Iceland Hotels

In Iceland, you'll find a mix of folklore, music, cutting-edge tech, and a rich scientific legacy. From the mesmerizing Northern Lights to Reykjavik's capital atmosphere, there's something for every visitor. But Iceland isn't just about sights and sounds. Apart from its modern strides, Iceland cherishes its past. Viking settlements and landscapes from Icelandic sagas offer glimpses into history around every corner. Iceland is where history meets is combined with nature thanks to its strategic location. Are you ready for this cold journey? If you are a nature and cold lover, don’t even Iceland second thoughts. For those who are not fond of cold, this country is still a masterpiece that you should see at least once in your life. But where to stay in such a cold paradise? As Bookperfect, this is where we shine and show you all the available accommodation options in Iceland. Hotels, motels, or hostels, you can find any kind of staying spot in Iceland easily! But before that, let us give a quick Iceland guide.

Capital of Iceland

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, with a population of around 140,000 as of 2023. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay

Iceland Flag

The flag of Iceland consists of a blue field with a white-bordered red cross. The design of the flag includes a red cross set in the center of a white cross to form white stripes of equal width along its sides. The colors of the Icelandic national flag are "sky blue," "fire red," and "snow white." 

Iceland Location

Iceland is a North Atlantic island nation located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, directly below the Arctic Circle. It is situated between Europe and North America, northwest of the United Kingdom and Ireland, west of Norway, and southeast of Greenland.

Iceland is the only place in the world where you can see the plate boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates on land. It is the world’s 18th largest island and the 2nd largest in Europe after Great Britain, covering a total area of 103,000 km² (39,768 square miles).

Time in Iceland

Time in Iceland is in the Atlantic/Reykjavik time zone, which is equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with no daylight saving time adjustment. Iceland time zone is 0 hours ahead of UTC (GMT) and 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) during standard time. During daylight saving time, Iceland time is 4 hours ahead of EST. The time difference between Iceland and other time zones varies depending on the time of year and whether daylight saving time is in effect. 

Languages Spoken in Iceland

The main language spoken in Iceland is Icelandic. It is the native language of 95% of the population. Other than that, the majority of the Iceland locals know how to speak English, so it will be an easy trip when it comes to communication. Moreover, there are some languages spoken by minorities which are Polish, Lithuanian, German, Danish, Portuguese, Filipino, Thai, and Latvian.

What Currency Does Iceland Use?

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK). The Icelandic word for krona in the singular becomes krónur in the plural. Banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 kronur, and coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 kronur.

The use of credit cards is widespread in Iceland, and you can pay by card in even the most isolated of restaurants and attractions without a problem. However, you'll need to have cash for buses in Reykjavik, as they don't accept cards. If you want cash in the local currency, the best option is to withdraw money from an ATM in Iceland. 

Is Iceland Expensive?

Yes, most travelers visiting Iceland say that the country is expensive. In fact, Iceland is considered the eighth most expensive country when it comes to the cost of living. Finding pocket-friendly accommodations, food spots, and activities is ideal if you don’t want to break the bank and visit Iceland on a budget.

Iceland Population

As of April 2024, the population of Iceland is about 378,000. Most of the population is in Reykjavik which is not surprising as it’s the capital. That’s also the city that every first-time visitor chooses to go to.

Iceland Safety

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. The reason is simple: low population. Many people don’t really prefer such locations with that type of climate. So, Iceland is safe for solo travelers as well as solo female travelers, families, and other traveling groups. 

Strange Laws in Iceland

There are some weird laws in Iceland coming from the past. Some are still in force while some are no more:

• Dogs: In 1924, Reykjavik banned keeping dogs as pets to prevent echinococcosis, a type of tapeworm that can be passed from dogs to humans. The ban has resulted in a significant cat population, with one cat for every ten residents.
• Snakes, Lizards, and Turtles: It is illegal to own snakes, lizards, or turtles as pets due to unclear reasons, possibly related to a salmonella outbreak in the 1990s.
• Beer: Between 1915 and 1989, beer was banned in Iceland due to political reasons and concerns about alcohol abuse. The ban led to the creation of a new cocktail called *bjórlíki* and the annual celebration of "Beer Day" since 1989.
• Television: In 1966, the government-run television station in Iceland did not air programs on Thursdays to encourage socialization. The entire month of July was also television-free until 1983, and Thursday shows only became a reality in 1987.
• Basque People: In 1615, a law was enacted in the Westfjords requiring the killing of Basque people on sight after bad weather led to conflicts between Basque whalers and locals. The law remained in effect until April 2023, when it was repealed, and a memorial was unveiled to honor the lost souls from the Slaying of the Spaniards.
• Boxing: Iceland is the only Nordic country to maintain a ban on boxing, which was implemented in 1956 due to concerns about violent crimes. Alternative martial arts like judo, karate, MMA, and Taekwondo have gained popularity in the country as a result.
• Icelandic Naming Committee: Every first name in Iceland not on the government's official list of 3,565 names must first be approved by the Icelandic Naming Committee to preserve the language and prevent ridiculous names.
• Last Names: Last names are not the same throughout families, and taking on a new family surname like Jones or Smith was banned in 1925.

Iceland Religion

The main religion of Icelandic people is Evangelism. Long in short, here’s the percentages of religions in Iceland: 

• Evangelical Lutheran Church: 62.3%
• Roman Catholic: 4%
• Reykjavik Free Church: 2.7%
• Hafnarfjordur Free Church: 2%
• Pagan Worship: 1.4%
• Icelandic Ethical Humanist: 1.1%
• Other or Unspecified Religions: 19%
• None: 7.6%

Must-See Iceland Attractions

Being one of the best natural wonders all around the globe, Iceland should be a must-visit destination for everyone who loves to embrace nature. In contrast to its name, Iceland is actually covered in lots of greens and much more. Here’s a quick list of top Iceland attractions no one shouldn’t miss during their visit:

• The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): A natural phenomenon that can be experienced during the winter months from September to mid-April.
• The Blue Lagoon: A geothermal spa located in Grindavik, known for its milky blue waters and therapeutic properties.
• The Golden Circle: A popular tourist route featuring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
• The Myvatn area: Known for its unique landscape formed by volcanic activity, including lava formations, hot springs, and rare bird species.
• Vatnajokull National Park: Home to the largest glacier in Europe and a landscape of glaciers, mountains, valleys, and rivers.
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve: A wilderness area between the Vatnajokull Glacier and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring the Svartifoss waterfall and hiking trails.
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: A stunning destination filled with icebergs that have broken off from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
• Reykjavik: The capital city of Iceland, known for its nightlife, cultural highlights, and proximity to natural attractions like the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
• The Reykjanes Peninsula: A unique region located southwest of Reykjavik, featuring volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and the Bridge Between Continents.
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A spectacular waterfall located in the south of Iceland, where visitors can walk behind the falls.

Best Cities in Iceland 

Here’s your fast Iceland city guide depending on where you are planning to visit:

Best Hotels in Iceland

Planning your stay has never been easier with Bookperfect. Our intuitive platform makes finding hotels in Iceland so practical. Our comprehensive search engine aggregates all available hotel options, ensuring you won't miss out on potential savings. Additionally, Bookperfect presents every Iceland hotel, empowering you to secure the best price for your stay.

If you're making last-minute travel plans to Iceland, Bookperfect is your go-to resource for finding the most up-to-date hotel listings and availability. Access our extensive database of available hotels, guaranteeing a seamless and convenient booking experience for your trip.