Where is Iceland Located?

Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, positioned between North America and Europe. Despite its mid-ocean location, Iceland is generally regarded as part of Northern Europe in cultural and political terms. It is a remote island nation often nicknamed the “Land of Fire and Ice” for its dramatic volcanoes and glaciers. Importantly, Iceland is an independent country (the Republic of Iceland), not part of any other nation, with a population of about 380,000 and its capital at Reykjavík.

Geographically, Iceland lies at the junction of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The island is entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and just below the Arctic Circle – in fact, the Arctic Circle’s southern edge just grazes Iceland’s northernmost island, Grímsey, off Iceland’s north coast. This means almost all of Iceland’s land area is south of the Arctic Circle, giving it surprisingly moderate weather for its latitude (see our weather guide). Iceland’s latitude ranges from about 63°N to 66°N, and longitude from 25°W to 13°W, placing it just south of the Arctic Circle and about halfway between North America and mainland Europe.

Relative location

Iceland is roughly equidistant between continents. It lies far out in the Atlantic, northwest of the British Isles. Notably, Greenland (part of North America) is Iceland’s nearest neighbor, only about 290 km (180 miles) to the west across the Denmark Strait. To the southeast, the Faroe Islands (a Danish territory) are about 420 km away. Further southeast are the northern islands of Britain – the Shetland and Orkney Islands (~740–750 km away) – and then Scotland itself, about 750 km (470 miles) to the southeast. The nearest point of Continental Europe is Norway, roughly 970 km (600 miles) to the east. By contrast, mainland North America (Labrador, Canada) is much farther – about 2,070 km (1,285 miles) to the west. These distances highlight Iceland’s remote oceanic location. Despite this isolation, Iceland is usually included in the European continent for practical and historical reasons.

Iceland’s main island has an area of about 103,000 km² (39,768 sq mi), making it the world’s 18th largest island and Europe’s second-largest island (after Great Britain). The country has no land borders at all – it is completely surrounded by ocean. Its coastline, carved by numerous fjords, stretches nearly 5,000 km in length. The terrain is rugged and volcanic, with icefields and mountains in the interior and fertile lowlands along some coasts.

Iceland is part of Europe, not North America. Culturally, historically, and politically, Iceland has always been aligned with Europe. It was settled by Norse Vikings from Scandinavia in the 9th century and for centuries was ruled by Norway and then Denmark, gaining independence as a sovereign nation in 1944. Today, Iceland is one of the Nordic countries and a member of organizations like NATO and the European Economic Area (EEA), which connects it economically to the European Union (although Iceland is not an EU member). It also participates in the Schengen Area for free travel in Europe. Iceland’s language (Icelandic) is a North Germanic language closely related to Norwegian and Danish, further underscoring its European heritage. In short, by geography, culture, and politics, Iceland belongs to Europe.

So why the confusion about continents? The confusion arises because geologically Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the undersea mountain chain that separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The ridge literally runs through Iceland, meaning the island’s bedrock is split between the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. In places like Þingvellir National Park, you can even see the plate boundary and walk between North America and Europe – a unique experience Iceland offers. This leads some to wonder if part of Iceland is in North America.

However, in terms of continental definition, tectonic plates alone do not determine continents. Continents are usually defined by geography and cultural/historical ties rather than geology alone. Despite straddling the plates, Iceland is not considered to be “on two continents.” It is universally classed as part of the European continent (specifically, part of Northern Europe). As the Encyclopædia Britannica notes, Iceland may be physically isolated (about 800 km from Scotland, its nearest European neighbor), yet it “has remained throughout its history very much a part of European civilization”. Even though geologically a bit of Iceland extends toward North America, politically and culturally it is European. In practical terms, Iceland is a European nation and not part of North America in any conventional sense.

It’s worth noting that Iceland is one of only a few countries located entirely on oceanic islands not connected to a continent (others include nations like Japan or New Zealand). But politically, Iceland is grouped with Europe.

In summary: Iceland is in Europe. The fact that it sits astride a plate boundary is a geological curiosity, but it doesn’t make Iceland transcontinental in the way that, say, Turkey or Russia (which span continental boundaries) are. Iceland is often included in maps and lists of Europe, and its affiliations are firmly European.

Iceland’s history is marked by remarkable discovery, settlement, and the gradual development of a unique national identity.

Early Discovery and Settlement

The earliest references to Iceland appear in classical and medieval literature as “Thule,” a mysterious northern land. The island remained unknown to mainland Europeans until the late 9th century, when Norse explorers began to arrive.

• Naddodd, a Norwegian Viking, is credited as the first European to set foot on Iceland around 860 AD. Blown off course while sailing to the Faroe Islands, he landed on the eastern coast and named the island Snæland (“Snowland”) due to its snowy landscape.
• Soon after, Gardar Svavarsson, a Swedish Viking, intentionally sailed to Iceland, circumnavigated the island, and confirmed it was an island. He spent a winter there and called it Gardarsholmur (“Gardar’s Island”).
• Flóki Vilgerðarson, known as “Raven-Flóki,” was the first Norseman to attempt permanent settlement. He famously used ravens to guide his voyage and, after experiencing a harsh winter, named the land Ísland (“Iceland”).

Permanent Settlement and Growth

The first permanent settler was Ingólfur Arnarson, who arrived from Norway in 874 AD with his family and followers. He established his homestead in what is now Reykjavík, laying the foundation for ongoing Norse settlement.

Medieval Developments and Governance

Icelandic society quickly developed its own structures. In 930 AD, the Althing (Alþingi) was founded at Thingvellir National Park, making it one of the world’s oldest parliaments and a symbol of early self-governance.

Foreign Rule and Independence

For centuries, Iceland fell under Norwegian and later Danish control. Despite foreign rule, Icelanders maintained a distinct language and culture. The country gradually gained more autonomy, achieving home rule in 1904 and full independence as a republic in 1944.

Iceland is world-famous for its stunning natural wonders and contrasts – so much so that it is aptly nicknamed the “Land of Fire and Ice.” This nickname reflects the presence of both active volcanoes and massive glaciers in Iceland. Few places on Earth have such a remarkable combination of geothermal activity and ice. Here are some of the key things Iceland is known for:

• Volcanoes & Geothermal Activity: Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas in the world. The island sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge hotspot, resulting in about 200 volcanoes (of various types) across the country. Many are dormant, but some erupt periodically. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted and spewed an ash cloud that disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks. Other famous volcanoes include Hekla, Katla, and Askja, among others. Thanks to this geothermal activity, Iceland has numerous geysers and hot springs – in fact, the English word “geyser” comes from Geysir, the name of an Icelandic hot spring. One geyser called Strokkur reliably erupts every 8–10 minutes, thrilling visitors. Icelanders have harnessed this geothermal energy for heating and electricity; the popular Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík is a man-made geothermal spa whose warm mineral-rich waters are a byproduct of a geothermal power plant. Explosive geysers, steaming vents, and volcanic landscapes are iconic features of Iceland.
  
• Glaciers & Ice: More than 10% of Iceland’s land is covered by glaciers. The largest, Vatnajökull, is the biggest glacier in Europe, spanning about 8,400 km². These icecaps and glaciers feed spectacular features like glacial lagoons (for example, Jökulsárlón), and they have carved deep valleys and fjords. The combination of fire and ice is literal: some volcanoes lie beneath glaciers, causing subglacial eruptions that can melt ice and cause sudden floods (known as jökulhlaups). Tourists can visit ice caves inside glaciers or hike on glacier tongues. Iceland’s icy landscapes, such as Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull (a glacier-capped stratovolcano), are central to its identity.
  
• Waterfalls and Fjords: Iceland’s rugged terrain and melting glaciers give rise to countless waterfalls, some of the most beautiful in the world. Perhaps most famous is Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”), a tiered waterfall that is a highlight of the popular Golden Circle tour. Other renowned waterfalls include Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind), Skógafoss, and the powerful Dettifoss (Europe’s most voluminous waterfall). The coastline, especially in the northwest (the Westfjords) and the east, is indented by fjords – steep-walled inlets created by glacial erosion. These dramatic land and seascapes are a major draw for visitors.
  
• Wildlife and Nature Experiences: Despite its harsh environment, Iceland has unique wildlife opportunities. The surrounding ocean is rich in marine life, and whale watching tours are extremely popular – you can see species like humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales in Icelandic waters. The cliffs of Iceland host millions of seabirds, most famously the puffins that nest in summer. On land, aside from farm animals (sheep, horses, etc.), the native land mammal is the Arctic fox. Iceland’s waters also teem with fish, making it a top destination for cold-water fishing.
  
• Aurora Borealis and Midnight Sun: Owing to its high latitude, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. From roughly September through March, on dark clear nights, you have a good chance of seeing green and purple ribbons of light dancing in the sky. Conversely, in summer, Iceland experiences nearly 24-hour daylight. Around the June solstice, the Midnight Sun means the sun barely sets – a unique experience where you can walk or play golf in the middle of the night in daylight. These polar light phenomena make Iceland special (though they are shared with other Arctic regions, Iceland’s tourism has capitalized on them heavily).
  
• Culture and History: Although nature is the star, Icelandic culture has its own fame. The Icelandic Sagas – medieval literature written by early Icelanders – are famous worldwide as classics of epic storytelling. Modern Iceland is known for its music scene (artists like Björk and Sigur Rós), its literature, and a high standard of living. The Icelandic horse, a small sturdy breed, is famed for its fifth gait (the tölt) and has become a symbol of the country. Culturally, Iceland is also known for quirky attractions like its folklore of elves and trolls, and even odd museums (for example, the Icelandic Phallological Museum!). While these cultural points are tangential to “where Iceland is,” they contribute to the country’s global fame.

Iceland is a country full of surprises beyond its dramatic landscapes. Here are some fascinating and quirky facts that highlight what makes Iceland truly unique:

1. No Mosquitoes
   Despite its abundance of water, Iceland is one of the few places in the world with no mosquitoes.
2. Icelanders Love Ice Cream
   Icelanders eat ice cream all year round—even in the middle of winter, you’ll find locals lining up at ice cream parlors.
3. Unique Naming System
   Iceland uses a patronymic (sometimes matronymic) naming system. Instead of family surnames, people’s last names are derived from their father’s (or mother’s) first name, with “-son” for sons and “-dóttir” for daughters.
4. A Country of Book Lovers
   Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country, and the annual “Christmas Book Flood” (Jólabókaflóð) is a beloved tradition.
5. Gender Equality Leaders
   Iceland was the first country to elect a female president (Vigdís Finnbogadóttir in 1980) and has strong laws supporting gender equality, including making it illegal to pay women less than men.
6. Belief in Hidden People
   A significant portion of Icelanders believe in elves or “hidden people,” and construction projects have sometimes been altered to avoid disturbing their supposed habitats.
7. No Army and Low Crime
   Iceland has no standing army, navy, or air force. The police do not carry firearms, and the country consistently ranks among the safest in the world.
8. World’s Only Penis Museum
   Reykjavík is home to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, which is dedicated to the collection and study of penises from all types of mammals.
9. Geothermal Energy Powers Everything
   Nearly all of Iceland’s electricity and heating come from renewable geothermal and hydroelectric sources, making it one of the world’s greenest countries.
10. Unusual Food Traditions
    Traditional Icelandic foods include fermented shark (hákarl), smoked lamb, and skyr (a yogurt-like dairy product). Black licorice is a national obsession.
11. No McDonald’s
    There are no McDonald’s restaurants in Iceland. The last one closed in 2009.
12. Unusual Laws and Customs
    Strip clubs are banned, and there’s an official Naming Committee that approves or rejects new baby names to preserve the Icelandic language.
13. Firsts in LGBTQ+ Rights
    Iceland was among the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage and once had the world’s only openly gay head of government.
14. Longest Showers
    Thanks to cheap and abundant geothermal hot water, Icelanders are known for taking long, luxurious showers.
15. Famous for Geysers
    The word “geyser” comes from Iceland’s own Great Geysir, and the country is dotted with hot springs and bubbling geothermal features.

These facts only scratch the surface of what makes Iceland extraordinary, offering a glimpse into a society shaped by both its environment and its inventive spirit.

Travelers to Iceland can immerse themselves in these natural wonders through a wide range of activities:

1. Bathing in Geothermal Hot Springs
   Relax in world-famous hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Hvammsvík, enjoying the warmth and mineral-rich waters amidst stunning scenery.
2. Viewing the Northern Lights
   Visit between September and April for the best chance to witness the aurora borealis. Head outside urban areas for optimal viewing conditions.
3. Exploring Volcanic Landscapes
   Join guided tours to active volcanoes, hike along craters, or visit recent eruption sites for an unforgettable adventure.
4. Glacier Adventures
   Experience glacier hiking, explore magical ice caves, or go snowmobiling for a true taste of Iceland’s icy wilderness.
5. Touring the Golden Circle
   Discover the Golden Circle route, which offers easy access to some of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, geysers, and national parks.
6. Experiencing Black Sand Beaches
   Visit volcanic beaches like Reynisfjara to see dramatic coastlines and unique geological formations.
7. Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours
   Embark on tours to spot whales, puffins, and other wildlife, making the most of Iceland’s rich natural habitats.
8. Additional Adventure Activities
   Try horseback riding on Icelandic horses, river rafting, hiking, and more for a well-rounded adventure.
9. Seasonal Experiences:
   In summer, enjoy the Midnight Sun with nearly 24 hours of daylight. In winter, embrace activities like ice caving and aurora hunting.

Tips for Planning Your Iceland Adventure: Prepare for changing weather, prioritize safety, and book popular tours in advance to make the most of your trip.

Iceland’s fame comes largely from its unparalleled natural environment – volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, and northern lights – which combined have created a booming tourism industry. It’s a place where fire meets ice, and that unique combination captures the world’s imagination. Iceland consistently ranks among the top travel destinations for those seeking natural beauty and adventure.