Destination Iceland

Destination

Iceland

Icelandic nature Iceland is an island in the north Atlantic and ideally located halfway between North America and Europe. Iceland is easy to get to, with flights just over five hours from the eastern US and about three hours from London. With something for everyone, Iceland is an unforgettable island to visit and offers a magical mix of natural wonders, culture, and nightlife in one of the most astonishing places on Earth.

Travel to Iceland by air

Visitors often exclaim that Iceland is “out of this world” when, in reality, the many daily flights to Iceland take just about five hours from the East Cost of the US or less than three from the UK!

In addition to normal one-way and return fares, a number of attractive excursion and family fares are available, as well as group fares for various sizes of groups. There are two major airlines which serve Iceland, although you can also fly with a few others like SAS and Delta airlines.

Icelandair currently serves many gateways in North America and Europe, offering full range of services at affordable prices.
Book online with Icelandair

Travel to Iceland by sea

The Faroe Islands’ Smyril Line operates a weekly passenger- and car-ferry service from Hanstholm or Esbjerg in Denmark to Seydisfjordur in Iceland via the Faroe Islands.

What’s it like?

From city life to postcard perfect seaside villages and onto breathtaking landscapes, Iceland never ceases to amaze.

While you may associate Iceland with lower temperatures, its country’s name is misleading and its climate can be surprisingly mild. In winter, temperatures are often above freezing and in summer the thermometer can climb into the low 20s°C (70s°F). From May until August you’ll also experience the wonderful light of the midnight sun.

Click here for the latest weather forecast in English.

What sort of things can I do?

You’re certainly never short of anything to do or see in Iceland. The buzzing capital city Reykjavik plays host to many annual concerts and events, while the vast rural and mountainous areas bring with them an array of natural wonders. Be sure to remember your camera!

For an outdoor experience, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes are just a few of the astonishing sights that await you. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is geologically active and holds some of the most amazing scenes provided by nature. It is even nature that we have to thank for the spectacular display of the Northern Lights, seen on occasion from October to March.

Cultural attractions are found in the towns by night and by day. Reykjavik is famous for its nightlife and there are always exciting events to look forward to. You’ll be able to visit museums, galleries and wide range of shops, not to mention discover a little Viking history.

The Blue Lagoon is the ideal relaxation spot. Offering hot tubs and saunas in invoking surroundings, this exceptional retreat captures the best mood of Iceland and allows you a little pampering during your stay. And don’t forget to visit at least one of the other several hundred outdoor thermal pools which are dotted throughout the country. They are the ideal way to get a glimpse of Icelandic life.

Facts about Iceland

Facts About Iceland

Iceland is sometimes called the island of fire and ice.
Iceland is a Nordic European island country situated in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Iceland has about 320.000 inhabitants.
About 120.000 live in the capital, Reykjavík in the southwest part of the country, being the most northern capital in the world.
The southwestern region is the home of about two-thirds of the country´s population.
The language spoken in Iceland is Icelandic, descended from Old Norse and closely related to Faroese.
Iceland is about 103.000 square kilometers or about 40.000 square miles.
The tectonic plate boundaries go through Iceland making the country very volcanically active and the geology diverse.
Glaciers cover over 10% of Iceland and the Vatnajokull ice cap is Europe's largest glacier.
The landscape of Iceland is mainly characterized by sand and lava fields, low mountains and glaciers and many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands.
The nature in Iceland is the main reason for most tourists to visit Iceland.
Wildlife consists mostly on birds although the Icelandic waters are rich of marine mammals, such as whales and seals.
The Northern Lights are an amazing natural phenomenon often seen in Iceland.

During summer the sun shines all day and night long due to the high latitude of the country.
The Gulf stream runs through Iceland with its warm winds and makes Iceland's temperate climate despite the high latitude.
Average temperature during winter is around 0° (32 Fahrenheit) Celsius and during summer around 13° Celsius (54 Fahrenheit).
Icelanders have freedom of religion though the Church of Iceland, is the state church.
Around 90% of the population are Christians.
Iceland was settled in AD 874 when the Norse Ingolfur Arnarson came to Iceland and Icelandic culture is founded upon its Norse heritage.
From around 1200 to 1918 Iceland was part of Norwegian and later Danish monarchies.
Iceland became independent in 1918.
Iceland became a republic in 1944.
In 2013 Iceland is ranked as the 13th most developed country in the world by the United Nations´ Human Development Index.
Gender equality is highly valued in Iceland but Iceland holds the top spot in the Global Gender Gap report for 2012, closely followed by the other Nordic countries.
Iceland is a NATO member, being the smallest population in the union and the only one with no standing army.

Check out our blog to get to know more about Iceland

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Events in Iceland

No matter what time of year you visit us, there will always be something going on in Iceland. The country’s rich culture brings with it a wide range of celebrations and festivals to liven up your stay and add to the memories. Exciting, different and often artistic, some of the most fascinating events take place in Reykjavik and throughout the nation.

While each of our hotel pages lists nearby events, here you can have a look at them all and see what takes your fancy.

Flatey Island Blue Lagoon Dettifoss - Waterfall - East Iceland Geysir

Each of our hotel pages lists nearby events. You can also see the following comprehensive events guides:

You’re certainly never short of anything to do or see in Iceland. The buzzing capital city Reykjavik plays host to many annual concerts and events, while the vast rural and mountainous areas bring with them an array of natural wonders. Be sure to remember your camera!

For an outdoor experience, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes are just a few of the astonishing sights that await you. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is geologically active and holds some of the most amazing scenes provided by nature. It is even nature that we have to thank for the spectacular display of the Northern Lights, seen on occasion from October to March.

Visit Reykjavik has listings for the capital area’s events.
The Reykjavik Grapevine has comprehensive listings of upcoming art exhibitions and musical concerts.
The Icelandic Tourist Board in North America also has a list of events going on throughout the country.

Things to do in Iceland

Iceland is a country for lovers of the outdoors. With varied terrain of and outstanding natural beauty, plus long hours of daylight in summer, you’ll never be short of things to do, no matter what the weather. Hike, bike, walk, jog, swim, dive, horseback ride, kayak … the list really is virtually endless and activities are available to suit all ages and ability levels.

Adding an unforgettable touch to a romantic break, you might witness the famous northern lights or, during other times, bask in the midnight sun. In both urban and rural areas, there’s always something to amaze our visitors.

Icelandair Hotels’ countryside hotels are not only located in beautiful surroundings, they are also close by countless activities the whole family can enjoy. Take a look at what’s offer near your hotel, and please contact us to let us help you arrange the activities of a lifetime.