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Iceland is well known for its untouched nature and unique atmosphere.[9] Iceland receives the highest number of tourists during summer (June–August). In 2014, around 42% of visitors arrived in Iceland during its summer months, proportionally a slight decrease compared to the previous two years, the percentage of winter visitors having increased by over 4% in the same period.[10] As of year 2014, Iceland's largest tourism markets comprises tourists from Central/South Europe, followed by those from other regions: North America, the UK, then the Nordic countries. In terms of visitors from individual countries, the top five for 2014 were the UK, USA, Germany, France and Norway. Canada had the largest percentage increase in visitor numbers in the 2013-2014 period, with an increase of over 60% year on year.[10]
celand is often called the Land of Ice and Fire, a land where volcanoes and geothermal heat have made their mark on the landscape, along with the many glaciers and glacier lagoons, a land of pristine and unspoiled nature.
Iceland, the lonely island in the middle of the North Atlantic, has become a popular spot for Hollywood blockbuster films. And no wonder, the alien and strange landscapes seems easy to translate as either other planets, as in Star Wars – Rogue One or Prometheus, or suits as a setting for different fantasies, such as Game of Thrones. A land which the powerful elements, fire and ice, have molded and made their mark upon.
In recent years many people have discovered the lonely island in the middle of the North-Atlantic and paid it a visit. Not only to see what all the fuzz is about, but to experience the unspoiled nature. To witness the majestic Northern Lights dance across the blackened winter night sky. To see the sun still in the sky at midnight. To visit the geothermal areas where the geysers rule supreme. To sail among massive icebergs on a glacial lagoon. To see, to witness and to experience something new, something unique.
What is the temperature in Iceland?
Iceland is located on both a hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs right through it. This location means that the island is highly geologically active with many volcanoes. The climate is subarctic (see more about Seasons and Climate). The warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher annual temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world.
The Gulf Stream brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air, resulting in frequent and abrupt weather shifts where you may experience four seasons in one day. The Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes and you’ll get something different.”
Iceland does not have a rainy season, but precipitation peaks in October to February, with the southern and western parts receiving the most rainfall. The North, East and Interior experience colder winter temperatures but warmer summers, and noticeably less snow and rain.
How to get to Iceland
There are over 20 airlines that offer passenger flights over here. We recommend Icelandair, it is the oldest and one of the most reliable airline in Iceland, offering flights from many different destinations in Europe and North-America. While here you should find it easy to find things to do and see (see more here) and we also recommend that you take the time to see the many natural wonders.
Points of Interest in Iceland
We offer a great deal of tours and road trips where you can experience the many natural wonders of Iceland, be it the midnight sun, the Northern Lights or the Blue Lagoon. The Golden Circle has be a favorite among travelers and also the South Shore. Reykjavik is also bustling with life and offers many picturesque spots, e.g. Hallgrimskirkja Church.
Iceland has many attractions and if you have the time, you encourage you to visit as many places as you can, once in Iceland. Nearly everywhere you go, you’ll see beautiful unspoiled nature, low but rugged mountains, volcanoes and lavafields, narrow fjords, viking horses and small picturesque villages. Whether you are in the Snaefellsness peninsula, the Westfjords, traveling south of Vatnajokull glacier, you’ll find breathtaking vistas and landscape like no other.
Guides to travelling in Iceland
We have put together great guides to travelling in Iceland, where we try to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the superb attractions you’ll see when travelling in Iceland.
If you aim at seeing the Golden Circle, check out the complete guide to the Golden Circle and West Iceland. If you are coming here for the waterfalls and the south coast, check out our guide to the Stunning South Coast. For those who wish to experience the incredible Snaefellsnes Peninsula, here’s our guide to that beautiful area. Finally, if you wish to take on the North and discover what secrets it might hold, check out our guide to the North right here.