You can find on this page the Iceland geographical map to print and to download in PDF. The Iceland geographic map presents the topography, elevation, rivers, mountains, climate and physical features of Iceland in Northern Europe.
The Iceland physical map shows landform and geography of Iceland. This geographical map of Iceland will allow you to discover physical features of Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland physical map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
Iceland is one of the youngest physical landmasses on the planet, and consequently home to some of the world most active volcanoes as you can see in Iceland physical map. The island owes its existence to a large volcanic fissure in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet. Even today, the country is growing by about 5 cm per year, as it splits wider at the points where two tectonic plates meet. In 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted and in 2011 Grímsvötn. The latest volcanic eruption was in Holuhraun from August 2014 to February 2015. The eruption produced a lava field of more than 85 km2 (33 sq mi) and 1.4 km3 (0.34 cu mi) – the largest in Iceland since 1783.
Iceland highest peak is Hvannadalshnjúkur, standing 2.119 metres (6852 ft) over sea level. and over 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe. Its physical land mass comprises glaciers (12,000 km2), lava (11,000 km2), sand (4,000 km2), water (3,000 km2) and pasture (1,000 km2) as its shown in Iceland physical map.
Iceland rugged coastline, of more than 3,000 miles (4,800 km), meets the Greenland Sea on the north, the Norwegian Sea on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the south and west, and the Denmark Strait—which separates it from Greenland by about 200 miles (320 km)—on the northwest as its mentioned in Iceland physical map. Glacier ice and cooled lava each cover approximately one-tenth of the country total area. The glaciers are a reminder of Iceland proximity to the Arctic Circle, which nearly touches its northernmost peninsula. The physical area covered by Vatnajökull (Vatna Glacier), the country largest, is equal to the combined total area covered by all the glaciers on the continent of Europe.
Iceland topographic map shows the physical features of Iceland. This topographical map of Iceland will allow you to discover landforms and geographical of Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland topographic map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
The topography of Iceland is largely a tableland broken up by structural faults. Its average elevation is 1,640 feet (500 metres) above sea level, but one-fourth of the country lies below 650 feet (198 metres). The highest point is 6,952 feet (2,119 metres), at Hvannadals Peak, the top of Öræfajökull in Vatnajökull. The glaciers range in size from those in small mountain recesses to the enormous glacial caps topping extensive mountain ranges. Vatnajökull covers an area of more than 3,000 square miles (8,000 square km) and is about 3,000 feet (900 metres) deep at its thickest point as you can see in Iceland topographic map.
Much of the topography of Iceland is underlain by basalt, a dark rock of igneous origin. The oldest rocks were formed about 16 million years ago. The landscape in basaltic areas is one of plateau and fjord, characterized by successive layers of lava visible one above the other on the valley sides. The basalt sheets tend to tilt somewhat toward the centre of the country. Iceland U-shaped valleys are largely the result of glacial erosion as its shown in Iceland topographic map. The depressed zones between the basalt areas have extensive plateaus above which rise single volcanoes, table mountains, or other mountain masses with steep sides.
Heavy rainfall feeds the numerous rivers and lakes in the glaciated landscape as its mentioned in Iceland topographic map. Many of the lakes are dammed by lava flows or glacial ice. The presence of waterfalls is typical of the geologically young mountain landscape. The rivers are mainly debris-laden streams of glacial origin or clear streams formed by rainfall and springs of underground water. In the regions not drained by glacial rivers, fjords and smaller inlets cut into the rocky coasts. Because glacial erosion has often deepened the inner portions of the fjords, there are many fine natural harbours. Elsewhere the coasts are regular, sandy, and lined extensively with offshore sandbars that form lagoons to the landward side.
The Iceland elevation map shows the different altitudes of Iceland. This altitude map of Iceland will allow you to know where are the highest and lowest regions of Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland elevation map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
Extreme elevation points in Iceland as you can see in Iceland elevation map are as follows: Northernmost point — Kolbeinsey, Eyjafjörður (67°08′09″N 18°41′03″W / 67.13583°N 18.68417°W). Northernmost settlement — Grímsey, Eyjafjörður (66°33′N 18°01′W / 66.55°N 18.017°W). Southernmost point — Surtsey, Vestmannaeyjar (63°17′N 20°35′W / 63.283°N 20.583°W). Southernmost settlement (farm) — Garðar, Vestur-Skaftafellssýsla (63°24'N, 019°03'W). Southernmost settlement (town) — Vík, Vestur-Skaftafellssýsla (63°25'N, 019°01'W). Westernmost point — Bjargtangar, Vestur-Barðastrandarsýsla (65°30′N 24°32′W / 65.5°N 24.533°W). Westernmost settlement (farm) — Hvallátur, Vestur-Barðastrandarsýsla (65°32'N, 024°28'W). Westernmost settlement (town) — Patreksfjörður, Vestur-Barðastrandarsýsla (65°35'N, 023°59'W). Easternmost point — Hvalbakur, Suður-Múlasýsla (64°35′N 13°14′W / 64.583°N 13.233°W). Easternmost settlement (farm) — Sandvík, Suður-Múlasýsla (65°06'N, 013°33'W). Easternmost settlement (town) — Neskaupstaður (65°09'N, 013°43'W).
Hvannadalshnúkur or Hvannadalshnjúkur (pronounced [ˈkvanːatalsˌn̥ʲuːkʏr]) is a peak in the north-western rim of the Öræfajökull volcano in Iceland and the highest elevation point of the island. An official measurement completed in August 2005 established its height as 2,109.6 metres (6,921 ft) (previously set as 2,119 m (6,952 ft)) as its shown in Iceland elevation map. The peak is part of the Vatnajökull National Park. The route to the top is a popular climb though numerous and frequently hidden crevasses call for experienced mountain guides. Hvannadalshnúkur is a pyramid-shaped peak, that is covered in ice throughout the year. It can be seen from many parts of the country, particularly from the area between the towns of Höfn and Vík on the Ring Road that encircles the country.
Iceland lowest elevation point is the Jökulsárlón Lagoon: -146 m, Atlantic Ocean 0 m as its mentioned in Iceland elevation map. Jökulsárlón is Iceland most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Höfn, it is a popular stop for those traveling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road of the country. As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with meltwater from an outlet glacier. In this case, it is Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Europe largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. It stands out, however, due to the fact that it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high. These icebergs, other than their scale, are notable for their coloration. Although they are, as expected, largely white, most are also dyed electric blue in part, with black streaks of ash from eruptions centuries past.
The rivers in Iceland map shows the principal rivers with their names of Iceland. The rivers map of Iceland will allow you to find the main rivers which flow in and through Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland rivers map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
The river Thjorsa is the longest and the second most voluminous river of the country (364 m³/sec.). It is 230 km (139 miles) long and succeeds river Olfusa by volume (373 m³/sec.) as you can see in Iceland rivers map. It is the natural border between the districts Rangarvellir- and Arnessysla with its northernmost tributary called The Spring Fed River. The source of that river is situated a mere 70 km (42 miles) south of the end of the Eyjafiord bay in the North. The main course of the river is towards southwest, following the main tectonic fissure system of the country. Jokulsa a Fjollum this glacial river, a discharge of the icecap Vatnajökull in the south, is the most voluminous in the northern part of the country. Its discharge area, 7380 km², is the largest on in Iceland. About 1700 km² thereof are sub glacial. The river is 206 km long and the average flow over Dettifoss is 183 m³/sec.
Jokulsa a Dal, also called Jokulsá á Bru or Jokla as many people call it, is the longest river of Eastern Iceland, about 150 km, with a discharge area of about 2610 km² and a volume of 152 m³/sec as its shown in Iceland rivers map. It deposits about 120 tons of silt in the delta area per hour. Its main discharge, Bruarjokull, is the largest glacier tongue of the icecap Vatnajokull. Gigantic advances of this glacier snout can be expected every 60-80 years. The River Jokla, the glacier main discharge, is still eroding one of the wildest and deepest canyons of the country, Dimmugljufur and Hafrahvammagljufur. Down in the lowlands, the silt deposits are constantly reshaping the coastline. The Skjalfandafljot River is 178 kilometres (111 mi) long, and is the fourth longest river of Iceland situated in the north of Iceland. It has its source at the northwestern border of the icecap Vatnajökull on the Highlands of Iceland. From there it streams parallel to the Sprengisandur Highland road in a northern direction, flowing finally into Skjálfandi bay.
River Lagarfljot is the second largest one in the East, about 85 miles (140 km) long. On its way it fills up a deep, glacier carved valley and forms a 21 miles (35 km) long and 350 feet deep lake called Logurinn with an area of 52 km² as its mentioned in Iceland rivers map. Its deepest point lies about 290 feet below sea level and its volume is close to 2200 gig litres. Its way it fills up a deep, glacier carved valley and forms a 21 miles ( km) long and 350 feet deep lake called Logurinn with an area of 52 km². River Heradsvotn runs through the wide Skagafjordur Valley in the North of Iceland. It is created mainly by the confluence of rivers Jokulsa East and West, which discharge the most of the northern part of the third largest and round glacier, almost in the dead centre of the country. Those two rivers count among the most exhilarating for white water rafting in Iceland.
The mountains in Iceland map shows the principal mountains with their names in Iceland. The mountains map of Iceland will allow you to find the main mountains ranges and highest mountains of Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland mountains map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
Iceland is a country of varied and interesting landscapes, some of the most fascinating are to be found in its mountains. Iceland owes much of its character to these big giants, coming in various shapes and sizes, constantly bringing us back to the time of their formation, or simply calling to be photographed. Hvannadalshnúkur is the official highest summit of Iceland, stated to be 2110 metres, but what the others lack in size. Keilir, Reykjanes Peninsula this classical cone-shaped mountain will be the first to greet you on your way from Keflavik international airport to the capital Reykjavik, on the East of the Ring Road as you can see in Iceland mountains map. It looks like the typical volcano you would draw as a kid, and rightly so as Keilir formed from a volcanic fissure eruption beneath a 300-metre thick ice cap that covered the Reykjanes Peninsula during the last glacial period. The eruptive material piled up in a cavity of the ice, revealing this 378-metre high volcano to us today.
The infamous Snaefellsjökull, 1446 metres, offers a pretty sight from many locations across Western Iceland. Snaefellsjökull is a dormant glacier-capped volcano, part of a once active and powerful system of smaller volcanoes, as seen from the numerous lava flows and craters surrounding the mountain. It is best known for being the starting point of Jules Verne Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Kirkjufell, along with Vestrahorn mountain in East Iceland, is probably the most postcard-like mountain in Iceland. Mount Kirkjufell differs from volcanoes in that it alternates sedimentary rocks full of fossils, and layers of lava as its shown in Iceland mountains map. The mountain owes its actual shape to the pressure exerted by the two glaciers in the middle of which it was located, as an exposed glacial island, referred to as a nunatak.
Drangafjall, North Iceland this sharp mountain ridge takes you by surprise on your drive through Öxnadalur Valley in direction of Akureyri. What sets Drangafjall apart is the impressive sword-like peak of Hraundangi (steeple rock), that rises 80 metres above the ridge, for a total height of 1.075 metres above sea level as its mentioned in Iceland mountains map. Heirdubreid, 1.200 metres high, carries an aura that you instantly feel when in the Lake Myvatn area. Icelanders have it that there exists a mountain world ruled by a king and a queen. While the king is still a question of debate, with Snaefell and Öraefajökull fighting for the title, you just met the Queen in Heirdubreid. From its awe-inspiring mountain peaks to its grassy dunes and rich birdlife, Vestrahorn won’t leave you unmoved. Together with Eystrahorn and Brunnhorn, they offer the best settings for photography, especially when being reflected in the wet sands. Brunnhorn, East of Vestrahorn, is affectionately referred to as the Batman Mountains by locals, due to the shape of its three peaks somehow reminiscent of Batman’s signature.
The Iceland climate map shows average temperature and climate zones of Iceland. This climate map of Iceland will allow you to know weather, average precipitation, average sunshine and different climates of Iceland in Northern Europe. The Iceland climate map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.
The climate of Iceland is cold oceanic (Köppen climate classification: Cfc) near the coast and tundra inland in the highlands as you can see in Iceland climate map. The island lies in the path of the North Atlantic Current, which makes the climate of the island more temperate than would be expected for its latitude just south of the Arctic Circle. This effect is aided by the Irminger Current, which also helps to moderate the island temperature. The weather in Iceland can be notoriously variable. The aurora borealis is often visible at night time during the winter. The Icelandic winter is relatively mild for its latitude. The southerly lowlands of the island average around 0 °C in winter, while the highlands tend to average around –10 °C. The lowest temperatures in the northern part of the island range from around –25 °C to –30 °C. The lowest temperature on record is –39.7 °C.
The average July temperature in the southern part of the island is 10–13 °C. Warm summer days can reach 20–25 ºC as its mentioned in Iceland climate map. The highest temperature recorded was 30.5 °C in the Eastern fjords in 1939. Annual average sunshine hours in Reykjavik are around 1300, which is similar to towns in Scotland and Ireland. There is a persistent area of low pressure near Iceland, aptly named the Icelandic Low, found between Iceland and Greenland. This area affects the amount of air brought into the Arctic to the east, and the amount coming out of the Arctic to the west. This area is part of a greater pressure system known as the North Atlantic Oscillation.
The prevailing wind direction is easterly in Iceland. Westerlies are very infrequent. Generally speaking, wind speeds tend to be higher in the highlands, but topographical features can aggravate winds and cause strong gusts in lowland areas. Wind speed frequently reaches 18 m/s (59 ft/s) ; on stormy days it averages 50 m/s (164 ft/s) as its shown in Iceland climate map. Heavy dust storms can be generated by strong glacial winds, and can be very strong. Up to 10 t (9.8 LT; 11.0 ST) of material can be in motion per transect per hour. These storms are very frequent in the early summer in the arid highland areas north of the Vatnajökull glacier. Thunderstorms are extremely rare in Iceland, with fewer than five storms per year in the southern part of the island. They are most common in late summertime. They can be caused by warm air masses coming up from the continent, or deep lows from the southwest in wintertime. Lightning can usually be observed in connection with ash plumes erupting from the island volcanoes.