avatarLucianoSphere (Luciano Abriata, PhD)

Summary

A travelogue featuring a curated selection of 10 stunning, unnamed photos from Iceland, showcasing its diverse natural landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal activity, aimed at inspiring readers to visit the country.

Abstract

The article presents a visual journey through Iceland's natural wonders, captured over an 11-day trip by the author, Luciano Abriata. With an emphasis on the island's pristine beauty, the piece offers a glimpse into the raw and varied landscapes that include icebergs, sulfuric hot springs, and a multitude of waterfalls, without disclosing specific locations. The author complements the visual narrative with insights into the country's geological and climatic conditions, attributing the preservation of its natural state to the low population density and harsh climate. Additionally, the article provides links to further reading on practical tips for traveling in Iceland and invites readers to submit their own stories.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a preference for natural beauty over forests, noting their absence in Iceland.
  • Iceland's harsh climate and geological activity are seen as factors that have protected its landscapes from excessive human impact.
  • The author suggests that the cold and windy climate, along with the temperamental sea and volcanic activity, contribute to the country's unique natural appeal.
  • The article implies that Iceland's position near the north polar circle adds to its allure as a travel destination.
  • The author's enthusiasm for Iceland's natural diversity is evident, as is the recommendation for readers to experience it firsthand.
  • The mention of other related stories and the invitation to write for the platform indicate a desire to engage the audience in a broader conversation about Iceland and travel experiences.
Shot 1: Waterfall in a wall of rocks that break with hexagonal sections. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

10 selected photos of Iceland with no locations or names -just to inspire you to go visit this amazing country

We toured around and inside this country for 11 days. Beautiful scenery everywhere, and an average of 50 photos per day. Here is a small selection for you.

(Check this other story for practical tips about campervan traveling through Iceland).

Iceland is a small island home to all kinds of natural wonders -except forests which you know I love if you follow me. Waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, hot-springs, animals like whales, seals, and various birds. The low population density and the harshness of the climate (very cold and windy) and geology (glaciers, snow, volcanic activity, and a sea with a temper) have dampened the action of men over nature, as compared to other more friendly environments. Thus its natural beauty has remained quite pristine throughout most of the island.

Enjoy here some of my best shots of nature in Iceland, with no names -just to inspire you to go visit this wonderful island country “hanging” from the north polar circle, making it cold above, and where two tectonic plates meet, making it hot below.

Starting with the cold, a lake that extends out of a glacier into the sea, leaving icebergs to drift away and slowly melt in the Atlantic ocean:

Shot 2: Icebergs drifting to sea. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 3: There’s no ice in this one, but I’m sure you’ll find this water very cold to swim in! Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

On the other hand, boiling solutions of concentrated sulphuric literally dissolve the soil as they emerge:

Shot 4: Boiling sulfuric acid dissolves the rocks. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 5: And some regions have large extensions of hot soil that emanates steam 24/7. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

As you saw in the opening picture, waterfalls are stars of Iceland. You can find them in all sizes, shapes, and settings:

Shot 6: Water playing to split the colors of light. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 7: Wide, short cascades… Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 8: …and very tall waterfalls. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 9: Moss-covered waterfall. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.
Shot 10: You can safely hike behind this one if you are ok with getting all wet! Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

Finally, dear reader, if you liked these photos then I recommend these two other stories (one by me, one by tom o'connor):

Write for us!

I am a nature, science, technology, programming, and DIY enthusiast. Biotechnologist and chemist, in the wet lab and in computers. I write about everything that lies within my broad sphere of interests. Check out my lists for more stories. Become a Medium member to access all stories by me and other writers, and subscribe to get my new stories by email (original affiliate links of the platform).

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