Iceland (island)

Iceland is a volcanic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and noted for its active volcanism, geothermal features and large glaciers. The island covers roughly 103,000 square kilometres and is the primary landmass of the Republic of Iceland.

Tourist highlights include geothermal areas, hot springs and geysers, extensive glacial landscapes, volcanic craters and scenic coastal fjords; common visitor routes include the nationwide Ring Road and the shorter Golden Circle circuit. Much of the country’s landscape reflects recent volcanic and glacial activity, producing waterfalls, lava fields and geothermal baths.

Iceland was settled by Norse people in the late 9th century and established the medieval assembly known as the Alþingi at Þingvellir in 930 AD, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions. Modern Icelandic society developed from these Norse and later settlement patterns and has strong cultural ties to Nordic history.

Geographically the island sits between Greenland and mainland Europe, just south of the Arctic Circle, with Reykjavik and the Reykjavik region on the southwest coast functioning as the primary population and transport centre.

• Volcanic and glacial landscape: Iceland is a volcanic island situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with abundant geothermal activity, active volcanoes and extensive glaciation, which shape most major natural attractions.
• Size and capital: The island covers about 103,000 square kilometres and lies just south of the Arctic Circle, with the capital Reykjavík on the southwest coast serving as the main transport hub.

What to See #

• Ring Road: Ring Road (Route 1) - a national highway of about 1,332 kilometres that encircles the island and links most population centres and tourist routes.
• Golden Circle: Golden Circle - a popular short circuit that includes Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, commonly visited from Reykjavík.
• Vatnajökull National Park: Vatnajökull National Park - a large protected area in the southeast that includes the Vatnajökull ice cap and a variety of glacial landscapes and volcanic terrain.