In Iceland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has risen above the ocean’s surface, lacerating the island with active volcanoes. Add to this a veneer of glaciers, and you have a geologic wonderland.

The volcano lies about 25 miles from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. The volcano—and most of Iceland—runs between two tectonic plates, the movement of which leads to volcanic and seismic activity.

Iceland has a lot to offer tourists, like the 800-mile route around the island called "Europe's best road trip," Ring Road, with views of glaciers, fjords, and pretty villages.

Island-hopping is an excellent opportunity to experience Iceland like a local, says Porarinsdóttir. “Soak in hot water on a cold day, even at night time,” she recommends. “See the starry ...

Iceland's remote Westland Islands are home to the world's largest puffin colony. Every year, puffin chicks get disorientated by light pollution and crash inland rather than flying out to sea.

“Iceland is a small country with only about 330,000 inhabitants but the island has plenty of land with hot springs and volcanoes that erupt from time to time.

In this week's Maphead, Ken Jennings explains how one of the Earth's newest formations—a volcanic island in Iceland—was formed a mere 50 years ago.