Iceland is full of unique natural features. The geologically young island sits on the Mid-Atlantic ridge tectonic plate, which separates the Eurasian and the North American plates. This results in molten lava from beneath the Earth´s crust constantly pushing upwards making Iceland volcanically active. Being located on the northern hemisphere adds icing to the cake, with large glaciers and gushing glacier rivers sculpting the country in cooperation with volcanos, bubbling geothermal pools and spouting geysers. Adding to the mixture there are vast fields of moss, black sand, lava fields, numerous waterfalls, lush wetlands, as well as birch forests and mineral rich springs.

The Icelandic government is committed to protect and secure sustainable use of these unique natural assets. Currently around 25% of the country is under a formal protection in either national parks or other protected area categories. Some of those areas are of international importance, like the large Vatnajökull National Park, Surtsey and Thingvellir National Park which have been recognized as UNESCO World heritage sites, and the important bird area Mývatn-Laxá, which is a Ramsar site.