All About Iceland

This incredible country of fire and ice is located in the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans and is uniquely situated on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is what causes it to be so volcanically active.  More than 35% of its small population of under 400,000 people live in the capital city of Reykjavik.

The first medieval Norwegians to build a settlement on the island arrived in 874 CE, but archaeological evidence exists that suggests a group of Hiberno-Scottish monks may have arrived on the island as early as one hundred years before that.  Though Iceland today feels like a desolate island, it was heavily forested when it was first settled more than 1,000 years ago.  It’s hard to imagine Iceland as heavily forested!  Unfortunately, farming contributed to the heavy deforestation of the island as settlers focused on pastoral farming, including raising horses.

Icelandic horses, though they may be small in stature, are hardy in spirit.  Adapted to the ruggedness of the island nation, this breed is heavily regulated in Iceland to keep the population healthy.  Foreign born horses are not permitted to enter the country, and once a native horse leaves, it’s not permitted to return.  Averaging between 13 and 14 hands high, Icelandic horses are known for their five gaits – walk, trot, canter, tölt, and flying pace.

Trail rides by tourists in Iceland are extremely popular, as it’s an incredible way to see the diverse, almost alien, landscape of this island nation.  The landscape can change from coastal fields of lupines to desolate lava fields in just a few miles, and transform once again to a verdant countryside littered with some of the most incredible waterfalls you’ve ever seen.  It is truly like wandering through a fantasy novel!

If you’ve been to Iceland, post your favorite experience from there in the comments below!  

We hope everyone has a great weekend (Happy Halloween if you celebrate!) and we will be back next week to stamp our passports again!