By Atlantik DMC – Icelandic Destination Management Experts
The First European to Discover America
More than 1,000 years ago, Leifur Eiríksson ( Leif the lucky) an Icelandic explorer and the son of Erik the Red set sail across the Atlantic and reached what is now North America. He called the new land Vinland, making him the first known European to set foot on American soil, nearly 500 years before Columbus. His journey stands as a powerful symbol of Iceland’s legacy of exploration and its early connection to the New World.
That connection is still honored today. In 1930, to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland’s parliament, the United States gifted Iceland a statue of Leif Erikson. It now stands in front of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík a symbol of shared values like independence, discovery, and resilience.
Centuries after Leif’s voyage, a new chapter in the Iceland U.S. relationship began not through exploration, but through collaboration. During World War II, the arrival of the U.S. military would go on to shape Iceland in lasting and unexpected ways.
How U.S. Presence Shaped Modern Iceland
When U.S. forces arrived in Iceland during World War II, their presence marked the beginning of a new era. What started as a strategic partnership soon led to significant development and modernization. Thousands of Icelanders found employment building roads, harbors, housing, and airfields, much of which remains in use today.
Beyond the physical changes, the American presence influenced local culture. While many Icelanders already had some familiarity with English, its use became more widespread. Exposure to American music, cinema, and everyday habits helped spark a broader cultural exchange and encouraged a more outward looking, international mindset that still resonates in Iceland today.
First Iceland Discovered N-America, Now N-America Has Discovered Iceland!
Today, the U.S. is Iceland’s largest inbound market. In 2024 alone, over 620,000 U.S. nationals visited the country nearly a third of all international arrivals. This continued growth reflects not only strong transatlantic ties but also Iceland’s rising appeal as a destination for unique, world class programs.
At Atlantik DMC, we’ve proudly worked with U.S. companies since 1978. Over the decades, we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of American guests to Iceland, delivering bespoke programs tailored to the U.S. market. From luxury FITs and incentives to curated corporate retreats, we understand what American travelers value: authenticity, quality, and flawless execution.
Over time, Atlantik has had the honor of serving guests from most major U.S. cruise lines and working with many Fortune 500 companies. This deep experience, combined with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and creative venues, makes the country a perfect destination for travel that is both meaningful and memorable.
Iceland and the U.S.: A Few Fascinating Connections
Iceland Might Be Closer to the U.S. Than You’d Expect!
Iceland is the closest European country to North America! and it’s more accessible than many people realize. In 2025, there are direct flights from cities across the United States, from East Coast to West Coast and many in between. These include New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Raleigh/Durham, Orlando, Miami, Nashville, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Portland.
With flight times starting from just 4.5 hours, Iceland is an ideal option for unique travel experiences, whether for high-end incentives, bespoke adventures or simply something out of the ordinary.
A Country on Two Continents
Iceland is one of the only places in the world where you can stand between two tectonic plates. The island straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, meaning parts of it lie on the North American Plate and others on the Eurasian Plate. In fact, much of western Iceland including Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport sits on the North American side. It’s a rare and symbolic connection that makes Iceland geologically, and in some ways culturally, linked to both continents.
Where NASA Trained for the Moon
During the 1960s, Apollo astronauts trained in Iceland’s highlands because the volcanic landscape resembled the Moon’s surface. The connection to space and exploration still fascinates visitors today.
Hollywood Loves Iceland
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes have featured in major American films and series. From the lava fields of Interstellar and snowy backdrops in Batman Begins to scenes in Star Wars: Rogue One and Flags of Our Fathers, the island has become a favorite for epic productions. It even hosted James Bond in Die Another Day and key episodes of Game of Thrones, cementing its place in global pop culture.
Happy Independence Day to Our Friends Across the Ocean!
From all of us at Atlantik DMC, we wish our American clients and friends a joyful and inspiring 4th of July. Here’s to independence, connection, and continued adventures together across the Atlantic and beyond.
