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Even spend just a few minutes looking through a guidebook or searching online for images of Iceland, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
This northern Nordic nation has lately captured the imagination of travelers around the world, and none more so than in the United States.
Recent data from the Icelandic Tourist Board shows that American travelers accounted for almost 30% of inbound tourism in Iceland in 2023, the highest of any country and a significant increase from the previous year.
What exactly is it about ‘the Land of Fire and Ice’ that attracts American travelers in droves?
One of the safest countries in the world
If there is one thing Iceland is more famous for than its glaciers, volcanoes and beautiful landscapes, it is because it is a very safe country.
It is consistently ranked among the safest in the world according to the Global Peace Index and the US Department of State.
Crime rates here are extremely low, and honestly, the most important safety considerations you need to be aware of have to do with Mother Nature and not humans.
Ideal for solo travelers
Many aspects of Iceland make it a haven for solo travelers.
The excellent safety record mentioned above is combined with a country where English is quite widely spoken and the people are generally friendly and hospitable.
There are also plenty of hostels if you’re the kind of solo traveler who likes to make friends, while many of the activities and attractions here are great if you prefer solitude – looking out at majestic glaciers, anyone?
Unique landscape and landscapes
Perhaps the most important reason to visit Iceland is the unique landscapes and geological phenomena that make up this amazing island.
Made up of dramatic mountain ranges, volcanic fields, enormous glaciers and countless hot geysers and springs, Iceland leaves a long-lasting impression on almost everyone who visits.
In many cases it can feel like you are visiting another planet, and not just another country.
The country is also relatively small so it’s easy to get around and see different parts of it, but it’s usually best to do this on guided tours, especially in the colder months when heavy snow can make driving very challenging .
Great chance to see the Northern Lights
The year 2024 could see some of the best auroras of the past twenty years, thanks to the cycles of our sun and solar system.
And Iceland is probably one of the best places to witness this spectacle thanks to its extreme northern location and longer nights in the winter months.
Normally the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to March, so if you act quickly you might be able to catch some of the early spring action.
Fascinating culture and people
Although they may seem a bit reserved at first, Icelanders are generally good-hearted and friendly.
The family unit is extremely important to Icelanders and there are many national holidays that celebrate its different aspects, such as Men’s Day and Women’s Day.
Food is another charming part of Icelandic culture with popular dishes including fresh fish, smoked lamb and also a type of yoghurt known as skyr.
Cheap to fly to
There’s no escaping the fact that Iceland is a pretty expensive country to visit; However, you can save a lot on the flight if you shop around.
We recently revealed that the capital Reykjavik is one of the cheapest European destinations you can fly to from the US this spring – from just $140 one way.
Iceland has also just renovated and expanded a new airport in the north of the country, Akureyri International.
While you can’t fly here directly from the US, you can from some European cities like London, and you can also fly internally from Reykjavik – a sometimes cheaper and faster alternative to a road trip across the country.
Volcanoes don’t stop travel
There has been a well-documented increase in volcanic activity in Iceland in recent months, with an eruption near the southwestern town of Grindavik causing evacuations.
This activity was declared complete by the Icelandic Met Office on February 8 this year.
Because Iceland is so used to volcanic activity, it has a very sophisticated monitoring and warning system in place, so you can be sure that unless it’s an unprecedented eruption like 2010’s Eyjafjallajökull, which grounded 100,000 flights, you won’t miss it. island is great to visit.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
