Page 172 - Off the Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 1 of 2)

168

NATURAL WONDERS FORGET

YELLOWSTONE?

THE BUILD-UP As the world’s first national
park, Yellowstone ranks high on most travelers’
must-see lists, and with good reason. This
magnificent wilderness, sitting atop one of the
world’s few mega-volcanoes, features numerous

North American wildlife, and an impressive
Iceland lakes and waterfalls, vast forests, a menagerie of
collection of colorful hot springs, bubbling mud
pots, steaming rivers, and dramatic geysers.

THE LETDOWN A visit to Yellowstone will be
hampered by sheer tourist numbers. Most
campgrounds and other accommodations are
fully booked through the temperate summer
vs Yellowstone months, so advance reservations are essential,
thwarting hopes of spontaneous travel. Without
resorting to a guided tour, visitors will need to
rent a car or private vehicle to explore the park.
If it is natural fountains and geothermal heat you desire, consider this sub-Arctic
GOING ANYWAY? The best time of year to beat
destination in the middle of the North Atlantic over the ever-popular Yellowstone the biggest crowds is September, when the fall
colors emerge, but late-season visitors risk snow
and sub-freezing temperatures. Determined
and dynamic. While Yellowstone’s geothermic summer visitors will find detailed information
NEED TO KNOW
activities are derived from its underlying mega- on www.nps.gov/yell.
LOCATION Iceland is located in volcano, Iceland’s are created by the Mid-Atlantic
the North Atlantic Ocean just (SFFOMBOE
4FB
south of the Arctic Circle Ridge. Along this mostly undersea ridge, tectonic
VISITORS PER )VTBWJL movement between the European and North
YEAR Less than one for
"LVSFZSJ American plates is literally ripping the island in two.
each of the 300,000 citizens
*$&- "/% The resulting rift, which slashes across the island,
DAYTIME
TEMPERATURES (&:4*3 allows volcanic materials to nudge upward from
Jan: 36°F (2°C); Apr: 45°F 3FZLKBWÓL the center of the earth and, in places, form
(7°C); Jul: 60°F (16°C);
Oct: 45°F (7°C) /PSUI "UMBOUJD 0DFBO volcanoes, geothermal fields, a kaleidoscope of
colorful rock formations, and plenty of other ABOVE Crowds gazing out over Artist Point overlooking the
surprises. Visitors will find countless ways to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park
Apart from the fact that both Yellowstone and experience these throughout Iceland.
Iceland feature awesome geothermal wonders, the Perhaps the most impressive destination is
differences between the two destinations could Landmannalaugar, in the desolate interior. Here,
hardly be greater. The highlights of world- those who are prepared for outdoor adventure can PRACTICAL INFORMATION
renowned Yellowstone nestle amidst the forested lounge in natural outdoor hot springs or hike
hills and snow-capped peaks of North America’s across spectacular rhyolite hills to crater lakes, Getting There and Around accommodations to comfortable
Flights from Europe and North double rooms.
Rocky Mountains. Those of Iceland occupy a fumaroles, and mounds of natural obsidian glass.
America arrive at Keflavík, which When to Go
windswept and nearly treeless island just south of Alternatively, ferries link the Icelandic mainland is about an hour’s bus ride from
the Arctic Circle in the stormy North Atlantic. with the steaming Vestmannaeyjar Islands, where Reykjavík. Iceland can also be a The best time to visit is Jun–Aug,
when daylight is almost perpetual.
Given its less-than-perfect climatic conditions, the town of Heimaey was almost buried beneath stopover destination on a trans- There are few tourist services at
one might wonder what makes Iceland a worthy lava in 1973. It was also the spot that saw the new Atlantic flight. Geysir and other other times, although winter does
geothermal spots are accessible
alternative to Yellowstone. To any first-time visitor, volcanic island of Surtsey emerge from the sea as allow the possibility of watching
using local buses or on a range
it is immediately clear that its landscape is alive recently as half a century ago. of locally organized guided tours. the aurora borealis, a natural
An easy day trip east of Reykjavík lies Geysir, a light phenomenon that occurs in
Where to Eat the northern polar regions.
geothermal area after which all other spouting hot Inexpensive Icelandic meals are
springs, or geysers, are named. Here, you’ll find the largely forgettable, but the fresh Budget per Day for Two
Great Geysir which can send a blast of steaming – and very pricey – local Around US$420 including
restaurant meals, hotel
water up to 130 ft (40 m) into the air. However, it is seafood can be superb. accommodations, and bus travel.
Iceland’s finest and most
not very reliable, so to pass the time, enjoy the Eating at cafés and staying in
imaginative gourmet seafood
nearby dependable Strokkur Geysir, which erupts dishes are found at hostels, “sleeping-bag
every few minutes with 65-ft (20-m) blasts. Sjávarkjallarinn in Reykjavík accommodations”, or farmhouse
Combine these geysers and their empty (www.sjavarkjallarinn.is). accommodations will bring
down the expenses.
landscapes with pristine Pingvellier National Park Where to Stay
and the serene and beautiful Gullfoss waterfall and Hotel Geysir (www.geysircenter. Websites
com) at Geysir offers a range of www.icetourist.is
you have Iceland’s Golden Circle of attractions –
options, from camping www.geographia.com/iceland
ABOVE Visitors enjoying the natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar more than a match for bustling Yellowstone.

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