Iceland is a unique place located just south of the Arctic Circle. The beauty of Iceland is what tends to draw people to it but there is a lot of culture to take in, as well the stunning scenery when visiting Iceland.
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Every year, thousands of people travel to Scandinavia for the sole reason of backpacking in Iceland. Be prepared though, Iceland is very different to other places you have been before. There are not many official trails to travel along although there is the Laugavegur which stretches 46 miles! Even though there are not a lot of official trails, there are still loads trails that are informal, but can still be used – they can often be picked up from locals.
An incredible Iclandic landscape. The volcanous terrain of Iceland creates incredible views and places to see.
Backpacking along informal trails is different than using official trails. Hikers can be fearful of where the trails will lead them, or if they are about to end suddenly but as long as you use the correct navigational equipment this should be an issue. There is a unique way to find out if the trails are passable: ff there are sheep tracks along the trails then they are safe to use! It may take a while to trust this method, but believe me it works!
I found it interesting that trees are non-existent in Iceland. Due to the cold weather and strong winds, it makes it nearly impossible for them to grow. This same cold weather is the reason that when backpacking in Iceland it is important to wear multiple layers of clothing. The chilling weather is relentless as is the wind.
There are some hazards that will be encountered when backpacking through Iceland. If you get near the ocean, there is a great chance that you will encounter some arctic terns. It is possible that they might dive down at your head so be alert at all times. If you have trekking poles, you have all you need to protect yourself. Also, it is good to know that there are no mosquitoes in Iceland but there are however a lot of gnats. On a warm day, these gnats can become very irritating but a head net will keep them away.
In terms of places to visit, the Skaftafell National Park is a great place to begin or end your backpacking trip. Laki is another outstanding place, it has two craters from eruptions many years ago.
When embarking on a backpacking trip in Iceland, it is important to get holiday backpackers insurance. For a fee this protects you in case of accident during your hiking. It also protects any gear that may be damaged during the trip. It may seem expensive, but if you damage anything during your backpacking trip, you will be glad that you had your insurance.
Every year millions of people go backpacking all over Europe, but if you are looking for a truly unique and challenging backpacking experience, then Iceland is the destination of choice.
This article may also be of interest – Scandinavian Backpacking Itinerary
Click here to see Amazon.com’s range of books on backpacking in Iceland
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