SAGAS. VOLCANOES. TIMELESS STORIES.
Iceland
Explore Iceland through Viking settlement stories, medieval sagas, volcanic landscapes and dramatic Atlantic coastlines. From Reykjavík and Þingvellir to waterfalls, black-sand beaches and the northern fjords, discover an island shaped by history and nature.
AN ISLAND SHAPED BY FIRE, ICE AND HISTORY
Discover Iceland Through the Ages
From Norse settlement and the founding of Alþingi to medieval saga-writing, centuries of foreign rule and independence, Iceland has a distinctive history. Explore the cultural landmarks, fishing communities and volcanic landscapes that shaped its identity.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Iceland’s Destinations
Reykjavík
Explore Iceland’s capital through its old harbour, Reykjavík 871±2 settlement exhibition, Hallgrímskirkja and maritime heritage.
Golden Circle
Discover Þingvellir, the birthplace of Iceland’s historic parliament, alongside the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
South Coast
Travel past Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara black-sand beach and settlements shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Explore dramatic lava fields, coastal fishing villages, historic sites and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.
Akureyri
Discover northern Iceland’s historic trading town, its harbour, botanical gardens and the landscapes of Eyjafjörður.
ICELAND THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Iceland
From Norse settlement and Alþingi to the medieval sagas, Danish rule and the republic founded in 1944, Iceland’s past survives in historic meeting places, museums and living traditions.
c. 870–930
Norse Settlement
Norse settlers establish farmsteads and communities across Iceland during the settlement era.
930
Alþingi Founded
A national assembly is established at Þingvellir, becoming central to Icelandic law and identity.
c. 1000
Christianity Adopted
Iceland’s assembly agrees to adopt Christianity while allowing some older customs to continue.
1262–1264
Norwegian Crown
The Old Covenant brings Iceland under the authority of the Norwegian king; later it comes under the Danish crown.
1918
Sovereign State
Iceland becomes a sovereign kingdom in personal union with Denmark.
1944
Icelandic Republic
Iceland declares a republic at Þingvellir and ends its constitutional union with Denmark.
Saga Heritage
The medieval Icelandic sagas preserve stories of families, voyages and conflicts from the settlement era.
Alþingi & Law
Þingvellir recalls the historic parliament, legal traditions and the eventual creation of a modern republic.
Fishing & Coastal Life
Harbours, turf buildings and maritime museums reveal Iceland’s historic fishing, farming and North Atlantic trade.
PLAN YOUR ICELAND TRIP
Everything You Need for Iceland
Plan a journey through Iceland’s historic towns, geothermal landscapes and remote coastal regions, with hotels, tours, car hire, flights and transport.
Hotels
Find Reykjavík hotels, countryside guesthouses, farm stays and accommodation along Iceland’s Ring Road.
Tours & Activities
Find guided history walks, Golden Circle trips, northern lights tours and carefully planned glacier experiences.
Car Hire
Explore Iceland’s scenic routes at your own pace, checking road conditions, weather and seasonal closures.
Flights
Compare flights to Keflavík International Airport and domestic destinations for your Iceland journey.
Trains & Buses
Check Iceland’s intercity bus routes and domestic connections; services can be limited outside major towns.