![Iceland - The Land Of Fire & Ice](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/1148/422878/5e6875f637ecc/Iceland.jpeg)
Landing in Iceland makes you feel like you’re arriving at the very edge of the world. For avid trekkers, this place is paradise because of the incredibly rich topography and varied landscape. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, it has stunning blue glaciers, black sandy deserts, over 130 volcanoes, obsidian lava fields, multi-coloured snow-capped mountains, and explosive geysers.
Indeed, Iceland’s very existence is a geographical oddity. It marks the point where the European and American tectonic plates meet, and are pushed apart by volcanic activity, making it one of the most geologically active places on earth.
Iceland is also the most sparsely populated country in Europe; it’s twice the size of Sri Lanka, yet with a population of just 360,000. The first permanent settlement wasn’t established until AD 874, when a Norse Viking Chieftain called Ingólfr Arnarson arrived off the coast with his family. According to local lore, he threw two carved pillars overboard, vowing to set up home where they landed. The pillars washed ashore on a coastline dotted with steam vents; he called the place Reykjavik, which means “bay of smoke” in Norse. His settlement is still the capital today, and home to two thirds of Iceland’s tiny population.
The team and the mission
It’s August 2019, towards the end of the Icelandic summer, and our team of 12 women – part of HER Planet Earth, an Asia-based NGO that promotes female empowerment and environmental conservation (HERplanetearth.com) – touches down in Reykjavik. Most of us live in Singapore or Hong Kong; only one has set foot in Iceland before.
The journey ahead is exciting, and we look forward to spending five days traversing one of the country’s most active, volcanic and alien landscapes: Laugavegur, a trail in the Southern Highlands, originally formed by an eruption in 1477.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December - February 2020-Ausgabe von EL Hong Kong.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December - February 2020-Ausgabe von EL Hong Kong.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![A Writer's Retreat](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf567ca3a33/crp_A-Writers-Retreat.jpg)
A Writer's Retreat
We meet children’s author (and saree enthusiast!) Bhakti Mathur at her peaceful home on the Peak.
![A Lantau Project](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf4cf3d1975/crp_A-LANTAUPROJECT.jpg)
A Lantau Project
The idea of renovating a home had long appealed to Jenya Mcguigan; a recent move from Lamma to Lantau gave her the chance to do exactly that.
![Staycay Season](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf5f05bf475/crp_Staycay-Season.jpg)
Staycay Season
For a change of scenery (and a reminder of the pleasures of travel), check in to one of these five fabulous spots in five very different locations across Hong Kong!
![Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf4e5833eb6/crp_Super-Summer.jpg)
Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer
Are the kids keen for some fun over the holiday? Read on for details of an award-winning school camp programme for the summer – one with 13 different streams to choose from!
![Pictures Of Pooches](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf5d07bb73a/crp_Pictures-of-Pooches.jpg)
Pictures Of Pooches
We meet Romanian expat Mihaela Tudor, and learn about her photography work, including a recent project about pets!
![Middle Eastern Eats](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf51ef9a825/crp_Middle-Eastern-Eats.jpg)
Middle Eastern Eats
We all love dipping into a plate of beautiful hummus, but this ubiquitous dish just begins to scratch the surface of everything that Middle Eastern cuisine brings to the table. Here’s a guide to finding a feast near you!
![20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf53d45a4f2/crp_20-WATERY-WONDERS-Exploring-the-aquatic-of-HK.jpg)
20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK
Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in Hong Kong. Here are 20 ideas to get you started!
![5 Booze Free Bevvies](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf508a91aed/crp_5-Booze-free-Bevvies.jpg)
5 Booze Free Bevvies
Just as plant-based is becoming more and more a “thing” among foodies, so to alcoholfree drinks are appealing to an ever-increasing number of consumers. But how do they taste? To find out, we gave the Sipfree range of wines, spirits and beers a go. Read on to see if we’re converted!
![Let's Talk About Sleep](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf4f6eb6ec1/crp_Lets-Talk-About-Sleep.jpg)
Let's Talk About Sleep
For many new mums and dads, it’s the “holy grail”: getting their new bub to sleep through the night and take long naps during the day! We chat with the founder of Kristin Graham Sleep Consulting about the struggles she faced, and how they prompted her to help those in the same boat.
![5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1148/670628/60bf5b6cd53a7/crp_Tips-for-the-Bedroom.jpg)
5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom
Advice from the team at Blanc Des Vosges on making your sleeping spot a stylish haven.