Iceland Regions Unveiled: A Traveler's Handbook to the Land of Fire and Ice
- Campervan Reykjavik
- Jul 12, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Iceland is divided into 8 regions, each with its own unique geological features and natural wonders. It’s very helpful to know where these regions are and what each has to offer when planning an upcoming trip to the island.
In this article, we will give a detailed description of each region so you can compile a killer trip itinerary and experience all Iceland has to offer. So, without further ado, let’s journey across the 8 different Iceland regions!
The Capital Region (Höfudborgarsvædid)
Size: 1 062.2 square kilometers
Capital: Reykjavik (also the official capital city of Iceland)
The Capital Region consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Reykjavik – 124 644
Kopavogur – 31 719
Hafnarfjördur – 26 808
Gardabær – 11 421
Mosfellsbær – 8 651
Seltjarnarnes – 4 322
Alftanes – 2 392
Description:
The Capital Region is the island’s largest urban area, where roughly 62% of the country’s population calls home. As the largest urban area, the region centers mostly around its cities and vibrant city life rather than natural landscapes. However, most of the 2 million visitors to Iceland each year start their journey in the Capital Region.
Since this region offers some of the best weather (especially since the buildings create some shelter against our harsher weather elements), it’s easier for visitors to visit the area all year round. To put this into perspective, the region averages about 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year, whereas many other areas dive to 0 degrees and below.
Highlights:
As already touched on, most highlights in this region are man-made but incredibly impressive nonetheless. These include:
Laugavegur Street (where you can shop till you drop)
Southern Peninsula (Sudurnes)
Size: 829.1 square kilometers
Capital: Keflavik
The Southern Peninsula consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Grindavik – 2 856
Reykjanesbær – 2 013
Sandgerdi – 1 546
Gardur – 1 429
Vogar – 1 029
Description:
The Southern Peninsula is known for its volcanic activity (not just what helped create the landscape in the first place, but ongoing). This makes for quite exciting views but also means that the region doesn’t have much vegetation or wildlife. You will find plenty of volcanoes, geothermal areas, and hot springs, though.
This is also the region that’s home to Keflavik Airport, where most of those flying from abroad will land (also why it’s no surprise that the region sees at least 1.2 million visitors each year). The weather in the Southern Peninsula is very similar to that of the Capital Region.
Highlights:
Keilir Mountain
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Fagradalsfjall Volcano
South Iceland (Sudurland)
Size: 24 255.2 square kilometers
Capital: Selfoss
The South of Iceland consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Selfoss – 6 510
Vestmannæyjar – 4 219
Description:
The Southern Region is the biggest in Iceland sizewise. It’s also home to some of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions along the Golden Circle and Ring Road road trip routes.
Highlights:
Thingvellir National Park (this in itself also holds a myriad of exciting things to see and do, such as snorkeling the Silfra Fissure and hiking Almannagja Gorge).
Geysir Geothermal Area
Northwestern Region (Nordurland Vestra)
Size: 12 737.6 square kilometers
Capital: Saudarkrokur
The Northwestern Region consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Saudarkrokur - 3000
Description:
This is one of Iceland’s most scarcely populated regions. Although you’ll still be treated to breathtaking views, there are not many popular attractions here, and most visitors merely pass through the area while on their road trip around the island.
Highlights:
Vatnshdalsholar (a place where the last execution in Iceland took place in 1830)
Vatnsdalsa River (here you can catch some salmon as long as you catch and release)
Skagafjördur Folk Museum
Northeastern Region (Nordurland Eystra)
Size: 21 968.3 square kilometers
Capital: Akureyri
The Northeastern Region consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Akureyri – 17 693
Husavik (also known as the whale capital of Iceland) – 2 229
Description:
This region has pretty magnificent landscapes. So much so that many scenes of the popular series Game of Thrones were shot here. This is also part of the north most densely populated. So this is where you can have the best of both worlds; the hustle and bustle of vibrant city life as well as incredible natural wonders.
Highlights:
Whale Watching Boat Tours in Husavik
Jökulsargljufur (the longest glacial river canyon in the country)
Dettifoss Waterfall (the second most powerful waterfall in Europe)
West Iceland (Vesturland)
Size: 9 554.5 square kilometers
Capital: Borgarnes
The West of Iceland consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Akranes – 6 612
Borgarnes – 1 759
Stykkisholmur – 1 108
Olafsvik – 1 010
Description:
This is yet another region not as densely populated as other bigger regions. The area has been credited as one of the regions representing the Land of Fire and Ice the most with its incredibly diverse and contrasting terrain in such a small amount of space.
Highlights:
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Snæfellsjökull Volcano
Londragar Cliffs (a favorite among avid birdwatchers)
Ytri Tunga Seal Colony
East Iceland (Austurland)
Size: 22 721.9 square kilometers
Capital: Egilsstadir
The East of Iceland consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Egilsstadir – 2 303
Description:
East Iceland is also known as the Eastfjords, and, apart from the Westfjords, it is the least populated region in the country, boasting just 3.2% of the total population. East Iceland’s landscape is characterized by its steep cliffs and narrow fjords (the latter being the reason you’ll find so many small fishing villages in this region).
As one of the more remote parts of the country, it’s a great place for animal lovers to go since you’ll get the chance to see all sorts of birds (including the Puffins during breeding season), whales (including migratory species during whale season), seals, and many more.
Highlights:
Vatnajökull Glacier
Snæfell Mountain
Rainbow Street in Seydisfjördur
Studlagil Canyon
Westfjords (Vestfirdir)
Size: 22 271.2 square kilometers
Capital: Isafjördur
The Westfjords consists of the following cities, along with the population of each:
Isafjördur – 2 559
Bolungarvik - 906
Description:
This is not only the most remote region in Iceland, but also the one that poses the most challenges when it comes to traversing the terrain (this is a region that should be taken on with a 4x4 vehicle). But those who dare will be rewarded as the Westfjords is believed to offer some of the most breathtaking scenes in the entire country.
Please note that visiting this region must be done in the summertime since many roads are kept closed throughout the colder months, and others can become even more tricky to navigate due to ice, snow, and wind.
Highlights:
Raudasandur Red Sand Beach
Latrabjarg Cliffs (yet another favorite among avid birders)
Iceland’s Regions: Just Waiting for You to Come and Explore
Just by reading this article, it will be clear that Iceland consists of vast and completely contrasting terrains, with so many interesting things to see and exciting things to do that it will be impossible to cram everything into one trip.
But you sure can try! If you rent a campervan in Iceland after arriving here on the island and do a Ring Road road trip, you’ll be able to get a taste of each region and experience many of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences each has to offer.