Iceland – Land of Fire, Ice & Magic

Everything You Need to Know About Iceland

Imagine going to a fairy-tale-like land where the sun doesn’t set for almost 24 hours a day for most of the summer season. Sounds magical, does it not? That’s Iceland for you. This Nordic island nation draws visitors with its unique natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, along with its spellbinding natural beauty.

With its untouched wilderness and wide-open spaces, there is still so much to explore in Iceland. As you visit the country with Prism Universal Tours’ Iceland tour packages and breathe in its clean, fresh air, you’ll have the opportunity to meet friendly locals and witness everything this incredible destination has to offer. Let’s explore the history, culture, cuisine, tourist attractions, and shopping scene of Iceland so you can truly understand its charm.

Table of Contents

• About Iceland

• Tidbits

• Essential Tips to Know Before Travelling to Iceland

• Our Best Budget Iceland Tour Packages

• Iceland at a Glance

• Top Reasons to Visit Iceland

• Best Time to Visit Iceland

• Top Things to Do in Iceland

• Shopping in Iceland

• Dos and Don’ts for Indian Travellers

• Foods to Try Out in Iceland

• Art and Culture in Iceland

About Iceland

The first settlers in Iceland were religious Irish people who sought a simple way of life. Iceland flourished during the Middle Ages, and the Althingi, the world’s oldest parliament, was established in 930 AD. After being ruled by Norway and later Denmark for over 500 years, Iceland became an independent republic in 1944.

The Icelandic flag represents the nation’s identity—blue for the surrounding ocean, red for volcanic fire, and white for snow and ice. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is home to the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Most Icelanders live in the southwest and are of Scandinavian descent. Due to Celtic and Norse roots, belief in elves and trolls is still common folklore.

Tidbits

• Around 60% of Iceland’s population lives in Reykjavik

• One of the last major landmasses settled by humans

• Belief in elves and trolls is culturally significant

• Beer was banned from 1915 to 1989

• 11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers

• Icelandic horses are a unique native breed

• Handball is the national sport

Essential Tips Before Travelling to Iceland

• Exchange currency only at authorised outlets

• Rent a car—public transport is limited

• Carry warm and waterproof clothing year-round

• Always bring a towel and swimwear

• Iceland is mostly cashless—carry cards

• Camp only at registered campsites

Our Best Budget Iceland Tour Packages – Prism Universal Tours

Iceland at a Glance

Top Reasons to Visit Iceland

Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis, best viewed from September to early April between 8 PM and 2 AM.

Midnight Sun

From mid-May to late July, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight, peaking around June 21.

Geothermal Baths

The Blue Lagoon and other geothermal pools rejuvenate the body with mineral-rich waters.

Delicious Food

Modern Icelandic cuisine blends traditional ingredients like fish, lamb, dairy, and potatoes with Nordic culinary techniques.

Captivating Wildlife

Whale watching (April–October) and Icelandic horse riding are must-do experiences with Prism Universal Tours’ Iceland tour packages.

Endless Natural Beauty

Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields, and mountains define Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

• High Season: June–August

• Shoulder Season: April–May, September–October

• Low Season: November–April

Each season offers unique experiences, from Midnight Sun summers to Northern Lights winters.

Top Things to Do in Iceland

Family Experiences

• Thingvellir National Park

• Gullfoss Falls

• Geysir

• Blue Lagoon

• Reykjavik city tour

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

• Vatnajökull National Park

Adventure Activities

• Snorkelling

• White water rafting

• Glacier hiking

• Ice climbing

• Skiing & snowboarding

• Canoeing & mountaineering

Shopping in Iceland

Popular souvenirs include:

• Lava salt

• Lopapeysa woollen sweaters

• Icelandic chocolates

• Lava jewellery

• Blue Lagoon skincare products

Best shopping spots:

• Laugavegur Street

• Kolaportið Flea Market

• Kringlan Mall

• Akureyri Farmers’ Market

Dos and Don’ts for Indian Travellers

• Don’t litter—cleanliness is taken seriously

• Drink tap water—it’s pure and safe

• Remove shoes when entering homes

• Never walk on moss

• Off-road driving is illegal

• Beware of strong waves at black sand beaches

Foods to Try in Iceland

• Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsur)

• Skyr

• Icelandic Lamb

• Ice Cream

• Hákarl (fermented shark)

• Rugbrauð

• Hangikjöt

• Snúður

Art and Culture in Iceland

Literature

Icelandic Sagas preserve stories from Viking times and are a vital part of national heritage.

Music

From medieval chants to modern music festivals, Iceland celebrates diverse genres.

Visual Art

Reykjavik is filled with galleries, artist-run spaces, and creative hubs.