Know Before You Go | Iceland
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming Iceland expedition or just want to learn more about the land of fire and ice, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of helpful resources, from wildlife guides and packing tips, to nature trivia and thrilling travel stories to fuel your excitement.
Travel Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Iceland? We've got answers! We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about wildlife, weather, transportation and more.
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Iceland Wildlife Guide
Iceland Wildlife Guide
Learn about Arctic foxes, puffins, whales and other animals you may encounter in Iceland.
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Photography Tips
Photography Tips
Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting started, you'll want to read these essential photo tips from our Natural Photographer blog before your Iceland adventure.
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Iceland Nature Trivia
Iceland Nature Trivia
Take our Iceland nature quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with friends to see who knows the most about the land of fire and ice!
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Iceland Weather & Climate
Iceland Weather & Climate
Discover the typical weather conditions in Iceland in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and precipitation.
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Packing List
Packing List
Not sure what to bring on your Iceland adventure? We've got you covered with our comprehensive packing list.
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Travel Stories & Articles
The Folklore of Lakes and Waterfalls in Iceland
The Folklore of Lakes and Waterfalls in Iceland
—By Emily Goodheart
Iceland’s many lakes and waterfalls are steeped in myth and legend—ancient tales of fairy folk, hidden treasure and Norse gods surround these watery realms.
Iceland’s many lakes and waterfalls are steeped in myth and legend—ancient tales of fairy folk, hidden treasure and Norse gods surround these watery realms.
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Discover the Top Places to See Animals in Iceland
Discover the Top Places to See Animals in Iceland
—By Michelle Peters
When one daydreams about Iceland, the images that likely spring to mind are volcanic landscapes and vast glaciers—after all, this is the Land of Fire and Ice. And yet, despite the harsh Arctic temperatures, wildlife enthusiasts find a plethora of wondrous Iceland animals rarely seen by the average tourist.
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How to Unplug on an Iceland Adventure
How to Unplug on an Iceland Adventure
—By Cathy Brown
Being more present on an Icelandic trip doesn’t just apply to better wildlife and landscape viewing. Icelandic culture is rooted in magic, mythology and mystical beings, and no visitor will be able to curiously play with exploring the possibilities of those realms from behind a screen.
Being more present on an Icelandic trip doesn’t just apply to better wildlife and landscape viewing. Icelandic culture is rooted in magic, mythology and mystical beings, and no visitor will be able to curiously play with exploring the possibilities of those realms from behind a screen.
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Iceland’s Magical Creatures
Iceland’s Magical Creatures
—By Laura Kiniry
Iceland’s elves are intricately linked with the country’s natural landscape, and disturbing their supposed home could wreak havoc on the local surrounds. And they’re not Iceland’s only mythical creatures...
Iceland’s elves are intricately linked with the country’s natural landscape, and disturbing their supposed home could wreak havoc on the local surrounds. And they’re not Iceland’s only mythical creatures...
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An Insider’s Guide to Iceland
An Insider’s Guide to Iceland
—By Megan Brief
Shaped by natural forces and steeped in supernatural splendors, this island at the outer edge of Europe beckons exploration with its siren songs. The sheer magnetism of Iceland was forged in fiery volcanoes, sculpted...
Shaped by natural forces and steeped in supernatural splendors, this island at the outer edge of Europe beckons exploration with its siren songs. The sheer magnetism of Iceland was forged in fiery volcanoes, sculpted...
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Iceland Full Circle: A Photo Pro Expedition
Iceland Full Circle: A Photo Pro Expedition
—By Megan Brief
Imagine photographing sweeping vistas in the golden light of the Midnight Sun, capturing a majestic humpback whale as it breaches from the icy waters of the Atlantic and framing a puffin as it dives off a moss-laden precipice. These are just a few of the epic sights you can experience on Iceland Full Circle: A Photo Pro Expedition!
Imagine photographing sweeping vistas in the golden light of the Midnight Sun, capturing a majestic humpback whale as it breaches from the icy waters of the Atlantic and framing a puffin as it dives off a moss-laden precipice. These are just a few of the epic sights you can experience on Iceland Full Circle: A Photo Pro Expedition!
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Iceland’s Volcanos and Glaciers: Fire and Ice
Iceland’s Volcanos and Glaciers: Fire and Ice
—By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage
Everywhere you look in Iceland, there is evidence of the dramatic interaction between fire and ice.
Everywhere you look in Iceland, there is evidence of the dramatic interaction between fire and ice.
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A Guide’s Guide to Iceland’s Waterfalls
A Guide’s Guide to Iceland’s Waterfalls
—By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage
Waterfalls are only a small piece of the experience of Iceland, but they are endlessly fascinating. The dynamic way in which Iceland was formed and is still forming ensures that around every corner there will be something new to see. In my opinion, time spent enjoying, exploring and photographing these waterfalls is a highlight of our Iceland expeditions.
Waterfalls are only a small piece of the experience of Iceland, but they are endlessly fascinating. The dynamic way in which Iceland was formed and is still forming ensures that around every corner there will be something new to see. In my opinion, time spent enjoying, exploring and photographing these waterfalls is a highlight of our Iceland expeditions.
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Iceland’s Greenhouses: Creating a Sustainable Food System
Iceland’s Greenhouses: Creating a Sustainable Food System
—By Laura Kiniry
In a place known for its glaciers and lava fields, short summers, and cold climate, the fact that Iceland can produce a wide variety of food crops is impressive. This is in large part thanks to greenhouse horticulture.
In a place known for its glaciers and lava fields, short summers, and cold climate, the fact that Iceland can produce a wide variety of food crops is impressive. This is in large part thanks to greenhouse horticulture.
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Iceland’s Volcanoes: How Was Europe’s Second Largest Island Formed?
Iceland’s Volcanoes: How Was Europe’s Second Largest Island Formed?
—By Cathy Brown
Iceland today is home to about 130 volcanoes (roughly 30 are considered active) and there is usually an eruption every decade or half-decade. Approximately a third of the basaltic lava that has erupted in recorded history (since around 1500 AD) has been produced by Icelandic eruptions.
Iceland today is home to about 130 volcanoes (roughly 30 are considered active) and there is usually an eruption every decade or half-decade. Approximately a third of the basaltic lava that has erupted in recorded history (since around 1500 AD) has been produced by Icelandic eruptions.
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Iceland Video: The Eruptive Side of the “Land of Fire and Ice”
Iceland Video: The Eruptive Side of the “Land of Fire and Ice”
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Let’s take a closer look at the “fire side” of Iceland for a change, turn over some stones, so to speak, and try to discover how this peaceful and enchanting island relates to the Red Planet.
Let’s take a closer look at the “fire side” of Iceland for a change, turn over some stones, so to speak, and try to discover how this peaceful and enchanting island relates to the Red Planet.
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Inspiring Iceland: Five Facts About the Land of Ice & Fire
Inspiring Iceland: Five Facts About the Land of Ice & Fire
—By Emily Goodheart
From cascading waterfalls to glistening glaciers, Iceland is full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveler. Slumbering volcanoes and labyrinths of caves await exploration at Vatnajo¨kull National Park...
From cascading waterfalls to glistening glaciers, Iceland is full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveler. Slumbering volcanoes and labyrinths of caves await exploration at Vatnajo¨kull National Park...
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Travel Tale: The Environmentalist Elves of Iceland
Travel Tale: The Environmentalist Elves of Iceland
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Historically, many cultures—such as those in Denmark, Norway and Sweden—have believed in elves. In Iceland, references to the word alfar (“elf” in Icelandic) first appeared in Viking-era poems that date back to the ninth century...
Historically, many cultures—such as those in Denmark, Norway and Sweden—have believed in elves. In Iceland, references to the word alfar (“elf” in Icelandic) first appeared in Viking-era poems that date back to the ninth century...
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Video: Iceland at Its Most Elemental
Video: Iceland at Its Most Elemental
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
According to the Sagas of Icelanders, a Norwegian named Naddoddr was the first Norseman to reach Iceland, arriving in the ninth century. During the one summer that he stayed there, he was surprised by the fact...
According to the Sagas of Icelanders, a Norwegian named Naddoddr was the first Norseman to reach Iceland, arriving in the ninth century. During the one summer that he stayed there, he was surprised by the fact...
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Taking on the Tolt on an Icelandic Horse
Taking on the Tolt on an Icelandic Horse
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Small but strong, with a thick tail and a gorgeous, flowing mane, an Icelandic horse always inspires dreams of gracefully galloping over an ice- and snow-encrusted landscape on the back of a beautiful and spirited steed...
Small but strong, with a thick tail and a gorgeous, flowing mane, an Icelandic horse always inspires dreams of gracefully galloping over an ice- and snow-encrusted landscape on the back of a beautiful and spirited steed...
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Know Before You Go
