Iceland
A Land of Stark Beauty and Viking Lore
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Iceland’s capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to over two-thirds of the country’s population. Iceland is the only part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly.
Around 930 AD, settlers established the Althing, one of the world’s oldest functioning parliaments, signifying the island’s early embrace of governance and law. Iceland’s fascinating medieval history is best captured in its sagas—epic tales of Viking exploration, feuds, and heroism. Iceland came under Norwegian rule in the 13th century and later under Danish rule, yet the Althing continued to function, and Iceland retained a strong sense of independence. The country celebrated its independence from Denmark on 17th June 1944 – a national holiday to this day.
Area of Iceland
- 102,775 km2
Population of Iceland
- 371,580
Why Travel to Iceland
Icelandic culture is unique, reflecting its Norse heritage, and the island’s brutal environment. The human wonders of the island are matched by its mesmerizing volcanic landscape, languid glaciers, magnificent fjords, and its staggering wildlife. The rich frigid seas around the island are home to come of Earth’s largest seabird and whale colonies, meaning Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to meet these gentle marine giants.
A legendary literary heritage
Unique land, unique language
The Smoky Bay
Not for the faint-hearted...
Icelandic cuisine has been shaped by the harsh climate of the country – famines caused by poor harvests and volcanic eruptions have been frequent features of Icelandic history. Icelandic cuisine is heavily based on the exquisite lamb and seafood harvested from the island’s rich waters – a delight for any diner. However some delicacies such as hákarl (fermented shark) require a braver palate!
Small Island, global player
Map of Iceland
Standing on the Arctic Circle
Iceland is at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and its mainland is entirely south of the Arctic Circle, which passes through the small Icelandic island of Grímsey off the main island’s northern coast. On Grímsey visitors can stand on the Arctic Circle itself! The country lies between latitudes 63 and 68°N, and longitudes 25 and 13°W. Geologically, Iceland lies on both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates; visitors can even walk through the rift between the continents! Many fjords and rivers punctuate Iceland’s 4,970 km-long (3,088-mi) coastline, and as might be expected, Iceland holds a vast number of glaciers.
Wildlife of Iceland
Iceland is a land of stark beauty, where volcanic landscapes meet icy fjords and wildlife thrives in some of the most intense environments on Earth, both on land and in the surrounding waters. While the land mammal population is limited, the Arctic fox, as the only native land mammal, has adapted remarkably. Other mammals, such as reindeer and sheep, were introduced by humans. Iceland’s surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and the occasional orca within sight. Seals, including harbor seals and grey seals, are also abundant. And the Atlantic puffin, with its distinctive appearance, is a particular highlight.
Common Eider Quick Overview Scientific Name Somateria mollissima Population Estimated at close to 2 million globally Regions Arctic and North...
Black Guillemot Quick Overview Scientific Name Cepphus grylle Population Estimated at close to 400,000–700,000 individuals globally Regions North...
The Atlantic puffin or the “clown of the sea,” is a recognisable seabird in the North Atlantic. Famous for its beak and diving, it is essential in...
The Arctic Skua, also known as the 'parasitic jaeger', has adapted to some of the planet’s most challenging environments with its streamlined shape,...
Have you ever heard of a fox that can change colors? And it is roughly the size of a house cat? We're talking about the Arctic fox, one of nature's...
An encounter with a Humpback Whale is always a top experience for our guests, with these impressively huge animals curiously approaching our ships...
Orca or ‘killer whales’ might be one of the most well-known and distinctive creatures that we encounter on our voyages to Antarctica. Identifiable...
They are elegant, beautiful and remarkable birds that fly extraordinary distances. Whether you embark on one of our journeys to the Southern or...
Today’s Forecast: Uncertain
Visitors should expect to experience a wide variety of weather in Iceland – wind, rain, and sun can all occur within the same hour; sometimes all together! The southwest of the country is slightly warmer, wetter, and windier than the northern and eastern regions. Coastal areas of the country have a subpolar maritime climate (similar to areas such as Tierra del Fuego and southeast Alaska), while the interior exhibits a cold tundra climate.
| AVERAGE HIGH | AVERAGE LOW | PRECIPITATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F (1°C) | 27°F (-3°C) | 3.15 in (80 mm) |
| February | 34°F (1°C) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.76 in (70 mm) |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.95 in (75 mm) |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 2.36 in (60 mm) |
| May | 48°F (9°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 1.97 in (50 mm) |
| June | 54°F (12°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 1.77 in (45 mm) |
| July | 57°F (14°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 1.97 in (50 mm) |
| August | 55°F (13°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.17 in (55 mm) |
| September | 50°F (10°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 2.56 in (65 mm) |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.35 in (85 mm) |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 3.54 in (90 mm) |
| December | 34°F (1°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.74 in (95 mm) |
Popular Expeditions that Include Iceland
Whether you use Iceland as a jumping-off point to join voyages to Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Greenland, or you want to explore the magnificent Land of Ice and Fire in depth from the sea, our voyages offer options to suit every explorer.
