Nature

Some facts about the Icelandic nature

Iceland lies just south of the Arctic Circle. This influences Iceland’s nature, although it is surprising how many species thrive in the country. This is the result of the warm Gulf stream ocean current which minimises the cooling effect of the polar air masses.

Fire

There are about 130 volcanoes in Iceland but only 15 are active.

Water

Iceland has a great natural supply of water and the groundwater is clear and free of undesirable chemicals, nothing is added and nothing taken away.

  • Geysirs
    In Iceland there are over 800 hot springs and they are found all around the country. Iceland’s most powerful hot spring is Deildartunguhver. Iceland’s most famous geyser or spouting hot spring is Geysir.
  • Glaciers
    In Iceland there are 17 glaciers which cover about 11% of the country. The largest glaciers are Vatnajökull which is Europe’s 3rd largest glacier, Hofsjökull, Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
  • Waterfalls
    In Iceland there are many beautiful waterfalls. Iceland’s most famous waterfalls are Gullfoss, Skógafoss, Glymur, Dettifoss and Goðafoss.
  • Lakes
    There are many lakes in Iceland and there is fish in many of them. Most common are salmon, trout and char.
  • Rivers
    And of course Iceland has many rivers as well and also there is fish in many of them. The same fish are like in the lakes.
    Iceland’s longest rivers:

    Þjórsá 230km
    Jökulsá á Fjöllum 206km
    Hvítá/Ölfusá 185km
    Skjálfandafljót 178km
    Jökulsá á Dal 150km
    Lagarfljót 140km

Air

  • Northern Lights
    The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible in Iceland from September till April. The best time in the day to see them is around 9pm till 2 am.
    There is a strong connetion between the solar winds and the Northern Lights. The Lights are caused by the speed of the solar winds, and the direction and magnitude of their magnetic fields.
  • Clouds
    The clouds give us information about the development in the weather. When new clouds start to form then it is save to assume that the weather will change soon.