Iceland’s best-known classical works of literature are the Icelanders’ sagas, prose epics set in Iceland’s age of settlement. The most famous of these include Njáls saga, about an epic blood feud, and Grænlendinga saga and Eiríks saga, describing the discovery and settlement of Greenland and Vinland (modern Newfoundland). Egils saga, Laxdæla saga, Grettis saga, Gísla saga and Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu are also notable and popular Icelanders’ sagas. Iceland has extensive genealogical records dating back to the late 17th century and fragmentary records extending back to the Age of Settlement.
The biopharmaceutical company deCODE genetics has funded the creation of a genealogy database that is intended to cover all of Iceland’s known inhabitants. It views the database, called Íslendingabók, as a valuable tool for conducting research on genetic diseases, given the relative isolation of Iceland’s population. The head of government is the prime minister, who, together with the cabinet, is responsible for executive government.
The new island grew to about 1 square mile (2.5 square km) in area and rose more than 560 feet (170 metres) above sea level, a total of 950 feet (290 metres) from the ocean floor. The capital, Reykjavík (“Bay of Smokes”), is the site of the island’s first farmstead and is a thriving city, handsome in aspect and cosmopolitan in outlook. Other major population centres are Akureyri, on the north-central coast; Hafnarfjördhur, on the southwestern coast; and Selfoss, in the southern lowlands. Several other Icelandic men and women artists studied at Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at that time, including Ásgrímur Jónsson, who, together with Þórarinn, created a distinctive portrayal of Iceland’s landscape in a romantic naturalistic style. Other landscape artists quickly followed in the footsteps of Þórarinn and Ásgrímur. Kjarval, in particular, is noted for the distinct techniques in the application of paint that he developed in a concerted effort to render the characteristic volcanic rock that dominates the Icelandic environment.
- Here you’ll find sea cliffs filled with puffins, remote beaches, waterfalls, and winding roads through untouched fjords.
- With Snaefellsnes tours of varying lengths, it’s easy to plan a visit that fits your schedule and preferred travel pace.
- The best road trip itineraries also feature the top attractions of the Ring Road, offering endless highlights.
- The capital, Reykjavík (“Bay of Smokes”), is the site of the island’s first farmstead and is a thriving city, handsome in aspect and cosmopolitan in outlook.
- In 1950, Iceland joined the Council of Europe.18 In 1994 it became a part of the European Economic Area, further diversifying its economy into sectors such as finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
- Martin Miller blends Icelandic water with its England-distilled gin on the island.
You can hunt for them yourself, but guided northern lights tours improve your chances by taking you to the secret places with the best viewing conditions. The most famous attraction on the Reykjanes Peninsula is the Blue Lagoon spa, surrounded by volcanic landscapes. But the peninsula has much more to offer, and Reykjanes tours highlight the top attractions in the area. Here, you can find some of the most underrated places to visit in Iceland, including geothermal baths, quiet fjords, hidden waterfalls, and canyons, either independently or by joining Eastfjords tours.
The Reykjanes Peninsula – Geothermal Beauty Near Reykjavik
Places to visit in the region include steaming geothermal fields, lava plains, lighthouses, rugged sea cliffs, and Iceland’s newest volcano, the Sundhnukagigar Craters. You’ll hike up the glacier and soar over a moraine with stunning views of ice formations, surrounding mountains, and black sand plains. The northern lights are one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Iceland. For tips on how to plan around the aurora season, check out our full guide on the best time to visit Iceland to see the northern lights. If you’re considering winter self-drive tours and will have access to a rental car, you can easily hunt for them yourself. You just need to head to dark areas and follow the northern lights forecast for activity and the cloud cover forecast for clear skies.
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Iceland’s signature alcoholic beverage is brennivín (literally “burnt i.e., distilled wine”), which is similar in flavouring to the akvavit variant of Scandinavian brännvin. It is a type of schnapps made from distilled potatoes and flavoured with either caraway seeds or angelica. Modern distilleries on Iceland produce vodka (Reyka), gin (Ísafold), moss schnapps (Fjallagrasa), and a birch-flavoured schnapps and liqueur (Foss Distillery’s Birkir and Björk). Martin Miller blends Icelandic water with its England-distilled gin on the island. Strong beer was banned until 1989, so bjórlíki, a mixture of legal, low-alcohol pilsner beer and vodka, became popular.
- These shimmering blue caves can only be visited on guided ice cave tours, which typically run from November to March.
- Just two hours from Reykjavik, you can see everything from glaciers to volcanoes, black sand beaches, lava fields, and dramatic sea cliffs.
- South Iceland is also one of the best regions in Iceland for outdoor activities, with opportunities for glacier hiking, ice caving, and horseback riding.
- A must-do is the walk to Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by black basalt columns.
- Iceland has excellent conditions for skiing, fishing, snowboarding, ice climbing and rock climbing, although mountain climbing and hiking are preferred by the general public.
Volcanoes and Lava Fields – The Raw Power of the Earth
In 1950, Iceland joined the Council of Europe.18 In 1994 it became a part of the European Economic Area, further diversifying its economy into sectors such as finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
Experience the Midnight Sun of Icelandic Summer
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is often considered the number one attraction in Iceland, making it a highlight of any trip to Southeast Iceland. Here, massive icebergs break off from Breidamerkurjokull Glacier and drift across the lagoon before reaching the sea. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, located between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. Its warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing before or after a flight. Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognized waterfalls, located on the South Coast.
Journey Around the Famous Golden Circle With Secret Detours
The western fjords have numerous well-sheltered harbours and good fishing grounds but little lowland suitable for agriculture. The north is divided into several smaller districts, each of which has relatively good farmland. The eastern fjords resemble the western fjords but have, in addition, an inner lowland. The southeast, locked between the glaciers and the sea, has a landscape of rugged splendour.
It’s easy to reach from Reykjavik and is packed with natural sights like waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and ocean cliffs. The area was shaped by volcanoes and glacial floods, creating wide open plains and dramatic coastlines. The country’s small population makes this even more special, as most of its landscapes remain untouched and pristine. The best things to see in Iceland include powerful waterfalls, vast glaciers, remarkable wildlife, the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer.
What Should You Avoid in Iceland?
The blue of the ice and the white of the surf contrast with the black sand and make Diamond Beach exceptionally beautiful and one of Iceland’s best places to visit. When the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon finally reach the sea, the waves push them onto the black volcanic beach nicknamed the Diamond Beach, and the result is mesmerizing. Once its own national park, Skaftafell is now part of Vatnajokull National Park and offers trails for every level. A must-do is the walk to Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by black basalt columns.
Less visited but just as beautiful sights include Dyraholey Peninsula, one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland during summer, and Gljufrabui Waterfall, a hidden waterfall concealed by a cliff. If you have more time, travel the Arctic Coast Way, an off-the-beaten-path route that hugs the northern coastline and adds scenic stops like Siglufjordur and Hvitserkur Sea Stack. In summer, scheduled highland bus transfers also run to Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork, making these areas accessible even if you don’t plan to rent a 4×4 or join a guided tour.
It’s no secret that Iceland has some of the world’s most unique and stunning nature. Much of the landscape has been shaped over time by volcanoes and glaciers, creating dramatic contrasts. You can reach the region by driving or flying to Isafjordur and continuing with a rental car. The Westfjords are best visited in summer, when the roads are open and conditions are easier. Plan at least two or three full days in the region to enjoy the highlights at a comfortable pace. Most travelers visit North Iceland as part of a Ring Road trip, but if you’re traveling directly from Reykjavik, plan at least two or three days to experience the region fully.
Plantlife consists mainly of grassland, which is regularly grazed by livestock. At the other end of the index, Russia, for the first time, ranks at the bottom as the least peaceful country in the world, preceded by Ukraine at 162nd, Sudan at 161st, the Democratic Republic of Congo taking 160th and Yemen at 159th. The United Kingdom, meanwhile, is ranked in 30th place, being Europe’s second largest military power behind France. The country is, however among those have the least involvement in conflicts (12th).
Soil and climatic conditions are favourable, and it is close to the country’s largest market, Reykjavík and its activtrades forex broker review environs. These shimmering blue caves can only be visited on guided ice cave tours, which typically run from November to March. The Silver Circle is known for its waterfalls, hot springs, and historic sites. Travelers also find peaceful valleys, mountain views, and geothermal baths in the area. Many visitors also add tours on the Langjokull Glacier to their Silver Circle itinerary, with options to explore Iceland’s second-largest glacier.