Often shrouded in mystery and mistaken for a city or a remote European region, Iceland stands as a captivating island nation brimming with unique history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled natural beauty. But Where Is Iceland exactly? Let’s embark on a journey to pinpoint this extraordinary country and delve into what makes it so geographically and culturally distinct.
Iceland is an isolated island nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, a realm frequently hailed as the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’. Known natively as Ísland, this Nordic gem is geographically situated in Northern Europe and culturally intertwined with Scandinavia, sharing close ties with Denmark, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Finland, and Sweden. Positioned south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland lies between Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, a strategic location that contributes to its unique climate and geological makeup.
Iceland Map in the North Atlantic Ocean
With a population of approximately 370,000 inhabitants and a total landmass of around 103,000 square kilometers (40,000 sq mi), Iceland is one of Europe’s most sparsely populated countries. This low population density is partly attributed to its dramatic landscapes, with glaciers covering about 10% of the island.
The Icelandic people, or Icelanders, speak Icelandic, a language with deep historical roots, and boast a rich heritage. Their island’s story began around 870 AD with the arrival of Norse Vikings, marking the start of a continuous settlement that has shaped Iceland into the nation it is today. The vibrant capital of Iceland is Reykjavík, located in the southwestern corner of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Reykjavík pulses with urban life and is home to over two-thirds of the Icelandic population, while other significant towns include Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, and Akureyri.
Panoramic View of Reykjavik Capital City Iceland
Iceland’s geographical significance is further amplified by its location at the meeting point of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. This pivotal position makes Iceland a hotspot of intense volcanic and geological activity, characterized by frequent earthquakes and numerous volcanoes. The interior landscape is largely defined by sand and lava fields, majestic mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers. Despite its icy reputation, Iceland experiences milder temperatures than expected, thanks to the Gulf Stream, which brings warmer ocean currents, especially during autumn.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption in Iceland 2021
Iceland operates within Greenwich Mean Time UTC+0 (WET), sharing the same time zone as Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Ireland.
COUNTRIES GEOGRAPHICALLY CLOSE TO ICELAND
While Iceland is an island nation, it’s helpful to understand its proximity to other landmasses:
- Greenland (West)
- Faroe Islands (East)
- Norway (East)
- Scotland (Southeast)
- United Kingdom (Southeast)
- Ireland (South)
WHAT MAKES ICELAND INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS?
Iceland’s fame is multifaceted, stemming from its unique geology, progressive society, and vibrant culture. Geologically, it is world-renowned for its volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. Perhaps the most infamous is Eyjafjallajökull, a glacier-capped stratovolcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted European air traffic for days.
Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Eruption in Iceland 2010
Iceland is also celebrated for its commitment to gender equality, consistently ranking as one of the best countries globally for women. Historically, Icelanders elected the world’s first democratically elected female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, who served from 1980 to 1996.
The nation’s artistic and cultural scene is equally prominent, producing internationally acclaimed musicians and artists. World-renowned Icelandic bands include Sigur Rós, Kaleo, and Of Monsters and Men, while Björk remains Iceland’s most famous musical export, and Olafur Eliasson is a celebrated visual artist with Icelandic heritage.
Iceland is a global leader in sustainable energy, harnessing geothermal and hydropower to power homes, swimming pools, and even greenhouses. This green energy fuels innovative industries, including geothermal beer brewing and surprisingly, banana production, making Iceland a significant banana producer despite its Arctic location.
Icelandic wildlife is another draw, although the Arctic Fox is the only native land mammal. The Icelandic horse is famed for its unique ‘tölt’ gait, while Icelandic sheep are prized for their wool and flavorful lamb. The waters surrounding Iceland teem with whales, with species like Minke, Humpback, and Orcas frequently sighted.
Orcas Killer Whales in Iceland Ocean
Icelandic cuisine is gaining international attention for its freshness and Nordic simplicity. Traditional foods, rooted in Viking-era preservation techniques, include fermented shark, ram testicles, and skyr, offering adventurous eaters a unique culinary experience.
Traditional Icelandic Food Tasting in Reykjavik
The Icelandic language itself fascinates linguists as it closely resembles Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. Iceland’s linguistic isolation has preserved its language, and Icelanders actively maintain its purity, even coining new words instead of adopting foreign terms. They celebrate Icelandic Language Day annually on November 16th. Interestingly, Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other nation.
Historically significant, Iceland is recognized for establishing Althingi, the world’s first parliament, founded at Thingvellir National Park in 930 AD. This parliament continues to function today in Reykjavík.
30 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT ICELAND
- Iceland was among the last places on Earth to be settled.
- Reykjavík means ‘Smokey Bay’.
- Icelanders adore black licorice.
- Iceland had the world’s first democratically elected female and openly gay Prime Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir.
- Icelandic nature is remarkably safe – no mosquitoes, bears, or snakes.
- Iceland has a naming committee for approving baby names.
- Strip clubs are banned in Iceland.
- Police in Iceland do not carry firearms.
- Iceland has no standing army.
- McDonald’s once existed in Iceland but closed.
- Icelanders often leave babies napping outdoors in prams.
- Many Icelanders believe in elves or ‘hidden folk’.
- Equal pay for women is legally mandated in Iceland.
- Reykjavík houses a penis museum.
- The word ‘geyser’ originates from Iceland’s Geysir.
- Icelanders take long, affordable showers due to cheap geothermal energy.
- Iceland once had a political party named ‘The Best Party’.
- A former US Army base was located in Iceland.
- Iceland boasts one of the world’s lowest crime rates.
- Iceland has won Miss World four times.
- Iceland hosts a Gay Pride parade with no protests.
- Iceland’s soccer team, the smallest nation ever, qualified for the 2018 World Cup.
- The Westfjords were the first part of Iceland to form.
- Icelanders use patronymic surnames, based on their father’s first name.
- Icelanders love ice cream year-round.
- Iceland was an early adopter of same-sex marriage legalization.
- Iceland was initially named Snæland (Snowland) and Thule.
- Vatnajökull glacier is Europe’s largest glacier outside of the Arctic.
- Footballer Eiður Smári Guðjohnsen is Icelandic.
- ‘Forsætisráðherra’ is Icelandic for Prime Minister.
TOP 10 MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN ICELAND
10. GOÐAFOSS WATERFALL
Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, is a stunning, wide waterfall in North Iceland, a must-see in the region.
Godafoss Waterfall in North Iceland at Sunset
9. SKÓGAFOSS WATERFALL
Skógafoss, a powerful South Coast waterfall, is rumored to hide treasure behind its cascade, adding to its allure.
Skogafoss Waterfall by Skoga River Iceland
8. SELJALANDSFOSS WATERFALL
Seljalandsfoss, famous for the path behind its falling water, gained fame after appearing on ‘The Amazing Race’, easily accessible from the Ring Road.
7. SOLHEIMASANDUR PLANE WRECK
The haunting remains of a 1973 US Army plane crash on Sólheimasandur Black Beach are a unique and photogenic site.
Northern Lights Above Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Iceland
6. REYNISFJARA BLACK SAND BEACH
Reynisfjara, a South Coast black sand beach, features basalt columns and a cave, and has been featured in movies like Noah and Game of Thrones.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach South Coast Iceland Traveler
5. THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
The Golden Circle tour packs Iceland’s highlights into one route, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Great Geysir Geyser Eruption Iceland Sunrise
4. HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH
Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s iconic towering church, offers panoramic city views from its tower.
Hallgrimskirkja Church Architecture Reykjavik Iceland
3. JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is filled with blue icebergs calving from a glacier, a must-visit along with nearby Diamond Beach.
2. KIRKJUFELL MOUNTAIN
Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, was also featured in Game of Thrones.
Panoramic View of Kirkjufell Mountain Snæfellsnes Peninsula Iceland
1. THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula, is Iceland’s most famous attraction, known for its healing waters.
