Introducing Iceland
Iceland is literally a country in the making, a vast volcanic laboratory where mighty forces shape the land and shrink you to an awestruck speck. The country’s natural features eruptions of lava; gushing geysers such as Geysir in The Golden Circle (the original after which all were named); hot springs; tearing fissures and slow, grinding glaciers are so cinematic that at times they seem unreal. Bathe in turquoise pools, stand behind a toppling cascade or walk across a glaring-white icecap to experience the full weirdness of Icelandic nature.
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The landscape is infectious: hidden energy and a desire to shape the world are Icelandic traits. Head to the bohemian village of Seyðisfjörður in The East, and don't miss vibrant Reykjavík. That clean, green little capital, must contain the world’s highest concentration of dreamers, authors, poets and musicians; you'll meet them on the high-spirited runtur, the city’s wheeling weekend pub crawl. Iceland’s creatures are larger-than-life too: there’s no better place on earth to come eye-to-eye with sleek, spouting whales than in Húsavík. Fearless little puffins flutter and bill in their millions along the tops of towering sea-cliffs.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Don't miss the famous northern lights
- Go on a voyage to the Jewels of the Arctic
- Encounter vikings, volcanoes and waterfalls on a 10-day Iceland adventure
Last updated: Feb 7, 2012
Tips & articles
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The right place at the right time
9 February 2012
Visiting a city at the right time of year can make all the difference to the experience, whether that means...
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Classic campervan capers
18 January 2012
Take the open road, some glorious scenery, and the right to camp wherever you like – hey presto, you’ve got...
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Tooth and claw: Mother Nature’s greatest hits
14 January 2012
It’s animal magic: find out where to go to witness dazzling visions as creatures of all colours, shapes and sizes...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Visas for Indian resident in Italy
by everbrite 15 September 2011
It is your passport that matters. Whatever are the rules for an Indian passport apply to you except in the Schengen countries. Within…
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visiting in winter (February)
by netllama 14 September 2011
Greetings! I've got about 10 days free in February 2012, and Iceland is on my list of potential options. Yes, I know, winter, very short…
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RE: Practical questions for my trip
by micolett 14 September 2011
Lightweight good camping gear is available, a tent 1,5/2 kg average, a self inflating mat (lots smaller than foam), a good sleeping bag…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Iceland
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Iceland
Things to do
- All things to do (437)
- Activities (117)
- Entertainment (54)
- Restaurants (114)
- Shopping (54)
- Sights (92)
- Tours (6)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Iceland
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1 Jökulsá-Austari
Discover whitewater rafting on glacial rivers and some of Iceland's best horse riding
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2 Ísafjörður
Take in Iceland's most isolated town among a spectacular setting in the rugged Westfjords
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3 Geysir & Gullfoss
Don't miss Iceland's 'big two', a regularly exploding geyser and the majestic waterfall of Gullfoss
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4 Vestmannaeyjar
Watch thousands of puffin chicks take flight from these spectacular islands every August
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5 Landmannalaugar
Relax among hot springs, lavas and colourful rhyolite hills
Fast Facts about Iceland
- Telephone Codes
country code 354; international access code 00; reverse-charge operator 533 5309; telephone area codes don’t apply
- Official Language
Icelandic
- Visa
unnecessary for visitors from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Scandinavia, EU countries, the UK and the USA staying for under three months
- Area
103, 000 sq km
- Population
300, 000
- Famous for
fishing, sagas, Björk, the Blue Lagoon, rotten shark meat!
- Capital
- Phrases
halló (hello), gjörðu svo vel (please), takk fyrir (thanks), skál! (cheers!)
- Currency
króna (Ikr) : €1 = Ikr180.11; US$1 = Ikr127.52; UK£1 = Ikr138.31; A$1 = Ikr103.43; CA$1 = Ikr110.36; NZ$1 = Ikr83.38; ¥100 = Ikr133.03
Our favourite Iceland Blogs (beta)
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Video: Whale Watching in Husavik, Iceland
Blog: WildJunket - 10 November 2011
From somewhere beyond the tranquility comes a spray of water and a slow-motion flip of a fluke. It’s a humpback whale. Just meters away from our old sailboat. I watch in awe as it glides gently by the bow of our boat, shyly peeking at us through the water surface.
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Whitewater Rafting in the Glacial River of Northern Iceland
Blog: WildJunket - 8 November 2011
“It’s all about teamwork!” Our rafting instructor Girish shouts loudly to overcome the deafening sounds of the gushing water around us.
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Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
Blog: WildJunket - 29 September 2011
Dressed in a bulky dry suit, airtight hood and gloves, I’m taking the plunge into the glacial waters of a narrow crack.
