Even though it’s named Iceland, the island is in fact only covered by ice for up to 10% of its surface area. The rest of the island’s geography is still being formed by its active volcanoes.
Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle Iceland enjoys surprisingly mild winters at its southern end thanks to the North Atlantic and Irminger Currents. Southern end temperatures range around 0°C during the winter. However the north end temperatures can drop much further to -25°C.
Arctic Foxes are the only mammals indigenous to Iceland; all other mammals arrived with the settlement of humans on the island. While there is an occasional Polar Bear, they are considered visitors from Spitsbergen and Greenland, and there is not considered to be any sort of Icelandic Polar Bear population.
The seas however are full of life, fisheries playing a major role in Iceland’s economy. These fish are part of the food chain that feeds local Harbour and Grey Seals and Whales. Birds are numerous along Iceland’s shores, and the species include Kittiwakes, Puffins, and Skuas.
Cruises to Iceland
22 Tage Ausgedehnte Arktis - Nordwest Island - Spitzbergen Explorer
29 Mai - 20 Jun, 2026
•Reisecode: HDS02D26
Lassen Sie die zauberhaften Fjorde Islands und die Insel Grimsey hinter sich und fahren Sie in das Packeis der Dänemarkstraße, bevor Sie auf dem Weg nach Spitzbergen einen Zwischenstopp auf dem entlegenen Jan Mayen einlegen. Unterwegs halten Sie Ausschau...
Arktischer Ozean - Nordwest-Island - Packeis - Grimsey - Jan Mayen - Eiskante - Spitzbergen
29 Mai - 13 Jun, 2026
•Reisecode: HDS02C26
Dieses einzigartige arktische Abenteuer führt Sie von den magischen Fjorden Islands und der Insel Grimsey in das Packeis der zerklüfteten Küste Grönlands, bevor Sie das wilde und abgelegene Jan Mayen erkunden und in das Packeis der Grönlandsee eintauchen....
Nordwest Island Explorer – Ins Packeis
29 Mai - 5 Jun, 2026
•Reisecode: HDS02-26
Tauchen Sie ein in die Welt der nordischen Mythologie, der wilden, dramatischen Küsten und der Tausenden von Seevögeln, wenn Sie von Island aus den Polarkreis überqueren und am Rande des Meereises auf Robben, Wale und einen einsamen Eisbären treffen....
Ostgrönland – Scoresby Sund – Island , Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail
1 Okt - 12 Okt, 2026
•Reisecode: RVR19-26
Segeln Sie auf einem historischen Dreimaster durch das größte Fjordsystem der Erde und begegnen Sie dabei exotischen arktischen Wildtieren wie Moschusochsen und Polarhasen unter dem bezaubernden Polarlicht. Zwischen den Anlandestellen, an denen wir riesige...
Island Nordost Entdecker - Aurora Borealis , Hike & Sail– Inkl. Bus Unterstützung
12 Okt - 18 Okt, 2026
•Reisecode: RVR20-26
Der Norden und Osten Islands sind geprägt von kleinen Dörfern, dramatischen Küsten, engen Fjorden, Wasserfällen, geothermischen Gebieten, Vulkanen und Bergen. Wir befinden uns hier im Herzen der Natur, und die Landschaft ist atemberaubend. Dieses Reiseziel...
Neuester Blog und Kundenbericht
8 Wissenschaftswunder der Arktis
Die gefrorene Landschaft der Arktis birgt nicht nur landschaftliche Schätze, sondern auch faszinierende Fortschritte in der Forschung. Hier sind einige der acht besten.
Aktuelles Highlight und Tierwelt
Sehen Sie die Highlights, die Sie erleben können:
Sehen Sie die Highlights, die Sie erleben können:
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Iceland photo
Iceland cruise reviews
Trip far exceeded our expectations. The expedition guides and the Doctor Moniek were very knowledgeable, patient, kind, and wonderful. We got to know them fairly well. it was hard to say goodbye at the end of the trip. The places we went , the scenery we saw, hiked over and through, was truly new unspoiled, uncharted territory. Best ever trip and I share the experience with everyone and recommend this trip and others that Oceanwide offers
Fotogalerie
About Iceland
Weather in Iceland
Despite the name, Iceland enjoys surprisingly mild winters at its southern end despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle. This is thanks to the North Atlantic and Irminger Currents, with temperatures around 0°C. However, the north end experiences much colder temperatures, dropping to -25°C.
You should dress for cold weather and utilize layers to ensure you can remain comfortable with changing temperatures. Depending on the activity you are taking part in, you may need warmer or looser clothing to regulate your body temperature. Waterproof outer layers are essential for activities by boat or during adverse weather. Wind chill can be a factor, especially in the highlands.
Facts about Iceland
- Iceland has over 30 active volcanoes and is still being shaped and formed by volcanic activity. Surtsey, a small uninhabited island, was formed in 1963 after a volcanic eruption on the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
- Iceland is home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies, hosting millions of puffins every summer.
- Iceland experiences midnight sun and polar nights. The sun barely peeks over the horizon in winter, while it rarely sets in summer.
- Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy. Geothermal and hydroelectric power meet almost 100% of its electrical and heating needs.
- Iceland's parliament, the Althing, is among the oldest parliaments in the world, dating from 930 AD.
- Iceland has little forest cover. Overgrazing and volcanic activity means that today, Iceland is dominated by lava fields and grassland.
Visiting Iceland
You can visit Iceland on a number of our expedition tours. Often, these are combined with Greenland, which lies around 300km to the North of Iceland, across the Denmark Strait. A visit to Iceland will allow you to take in staggering natural beauty, with hiking options among lava fields and rugged mountainous terrain. Wildlife opportunities are varied and frequent, with the skies, seas, and land populated by many different species - ideal for photographers and birdwatchers!
Iceland is served by a busy international airport in Reykjavik. Most expedition cruises depart from Reykjavik or Akureyri in the North. It is a diverse land of mountains, ice, fire, snow, and rock and is best visited with time to spare!
