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 LAND OF 
FIRE AND ICE
With the Atlantic Ocean to its south and the Greenland Sea to its 
north, Iceland is Europe’s westernmost country, with the world’s 
most northerly capital city, Reykjavík. Over a thousand years ago, 
Viking explorers migrated from northern Europe to Iceland, 
where they eventually established the world’s first parliament.1
The 
country’s national language can still be traced to the one spoken 
by the Vikings. Today, Iceland has a population of about 340,000, 
spread over more than 100,000 square kilometers. Despite its small 
size, there are many reasons to visit this remarkable country.
City of Culture
Most visitors’ first port of call is Reykjavík, a small and clean 
city known for its colorful and stylish architecture. The city’s 
downtown area is lined with shops, art galleries, cafés, and 
bookstores. In 2000, Reykjavík was awarded the title of Europe’s 
City of Culture, thanks to its art and museum scenes, and lively 
nightlife.
The good news for visitors is that Reykjavík’s temperatures are 
fairly mild. Even in the winter, daytime temperatures are usually 
above freezing. During winter months, nights are long and the 
northern lights2
become visible, lighting up the night sky with a 
spectacular natural display. In summer, the country gets almost 
22 hours of daylight. During this time, native Icelanders and 
visitors alike enjoy partying outdoors until dawn.
Hot Springs
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active nations in the world, 
with a number of thermal springs around the island. All are heated 
naturally by underground volcanic activity. In fact, Iceland 
converts energy generated by these springs into electricity, which 
powers and heats people’s homes and businesses. As a result, 
Iceland burns very little fossil fuel, such as oil and gas. Iceland has 
some of the cleanest air in the world.
One of Iceland’s most popular hot springs is the Blue Lagoon, 
a huge lake of bright blue seawater just outside Reykjavík. 
Surrounded by volcanoes and lava fields, the Blue Lagoon receives 
more than 1.3 million visitors a year. After a long day’s sightseeing 
or a long night of partying, visitors can relax their muscles and 
release their tension in the lagoon’s steaming hot water, which 
has an average temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius. Some 
believe the waters are able to cure certain illnesses and improve 
Skin quality