Europe · Northern Europe
Iceland
🏛️ Capital
Reykjavik
👥 Population
391,810
📐 Area
103,000 km²
💱 Currency
Icelandic króna (kr)
🗣️ Languages
Icelandic
📞 Calling Code
+354
🕐 Time Zones
UTC
🌐 Region
Europe / Northern Europe
About Iceland
Iceland is one of those destinations that defies easy description — a place where the forces of nature operate on a scale that leaves visitors genuinely humbled. Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, you'll find a land where geysers burst from the earth, volcanoes smoulder beneath glaciers, and the Northern Lights streak across winter skies in waves of green and violet. Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, serves as your gateway to this extraordinary island, combining a vibrant café culture and creative arts scene with easy access to the wild landscapes that define Iceland's identity.
Venturing beyond the capital, you'll discover that Iceland rewards the curious traveller at every turn. The famous Golden Circle route takes you past the Þingvellir National Park — where two tectonic plates visibly diverge — to the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the explosive Strokkur geyser. Further afield, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the remote Westfjords, and the dramatic highlands of the interior each offer landscapes so otherworldly they feel borrowed from another planet entirely.
What truly sets Iceland apart is the intimacy between its people and their land. Visitors can soak in geothermal pools surrounded by lava fields, hike across ancient glaciers, or kayak through fjords flanked by soaring basalt cliffs. Whether you arrive chasing the midnight sun of summer or the aurora-lit darkness of winter, Iceland delivers an encounter with raw, elemental nature that is simply impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.
Venturing beyond the capital, you'll discover that Iceland rewards the curious traveller at every turn. The famous Golden Circle route takes you past the Þingvellir National Park — where two tectonic plates visibly diverge — to the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the explosive Strokkur geyser. Further afield, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the remote Westfjords, and the dramatic highlands of the interior each offer landscapes so otherworldly they feel borrowed from another planet entirely.
What truly sets Iceland apart is the intimacy between its people and their land. Visitors can soak in geothermal pools surrounded by lava fields, hike across ancient glaciers, or kayak through fjords flanked by soaring basalt cliffs. Whether you arrive chasing the midnight sun of summer or the aurora-lit darkness of winter, Iceland delivers an encounter with raw, elemental nature that is simply impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.
History & Background
Iceland's recorded history begins in 874 AD when Norwegian Viking Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent settler, establishing a farm at what is now Reykjavik. The island had previously been visited by Irish monks seeking solitude, but Norse settlers rapidly colonised the entire habitable coastline. In 930 AD, Iceland's early inhabitants established the Althing — one of the world's oldest parliaments — at Þingvellir, creating a model of governance that remained influential for centuries.
The conversion to Christianity around 1000 AD was followed by a period of literary flourishing that produced the great Sagas. Iceland came under Norwegian and then Danish rule before finally gaining independence in 1944, taking advantage of wartime circumstances to establish a republic. In the late 20th century, the country rapidly modernised, leveraging its geothermal energy resources to build one of the world's most sustainable economies. The catastrophic 2008 financial crisis tested national resilience, but Iceland's recovery — achieved partly through controversial debt restructuring — became a case study in economic self-determination.
The conversion to Christianity around 1000 AD was followed by a period of literary flourishing that produced the great Sagas. Iceland came under Norwegian and then Danish rule before finally gaining independence in 1944, taking advantage of wartime circumstances to establish a republic. In the late 20th century, the country rapidly modernised, leveraging its geothermal energy resources to build one of the world's most sustainable economies. The catastrophic 2008 financial crisis tested national resilience, but Iceland's recovery — achieved partly through controversial debt restructuring — became a case study in economic self-determination.
Culture & People
Icelandic culture is shaped profoundly by the island's isolation and its long literary tradition. The medieval Sagas — epic prose narratives documenting Viking-age heroes, feuds, and settlement — remain central to national identity, and you'll find Icelanders deeply proud of this literary heritage. The country boasts one of the world's highest rates of book publication per capita, and the annual Reykjavik culture night draws crowds that reflect genuine enthusiasm for the arts, music, and storytelling.
Family and community ties run strong in this small nation of fewer than 400,000 people. Visitors are often struck by how approachable and straightforward Icelanders tend to be — directness is valued over formality here. Traditional crafts such as lopapeysa wool knitting, folk music rooted in rímur chanting, and the preservation of the uniquely unchanged Old Norse language all speak to a culture that cherishes continuity while embracing modernity with remarkable ease.
Family and community ties run strong in this small nation of fewer than 400,000 people. Visitors are often struck by how approachable and straightforward Icelanders tend to be — directness is valued over formality here. Traditional crafts such as lopapeysa wool knitting, folk music rooted in rímur chanting, and the preservation of the uniquely unchanged Old Norse language all speak to a culture that cherishes continuity while embracing modernity with remarkable ease.
Food & Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically from its subsistence roots while retaining a deep respect for locally sourced ingredients. Lamb is the cornerstone of the traditional diet — Icelandic sheep roam freely on pristine highland pastures, producing meat of exceptional quality. You'll find it prepared as slow-cooked kjötsúpa (lamb soup with root vegetables), tender grilled fillets, and the festive hangikjöt (smoked lamb) served during Christmas. Fresh fish, particularly Arctic char, cod, and haddock, features prominently on every restaurant menu, often simply prepared to showcase its quality.
Modern Reykjavik has cultivated an impressive restaurant scene that would not feel out of place in Copenhagen or Stockholm. Skyr — the traditional Icelandic dairy product resembling thick yogurt — appears at every breakfast table and has become an international export. For the adventurous, traditional fermented shark (hákarl) and singed sheep's head (svið) remain cultural curiosities, though few travellers find them particularly appetising. New Nordic restaurants in Reykjavik have elevated these traditional ingredients into sophisticated menus that showcase Iceland's exceptional raw materials beautifully.
Modern Reykjavik has cultivated an impressive restaurant scene that would not feel out of place in Copenhagen or Stockholm. Skyr — the traditional Icelandic dairy product resembling thick yogurt — appears at every breakfast table and has become an international export. For the adventurous, traditional fermented shark (hákarl) and singed sheep's head (svið) remain cultural curiosities, though few travellers find them particularly appetising. New Nordic restaurants in Reykjavik have elevated these traditional ingredients into sophisticated menus that showcase Iceland's exceptional raw materials beautifully.
Top Attractions
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) — Witnessed best from September to March away from city lights, Iceland's aurora displays are among the most accessible and spectacular on earth.
- Golden Circle — This classic day-trip circuit from Reykjavik connects Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring area, and the Gullfoss waterfall in a single unforgettable loop.
- Blue Lagoon — Iceland's most iconic geothermal spa sits amid a dramatic lava field near Keflavik Airport; its milky-blue mineral-rich waters offer a uniquely Icelandic welcome or farewell.
- Vatnajökull National Park — Europe's largest national park shelters the continent's biggest glacier alongside active volcanoes, ice caves, and jaw-dropping canyon landscapes at Jökulsárgljúfur.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula — This compact peninsula packs glaciers, lava fields, fishing villages, and the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano — Jules Verne's fictional gateway to the centre of the earth.
- Westfjords — Iceland's remote northwestern peninsula rewards adventurous travellers with dramatic fjord scenery, Europe's largest razorbill colony at Látrabjarg, and near-total solitude.
Practical Travel Tips
- Rent a 4WD vehicle if you plan to drive F-roads in the highlands — regular cars are prohibited and can be seriously damaged on these rough tracks.
- Book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer visits; popular spots like the Blue Lagoon and highland huts sell out months ahead.
- Weather changes with extreme speed — always carry waterproof layers, even in summer, and check road conditions on road.is before driving.
- The Icelandic króna is the only currency accepted in most places; card payments are near-universal, but carry some cash for remote petrol stations.
- Respect volcanic and geothermal areas strictly — stepping off marked paths near active vents or on fragile lava formations causes irreversible damage and can be life-threatening.
- Download the 112 Iceland emergency app before venturing into rural areas — it allows emergency services to locate you precisely even without a phone signal.
- Tap water in Iceland is among the purest in the world; there is absolutely no need to buy bottled water.
Visa Overview
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, meaning citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter freely with a valid national ID card or passport. Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and most other Western nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Citizens of countries outside the Schengen visa-waiver list must apply for a Schengen visa in advance. Iceland is not a member of the European Union despite being part of the EEA and Schengen zone, which is an important distinction for longer-stay visa planning.
Getting Around
Renting a car is by far the most practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik. The Ring Road (Route 1) circumnavigates the entire island and is paved throughout, making it accessible to standard vehicles in summer. Domestic flights connect Reykjavik's domestic airport to Akureyri, the Westfjords, and the Eastfjords for those short on time. Reykjavik has a decent bus network, and the Strætó app covers urban routes. Long-distance bus services operate seasonally but are slow and infrequent — a car or organised tour is strongly recommended for rural exploration.
Safety Notes
Iceland is one of the world's safest countries, with extremely low crime rates and highly reliable emergency services. The greatest risks are environmental rather than social — unpredictable weather, powerful sneaker waves on black sand beaches, unstable cliff edges, and the genuine hazards of geothermal areas all demand respect and caution. Always tell someone your itinerary before venturing into remote areas, carry appropriate gear, and register your travel plan at safetravel.is. Hypothermia and getting stranded in snowstorms are realistic dangers for unprepared winter travellers.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Iceland.
Icelandic króna (ISK) kr
Updated: 2026-08-21
Icelandic króna (ISK) kr
Updated: 2026-08-21
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 0.092596 |
| AAVE | 0.000083 |
| ADA | 0.040192 |
| AED | 0.030234 |
| AFN | 0.543307 |
| AGIX | 0.131808 |
| AKT | 0.015694 |
| ALGO | 0.093849 |
| ALL | 0.652477 |
| AMD | 3.001853 |
| AMP | 20.663210 |
| ANG | 0.014852 |
| AOA | 7.557018 |
| APE | 0.062425 |
| APT | 0.014298 |
| AR | 0.003993 |
| ARB | 0.090207 |
| ARS | 12.326096 |
| ATOM | 0.005440 |
| ATS | 0.096901 |
| AUD | 0.011548 |
| AVAX | 0.001136 |
| AWG | 0.014736 |
| AXS | 0.008474 |
| AZM | 69.977261 |
| AZN | 0.013995 |
| BAKE | 11.003648 |
| BAM | 0.013773 |
| BAT | 0.123616 |
| BBD | 0.016465 |
| BCH | 0.000037 |
| BDT | 1.007015 |
| BEF | 0.284076 |
| BGN | 0.013773 |
| BHD | 0.003095 |
| BIF | 24.503548 |
| BMD | 0.008233 |
| BNB | 0.000012 |
| BND | 0.010459 |
| BOB | 0.095067 |
| BRL | 0.042769 |
| BSD | 0.008233 |
| BSV | 0.000510 |
| BSW | 22.046207 |
| BTC | 0.000000 |
| BTG | 0.017515 |
| BTN | 0.788152 |
| BTT | 29,055.823703 |
| BUSD | 0.008232 |
| BWP | 0.110654 |
| BYN | 0.025068 |
| BYR | 161.345462 |
| BZD | 0.016581 |
| CAD | 0.011339 |
| CAKE | 0.004976 |
| CDF | 18.873259 |
| CELO | 0.121583 |
| CFX | 0.182891 |
| CHF | 0.006580 |
| CHZ | 0.623578 |
| CLP | 7.596632 |
| CNH | 0.055350 |
| CNY | 0.055343 |
| COMP | 0.000434 |
| COP | 25.280919 |
| CRC | 3.741782 |
| CRO | 0.153392 |
| CRV | 0.028837 |
| CSPR | 3.124190 |
| CUC | 0.008232 |
| CUP | 0.218146 |
| CVE | 0.776529 |
| CVX | 0.004798 |
| CYP | 0.004122 |
| CZK | 0.169898 |
| DAI | 0.008233 |
| DASH | 0.000249 |
| DCR | 0.000669 |
| DEM | 0.013773 |
| DFI | 15.279763 |
| DJF | 1.466377 |
| DKK | 0.052645 |
| DOGE | 0.100232 |
| DOP | 0.481660 |
| DOT | 0.009734 |
| DYDX | 0.072521 |
| DZD | 1.093812 |
| EEK | 0.110185 |
| EGLD | 0.002756 |
| EGP | 0.418861 |
| ENJ | 0.313515 |
| EOS | 0.117790 |
| ERN | 0.123489 |
| ESP | 1.171702 |
| ETB | 1.341723 |
| ETC | 0.001180 |
| ETH | 0.000003 |
| EUR | 0.007042 |
| EURC | 0.007066 |
| FEI | 0.008231 |
| FIL | 0.011036 |
| FIM | 0.041870 |
| FJD | 0.018087 |
| FKP | 0.006033 |
| FLOW | 0.283307 |
| FLR | 1.183506 |
| FRAX | 0.008296 |
| FRF | 0.046193 |
| FTT | 0.037854 |
| GALA | 5.071476 |
| GBP | 0.006033 |
| GEL | 0.021409 |
| GGP | 0.006033 |
| GHC | 913.093340 |
| GHS | 0.091309 |
| GIP | 0.006033 |
| GMD | 0.610567 |
| GMX | 0.001185 |
| GNF | 72.376476 |
| GNO | 0.000067 |
| GRD | 2.399585 |
| GRT | 0.544586 |
| GT | 0.001143 |
| GTQ | 0.062839 |
| GUSD | 0.008245 |
| GYD | 1.723682 |
| HBAR | 0.111026 |
| HKD | 0.064568 |
| HNL | 0.220864 |
| HNT | 0.045234 |
| HOT | 23.285182 |
| HRK | 0.053058 |
| HT | 0.175085 |
| HTG | 1.078342 |
| HUF | 2.567873 |
| ICP | 0.003452 |
| IDR | 146.082252 |
| IEP | 0.005546 |
| ILS | 0.024712 |
| IMP | 0.006033 |
| IMX | 0.074438 |
| INJ | 0.001737 |
| INR | 0.788152 |
| IQD | 10.800329 |
| IRR | 11,315.379537 |
| ITL | 13.635349 |
| JEP | 0.006033 |
| JMD | 1.303973 |
| JOD | 0.005837 |
| JPY | 1.308627 |
| KAS | 0.285988 |
| KAVA | 0.193940 |
| KCS | 0.001094 |
| KDA | 1.686579 |
| KES | 1.065559 |
| KGS | 0.720751 |
| KHR | 33.138213 |
| KLAY | 0.305066 |
| KMF | 3.464471 |
| KNC | 0.075539 |
| KPW | 7.408723 |
| KRW | 11.374087 |
| KSM | 0.002578 |
| KWD | 0.002538 |
| KYD | 0.006848 |
| KZT | 3.762601 |
| LAK | 185.521914 |
| LBP | 738.982011 |
| LDO | 0.024249 |
| LEO | 0.000886 |
| LINK | 0.000764 |
| LKR | 2.719504 |
| LRC | 1.014850 |
| LRD | 1.494798 |
| LSL | 0.132571 |
| LTC | 0.000171 |
| LTL | 0.024315 |
| LUF | 0.284076 |
| LUNA | 0.177838 |
| LUNC | 154.349600 |
| LVL | 0.004949 |
| LYD | 0.052199 |
| MAD | 0.076159 |
| MANA | 0.116753 |
| MBX | 0.386769 |
| MDL | 0.141507 |
| MGA | 35.215076 |
| MGF | 176.075380 |
| MINA | 0.175627 |
| MKD | 0.434222 |
| MKR | 0.000005 |
| MMK | 17.286168 |
| MNT | 29.630765 |
| MOP | 0.066505 |
| MRO | 3.287158 |
| MRU | 0.328716 |
| MTL | 0.003023 |
| MUR | 0.384032 |
| MVR | 0.127273 |
| MWK | 14.289954 |
| MXN | 0.139458 |
| MXV | 0.015856 |
| MYR | 0.033297 |
| MZM | 525.426253 |
| MZN | 0.525426 |
| NAD | 0.132571 |
| NEAR | 0.004661 |
| NEO | 0.004146 |
| NEXO | 0.010360 |
| NFT | 29,604.147771 |
| NGN | 11.116150 |
| NIO | 0.303133 |
| NLG | 0.015519 |
| NOK | 0.076832 |
| NPR | 1.261635 |
| NZD | 0.013801 |
| OKB | 0.000077 |
| OMR | 0.003168 |
| ONE | 11.031833 |
| OP | 0.084998 |
| ORDI | 0.001967 |
| PAB | 0.008233 |
| PAXG | 0.000002 |
| PEN | 0.027604 |
| PEPE | 2,554.516699 |
| PGK | 0.036921 |
| PHP | 0.507784 |
| PI | 0.090390 |
| PKR | 2.286966 |
| PLN | 0.030404 |
| POL | 0.101851 |
| PTE | 1.411808 |
| PYG | 49.635566 |
| QAR | 0.029967 |
| QNT | 0.000133 |
| QTUM | 0.010115 |
| ROL | 369.796009 |
| RON | 0.036980 |
| RPL | 0.005055 |
| RSD | 0.826264 |
| RUB | 0.681608 |
| RUNE | 0.018339 |
| RVN | 2.717949 |
| RWF | 12.115544 |
| SAND | 0.186825 |
| SAR | 0.030872 |
| SBD | 0.065979 |
| SCR | 0.115607 |
| SDD | 494.069940 |
| SDG | 4.940699 |
| SEK | 0.077966 |
| SGD | 0.010459 |
| SHIB | 1,658.394209 |
| SHP | 0.006033 |
| SIT | 1.687562 |
| SKK | 0.212149 |
| SLE | 0.188527 |
| SLL | 188.527237 |
| SNX | 0.038673 |
| SOL | 0.000093 |
| SOS | 4.707588 |
| SPL | 0.001372 |
| SRD | 0.311328 |
| SRG | 311.327999 |
| SSP | 46.266398 |
| STD | 173.973705 |
| STN | 0.173974 |
| STX | 0.055440 |
| SUI | 0.011120 |
| SVC | 0.072035 |
| SYP | 107.031311 |
| SZL | 0.132571 |
| THB | 0.270336 |
| THETA | 0.050640 |
| TJS | 0.076158 |
| TMM | 143.925479 |
| TMT | 0.028785 |
| TND | 0.023863 |
| TOP | 0.019826 |
| TRL | 395,587.878666 |
| TRX | 0.024346 |
| TRY | 0.395588 |
| TTD | 0.055845 |
| TUSD | 0.008246 |
| TVD | 0.011548 |
| TWD | 0.262190 |
| TWT | 0.020036 |
| TZS | 21.780542 |
| UAH | 0.367712 |
| UGX | 30.618948 |
| UNI | 0.002168 |
| USD | 0.008233 |
| USDC | 0.008232 |
| USDD | 0.008234 |
| USDP | 0.008244 |
| USDT | 0.008235 |
| UYU | 0.330332 |
| UZS | 97.509517 |
| VAL | 13.635349 |
| VEB | 639,869,582.775295 |
| VED | 6.380962 |
| VEF | 638,096.177696 |
| VES | 6.380962 |
| VET | 1.583456 |
| VND | 214.372205 |
| VUV | 0.976197 |
| WAVES | 0.039978 |
| WEMIX | 0.041386 |
| WOO | 0.709089 |
| WST | 0.022364 |
| XAF | 4.619295 |
| XAG | 0.000120 |
| XAU | 0.000002 |
| XAUT | 0.000002 |
| XBT | 0.000000 |
| XCD | 0.022289 |
| XCG | 0.014852 |
| XCH | 0.005690 |
| XDC | 0.287186 |
| XDR | 0.006012 |
| XEC | 1,186.120572 |
| XEM | 17.944847 |
| XLM | 0.044524 |
| XMR | 0.000020 |
| XOF | 4.619295 |
| XPD | 0.000006 |
| XPF | 0.840343 |
| XPT | 0.000004 |
| XRP | 0.006409 |
| XTZ | 0.036741 |
| YER | 1.951762 |
| ZAR | 0.132571 |
| ZEC | 0.000014 |
| ZIL | 3.254817 |
| ZMK | 156.203353 |
| ZMW | 0.156203 |
| ZWD | 2.979385 |
| ZWG | 0.219239 |
| ZWL | 547.817488 |
No currencies match your search.
Cities in Iceland 25
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Cities in Iceland 25
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Iceland needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Iceland?
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik.
What currency does Iceland use?
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (kr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Iceland?
The official language(s) of Iceland include Icelandic.
What is the population of Iceland?
Iceland has a population of approximately 391,810 people.
What region is Iceland in?
Iceland is located in Europe, specifically in the Northern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Iceland?
The international dialing code for Iceland is +354.
What time zones does Iceland observe?
Iceland observes the following time zone(s): UTC.
What is the current time in Iceland?
The local time in Iceland is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Iceland?
Iceland covers a total area of 103,000 km².
How many states or provinces does Iceland have?
Iceland is divided into 9 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Iceland in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Iceland in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Iceland?
Visa requirements for citizens of Iceland vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.