Iceland is popular now but before 2010, hardly anyone came to see this spectacular place. It is fascinating now that you can't  find a "must-see" destination list without this amazing country being featured. While there are many reasons why this small, island nation located in the Atlantic ocean is so popular, I am sharing my top six. I split this list into two parts to keep the episodes relatively short. Also, the list is in no particular order because I believe that each of the reasons that I share continue to have a major impact on the country's popularity. Below are three out of six.

1. Nature in Iceland
Craters from a volcano

I can wax poetic about the diverse and beautiful landscape of Iceland all day.  It really is an enchanting place that will surprise and delight you.  I like to this of this country as a foreign planet because it is so unlike anywhere else on earth.  The dark, long winters are a wonderland of snow and ice. Powerful wind storms during this time of the year show you just how intense mother nature can be in this country; and, if you are lucky, you might even get a delightful Northern Lights show.  During the summer, everything springs to life and you can enjoy 24 hours of day light for a few months. This land of contrasts gives you ample opportunity to enjoy loads of activities in each season.

Some of the most notable natural wonders in Iceland are bubbling hot springs, numerous glaciers, active volcanoes, stunning lava rock, black sand beaches, colorful  mountains that can be seen in the highlands, vibrant green moss as far as the eye can see, iceberg filled glacier lagoons, countless waterfalls, and remote wilderness. The power of Icelandic nature usually just affects people who live on the island or those that are visiting. However, in 2010, Eyjafjallajökull, an active volcano, erupted. Strong winds pushed the ash from the volcano  into the direction of major flight routes, which interrupted airline travel for people around the world. It is funny that this eruption is why kicked off the tourism boom. Iceland is popular now because people were so curious to know more about this tiny island that could disrupt the whole airline industry.

Sheep in Iceland photo by Topich

On the land and in the sea surrounding the island, live fascinating animals. If you drive on the ring road (the main one that goes around the country) during the summer, you will come across free roaming sheep and lamb. They outnumber the Icelandic population two to one! You are also likely to spot majestic Icelandic horses grazing or galloping in open fields. The cunning arctic fox can be found throughout Iceland, but the largest population of them can be found in the West fjords. If you are wiling to head into very remote regions in the east, you might spot a reindeer.

About 370 bird species can be found in the country but their presence and whereabouts depends on their breeding habits and season.  The adorable Puffin is a popular bird that many people flock to see in Iceland (pun intended ;-)), but it is only possible to seem them between May and August, when they are breeding.   Luckily, you can see these fascinating birds in different parts of the country. I've had the privilege of viewing Puffins up close in the West Fjords. So cute!

Puffin in Iceland - photo by pascal-mauerhofer

In the vast sea surrounding the island, various whale species and seals have been spotted. Summer time is your best bet for whale watching, so just keep that in mind when you plan to visit.

The country's nature and animals have been popular among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts circles for decades. Over the last few years, the internet, specifically blogs and social media have helped to spread the word about just how amazing nature is in the land of fire and ice.
2. Icelandic People are a Big Part of Why Iceland is Popular
Icelandic people in 1927

Many people think of Iceland as the land of the Vikings.