Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. You should go there. Not just because it’s one of the coolest places you’ll ever experience but more importantly so you can participate in a movement of God that is shaping the spiritual landscape of this nation. Volcanoes and God are shaping Iceland’s future right before our eyes.
If you’ve never traveled to a part of the earth where the movement of 2 tectonic plates is visible and volcanic activity is regular you need to get there. It is awe inspiring to see our planet that God created moving and changing at this very moment. It gives you a deeper sense of wonder and appreciation for the creative power that God alone can unleash. As of October 2023 there has been a dramatic increase of geological and volcanic activity in Iceland. In December 2023 a nearly 3 mile long fissure erupted north of the southern coastal fishing community Grindavik, which had been evacuated.
map YOUR ROUTE THROUGH ICELAND’S BEAUTY AND GO WHERE GOD IS
In the summer of 2018 my wife Kimberly and I spent nearly a day traversing part of the Golden Circle route in Iceland. During the summer it stays daylight nearly the entire day. So, even though our flight into Keflavik didn’t arrive until 9pm we opted to rent a vehicle instead of getting a hotel room and simply drive through the well lit night. The map graphic above shows the counter clockwise route we made. The route is briefly detailed with approximate times below:
- Keflavik International Airport, 9pm, dinner and pick up rental car
- Stop at lave tube and field (near Blue Lagoon) continuing to Grindavik, 10pm
- Hveragerdi, 12am, short nap then 3am nearly 4 mile round trip hike to Reykjadalur “steam” valley to bathe in a hot water stream.
- Haukadalur geyser and Gullfoss Falls, 6am with breakfast at Hotel Gullfoss, 7am
- Thingvellier National Park, 10am, explore rift valley and tectonic plate crests and learn about this the first settlement of Norse and Celtic people in this land.
- Reykjavik, capitol of Iceland, 11:30 am, lunch at Subway
While many volcanos around the earth have explosive eruptions from a single point, the activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula is a fissure vent, or volcanic fissure. It is a long channel/tube underground. When the lava finally flows to the surface it often creates a thick lava plateau that shapes and changes the landscape. Utilize online volcano sites to see past eruptions in Iceland and get updated on current seismic and volcanic activity.
THE SPIRITUAL LANDSCAPE OF ICELAND
Iceland is a beautiful outdoor wonder that is easily accessible. But, don’t just travel there for adventure and exploration. Be part of a Christian movement that is growing and shaping Iceland’s future. I found the video, Christian By Default, in 2023 while researching for this article.
It tells the story of Christian communities being active in their communities, serving God and helping to shape Iceland’s future for Christ. It especially focuses on Loftstofan Church in Reykjavik. Had I viewed this video back in 2018 when I traveled to Iceland, I would have scheduled time to meet with someone from one of the churches represented. Since I didn’t, it would be good to schedule another trip to Iceland and make Christian ministry, fellowship and learning a more central part of an Icelandic travel experience.
Iceland is an amazing place. I encourage readers of map – A Travel Lifestyle Magazine to consider making travel plans to go there. Go with the heart to support Christians who live and serve God there. Go with the desire to learn. Plan to explore the changing landscape BUT plan to deeply pursue God, be changed and shaped into new land on which God can build a beautiful future.
LET’S GO!
Want to go to Iceland, explore God’s incredible earth being shaped before your eyes and fellowship with Christians who are pursuing God to shape the future of their nation? CONTACT US and ask about upcoming travel itineraries. Post a comment below and share your thoughts about radiating God’s love, grace and hope when you travel. Share this story in your social media and use the hashtag #fromheretoeternity
#fromheretoeternity
