Discover Iceland: Culture, Nature and National Parks

Iceland combines a distinctive geological setting with a long cultural history and many ways to experience its landscape. When planning a hotel trip, you can start with the themes that interest you, such as historic sites, hiking trails, protected natural areas or geothermal swimming pools.

Geology and history at Þingvellir

Iceland includes the only section of the actively spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge that is visible above sea level. Its geology is one of the country’s notable features. Þingvellir offers another defining perspective: the Alþing assembly met there annually from around 930 AD until 1798. Þingvellir was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its cultural value. The long period during which the assemblies met and the site’s later recognition give it a historical dimension distinct from a purely natural experience.

Today’s activities are also part of the picture at Þingvellir. The national park has walking and hiking trails, guided hikes, fishing and snorkeling. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on the site’s history or set aside time for outdoor activities.

National parks and varied landscapes

Iceland has three national parks, each offering its own distinctive attractions. Trails, visitor facilities and information about natural and cultural heritage help make Iceland’s national parks accessible to the public. This can help you find your way if you want to combine nature experiences with information about the landscape and its history.

The parks also differ in the features that stand out. Snæfellsjökull National Park is the only national park in Iceland that extends from the seacoast to the mountain peaks. Visitors can hike in Vatnajökull National Park. These details highlight two different aspects of the park landscapes: the distinctive extent of one and a specific activity in the other. At Þingvellir National Park, options include fishing and snorkeling as well as hiking.

Hornstrandir: hiking and wildlife watching

Hornstrandir is a 589-square-kilometer protected area in the northern part of the Westfjords peninsula. It has numerous hiking trails, ranging from fairly easy to more challenging routes. Visitors can see and photograph Arctic foxes in both winter and summer. If you want to watch Arctic foxes, you can visit in either winter or summer.

Getting there is also part of planning a trip to this protected area. The most common way to reach Hornstrandir is by sea; scheduled departures are available from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður in Strandir. Check schedules before your trip, as departure times may change.

Protected places and hiking trails

Surtsey offers a clear contrast with the national parks that visitors can access: the nature reserve is completely closed to the public. The island was formed by volcanic eruptions from 1963 to 1967 and has been legally protected since its formation. Its history can therefore be considered part of Iceland’s natural and protected areas without planning a visit to the island itself.

For Kerlingarfjöll, the Environment Agency has published a hiking brochure with eight trails divided into three difficulty levels. This classification provides specific guidance on the trails listed. As brochures and associated maps may be updated, check that your materials are current before setting out.

Geothermal bathing and the northern lights

Swimming pools are another distinctive travel experience in Iceland. There are more than 120 swimming pools in the country; most are heated with geothermal water from deep underground boreholes. Iceland’s geothermal swimming pools stay warm and inviting all year round, making swimming an activity that is not limited to a particular season.

The northern lights offer another seasonal point of reference: they are clearly visible in Iceland from late August to late April, although visibility depends on the weather. When planning your trip, you can compare this time frame with the year-round warmth of geothermal swimming pools.

Discover more destinations: Geysir, Skaftafell, Reykholt, South Iceland, West Iceland, East Iceland, Northeast Iceland, Westfjords, Capital Region, Stykkishólmur, Northwest Iceland, Reykjanes, Flatey, Thorlakshöfn.

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