A land of fire and ice, Iceland fascinates with spectacular contrasts: lava fields, geysers, thundering waterfalls, black-sand beaches and glacier tongues slipping towards the ocean. From Reykjavík, the creative capital on the Atlantic, it’s easy to reach the “Golden Circle” icons (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), the south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara), the glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach, or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — often called “Iceland in miniature”. Depending on the season, come for aurora-filled nights, the midnight sun, geothermal bathing (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, wild hot springs) and highland hikes in Landmannalaugar.
Safe and compact, Iceland is perfect for a Ring Road (Route 1) road trip, with detours to the Westfjords, Lake Mývatn and the volcanic northeast. Distances are manageable but weather is changeable: layer up, check road conditions and consider a 4×4 for F-roads in summer. With a mix of characterful guesthouses, design hotels, mountain huts and nature lodges, you can craft a journey that blends lunar landscapes, Arctic wildlife (puffins in season) and deep, restorative silence.
🗺️ Practical information about Iceland
📍 Capital: Reykjavík
👥 Population: Around 390,000 inhabitants
💶 Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
🗣️ Official language: Icelandic (English widely spoken)
⏰ Time zone: UTC 0 (no daylight saving)
🌡️ Climate: Oceanic/subarctic; very changeable weather, frequent winds
✈️ Getting there: Keflavík International Airport (KEF); domestic flights from Reykjavík
🚗 Driving: Route 1 generally year-round (check conditions); F-roads open in summer only — 4×4 recommended
🏞️ Highlights: Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara), Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach, Snæfellsnes, Westfjords, Mývatn, Landmannalaugar, geothermal baths
🏨 Find a good hotel in Iceland
Whether your route focuses on Reykjavík, the south coast, Westfjords, the north or the Highlands, you’ll find warm guesthouses, sleek design hotels and nature cabin 🌟 See the best hotels in Iceland to compare offers, reviews and prices for your travel dates.
🗺️ Articles about Iceland
Below, you’ll find our selection of articles about Iceland, followed by the latest posts, to help you plan your trip and explore the country’s most beautiful places.