Explore Iceland

Once upon a time, Iceland was known for its wild, rugged and colourful scenery, the moniker ‘the land of fire and ice’ and its otherworldly landscapes where black lava fields jar against red sulphur vents, boiling spurts of water exit the ground at great speed and lush green valleys dotted with sheep roll away into the distance.

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Quick Facts

  • Capital: Reykjavik
  • Language: Icelandic
  • Currency: Icelandic Króna

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Explore Iceland

Once upon a time, Iceland was known for its wild, rugged and colourful scenery, the moniker ‘the land of fire and ice’ and its otherworldly landscapes where black lava fields jar against red sulphur vents, boiling spurts of water exit the ground at great speed and lush green valleys dotted with sheep roll away into the distance. Whether you wish to quietly watch birds or whales, or prefer to get active and ski, glacier skidoo or horse ride, Iceland amply provides for both. It’s the place to come for an out-of-this-world nature experience, and whether you visit in the winter to watch the Northern Lights, thought by the Vikings to be a reflection of their dead heroes’ shields as they sped towards Valhalla, or in the summer to enjoy the midnight sun, where dusk lasts a couple of hours and the sun barely sets, it’s not hard to find. It’s a land that constantly trips you up, and won’t be tied down to a single viewpoint or predictable definition: Iceland is Iceland, and that’s all you need to know.

Reykjavík city, also known, as “smoky bay”, is the world's northernmost capital. It is also one of the youngest and most vibrant cities of northern Europe. Reykjavik is full of life, culture and is colourful at any time of year.

H@L recommends …… “must see” places in Iceland.

The Pearl. The Pearl (Perlan) is a remarkable building, built in 1988, unique in Iceland and probably in the whole world. On Oskjuhlid hill, atop the huge tanks in which natural hot water is stored for heating the city, a glass dome has been constructed and under the dome is a rotating restaurant serving fine cuisine. The dome also houses a café, while around the outside is a viewing platform with panoramic 360 degree views of the city and its surroundings.

Hallgrímskirkja Church. Hallgrimskirkja church is Reykjavik's main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. View the most spectacular light show on the planet! Enjoy the fun of hunting for the elusive auroras. Be the lucky one to witness the awesome spectacle of the Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the sky in vivid colors and dramatic patterns.

Visit the birth-place of the Icelandic parliament (the world’s oldest) and view the jets of water at Geysir – the spouting springs that have lent their name to all the hot springs of the world. Admire Gullfoss, the queen of Iceland’s waterfalls, as it tumbles down a deep gorge. Discover lovely Þingvellir National Park – full of natural beauty and historic interest. See the places where Iceland is being pulled apart by massive forces within Earth’s crust.