Iceland is an island where nature never ceases to amaze, with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. The landscape offers breathtaking natural views, and you can organize all kinds of excursions to witness the ever-changing spectacle of nature. There are national parks such as Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull, where you can admire lush scenery amid the vast, untouched wilderness surrounded by majestic glaciers. The Golden Circle is one of the most visited attractions by tourists and is easily accessible from the capital, Reykjavik. Here, you can marvel at three incredible sights: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir National Park is an evocative location where you can admire nature and experience the thrill of walking along a striking pathway that divides the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Geysir hot spring area in the Haukadalur valley is unmissable, where you can witness this wonderful natural phenomenon of water jets shooting from the ground accompanied by the strong smell of sulfur. Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in southwestern Iceland, located along the Hvítá River in Haukadalur. With the force of its waters, it creates two drops—one 11 meters high and the other 21 meters—before plunging into a narrow and deep canyon, creating beautiful plays of light. And, of course, the capital Reykjavik is worth a few days' stay. Most of the Icelandic population lives here, and the city is entirely powered by geothermal energy. In Reykjavik, you can visit the National Museum of Iceland and the Saga Museum to connect with the island's ancient Viking past. What else is there to say? Mother Nature puts on her best show in Iceland—with the colorful, glowing lights of the northern lights, the vast glaciers covering the land, and the summer phenomenon of the midnight sun, when days are endlessly long and nights last only three hours.

Iceland: things to know

LANGUAGE: The official language is Icelandic, which developed between the 9th and 10th centuries from Norwegian. The language has remained largely untouched by outside influence. Icelandic Sign Language and Icelandic Braille are also recognized. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

RELIGION: Iceland recognizes religious freedom. About 82% of Icelanders belong to the National Church of Iceland, around 5% are Lutheran, and nearly 2% are Catholic.

TIME ZONE: One hour behind Italy.

DOCUMENTS: EU citizens can enter the country with a valid national ID card. Citizens of Scandinavian countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark) have free entry. Citizens of other countries must carry a passport. All visitors must have a document valid for at least three months beyond the end of their stay. Children must also have a valid ID, as required by European regulations.

CURRENCY: The currency is the Icelandic króna.

Curiosity

Iceland is mosquito-free—not because of the cold, but because the terrain is inhospitable to mosquito larvae.

25% of Iceland’s energy needs are met by more than 200 volcanoes.

Many Icelanders still believe in elves. In 2013, a committee was even formed to protect them and to block the construction of a highway in an area believed to be inhabited by these spirits.

In summer, the sun stays in a perpetual state of "sunset." It sets at midnight and rises again at 3 a.m. During this season, night practically doesn't exist.

Icelanders do not use family surnames. Instead, children take their father's first name with the suffix "son" (son of) or "dóttir" (daughter of).

Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Iceland’s population is relatively small, and many people are related. To avoid marrying a relative, Icelanders consult the "Íslendingabók," a genealogical database of the population.

Our advices

TO READ: Icelandic literature is rich in sagas and legends. The number of writers and readers in Iceland is remarkably high. We recommend reading "The Honour of the House" by Halldór Laxness, the most prominent Icelandic writer of the 20th century, who satirizes bourgeois society through the story of two beautiful sisters.

TO LISTEN TO: Iceland’s music culture is unique in the world. Many rock bands originate from the island. Globally famous is the singer Björk, though traditional Icelandic music also holds a significant place in the country’s history.

TO WATCH: Numerous epic and spectacular films have been shot in Iceland’s wild landscapes—such as Oblivion, Thor, James Bond, and Tomb Raider, to name a few. Even several episodes of Game of Thrones were filmed among Iceland’s stunning glaciers.

TO EAT: The most common foods in Icelandic cuisine are fish and lamb. The country also offers some unusual recipes, like the blood pudding known as Blóðmör, boiled sheep’s head, cod cheeks, or the infamous fermented shark, hákarl. But there are also many delicious and inviting dishes, such as herring prepared in various ways (sild), salmon, and cheeses like Skyr. Strong liquors and schnapps are also widespread in Iceland.

Iceland LAND OF ICE, LAND OF FIRE