Iceland is a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscapes. Iceland, widely known as the “land of fire and ice,” is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers and some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Iceland is a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscapes. Iceland, widely known as the “land of fire and ice,” is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers and some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
ICELAND IS A LARGE ISLAND IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Iceland is also a land of light and dark. Long summer days with almost 24 hours of sunlight contrast with short winter days with only a few hours of gloomy daylight – the perfect scenario to enjoy the enchanting Northern Lights.
Iceland is a relatively large island in the middle of the North Atlantic, south of the Arctic Circle, between 63.4°N and 66.5°N. Iceland covers an area of 103,592 km2 (39,997 sq mi), similar to Hungary and Portugal or the US states of Kentucky and Virginia. It is the second largest island in Europe after Great Britain and the 18th largest island in the world. At its widest point, Iceland is about 500 km (305 miles) east to west and 300 km (185 miles) north to south.
MANY ISLANDS ALONG THE COAST
![](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/8b148dd1-a7ea-497a-b2a5-94cc310d4057_landmannalaugar.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Mossy lava fields and volcanic rocks are typical Icelandic landscapes
Iceland’s coastline is 6,542.4 km (40,652.5 mi) long and Iceland maintains an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles (751,345 km2) (290,096 sq mi). There are also numerous smaller islands along the coast, some of which are inhabited. The largest are Heimai in the 13.4 km² archipelago of the Westman Islands in the south, Chrissy Island in Eyjafjördur Fjord in the north at 8 km², and Grimsey, a 5.3 km² island in the Arctic Circle. . Iceland.
FLIGHT TIME 3 HOURS FROM LONDON AND 5 HOURS FROM NEW YORK
As an island, it has no land borders with other countries. Our closest neighbor to the west is Greenland, which is only 286 km (180 miles) from us, and although difficult to understand, it stretches further south and east than Iceland and in practically every direction. To the east are the nearest Faroe Islands or 420 km (260 miles), Scotland 795 km (495 miles) and Norway 950 km (590 miles). To compare distances, a flight from New York to Reykjavik takes about five hours and from London three hours.
POPULATION – REYKYAVIK – THE CAPITAL
With a population of 368,792*, Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik, which is at 64.1°N latitude, making it the northernmost capital in the world.
![](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/d209d40f-ca3d-44c1-9556-816f73b226ad_Reykjavik_Hallgrimskirkja_Autumn_Iceland.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital of the planet
Almost two-thirds of the population live in the metropolitan area in the southwest, and the rest of the population is spread out along a long coastline, mostly in fishing villages and agricultural areas. Akureyri in northern Iceland is the largest city outside the southwestern region with a population of 18,933. The largest town in the Westfjords region, Isafjördur has only 2,672 inhabitants, and Egilsstadir is the most famous town in East Iceland with only 2,552 inhabitants.
* Figures as of January 1, 2021
SOME KEY FIGURES FOR ICELAND:
![Satellite image of Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/7a40e2e3-6398-4630-be3f-67c3aae6c5f5_Cloud-free_Iceland.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
- Total area: 103,592 km
- Shoreline: 6,542.4 km
- Lakes and rivers: 2757 km²
- Glacier: 11,922 km
- Sandy plains 4000 km²
- Lava fields covering an area of 11,000 km
- Forests: 1907 km²
- Largest lake: Þingvallavatn 82 km²
- Highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2119 m
- Population: 368,792 (January 2021)
![Volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in 2010](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/fdcad79e-6e4c-411b-96c5-d5b71a3a6ea4_volcano.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Eruption of the Holukhraun volcano in 2014
VOLCANOES – A FACT OF LIFE IN ICELAND
Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland. People have learned to live with their disadvantages as well as their significant advantages, such as: B. Geothermal energy and a dramatic natural setting – and even entertainment.
![A plume of ash with lightning rising from Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010](https://i0.wp.com/prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/visiticeland/cffc1a30-6d23-4eb0-9f50-99056e6f740c_volcano_ragnar+th.png?w=750&ssl=1)
Erupted in 2010, Eyjafjallajökull is one of 32 active volcanic systems in Iceland.
CENTRAL OCEAN BACK AND HOT DOT
Iceland sits on the tip of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with a 40,000km rift at the bottom of the ocean caused by the split of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Even today, the land is growing at about 2 cm per year as it continues to split where two tectonic plates meet and new magma fills in the gaps. Accordingly, the western part of Iceland belongs to the North American Plate and the eastern part to the Eurasian Plate, meaning that Iceland is divided between two continents.
Another major player in Icelandic volcanism is the powerful magma plume, which generates heat and magma in the mantle beneath the island and lifts Iceland’s crust above sea level.
VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY FOUR YEARS
Due to the fact that Iceland is in a unique environment where continental fault and magma combine, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on earth. Iceland has on average one volcanic event every four years. Since the end of the last Ice Age around 10,000 years ago, a third of the lava produced by volcanoes on the Earth’s surface has erupted in Iceland. The most significant lava flow during a single eruption on the planet during the Holocene is the large Torsha lava, which erupted about 8,600 years ago and is estimated to be 26 km3.
The same geological activity is also responsible for some of the most dramatic features of Icelandic nature. Mountain landscapes, black lava fields, black sand beaches, geothermal pools and geysers and even glaciers are the result of the constant interaction of volcanic activity with natural elements.
Learn about the recent eruptions in Iceland
VOLCANOES FORM GLACIER, JOKULCHLAUPS AND SANDUR PLAIN
This may seem like a contradiction, but the fact that volcanoes form glaciers is a fact. This is because volcanism creates mountains that reach colder levels in the atmosphere, which absorb moisture from the air and feed glaciers at the top.
The heat radiated by the volcanoes melts the ice beneath, and when enough water collects in the depressions beneath the ice to lift the ice cap from above, it escapes beneath the glacier front and creates a flood or “yokulhaup” on the sand plain or ” sandur” uni. in front. This process is so unique to Iceland that Icelandic words for these phenomena are internationally recognized.
![The helicopter flies over the Fagradalsfjal volcano in Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/d3e34bb7-b7f2-40a3-a1b1-b2d2305425b1_Merardalir+eldgos+6+april+2021+DJI-141-HDR-Pano-3000.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, 2021
ADVANTAGES OF VOLCANOES
Icelanders have also exploited the vast geothermal energy resources – one of the cheapest and cleanest forms of energy. More than 85% of Icelandic homes are heated by natural geothermal heat from hot springs that are common in most parts of Iceland. In addition, the meltwater from the glaciers provides the country with a potential source of hydroelectric power. All this clean energy has made Iceland one of the least polluted countries in the world.
The interaction of volcanoes and glaciers results in a tremendous productivity of volcanic ash, which fertilizes the soil and creates beautiful black-sand beaches.
Not to mention the entertainment value of “tourist eruptions” – and maybe songs from Hollywood movies that refer to the Icelandic volcano.
PUBLIC SAFETY IS THE MAIN ISSUES
Safety is an important issue in Iceland as all this energy is underground. Seismic activity and crustal movements are closely monitored for signs of unrest in Iceland’s 32 active volcanic systems. The infrastructure is also designed for natural disasters. Serious consequences are therefore extremely rare.
![Satellite image of Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/7a40e2e3-6398-4630-be3f-67c3aae6c5f5_Cloud-free_Iceland.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Satellite image of Iceland. © Modified data from Copernicus Sentinel (2020) edited by ESA.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE IN ICELAND
Icelandic weather creates lots of waterfalls and rainbows, but it also brings problems; Storms with extreme winds and rain or snowfall are common, and weather changes can be sudden. So get together for four seasons, make a flexible schedule and enjoy!
FLEXIBLE AND SECURE WITH SAFETRAVEL.IS
![Woman pointing at a map of Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/visiticeland/5c9f6c16-322b-4d75-9039-5658453fcd22_academy-hero.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Enroll in The Iceland Academy to learn how to prepare in Iceland
The first thing you need to do when planning a trip to Iceland is to read this article about safe travel in Iceland and visit Safetravel.is for advice from the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team (ICE-SAR). how to prepare for your stay. safe and enjoy every situation in Iceland.
If you are planning to visit Iceland in winter, travel to the highlands or drive around Iceland by car, you should visit this website regularly and register with The Iceland Academy. You can also read this article about driving in Iceland . Be sure to register your travel plan if you plan to hike or travel on your own in remote and mountainous areas.
Icelanders are known for their flexibility, and the lesson is that the weather can ruin even the best of plans. So be prepared to adjust your schedule and prepare for four seasons so you can enjoy every challenge!
VISIT SAFETRAVEL.IS
CLIMATE MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED
While the climate may be harsh, it is milder than the country’s name and global position at high latitudes would suggest. Branches of the current in the Gulf bring warmer seas to the south and west coasts, significantly softening the climate. However, it brings softer Atlantic air into the Arctic air, causing frequent changes in weather and storms . Follow the weather forecast and adjust your plans accordingly. Here are some important links
Icelandic MET Service – Official Weather Forecast
Safetravel.is – weather and road conditions
REGIONAL WEATHER – OCEAN AND ARCTIC
Iceland is a relatively large island with ice-carved landscapes, a long coastline intersected by fjords and peninsulas, and a central plateau. Therefore, the weather in different regions is often very different: in the north, winters are colder and longer, but summers are warmer than in the south. Precipitation is also distributed unevenly across regions. Southerly winds prevail, so more precipitation falls in the south than in the north.
HOW MUCH SNOW IN ICELAND?
![snowy landscape](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/c46091b8-73f5-41d7-ad7e-b9637e7c783b_iceland-4058262.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
There is no easy answer to this frequently asked question, but alpine areas above 200-400m above sea level are usually covered with snow from September to May or even longer, which means that all alpine roads are impassable in winter.
In lower-lying areas, temperatures often fluctuate above and below 0°C, so snow usually does not last more than days or weeks. Usually it is only in the form of a snow cover a few cm thick, up to 1 m thick, especially in Reykjavik and in the south. This often leads to icy surfaces when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing. On the other hand, North Iceland and the Westfjords are famous for heavy snowfalls in winter, reaching up to several meters high, making them ideal for winter sports and snow games!
SEASONS IN SUN – AND DARKNESS
![northern lights](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/e6921ae1-b1a3-4519-a071-e2b4d7c66bb1_Kirkjufellsfoss-nordurljos-39.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Due to Iceland’s northern location on Earth, there are significant changes in daylight between the seasons. Long summer days with almost 24 hours of sunlight contrast with short winter days with only a few hours of gloomy daylight, making it the perfect scenario for enjoying the magical Northern Lights.
BEST TOPIC FOR COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS
Last tip; Icelanders love to talk about the weather and most of us don’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss it at length. So the perfect start for a conversation with the locals: Interesting weather today, is that typical for Iceland?
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Extremely dark Icelandic winters have several advantages. Between September and April, people in Iceland experience a wondrous natural phenomenon: the Aurora Borealis, or what we commonly call the Northern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis takes its name from the Roman goddess of dawn Aurora and the Greek word for north wind, Boreas. From September to April, Iceland is the hotspot of this wonderful light show.
![Northern Lights in North Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/e244c7f9-14c7-4fe6-93d9-1b4ebce7ea6f_Northern_lights_North.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis, often referred to as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when solar wind particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. This excites the particles, which release energy and cause a kind of light green and purple streaks in the sky.
On clear winter nights, excursions are organized around this impressive, albeit intermittent, natural phenomenon. The ideal spot for spotting varies, and guides can “hunt” on the fire and find locations where conditions are best for nighttime viewing.
There is no guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights during your stay, but in most cases, viewing outside of settlements improves significantly, especially away from the capital’s light pollution. A number of hotels in the countryside offer a special service to wake up the Northern Lights.
![People look at the Northern Lights in Iceland](https://i0.wp.com/prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/visiticeland/271445bc-3368-47da-89db-93e11aba096c_Bjorgvin-Hilmarsson-3745_northern_lights.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
The Northern Lights are a spectacular sight
HOW TO NOTICE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS – MAINLY – PATIENCE
First of all: you need darkness and clear skies or at least holes in the cloud cover, preferably in the north. If the weather cooperates, you’re halfway there. You can always check the weather, cloud cover and aurora activity on the Icelandic Meteorological Institute website and Auroraforecast.is
If the clouds are in your favour, the second criterion is the activity of the solar wind above normal. The Northern Lights can appear at any time of the day or night, all year round. However, activity is usually heaviest around midnight and a few hours before and after.
When activity begins, a green arc will usually appear to the north. The best landmark on a starry night is the North Star, which shines in the true north direction from Earth. The best way to find Polaris is to find the Ursa Major or Ursa Major constellation, which points to the North Star. If you see a green arc, you have a good chance of seeing them move. Remember that chasing the Northern Lights sometimes requires a lot of patience, but those who wait often get a great reward.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
As for the equipment, the most important thing to take with you is a tripod and a rope to avoid the terrible shaky photo syndrome. If you don’t have a cable, set the camera’s self-timer to a two or ten second shutter delay, if available.
There are no single settings for your camera to guarantee great shots, but if you have manual settings it’s probably best to experiment with different combinations of ISO, aperture, and exposure settings. Typically, ISO settings from 800 to 3200, apertures from f/2.8 to f/5.6, and shutter speeds from 15 to 30 seconds were effective.
![Northern lights over the city of Isafjordur](https://i0.wp.com/images.prismic.io/visiticeland/ea231f9c-2317-4971-923d-ab1686886e41_Isafjordur%2Bnordurljos.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Northern Lights in Isafjordur, Westfjords
Different combinations can produce very different results. Higher ISO settings allow faster exposure, but can also result in grainy images, for example. Note that holding for more than 15 seconds will cause the star to move slightly. Wide-angle lenses tend to be more versatile in low light, but longer lenses will give you different compositions. Make sure you remove any lens filters as they can distort the image. You’ll probably get the best results with manual settings for infinite focal length.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is in winter, from September to April, when dark and long nights have replaced the bright summer nights in Iceland. The Northern Lights are believed to be most active during the September and March equinoxes, but the odds also improve in the middle of winter, bringing more darkness – it just gives you more windows to see them each day.
ICELAND IS A LEADER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Iceland has a large amount of clean, renewable energy due to its excellent geography and geology, which offers both hydro- and geothermal resources.
In the 20th century, Icelanders exploited these natural resources, which was an important factor in the population’s transformation from a poor, coal-dependent society to one with a very high standard of living. With 85% of its primary energy needs met by local renewable energy, Iceland is at the forefront of sustainable energy production.
Almost all of Iceland’s electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, with 73% of electricity being generated by hydroelectricity and 26.8% by geothermal energy, accounting for more than 99% of Iceland’s total electricity consumption.
Icelanders are pioneers in using geothermal energy for space heating, as 90% of Icelandic homes are heated with geothermal water. Clean and affordable hot water is delivered directly from wells to homes via pipelines. The remaining buildings are heated with electricity from renewable sources.
Visit the visitor centers at power stations in rural areas to learn how hydroelectric or geothermal energy is converted into electricity and how geothermal water is used for space heating. It can be a fun and interesting activity for the whole family. Exhibitions are often interactive and show how modern technologies are used in the energy sector.
A large number of renewable energy sources and a favorable business environment have attracted investors to Iceland looking to limit the carbon footprint of energy-intensive facilities such as aluminum smelters and data centers.
Imported fossil fuels are still used for transportation in Iceland, as ships, planes and cars tend to run on traditional energy. However, the number of electric car owners is growing rapidly and recently significant investments have been made in EV charging infrastructure and charging stations are now available on the other side of the ring road. This is in line with the government’s policy of reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The fisheries sector has also made significant progress: in 2014 pollution was 43% lower than in 1990. This is mainly due to more efficient vessels, a quota system and the electrification of fishmeal production.