Iceland

Iceland

Types of trips: Exploration, Relaxation, Geographical, Nature

Best known for: Hot Springs, Geysers, Volcanoes, Geothermal Energy, Blue Lagoon Spa, the Icelandic language

Why Go?: Iceland is a hugely interesting country - the hot underground springs provide heating for a lot of the country, and the contrast of hot geysers and volcanoes to the cold climate makes for some stunning natural landscapes and many interesting things to do.

Fact File

Population: 350,000

Capital: Reykjavik

Language(s): Icelandic

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, popular travel destination

Landscape: Most of the country is tundra, but you can also find glaciers, volcanoes and fjords in Iceland.

Climate/Seasons: Summer can be quite pleasant, but temperatures in winter can often dip below freezing. In general, weather can be pretty unpredictable, but is moderated by warmer ocean currents.

When to Go: The summer months will have the best weather with peak heat around August, but winter can be lovely to visit to see the country under snow cover and to see the Northern Lights - getting around may be trickier in the winter because of the weather!

Reasons to Visit: Iceland has many great attractions, but is unmissable for anyone interested in Geography and naturally occuring events such as geysers and volcanoes!

How to Get There: Reykjavik has a good international airport, but there are other options you may wish to consider based on your destination.

Places to Go: Blue Lagoon Spa, National Museum of Iceland, Vikin Maritime Museum, Tjornin, Viking World Museum

Famous People: Sigur Ros, Bjork, Magnus Scheving, Stony

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Aurora Borealis visible in winter, Midnight sun can be experienced in the north in summer, Seljavallalaug and Reykjadalaur hot springs, Geysers

History: Became independent from Denmark in 1944

Architecture: Perlan, Harpa

Culture: Tradiational Icelandic literature and art, Liberal LGBT rights

Sport: Football, Handball, Track events, Basketball, Swimming, Shooting

Events: Winter Lights Festival, Thorrablot

Watch Out For: You should be careful when walking in unfamilar areas as there can often be hidden dangers - it is advised to go with someone familiar with the area.

Medical Issues: No vaccinations or boosters required, but check with your doctor if you have individual concerns

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Latest News

British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

hotel corridor

A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.