The Regions of Iceland
Iceland is usually divided into eight regions, each with its own character in nature, economy and culture. In addition there are the central highlands, a vast uninhabited area in the middle of the country covering about 40% of Iceland's area.
Dividing up the country
The regional division used today is based on old electoral constituencies and is used in statistics and regional policy. It has its roots in the ancient division of the country into quarters – the Westfjords Quarter, the Northern Quarter, the Eastern Quarter and the Southern Quarter – introduced around 965.
| Region | Largest town | Population (approx.) | Landmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital area | Reykjavík | 250,000 | Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Esja |
| Suðurnes | Reykjanesbær | 33,000 | Blue Lagoon, Keflavík Airport |
| West Iceland | Akranes | 17,000 | Snæfellsjökull, Kirkjufell, Reykholt |
| Westfjords | Ísafjörður | 7,500 | Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Hornstrandir |
| Northwest Iceland | Sauðárkrókur | 7,500 | Hvítserkur, Glaumbær, Hólar |
| Northeast Iceland | Akureyri | 32,000 | Mývatn, Dettifoss, Goðafoss |
| East Iceland | Egilsstaðir | 11,000 | Seyðisfjörður, Hengifoss, Stuðlagil |
| South Iceland | Selfoss | 34,000 | Gullfoss, Geysir, Jökulsárlón |
Population figures are rounded and based on data from Statistics Iceland.
The capital area and Suðurnes
The large majority of the nation lives in the capital area. It is home to the government, the main educational institutions, hospitals and the country's cultural life. Reykjavík is the largest municipality; the others are Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes and Kjósarhreppur. Suðurnes lies on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is home to Keflavík Airport, the country's main gateway to the world.
West and North Iceland
West Iceland stretches from Hvalfjörður to Gilsfjörður and includes Snæfellsnes, often called "Iceland in miniature". The Westfjords are dramatic and sparsely populated, with deep fjords and high mountains. North Iceland is split in two: Northwest Iceland, with farming districts such as Skagafjörður and Húnavatnssýsla, and Northeast Iceland, centred on Akureyri, with natural wonders such as Mývatn and Ásbyrgi.
East and South Iceland
East Iceland is known for beautiful fjords, forests and reindeer. Egilsstaðir is the largest town, and from Seyðisfjörður the Norræna ferry sails to the Faroe Islands and Denmark. South Iceland is the largest region, stretching from Hellisheiði east to Lónsheiði. It has many of the country's most popular tourist sites and is also Iceland's main farming region.
The highlands
The central highlands are uninhabited and accessible only in summer via mountain roads. There you will find glaciers, black deserts, colourful rhyolite mountains and popular hiking trails such as the Laugavegur trail. The highlands are one of the largest unspoiled wilderness areas in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How many regions does Iceland have?
There are eight: the capital area, Suðurnes, West Iceland, the Westfjords, Northwest Iceland, Northeast Iceland, East Iceland and South Iceland.
Which is the least populous region?
The Westfjords and Northwest Iceland are the least populous regions, each with about 7,500 inhabitants.
All articles in Regions
- 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.