Lars Own

Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history.

Relatively mild winters and cool summers characterize Iceland’s oceanic climate. The average monthly temperature varies from 26°F to 37°F in January and from 46°F to 59°F in July. Storms and rain are frequent, with annual precipitation ranging from nearly 16″ to 157″ on average annually, depending on location.

The cuisine of Iceland has a long history. Important parts of Icelandic cuisine are lamb, dairy, and fish, the latter due to the fact that Iceland has traditionally been inhabited only near its coastline. And while animal products dominate Icelandic cuisine, the consumption of vegetables has greatly increased in recent decades.