There are many different ways to enjoy Iceland. Come and be inspired by the culture, the nature, the creativity and adventerous spirit. Find the Iceland that you want to meet
Part of James Bond Die Another Day is set in Iceland. The setting for a car chase across the vast frozen lake.
Cultural Iceland
Iceland was the last country in Europe to be settled. To this day, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland was settled by emigrants from Scandinavia and the British Isles in the tenth century. Due to Iceland’s geographical location, it was mostly outside the influence of contemporary culture in Europe and America, until the late nineteenth century.
Adventurous Iceland
Iceland remains largely uninhabited, with more than half of its 320,000 inhabitants living in the capital city. In fact, a mere twenty-minute drive from Reykjavík center takes you out of the hubbub of city life and into the seclusion of Iceland’s spectacular landscapes, which inspire adventures from its shores to its mountaintops.
Pure Iceland
Icelanders have long enjoyed one of the highest life expectancies in the world. There is no definitive explanation for this, but a clean environment and a healthy diet and lifestyle probably have something to do with it. The Icelandic diet is rich in quality raw materials, farmed, bred and caught in an unpolluted environment, and produced with the utmost care.
Christmas and New Year
The Icelandic Christmas period is an intriguing mixture of religious practice and traditional folklore, beginning on December 23rd and ending on Epiphany, January 6th. In between, there is a whole lot of food to be eaten, people to be met and fireworks to be launched.
Creative Iceland
For an isolated culture in the North Atlantic, creativity is important. Ever since Iceland was settled in the 9th century, writing and music have been an integral part of life in the country; and have in recent years reached a large audience on the global stage thanks to the efforts of international pop stars such as Björk and Sigur Rós, as well as the wide readership of authors like Halldór Laxness, Arnaldur Indriðason and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.
10 Must-See Natural Attractions in Iceland
1. Hornbjarg
These ocean cliffs in this country’s far northwest are not simple and easy to reach, but travelers are treated to the most stunning sight on the Iceland’s entire coastline. A razor-backed and undulating ridge is carved against the sky and on its inland part, a sheer-hill scoops down to a lovely plateau. The opposite side is a pure 534 meters drop to the sea.
2. Latrabjarg
These massive sea cliffs at Iceland’s western most point verify that the “endpoints of the earth” certainly come with a bang. The sheer volume of many types of birds is incredible, and the puffins (photographed) are willing to have their photo taken.
3. Raufarholshellir
With the accurate precautions and preparations, any tourist can just walk straight into this lava-tube cavern and saunter more than 3/4 mile or a kilometer to its dimmest depths, past peculiar ice candles and lava formations.
4. Gullfoss
This astonishing waterfall climaxes and crowns the renowned “Golden Circle,” the country’s most common day trip from the capital. This place looks almost too flawlessly landscaped to be real, but is definitely is.
5. Glymur
Iceland’s highest waterfall is graceful and nimble. Streamlets go downhill like ribbons of a post into an unfathomable canyon mantled in lush mosses and bird nests. The trek in this area is somewhat deceitful, but those people who brave it are pleased with captivating scenery as well as total solitude.
6. Seljalandsfoss
Located between Skógafoss and Selfoss, the Seljalandsfoss is said to be one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country. Tourists can walk behind the 60-meter high waterfalls, making it a remarkable sight. The lush green setting and misty environs make this a perfect attraction to visit to take in the feel of the countryside.
7. Asbyrgi
This is a 3 ½ kilometer long canyon with 100 meter walls. Fulmars may be seen in this place during the breeding season. Asbyrgi is situated in the northern most region of the famed Jokulsargliufur National Park.
8. Lake Myvatn
Established as a conservation area in 1974, this place has turn to be one of the best tourist attractions. There’s much to discover here such as the waterfall of the Gods, which is considered the most famous waterfall in Europe. One can also see the lavishness of bird-life, volcanic craters as well as beautiful lakes.
9. Great Geyser
This natural spot is situated in the south-western Iceland and has been active for over 10,000 years. It can spurt boiling water up to seventy meters in the air. Geysers are frequently caused by surface water, making its way down for about 2,000 meters. Upon reaching the boiling point, it will then spout very hot water with steam, and both natural occurrences are very impressive to watch in person.
10. Blue Lagoon
This popular man-made geothermal spa of crystal clear water is the only site on earth you can swim in 40 degree centigrade water year round, and yet be encircled by ice and snow. An area where a by-product of the Svartsengi geothermal power plant is located, the lagoon’s rich mineral content is known to be helpful to a variety of settings. The icy aquamarine waters set alongside the black background of the plain landscape make this glaring contrast even more impressive making it the most photographed attraction in Iceland.
Cities of Island
Reykjavik
The capital Reykjavik is not only very beautiful but it has a world-famous nightlife with people coming from far and wide to experience Icelandic hospitality. Reykjavik is thought to be where the first settlers of Iceland originally laid a foundation. Today about 120,000 people live in the world’s most northerly capital. It is the hub of Iceland’s economic activity as well as its government. The city has gradually spread over the years and is surrounded by an area known as Greater Reykjavik.
Kópavogur
Greater Reykjavik includes Kópavogur which lies just to the south of Reykjavik. It was in Kópavogur in 1662 that Iceland was first incorporated into the joint kingdoms of Denmark and Norway. Mainly residential, there are also commercial and industrial aspects to Kópavogur. However, there are certainly some spectacular natural areas to be seen nearby as Kópavogur means Seal Pup Bay in Icelandic. Kópavogur is home to the largest building in Iceland, known locally as The Tower.
Akureyri
The main city of the north of Iceland, Akureyri is central to the fishing industry of Iceland and it is home to a major port. Surprisingly, given that it is known as the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri has a temperate climate and an ice free harbour which has made it so important to Iceland. Visitors to Akureyri will probably want to get some pictures of the most northerly 18 hole golf course and botanical gardens in the world. Either gives you a great excuse to get the fresh air for which Iceland is famous.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjordur is the third most populated settlement in Iceland and this port town is located in the south west. There are many annual festivals which take place here, the most exciting of them being the Viking festival. As good to take part in as it is to watch, there is lots of traditional clothing and weaponry on show. Music is also very popular here with some of the most famous Icelandic bands having their origins in Hafnarfjörður.
Reykjanesbær
The Reykjanesbær municipality in the south of Iceland Contains Keflavík where the international airport is located. The population is about 14,000.
