The Address Magazine Nov-Dec 2013 #92: The Winter Issue

THE VACATION
Nature’s Winter
WONDERLAND
PHOTOGRAPHS hotel rangÁ
WORDS CHUA Siew Ching
Want a memorable winter holiday? Pack your bags and jackets,
and head to South Iceland for fun in the snow and more.
Ready to explore what South Iceland has in
store for you? Here’s a taste of what to expect
Do you just think of volcanoes when someone mentions
Iceland? We don’t blame you for the association, what with
the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 that caused
an almost global logistical nightmare for airline companies.
But along with the word ‘volcano’ also comes the idea of an
exotic getaway that can only be experienced in this Nordic
country, in particular South Iceland – the region about
an hour’s drive away from the capital city Reykjavik. With
Icelandic highlands, glaciers, black sand beaches, stunning
waterfalls, hot springs, nature reserves and historic places as
well as cultural centres for the non-nature buff, South Iceland
makes for an interesting and memorable holiday destination.
Where else can you find mother nature at her best
(and yes, her worst as well) all year round, where various
activities and adventures await from dog sledding to river
rafting? South Iceland just might be your next best holiday
destination, especially if you are looking for something out
of the ordinary.
h a v e a n a d v e n t u r e — The thing about South Iceland is
that there is plenty to do for everyone and for every adrenalin
level. Those who seek more adventure can opt for the
daredevil activities. If you’re into aquatic sports, check out
river rafting in South Iceland, which is not only a challenge
but also an unforgettable experience. Hire a guide who will
navigate you through the canyons of South Iceland’s glacial
rivers, where rapids can be terrifying but exhilarating.
Want to know what’s underneath all that glacier water?
Sign up for a scuba diving trip and suit up. Check out Silfra,
which is a lava ravine in Thingvellir National Park, the site
of the first Icelandic parliament and the Great Atlantic rift
between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
For the past 20 years Silfra has been filtrated due to the new
groundwater it receives from the glaciers. Because of this,
it has a visibility of up to 120 metres in its clear waters, in
particular just below Lake Thingvallavatn. A diver’s dream
come true. ➢
nov/dec 2013 | TA 65