Iceland – facts about the land, its history and people
Welcome to Íslandsfróðleikur, a comprehensive information site about Iceland. Here you will find more than forty in-depth articles about the country's nature, its eight regions and the highlands, the nation's history from the settlement to the republic, and its culture, language, society and travel.
Iceland in brief
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle. With an area of about 103,000 square kilometres it is the second-largest island in Europe after Great Britain. Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are drifting apart, which makes it one of the most volcanically active places on Earth.
Despite its northerly position the climate is relatively mild thanks to warm ocean currents. The country is sparsely populated: about two-thirds of the population live in the capital area, while large parts of the country, especially the central highlands, are uninhabited. Glaciers cover about a tenth of the land, and Vatnajökull is the largest of them.
Icelanders are descended from Norse and Celtic settlers who made their homes here in the 9th and 10th centuries. The nation has preserved its language, Icelandic, better than most, and can still read its medieval sagas in the original. The Icelandic republic was founded at Þingvellir on 17 June 1944.
The main sections of the site
The site is divided into six categories. Each has an overview page and a number of detailed articles. At the bottom of every page you will find a site map with all the articles.
| Category | What you will find |
|---|---|
| Nature | Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal activity, the northern lights, wildlife, birds, flora, climate and geology |
| Regions | The capital area, Reykjavík, Suðurnes, West Iceland, the Westfjords, North Iceland, East Iceland, South Iceland and the highlands |
| History | The settlement, the Commonwealth, the Althing, conversion to Christianity, independence, the republic and the Cod Wars |
| Culture | The sagas, the Icelandic language, music, food, festivals, folklore and literature |
| Society | Government, the economy, energy, education and key facts |
| Travel | Travel tips, the Golden Circle, the Ring Road and the national parks |
The nature of Iceland
Icelandic nature is varied and at times harsh. This is where fire meets ice: volcanoes erupt beneath glaciers, hot springs bubble up through cold lava, and waterfalls plunge over cliffs. In winter the northern lights dance across the sky, while in summer it is light around the clock. Read more about geothermal activity and hot springs, glaciers, birdlife and wildlife.
The nation's history
Iceland's history begins with the settlement by Norsemen in the late 9th century. In 930 the Althing was founded at Þingvellir, and during the Commonwealth period the country had no king. Around the year 1000 Icelanders adopted Christianity. After the country came under the Norwegian and later the Danish crown, a long struggle for independence followed, ending with the founding of the republic in 1944.
Culture and language
Icelanders are proud of their literary heritage. The Sagas of Icelanders and the Eddic poems are among the most important literature of medieval Europe. Today Icelandic music is known all over the world and literature thrives, not least during the annual Christmas book flood. Explore Icelandic food, festivals and traditions and fascinating folk tales about elves, trolls and hidden people.
Travelling in Iceland
Tourism is one of the country's largest industries, and around two million foreign visitors come every year. The most popular route is the Golden Circle, but many drive the whole Ring Road and visit the three national parks. Before setting off, it is a good idea to read our travel tips on weather, road conditions and safety.
Iceland in numbers
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Area | about 103,000 km² |
| Coastline | about 5,000 km (depending on method) |
| Highest peak | Hvannadalshnúkur, 2,110 m |
| Largest lake | Þórisvatn (reservoir), about 83–88 km² |
| Largest natural lake | Þingvallavatn, about 84 km² |
| Longest river | Þjórsá, about 230 km |
| Largest glacier | Vatnajökull, about 7,700 km² |
| Population of the capital area | about 250,000 |
| Mean temperature in Reykjavík | about 5 °C |
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in Iceland?
About 390,000 people live in Iceland (2025). Roughly two-thirds of them live in the capital area.
What is the capital of Iceland?
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world.
What language is spoken in Iceland?
The official language is Icelandic, a Nordic language that has changed little since the settlement era.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The northern lights are best seen from September to April on clear, dark evenings. See our page on the northern lights.
Nature
- The Nature of IcelandAn overview of Iceland's nature: volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal areas, the northern lights, wildlife, birdlife, flora, climate and geology in one place.
- Volcanoes in IcelandAll about volcanoes in Iceland: the most active volcanic systems, famous eruptions from the Laki fires to the Reykjanes eruptions, types of eruption and monitoring.
- Glaciers in IcelandFacts about Iceland's glaciers: Vatnajökull, Langjökull, Hofsjökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Snæfellsjökull, glacial floods, glacial lagoons and retreat due to warming.
- Waterfalls in IcelandA guide to Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls: Gullfoss, Dettifoss, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Goðafoss, Dynjandi, Glymur and Hengifoss, with heights and locations.
- Geothermal Activity and Hot SpringsFacts about geothermal heat in Iceland: Geysir and Strokkur, high- and low-temperature areas, hot springs, swimming pool culture and geothermal heating and power.
- The Northern Lights in IcelandA guide to the northern lights in Iceland: what the aurora is, when and where to see it, the aurora forecast, photography tips and folklore about the northern lights.
- Wildlife in IcelandFacts about Iceland's wildlife: the Arctic fox, reindeer, seals and whales, the Icelandic horse, sheep, sheepdog and the other native Icelandic livestock breeds.
- Birdlife in IcelandFacts about birds in Iceland: the puffin, gyrfalcon, great northern diver, Arctic tern and golden plover, bird cliffs, Lake Mývatn and the best birdwatching spots.
- Vegetation and Flora of IcelandIceland's vegetation and flora: birch woods, mosses, lichens, flowers, soil erosion, land reclamation and forestry from the settlement to today.
- Weather and ClimateIceland's weather and climate: temperatures, rain, wind, seasons, midnight sun and winter darkness, weather records and climate change.
- The Geology of IcelandThe geology of Iceland explained: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the plate boundary, the mantle plume, the age of the bedrock, earthquakes, columnar basalt and UNESCO geosites.
Regions
- The Regions of IcelandAn overview of Iceland's eight regions – from the capital area, Suðurnes and the Westfjords to North, East and South Iceland – plus the highlands.
- The Capital AreaFacts about Iceland's capital area: its seven municipalities, population, history, transport, outdoor areas such as Heiðmörk and Mount Esja, and the main sights.
- Reykjavík – the Capital of IcelandAll about Reykjavík: the city's history from Ingólfur's settlement, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Höfði, museums, neighbourhoods, cultural events and practical information.
- Suðurnes and the Reykjanes PeninsulaSuðurnes on the Reykjanes Peninsula: Reykjanesbær, Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon, the Bridge Between Continents, the geopark and the recent eruptions.
- West Iceland and SnæfellsnesFacts about West Iceland: Snæfellsnes and Snæfellsjökull, Kirkjufell, Borgarfjörður, Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Akranes, Hvalfjörður, Glymur and the settings of Egil's Saga.
- The WestfjordsFacts about the Westfjords of Iceland: Ísafjörður, Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Hornstrandir, Rauðisandur, Hrafnseyri, history, nature, transport and culture on the peninsula.
- Northwest IcelandNorthwest Iceland: Skagafjörður, Sauðárkrókur, Hólar, Glaumbær, Vatnsnes, Hvítserkur, horse culture and the settings of Grettir's Saga.
- Northeast Iceland and AkureyriFacts about Northeast Iceland: Akureyri, the Mývatn area, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Siglufjörður, Grímsey and the Diamond Circle route.
- East Iceland and the EastfjordsFacts about East Iceland: Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður eystri, Hallormsstaður forest, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss, Stuðlagil, Djúpivogur and the reindeer.
- South IcelandFacts about South Iceland: Selfoss, Hveragerði, Gullfoss, Geysir, Skálholt, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and the Westman Islands.
- The Highlands and WildernessFacts about Iceland's central highlands: Landmannalaugar, the Laugavegur trail, Þórsmörk, Askja, Kerlingarfjöll, Hveravellir, Kjölur, Sprengisandur, F-roads and safety.
History
- The History of IcelandIceland's history in brief: settlement, the Commonwealth, the Althing, Christianity, foreign rule, the independence movement and the republic.
- The Settlement of IcelandThe settlement of Iceland: the papar, Hrafna-Flóki, Ingólfur Arnarson, the Book of Settlements, where the settlers came from and the settlement layer.
- The Commonwealth PeriodThe Icelandic Commonwealth 930–1262: chieftains and assemblies, the lawspeaker, Grágás, voyages to Greenland and Vinland, and the Old Covenant.
- The Althing and ÞingvellirThe Althing from its founding at Þingvellir in 930 to today: the Law Rock, the 1845 restoration, the Parliament House and Þingvellir National Park.
- The Conversion to Christianity in 1000Iceland's conversion to Christianity in 999 or 1000: the old religion, the missions, Þorgeir under his cloak, the compromise and the bishoprics.
- Iceland's Struggle for IndependenceIceland's struggle for independence: the Fjölnir group, Jón Sigurðsson, the 1851 National Assembly, home rule in 1904 and sovereignty in 1918.
- The Republic of IcelandThe Republic of Iceland: the wartime occupation, the founding at Þingvellir on 17 June 1944, the presidents, NATO and the banking crash.
- The Cod WarsThe Cod Wars between Iceland and Britain 1958–1976: fishing limits of 12, 50 and 200 nautical miles, the net cutters and the diplomatic break.
Culture
- Icelandic CultureAn overview of Icelandic culture: medieval literature, the Icelandic language, music, art, film, food, festivals, folklore, naming customs and sports.
- The Sagas of Icelanders and Old Norse LiteratureThe Sagas of Icelanders: Njáls saga, Egil's saga, Laxdæla, Grettir's saga, the Eddas, Heimskringla and the return of the manuscripts in 1971.
- The Icelandic LanguageThe Icelandic language: its origins, the alphabet with þ and ð, grammar, new-word coining, language policy and Icelandic Language Day.
- Icelandic MusicIcelandic music: rímur and tvísöngur, choirs, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, Laufey and music festivals.
- Icelandic FoodFacts about Icelandic food: traditional dishes such as hangikjöt, lamb soup, plokkfiskur, skyr, flatkökur and þorramatur, as well as modern Icelandic cuisine and drinks.
- Festivals and TraditionsIcelandic festivals and traditions: the thirteen Yule Lads, Grýla, Þorrablót, Bun Day, the First Day of Summer, 17 June and New Year's Eve.
- Folklore, Elves and TrollsIcelandic folklore: hidden people and elves, trolls, ghosts, outlaws, sea monsters, Sæmundur the Learned, the land spirits and Jón Árnason's tales.
- Modern Icelandic LiteratureIcelandic literature from the 19th century to today: Jónas Hallgrímsson, Halldór Laxness, 20th-century writers, crime fiction and new authors.
Society
- Society and GovernmentIcelandic society: the constitution, the president, the Althing, municipalities, population, the welfare system, healthcare and gender equality.
- The Economy and IndustryIceland's economy: fisheries and the quota system, tourism, aluminium, the knowledge sector, the Icelandic króna, the 2008 crash and the labour market.
- Energy and Renewable PowerEnergy in Iceland: hydropower, geothermal power, district heating, Kárahnjúkar, the energy transition, electric cars and Carbfix carbon capture.
- Education and the School SystemThe Icelandic school system: pre-schools, compulsory and upper secondary schools, universities, the history of education and learning Icelandic.
- Facts about IcelandKey facts about Iceland in one place: geography, population, government, national symbols, records, weather records and fun facts about the country and its people.
Travel
- Travelling in IcelandPractical Iceland travel tips: when to go, driving and road conditions, safety, accommodation, the right to roam and the emergency number 112.
- The Golden CircleA guide to the Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, distances, the driving route and stops such as Kerið, Skálholt and Friðheimar.
- The Ring Road – Route 1A guide to Iceland's Ring Road, Route 1: distances, a day-by-day itinerary, the main stops in each region, winter driving and tips for the road trip around Iceland.
- National Parks in IcelandIceland's three national parks – Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull – with visitor centres, trails, UNESCO sites and protected areas.