Geysers and waterfalls - what you can see in the Scandinavian countries?
Everyone who targets their journeys rather chooses corners that captivate with the natural beauty of nature, rather than extensive urban agglomerations, should be interested in Scandinavia. In addition to the majestic mountains and clean forests, we will find there picturesque coasts and stunning water surprises - geysers gushing from the ground and waterfalls falling with great force.
Scandinavia does not belong to the most popular destinations of Poles. Perhaps due to the widespread search for a place of rest rather warmer regions than Poland, i.e. located in the south. However, the cause may also be a simple lack of knowledge about this area of Europe. It turns out that the northern regions of our continent are fascinating lands, hiding a lot of surprises. Their undeniable advantage is especially the stunning nature.
Northern Europe
Scandinavian countries include those that are located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, namely Norway and Sweden. Traditionally, Denmark is also included in this group. In an even broader sense, due to historical and cultural connections, Scandinavia is generally called Northern Europe, within which five countries are located: Norway , Sweden, Denmark as well as Iceland and Finland. Admittedly, the precise names make us speak of these countries as Nordic (i.e. northern - from the word "nord" meaning north), and not Scandinavian, but - as it is said - the opinions of scholars are somewhat divided here.
Grace of water
Ever since school, everyone probably associates Scandinavia with the original coast called the fjord. However, there are many more charms of water. Scandinavia opens up a wealth of water attractions to its guests. They include rivers, lakes, geysers, waterfalls and numerous coastal islands. It is a picturesque remnant of glaciers and ice sheets that covered these areas 10,000 years ago.
Norwegian fjords
The fjords are a characteristic way of shaping the coast. Sea water pours into the land through countless rock chasms, creating extremely interesting views. These natural wonders have been appreciated by being entered on the UNESCO list - Geirangerfjord (the most spectacular) and Sognefjord (the deepest and longest) were on it - every tourist should see them when traveling to Norway .
Waterfalls
The varied terrain is the cause of the countless waterfalls. Only the more important ones exceed a thousand! The highest - though composed of several streams - is Vinnufossen, has a height of 860 meters. The highest single-stream is Mangefossen - 773m, of which 300m completely free fall. However, the most visited waterfall is Vøringsfossen, 145m vertical, and 182m total water fall, ending in the picturesque Måbødalen Valley .
The power of nature
It is not difficult to imagine the enormous power of such a phenomenon. Locals learned to use it to generate energy and built several hundred power plants that are powered by the power of falling water. Therefore, outside the summer season, some waterfalls are closed, i.e. invisible, because the water stream is directed to the buildings of the power plant. Also the low temperature, which even water falls freeze in winter, is the reason why these unusual phenomena should be visited in summer. They look most spectacular from May to July, when after the spring thaws they contain the most water.
Scandinavian islands
A great variety of views in Scandinavia is also the accumulation of coastal islands. In Norway alone, we can find up to 150,000. These small islands called skerries are even a place of residence for local nature lovers. Some create enchanting, larger archipelagos, among them Lofoten and Vesterålen are particularly well-known .
Natural fountains
Water can enchant you with spectacular effects. And while the smaller or larger waterfalls are usually even a little known to us from experience, we think of water gushing under enormous pressure from the ground only with a fountain. Meanwhile, in the Scandinavian countries you can watch natural geysers reaching a height of several dozen meters!
Icelandic geysers
The word "geyser" comes from the name of the largest geyser in Iceland, Geysir. Because Iceland is famous for these amazing natural surprises. Geysers are created on the basis of hot springs, from which a column of boiling, steaming water regularly pops up from time to time. There are only six regions in the world where this rare phenomenon can be seen. It is worth going to the Scandinavian countries for an expedition to admire them.
Hot Springs
Hot springs, whose geysers are such a spectacular additional effect, also serve people for spa purposes. An example is the Icelandic Blue Lagoon ( Bláa Lónið) on the Reykjanes Peninsula , which offers bathing in warm, steaming water rich in minerals.
Other natural attractions
Iceland also offers beautiful waterfalls, wide black beaches along the ocean, rivers, streams, vast meadows and steep cliffs, as well as picturesque fjords. With a little effort, you can also reach the well-known volcanic areas of Námafjall near Lake Mývatn. Finland is famous for its pristine nature and Sweden for ecology. All these countries are noteworthy, and their extraordinary richness of nature calls for them to start packing.
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