history as Iceland.

The geography of Iceland is considered to be one of it's greatest charms, for there are few places in this world where one may look over their shoulder and witness a sight worthy of a photograph regardless of where they are.The sheer cliffs, epic mountain ranges, and mythical lava formations are only a few of the highlights that seem to follow you across the country. Iceland owes its geographical prowess mostly to its extraordinary wealth in volcanic activity, which also provides the inhabitants with a cheap and reliable source of energy in the form of geothermal power plants. The volcanic nature of the country also creates great expanses of black sand desert, which,for the brave of heart, provide a challenging and thoroughly rewarding trek.

It is also difficult to find a location that is not involved in at least one of the many ancient Icelandic legends, myths, and folk tales that captivate locals and travelers alike. Iceland is home to a vast variety of ancient literature, some of the more notable being, the Sagas and the Poetic Edda. Anyone who is familiar with Thor, Odin, or any other of the famous icons associated with Norse mythology may be interested in discovering their root in the Poetic Edda which makes up almost the entirety of Norse Mythology. Almost everywhere you stand has played some part in the history of the island, and it is, for me,a truly experience to walk upon the same earth as a famous saint, hero, or tribal leader that played a decisive role in history.

Something about Iceland that makes it all the more extraordinary is that many aspects of it are not permanent. If you travel the Ring Road with a guide, he will tell you more than once, that if you visit again in a decade, that a particular point of interest may be gone entirely, however, Iceland is in a countries version of adolescence, and therefore, change is to be expected around every turn, so while the spectacle that you see today may be gone, a new, and just as exiting one may have taken it's place. Glaciers melt to reveal unearthly wisps or rock that have been formed by the slow and steady movement of the ice, rivers carve massive valleys into the very earth, and wind shapes the all but impervious stone crags of enormous mountains,this is the mercurial and endearing nature of Iceland.

Unfortunately, not only the land is this changeable, the economy of Iceland, only a few years ago, was the best in the world, now, with the instability of the global economy, Iceland has suffered greatly, where unemployment was almost unheard-of, there are now a great many people without jobs.While Iceland is, without a doubt, one of the greatest underappreciated, travel destinations in the world, it may be wise to wait until the economy builds its self back up before booking a flight.

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