.jpg?230x230;crop)
The Big Picture
Located in the North-Atlantic ocean close by the Arctic Circle, Iceland is very much a bridge between continents. It takes approximately five hours to fly from New York to Reykjavík, and three hours from London. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate, with refreshing summers and surprisingly mild temperatures in winter. Icelandic culture has been shaped by isolation and the extreme forces of nature. These conditions have created a resilient people, where family ties are close, the sense of tradition is strong, and the bond with nature is tight. Here you can learn about our unique little island.
Iceland, the Quick facts
| Country Size 103,000 sq.km | Population (2015) 329.100 |
| Capital Reykjavík | Median age 35.6 |
| Currency Icelandic Króna (ISK) | GDP 2014 (MISK) 1.993.336 |
Cultural Places
-
Harpa
Harpa is a state of the art Concert Hall and Conference Center, located by the Reykjavík harbour. The glass facade that gives it its special impression was designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson to evoke the idea of a glacier in the interplay of light. -
The Icelandic Horse
The Icelandic horse is a special breed of horses that has evolved in isolation in Iceland from a now-extinct breed of Scandinavian work horses that came to Iceland with the first settlers in the ninth century. It has gained popularity around the world for its gentle disposition and friendly manner. -
What to see & do
Hip Reykjavík, the beautiful therapeutic Blue Lagoon, or perhaps our musical exports Björk or Sigur Rós. But this land of boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls is also an adventure playground. Iceland’s summers are surprisingly warm, lush and green. -
Food & Drink
Icelandic cuisine has changed a lot in the last few decades from involving mainly lamb or fish in some form or other, as the popularity of other types of food has increased. There are several vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík and vegetarian dishes widely available at other restaurants.
