Iceland’s towering waterfalls, geothermal wonders and volcanic landscapes are world famous. Reykjavík adds colorful streets and distinctive food traditions, from hearty fish-and-potato dishes to the popular Icelandic hot dog. Football and handball give the country another shared identity.

Key Facts

Travel and Culture

Capital: Reykjavík

Climate: Cool maritime climate, with fast-changing conditions, particularly in winter

Main airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Attractions: Hallgrímskirkja, Golden Circle, Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón

Language and greeting: Icelandic; halló means hello

Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)

Sports: Football and handball

Economy: Tourism, fisheries, services and energy-intensive industry

Population / GDP per capita: See the latest dated figures from World Bank data.

Iconic Grub

Top Grub: Plokkfiskur: A comforting traditional dish of fish and potatoes, often served creamy with bread.

Try This Grub: Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsa): A popular street food served with onions, mustard and other sauces.

Also to taste: Skyr, a thick cultured dairy food, and hearty rye breads.

Where to Grub

Discover traditional dishes through established local restaurants, markets and community recommendations. Verify current venue details and dietary ingredients before visiting.

Sports and Culture

The men’s football team reached the UEFA Euro 2016 quarterfinals and qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Handball is another major national sport.

GrubPassport Cultural Discovery

Reykjavík’s skyline draws the eye, but fish stew and local hot dogs reveal the everyday foods that residents and visitors share.

The GrubPassport Question: Reykjavík, Iceland’s waterfalls or a classic pylsa snack?

Image credits and license information: Reykjavík and Hallgrímskirkja: Tom Podmore (Unsplash); Plokkfiskur: Jasnaah (CC BY-SA 4.0); Icelandic hot dog: Owlsmcgee (CC BY-SA 4.0). CC BY 2.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC0. Creative Commons images may be copyrighted but licensed for commercial reuse subject to attribution and, when applicable, share-alike requirements. Check source pages before modifying or publishing.

Sources: Inspired by Iceland · World Bank. Research-based country guide, not firsthand travel reporting; check current travel conditions before publishing.