MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 on Iceland's Ringstrasse 1

A country full of contrasts on the north-western edge of Europe: this is Iceland. The island nation in the North Atlantic is known for its hot springs as well as for its huge ice fields. Traditional horse breeding is still practiced there just as successfully as an internationally important aluminum production facility. As a branch of the economy, tourism has also gained in importance in the recent past. The pristine nature not far from the Arctic Circle, the fascinating diversity of the landscape and the contrast formed by active volcanoes and snow-covered glaciers attract visitors from all over the world.

MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4

A weekend trip is not enough to see Iceland's top attractions. The island's special charm only becomes apparent on a round trip. But Iceland's road network is thin. In the interior of the country in particular, many places can only be reached via gravel roads. Iceland's most important road link, Ringstrasse 1, is no exception. In the vicinity of the capital Reykjavik it has been developed as a multi-lane expressway, but some other sections of the Hringvegur are not even paved. That is why the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is the ideal all-round talent for an Icelandic adventure between glaciers and volcanoes. Its ALL4 all-wheel drive system distributes the power of its 131 kW / 178 hp four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology on any surface and in any driving situation between the front and rear wheels as required. The ground clearance of 16,5 centimeters ensures sufficient leeway even on rough bumps. And under the large tailgate of the five-door model, there is a storage volume of between 450 and 1 liters, so that the luggage required for a longer tour can be easily stowed away.

1.350 kilometers along Iceland's coast

Ring Road 1 runs for around 1.350 kilometers, sometimes more, sometimes less, along Iceland's coast. The starting point is the ferry terminal in Seyðisfjörður, where the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is driving on Icelandic soil for the first time. On the way south, the course of the road follows the course of the coast, which is shaped by numerous fjords, for around 200 kilometers. Vatnajökull soon comes into focus there. With a surface area of ​​more than 8 square kilometers, it is the largest glacier in Europe. Vatnajökull forms the center of the national park of the same name, which also includes picturesque river landscapes, waterfalls and active volcanoes.

the ALL4 on dirt roads and gravel deserts

In the further course of the route, detours lead into the interior of the country over unpaved roads, through gravel deserts and through seemingly unreal landscapes made of cooled lava rock. In the vicinity of the village of Selfoss, it is worth leaving Ringstrasse 1 and driving north for about 60 kilometers to observe a spectacular natural spectacle. The two-tier Gullfoss waterfall, together with the neighboring geysers, forms the "Golden Ring", which is one of the most important sights in Iceland.

After returning to the Hringvegur, the island's capital Reykjavik is soon reached. More than 60 percent of the total of around 350 Icelanders live there and in the neighboring region. Reykjavik is a modern metropolis with a lively art and music scene and two special landmarks. The Perlan geothermal power plant, along with restaurants and leisure facilities, is located under a large glass dome and uses hot water from deeper layers of the earth to heat not only the city's residential buildings, but also the sidewalks of the main shopping streets. A similarly spectacular example of modern Icelandic architecture is Hallgrímskirkja, built on a hill in the center of the city. It was designed in the 000s, but was not completed until around 1930 years later. The concrete pillars on the front, reminiscent of basalt columns, are particularly striking. A viewing platform on the 50 meter high tower of the church enables visitors to look far beyond the city limits into the Icelandic natural landscape.

On the northern section of Ringstrasse 1, too, the contrast between the icy glacier surfaces and the hot springs, whose water rises from the volcanic interior of the earth, characterizes the landscape. Iceland lies on the so-called Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide directly below the island. Therefore, in addition to hot thermal water, molten rock constantly penetrates to the surface, where it permanently changes the landscape.

During a detour to the Vestfirðir peninsula, which is rugged by numerous fjords, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 brings out the advantages of its all-wheel drive. The rough coastal landscape of this arctic region in the far north-west of Iceland can mostly only be reached via unpaved gravel roads. The way to the fishing village of Reykhólar in the far west leads past massive mountain formations of volcanic origin. Relaxation after the strenuous tour is provided in one of the natural baths that are widespread in this region and are pleasantly warm in every season.

Just like the breathtaking nature, the history of the island as a base for trade and fishing is present in almost every place along Ringstrasse 1. In Sauðárkrókur, it is worth stopping for fuel at the general store Verzlun H. Júlíusson, which still exudes the charm of the early 20th century. The small town has a fishing port and is also a stronghold of the Icelandic horse. Nowhere else on the island are there more farms than in the region around Sauðárkrókur.

Iceland's varied nature has to offer surprises again and again, even after more than 1 kilometers on Ringstrasse 000 and numerous excursions on unpaved terrain. Near Reykjahlið, the bluish shimmering geothermal water in the Jarðböð cave invites you to swim. A similarly incomparable experience is a walk on the steaming sulfur gas fields in the area. And Europe's most powerful waterfall can also be discovered in northern Iceland. The water masses of the Dettifoss plunge into a gorge about 1 meters wide.

The grandiose landscape and the numerous opportunities to experience nature from its most pristine side make Iceland an exceptionally attractive travel destination. And with all the sporty temperament that characterizes the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4, the beauty of the island encourages you to "slow down". Only on the way back to the Seyðisfjörður pier, travelers shouldn't overdo it with a relaxed stroll and should be on board on time. Because the ferry that connects Iceland with the rest of Europe only leaves the port once a week.

Photos: Mini (BMW Group)

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MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 on Iceland's Ringstrasse 1

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