Iceland

A few facts about Iceland

Compared to other European nations, Iceland has a small population of around just 394.000 people. Around two-thirds of Iceland’s residents live in the capital city of Reykjavík or the surrounding area. Meanwhile, you’ll find that many of the remaining locals live in picturesque fishing towns or villages dotted along the coastline.  

The country’s official language is Icelandic but Icelanders are taught English as a second language from an early age. So getting around and being understood is easy for English-speaking visitors.

Icelandic Króna (ISK) is the local currency and credit cards are often the preferred way to pay. 

You might already know that one of the world’s first parliamentary democracies was established in Iceland in the year 930. And more recently, in 1944, the country gained independence from Denmark.  Iceland is a representative democracy. The modern parliament, Alþingi, was founded in 1845 as an advisory body to the Danish monarch. It was widely seen as a re-establishment of the assembly founded in 930 in Thingvellir. We like to boast that Iceland is the oldest parliamentary democracy.

According to the World Happiness Report, Iceland is one of the world’s safest and happiest nations. So it’s not surprising that Icelanders are known for their welcoming, and often liberal, attitudes. 

What is the temperature in Iceland?

Despite its position on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland isn’t as cold as you might expect. The country has a temperate climate thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.

In summer (May to September), average temperatures vary from around 46–55°F (8–13°C). Meanwhile, during the winter months (October to April) average temperatures range from about 30–43°F (-1–6°C).

Although temperatures rarely drop below freezing, Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic does mean that daily weather conditions are changeable. In fact, there’s a Nordic saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it’ll change.” So no matter when your guests are traveling, we recommend bringing waterproof gear and warm layers.

Iceland is located on both a volcanic hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs right through it. This location means that the island is highly geologically active with many volcanoes. The climate is subarctic. The warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher annual temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world.

The Gulf Stream brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air, resulting in frequent and abrupt weather shifts where you may experience four seasons in one day.

Iceland does not have a rainy season, but precipitation peaks in October to February, with the southern and western parts receiving the most rainfall. The North, East and Interior experience colder winter temperatures but warmer summers, and noticeably less snow and rain.

How to get to Iceland

There are over 20 airlines that offer passenger flights over here. While here you should find it easy to find things to do and see (see more here) and we also recommend that you take the time to see the many natural wonders.

Points of Interest in Iceland

We offer a great deal of tours and road trips where you can experience the many natural wonders of Iceland, be it the midnight sun, the northern lights or the Blue Lagoon. The Golden Circle has be a favourite among travellers and also the South Shore. Reykjavík is also bustling with life and offers many picturesque spots, e.g. Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Nearly everywhere you go, you’ll see beautiful unspoiled nature, low but rugged mountains, volcanoes and lava fields, narrow fjords, Viking horses and picturesque villages. Whether you are in the Snæfellsness peninsula, the Westfjords, travelling south of Vatnajökull glacier, you’ll find breathtaking vistas and landscape like no other.