Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic very close to the Arctic Circle, it is also one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. This incredible land is known as the land of Fire and Ice and although barren its landscape is splendid, similar to a moonlike setting.
More than five-sixth of the country is inhabited, most of the population living in Reykjavik, the capital or along the coast, the valleys and in the plains. The official language is Icelandic, although English and Danish are widely spoken.
The Vatnajökull is Iceland’s highest and largest glacier; with 8,500 sq km of ice it is the largest in Europe. The contrasting landscape of ice and black lava fields offers a spectacle of Nature’s riches, while along the coast the bays and fjords also offer magnificent spectacles for nature lovers. Bird watching and whale watching are favorite pastimes in Iceland and for the more energetic activities skiing, glacier skidoo or horseback riding are available.
Reykjavik is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs, which create a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. This bustling city is a fine blend of old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings.
Iceland’s climate is surprisingly mild in summer, due to the Gulf Stream, although winters are cold. From May to August the Northern Lights provide nearly 24 hours of daylight, and in the north the sun practically never sets.
