A snapshot guide to Iceland

A land of fire and ice, Iceland is where the heat from the earth’s core emerges in the form of geysers and geothermal pools, while glaciers flow on the surface and broken-off ice cubes decorate the beaches. This small island in the North Atlantic is situated where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America brush alongside each other. Volcanically and geomagnetically active, Iceland boasts dramatic land formations that have featured in popular films and TV series, including Game of Thrones, Batman Begins, James Bond, and Star Wars.

The Northern Lights

Iceland is the perfect place to witness the natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.

• When the sky is clear and geomagnetic activity is high, shades of green and pinky purple dance across the dark sky.
• While sightings are not guaranteed, tour guides carry monitoring equipment to take you to the best dark sky locations for a chance to glimpse this magical event.

Pro Tip: Dress warmly and be patient; the Northern Lights can take time to appear!

Reykjavik

The capital city and most populated area of Iceland is Reykjavik, where most visitors choose to stay.

• It is a compact city and one of the safest in the world.
• There is a plethora of accommodation options to suit all budgets, along with plenty of places to eat and drink.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the tall tower of Hallgrímskirkja.

• Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
• The National Museum, Saga Museum, and the Settlement Exhibition provide insight into the country’s development from its Viking roots.