Iceland is not only closer than you think, but far different than you ever imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as a tremendous icecap and several glaciers, spouting geysers and steaming, volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises.

Frequent flights operate to Iceland from main cities in Europe and North America and many gateways are served daily.

Summers are surprisingly warm and winters not as cold as you might expect. Regardless of when you visit, be assured that the warmth shown by Icelanders, their desire to share their culture and the efforts made to make your stay as pleasant as possible will, like the spectacular landscape, never be forgotten.

Iceland is very volcanically and geologically active this identifies the landscape in various ways. The interior mainly consists of a plateau characterized by sand fields, mountains and glaciers, while many big glacial rivers stream to sea through the lowlands.

Due to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a temperate climate relative to its latitude, which provides habitable environment and nature.

Visitors come to experience Icelandic nature, to enjoy its beauty and to learn from it. National Parks demonstrate and awaken respect for the environment. The role of National Park staff is to provide information to Park visitors. In teaching young people to respect the environment, we are laying the foundation for broader respect, tolerance and sensitivity towards our planet. Environment and Food Agency of Iceland mandates National Parks and other protected areas in Iceland.

There are now four National Parks around the country, each with its own particular points of interest.

Thingvellir, Symbol of the Icelandic Consciousness, is in a rift valley between the American and European geological plates and Lake Thingvellir contains species of fish found nowhere else.

Snaefellsjokull National Park is at the foot of a volcano and glacier and is steeped in mystery and romance. It is the only Park that reaches from the seashore to the mountaintops.

Jokulsargljufur National Park has been formed by the torrents gushing down from the glacier and it contains Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Skaftafell National Park is in an area also affected by catastrophic floods from the glacier, but here visitors find a green oasis among barren sands spewed out from beneath the ice.