Iceland

Land of fire and ice.  Marvel at Iceland’s scenic riches where you can explore craggy glaciers, spouting geysers, simmering volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls. Wildlife includes a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises. Icelanders are proud of their thriving culture and offer a warm welcome to visitors at any time of the year.

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944.