Cottages Iceland

Shaped by forces of nature Iceland, also known as the land of fire and ice, is every nature lover’s dream and chances are that you are visiting it for its natural beauty. A landscape characterized by glittering glaciers, black sand beaches, bubbling hot springs, steaming lava fields, and volcanoes cause island to have one of the most mesmerizing landscapes unlike any other place. Even though almost all the natural highlights are accessible, they seem to be untouched by human civilization. This is partly because 80% of the country is uninhabited and this makes it the least populated country of Europe. Despite it is called Iceland, only about 10% of the land is covered in ice but this represents the largest glaciers which are left in Europe. Iceland is also the frontrunner of renewable energy production and has been declared the world’s greenest country.

Between the fascinating landscapes you will be able to enjoy a peaceful environment and recharge your energy and positive emotions. Besides the unique nature, it is a must to visit the city of Reykjavik and discover its surroundings and feel the ambiance of the city. What better way to explore the nature of Iceland than by staying in the middle of it? With Nature house you can find your accommodation in the midst of all the wonders with magnificent views.

Nature is the highlight of the country

For most mammals, Iceland is very difficult to reach. However, birds are the exception. Iceland is the perfect destination for bird lovers. Huge seabird colonies can be found along the coasts. Places like - cliffs, lakes, rivers, beach plains and marshes provide the best breeding ground for the birds. The most common birds along the coast are - guillemot, puffin, fulmar and kittiwake. However, also other different bird species can be found, such as - harlequin duck, Icelandic spectacle diver, wild swan and eider duck.

The only land mammal that managed to reach the island is the arctic fox. The mammals that are currently present on the island have been introduced accidentally or intentionally. For example, minks and reindeers were imported intentionally. In the neighborhood of Egilsstadir it is possible to come across large reindeer herds. Polar bears do not occur on the island, but a set-up specimen can be seen in Húsavík. There are two types of seals that live on the coast - the common seal and the cone seal or gray seal. In the clear waters around Iceland a lot of fish species can be found, such as - trout, salmon, flatfish, eel, the brook knight, cod and the three-spined spiny bass. Mammals, such as whales and dolphins also can be found. In addition, it is possible to go on a boat trip and if you are lucky, spot them! The whales tend to appear at the beginning of June and leave at the end of August. Seesaw dolphins and orcas can also be regularly spotted!

There is a good reason why Iceland is referred to as the land of ice and fire because the land is characterized by, obviously, ice and fire. The ice landscape includes massive glaciers, fjords, thundering waterfalls, and icebergs. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on earth and this plays an important role in shaping the surroundings; endless lava fields and volcanic craters can be found. All the geothermal heat provided by the volcanoes has made Iceland one of the least polluted countries.

Because of Iceland’s isolation and the limited opportunity for species to reach the country, there are only around 490 species of plants found on the island. There are almost no trees growing in Iceland due to the colonialization many years ago. However, many attempts have been made to recultivate the woodland and so far over 85 foreign tree species have been introduced such as the lodgepole pine and the sitka spruce. Native plant species include downy birch, tea-leafed willow, and the rowan. The mountain avens has been voted the national flower of Iceland as it flourishes in every region of the country. In Icelandic folklore, the flower has the power to attract wealth form the earth.

What to do in Iceland

The natural phenomena make the country full of activities stimulating people to visit and discover Iceland. The most popular activity is looking for the northern lights. Regularly it can be seen between September and April. In Iceland you can build unforgettable memories by visiting an ice cave! The second largest glacier in Iceland is the Langjökull glacier. It is about 500 meters long and about 40 meters deep. If you are planning to visit Iceland only for a few days, you must rent a car or take a tour that goes through the Golden Circle route. This route is approximately 300 kilometers long. However, it is a very valuable experience as you will pass a number of highlights of the destination. The Golden Circle route includes stopovers at must see places like - Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir.

Iceland is known as the land of the midnight sun. In Reykjavík it will not get dark at night from May 21 until July 30, as the sun barely sets in summer. Around the summer solstice, the sun is visible for the full 24 hours in the Westfjords and North Iceland. This is good news if you are traveling in summer and want extra time to discover the country. This natural phenomenon makes it possible to take a trip to a waterfall in the evening, or visit another highlight. Evenings are the best time to visit the most popular areas as it is very busy during the daytime. A "must-do" if traveling to Iceland in summer is to visit the Blue Lagoon. Relax in this clear blue water that can reach 37 ° C! You can also take a boat trip in the summer to spot whales, kayaking, hiking, go horse riding or swimming. Do you opt for easy going and relaxing holidays? Then stay at one of the Nature.house unique houses! Choose the location and the environment that will allow you to experience the beauty right in front of your yard!

Must do experiences

Blue lagoon

The blue lagoon is a geothermal spa and is located in a lava field and in front of a mountain and is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. It is the only site where you can swim in a 40-degree water all year round and be surrounded by snow at the same time. The contrast of the aquamarine water in contrast with the black background ensures an impressive contrast and causes it to be one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. The lagoon is man-made and the water is supplied by water used in the Svartsengi geothermal power station.

Lake Myvatn

As Iceland fourth-largest body of water, Lake Myvatn, is home to impressive geological features, an abundance of flora and fauna, and is surrounded by many incredible sites. There is a lot to discover here such as the waterfall of the Gods, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Europe. The lake is a highlight of the Diamond Circle, a popular travel route in northern Iceland. The lake itself and its surrounding wetlands make a great habitat for a number of waterbirds. Moreover, Myvatn is surrounded by volcanic landforms.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is a site of historical, geologicall, and cultural importance and a very popular tourist destination is Iceland. The park has been created to protect the diverse phenomena in the area and has been designed an UNESCO world heritage site. Þingvellir is one of the only places in the world where people can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed. In between the plates is a plateau of dried lava fields and rocks, covered in Icelandic moss. There is a lot more to visit, such as the rumbling waterfall Öxaràfoss. Furthermore, it is home to the glacial spring Silfra Fissure which is a great site for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Golden circle route

This iconic day route is a great way to discover all the history, folklore and natural beauty of Iceland. You can drive through the countryside seeing geysers, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. The route starts in Reykjavik past Þingvellir national park, Geysir geothermal area, and the gullfoss waterfall and can find a lot more attractions along the way. It covers around 230 kilometers and thus can easily be done in one day.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is not your typical kind of beachy destination. The sand on this beach is black and one of the best non tropical beaches in the world. It is perfect for surfing and is surrounded by basalt columns which originate from Reynisfjall Mountain. If you drive a little bit further, you arrive at Dyrhólaey, which is a giant pillar of dark lava arhcing into the sea. According to Icelandic folklore, these basalt columns were trolls trying to pull ships from the ocean to shore. However, these trolls went out too late in the night and when the sun rose on the horizon, they were turned into solid stone.

Staying in Iceland

Hella

Hella is a small town located in the south of Iceland and a significant regional center for the area. The history of Hella dates back to the earliest days of Iceland a it sits by the river Ytri-Ranga, it was a source of water and salmon for early settlers. It is the perfect location if you want to explore the south of Iceland. The most notable are the Golden Circle route, Reynisfjara beach, the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. In the town itself you can do activities such as dog-sledding, horseback riding, and hiking.

Reykjavik

As the capital, Reykjavik holds over 60% of the entire population living in Iceland. The coastline is recognized by its coves, peninsulas, and many small islands. As it has a good harbor, fishing is a huge part of the city. Even though it is relatively not a very big city, there is still much to do; it is the starting point for whale watching tours, there are many museums good restaurants with Icelandic cuisine, and swimming pools. There are also tons of great activities near the city such as the Golden Circle tour, the blue lagoon, and the black sand beach. It is a colorful, modern, and charming city with many open spaces.

Northeastern region

Towering mountains, powerful waterfalls, lava fields, whale-watching capital and the film location of Game of Thrones, make the Northeastern region of Iceland the ideal location who prefers to explore off the beaten track. Main attractions in the area are the longest glacial river, Europe’s largest waterfall, and many bubbling hot springs. It is an incredible escape from reality.

Polar nights and Midnight sun

Most people in Iceland consider the country only to have two seasons; summer and winter. Before you go to Iceland, it is important to decide whether you want to visit it to see the landscapes in Arctic colors and see the Northern Lights, or whether you want to experience the midnight sun and have countless of hours to explore. The general climate in Iceland is cold, windy, and cloudy for most of the time. The cold is due to its high latitude and winds from the North Pole. This is, however, tempered by the ocean and the Gulf Stream which results in an unpredictable climate where sudden changes can occur. The north of the country tends to be colder because the Gulf stream does not reach there. The underground volcanic activity can cause glaciers to suddenly meld and lead to floods. Maybe surprising but the winters in Iceland are actually not that cold in the coastal areas and temperatures can exceed the freezing point which means rain instead of snow. In inland, the temperatures are around -15 degrees in winter periods. The warmest months in summer tend to be around 9-14 degrees and it never gets extremely hot.

The best time to visit Iceland is in summer, from June until August. Spring months tend to be cold and very similar to winter with frequent snowfalls. If you want to go skiing, we recommend going around March because the days are starting to get longer. For an opportunity to spot the Northern Lights, the months November to January are the best because the nights are long. For your trip to Iceland, warm clothes are a must, even in summer. But, do not forget your bikini if you want to bathe in one of the geothermal pools!

Nordic cottages

If you are looking for a relaxing, tranquil stay in Iceland, we got you. With our charming cottages in Iceland, your stay in nature is guaranteed. During the day you can explore the wonders of Iceland, see all the sights and enjoy the diversity of the country, and when you are done for the day retreat in a cozy cabin. Most of them have a typical Nordic look, making the experience complete. As you are probably out all day sightseeing, you do not need much from your accommodation, but the houses are equipped with everything you might need. If you prefer a small accommodation, try one of our tiny houses on Iceland. The nature of Iceland is absolutely stunning and a must see for every traveler. Book your holiday now and be ready to be left in awe of the wonders of this island.