Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle. The landscape is wild, rugged and colourful, with black lava, red sulphur, hot blue geysers, rivers, waterfalls and green valleys. Its coastline is richly indented with bays and fjords. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times, and was once described by clergymen as the gateway to Hell. Certainly, Iceland's seething mountains contribute towards this sense of otherworldliness.
Yet around the coastal regions, Iceland is a bustle of activity, particularly in the capital city, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland's population lives. Reykjavík is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs, creating a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík has managed to forge a reputation for partying, and its nightclubs and bars are regularly filled with hordes of fun-loving citizens.

	Location:	North Atlantic
	Size:	39,770 sq miles
	Population:	307,261
	Capital City:	Reykjavík
	Language:	Icelandic
	Currency:	Icelandic króna (ISK)
	Country Code:	+354
	Time Zone:	GMT
	Electricity:	220 v, 50Hz
	Ferry Ports:	Seyðisfjörður
	Airports:	Reykjavik
	Dept. of Tourism:	Iceland Tourism

By car Most mountain roads and roads in the interior of Iceland have a surface of loose gravel. The same applies to some sections of the national highway, which also has long stretches of asphalt. The general speed limit is 30mph in urban areas, 50 mph on gravel roads in rural areas, and 55 mph on asphalt roads.

By bus There is an extensive bus service to most parts of the country and to the highlands, as well as a large number of organized bus tours. Reservations are not necessary and tickets can be bought either at the bus station or from the driver.

By ferry The Faroe Islands’ Smyril Line operates a weekly passenger- and car-ferry service from Bergen in Norway and Hanstholm in Denmark to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland.

By air British Airway, Icelandair and Iceland Express have all year around flights to Iceland from London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Whale Watching

Iceland is considered by various whale watching experts and tour operators as Europe's new 'Hot Spot', with astonishingly high sighting rates.

Mývatn

One of the natural wonders of the world.

Blue Lagoon

Iceland's most famous geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon, is the country's top tourist attraction.

Gullfoss

Iceland's most famous waterfall tumbles 32m (105ft) into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a sheer wall of spray.

Skaftafell National Park

Europe's largest national park encompasses a breathtaking collection of peaks and glaciers and is the country's favourite wilderness.

Obviously nature is a big part of the Icelandic experience – but by no means the only part.

Mývatn’s most interesting sights are volcanic and geothermal topographical features and the reserve’s centrepiece is a lovely blue lake teeming with birdlife.

The Blue Lagoon is hidden in black lava between the airport and Reykjavík, and this huge, milky-blue spa is fed by mineral-rich heated seawater. Add to this weird scenery the silvery towers of the nearby geothermal plant, rolling clouds of steam, and people daubed in white silica-mud, and you might be on another planet.

Reykjavík is one of the liveliest, safest, most sophisticated and modern cities there is, and its nightlife and cultural activities have earned an exciting reputation. Other towns such as Akureyri in the north are worth visiting in their right too. For those who want to see both city and nature, the wilds begin just outside urban communities.