7 things you didn't know about Iceland

Iceland is a land of contrasts—rugged yet breathtakingly beautiful, blustery yet cosy. It's a place where you can experience the magic of the midnight sun and the mystery of endless winter nights.

The landscapes here are truly awe-inspiring. Ancient lava fields blanketed in thousand-year-old moss, alongside active volcanoes that continue to reshape the terrain.

Iceland is a sensory wonderland, and its offerings for meetings, incentives, and conferences are just as impressive. Whether it's the striking Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre on the waterfront or unforgettable team-building experiences on ancient glaciers, you'll leave feeling inspired, as Holly Patrick did after a recent visit...

1. Iceland is powered by renewable energy

According to the Northstar Meetings Group PULSE survey, sustainability remains a top concern for event planners, so you will be pleased to know Iceland is sustainable by nature.

Almost 100 per cent of Iceland's electricity comes from renewable sources, with 70 per cent coming from hydropower and 30 per cent from geothermal power. Around 90 per cent of Iceland homes are heated by thermal energy.

This renewable energy source works by drilling into geothermal wells to extract hot water vapour from underground reservoirs.

The water vapour is then separated into steam and liquid water. The steam turns turbines that generate electricity and then that steam is cooled and reinjected into the reservoir.

2. Super sustainable conference centre

Found on the shoreline between the city, sea and volcanoes, Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre complements its stunning surroundings.

It was completed in 2011 to welcome the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and since then the venue has welcomed millions of visitors into its 6,600 sqm of conference space which can accommodate up to 3500 participants at a time.

Harpa stands as a beacon of environmental sustainability and intelligent design. Powered by Iceland's clean energy grid, the building exemplifies cutting-edge ecological innovation.

Its sophisticated energy management system goes far beyond mere power sourcing, incorporating advanced technologies like occupancy-sensitive ventilation, strategic glass facade design, and heat recycling mechanisms that redirect warmth from performance halls to public spaces.

In 2017, Harpa played host to the annual World Yo-Yo Contest, where more than a thousand contestants from over 30 countries competed for the six champion titles. It was only the second time ever the contest was held in Europe.

3. Diverting nature with nature

Iceland has around 130 volcanoes with 30 considered active, so it has developed an innovative approach to manage volcanic eruption risks.

In 2021 and 2023, during the Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Icelandic engineers and scientists implemented advanced lava diversion strategies. One notable technique used existing cooled lava from previous eruptions to create barriers and channels to guide molten lava away from critical infrastructure.

The most remarkable aspect of Iceland's approach is the use of active cooling techniques. By strategically pumping large volumes of cold water onto potential lava paths, scientists can slow and potentially solidify lava flows, reducing their destructive potential.

4. Ultra connected

Technological innovation runs deep in Iceland's event industry, with near-universal high-speed internet connectivity and a tech-forward culture that supports hybrid and digital event experiences.

Geographically, the country's technology ecosystem, combined with its strategic location between North America and Europe, makes it an ideal neutral ground for international business interactions.

5. Luxury hotels in a rugged landscape

Iceland enjoys more than 11,000 hotel rooms including many luxury properties.

In 2018, Iceland added The Retreat, a luxury spa hotel, to its portfolio of properties that complement the enchanting natural landscape. The 60-suite hotel, with a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred, restaurant and a private lagoon can be located at the famed geothermal Blue Lagoon.

Views from the retreat stretch out over the moon-like landscape, where thousand-year-old moss covers the ancient, settled lava. There’s even a special Northern Lights wakeup call so guests don’t miss out on seeing one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders.

In 2021 The Reykjavik Edition opened with 253 rooms and no less than six bars, one of which you need a password to get in (just for fun). Built to compliment Harpa, just a 60-second walk away, The Reykjavik Edition is cosy, comfortable and chic.

Malaysian hotel collection Berjaya Hotels and Resorts boasts an impressive 13 properties in Iceland, with the Iceland Parliament Hotel—Curio Collection by Hilton ideal for planners seeking a unique and historic venue. Opened in 2022, the building incorporates Iceland's former telecommunications headquarters, a former girls' school (the first to be opened in Iceland), and the art-deco-inspired Hall of Independence—its largest event space for up to 280 people cocktail style.

Iceland boasts thousands of hotel rooms, from budget-friendly wilderness escapes to ultra-luxury hotels. Find your accommodation fit here.

6. A spectrum of dining

You might have heard about dried fish and lamb heads, but would you ever guess that one of Iceland’s most famous foods is a hot dog known as Pylsa? Deliciously warming as they are, Iceland's culinary scene extends beyond comfort foods.

Accentuating Iceland’s culinary scene are its three Michelin-starred restaurants: Moss, located at The Retreat in Blue Lagoon, Dill – serving sustainable and creative dishes in the centre of the city, close to the third Michelin-starred restaurant Ox located in a speak-easy style bar with a hidden dining room.

7. Matchless teambuilding opportunities

Iceland’s geographic position lends itself to awe-inspiring teambuilding and networking experiences, from glacier exploration and ice cave experiences to northern light hunting and whale watching.

Experienced destination management organisations such as Ovation can create bespoke programmes depending on your group's desires.

Here's a snapshot of activities on offer:

Sea-angling gourmet tour: Take participants on a sea-angling adventure in Faxaflói Bay. Not only do they get to fish for cod, but a chef can prepare a gourmet meal with the fresh catch right on the boat. It's a blend of adventure and luxury dining.

Geothermal helicopter tour with volcanic landings: Experience Iceland's geothermal landscape from the sky. Helicopter tours can land on glaciers or volcanic craters, offering participants an unforgettable perspective of the island's dynamic geology.

Lava tunnel caving: Explore Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, just 30 minutes from Reykjavík. This activity is perfect for small incentive groups looking for an adventure. With expert guides, you can delve into this striking underground world formed by volcanic eruptions.

Horseback riding through lava fields: Icelandic horses are known for their unique gait, the tölt. Take a horseback riding tour through lava fields and along scenic trails near Reykjavík, combining Icelandic nature and culture with adventure.

Midnight golf at Brautarholt: In the summer, Reykjavík’s long daylight hours make it possible to play golf at midnight. The Brautarholt Golf Course, located amidst dramatic lava fields by the sea, offers an unforgettable golf experience under the midnight sun.

"And remember - Icelanders love a challenge"

Sigurjóna Sverrisdóttir

"The dramatic landscapes provide a sense of wonder and escape, which fosters creativity and inspiration. Reykjavík’s compact size also ensures easy logistics, allowing delegates to experience both the city’s vibrant culture and its natural surroundings with minimal travel time.

"Whether you're hosting a large conference or an intimate incentive trip, Reykjavík offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and awe-inspiring nature. And remember - Icelanders love a challenge, really enjoy thinking out of the box and finding solutions to the almost impossible - as we say; þetta reddast.”

Sigurjóna Sverrisdóttir, manager, Meet in Reykjavik Iceland Convention Bureau