Iceland

ICELAND

Iceland means new and different things for you to see and do, whatever the season.  Every part of the year has its own special attractions, character and charm. And don’t let the name deceive you - Iceland can be very warm in summer when the sun shines virtually round the clock, while January temperatures are around 0°C. 

Getting There

Iceland is a European Island midway between North America and Europe. This makes Iceland not only ideal as a gateway between Europe and United States, but also as a docing point on route to Asia by plane. The privately-run Flybus connects to all the flights at Keflavic airport, shuttling you into Reykjavik in about 45 min. The flybus will drop people off at major hotels in Reykjavik. You can also take a taxi, but expect the cost of approx 75-90 $. Gamla Hofnin (Old Harbour) and Sundahofn are known collectively as the Reykjavik Harbour. The Smyril Line operates a car and passenger ferry service in summer between Seydisfjordur and Bergen (Norway) and Hanstholm (Denmark).

Visas: The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country

Distances between cities in Iceland

By Car: The Ring Road (Route 1), which circles the island, is mostly paved and makes a pleasant driving tour from spring to autumn. Secondary roads across the central highlands are open from early July through to late August, depending on the weather

CURRENCY:

Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK). ISK1 = 100 aurar

Notes: ISK5000, 2000, 1000 and 500

Coins: ISK100, 50, 10, 5 and 1

Credit cards: International credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted by restaurants, hotels and shops.

Exchange

Most major currencies can be exchanged at banks or bureaux de change in Reykjavik and most towns. Hotels often offer exchange facilities, but at relatively poor rates. The most favourable exchange rate is normally found at banks.

Local currency can be obtained from international ATMs in most towns and at the airport with an international credit or debit card. You will be charged for using this facility and should ascertain in advance from your account holding bank as to what these charges will be. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted. Carry them in USD or Euros for the widest acceptance.

Tips:

Service is generally included in prices in Iceland, so it is not necessary to tip. If you choose to tip, leaving 10% on the table in restaurants or rounding up a cap fare to the nearest ISK10-20 should suffice.

Telephone

International dialling code:  354

Area codes: There are no area codes as such in Iceland

All phones in Iceland have seven digit numbers which must be dialed in their entirety to be connected no matter where you call from.

Health Concerns

The water in Iceland is safe to drink - generally even straight from mountain streams.

Citizens of the EU, Liechtenstein and Norway qualify for free medical care as long as they are in possession of a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1, 2006), which may be obtained from post offices or official governmental channels in their country of origin. Failing this, patients will be charged in full for medical care. Medical treatment is extremely advanced and sophisticated but is correspondingly expensive. Consequently, citizens of all other countries are recommended to acquire full medical insurance.

You can obtain a doctor by calling Tel: 1770.

If engaging in outdoor pursuits (as many visitors to Iceland do) be sure to wear adequate clothing for the activity and weather conditions. Exposure can cause hypothermia and frostbite. The former can kill while the latter can be disabilitating and severe cases result in the loss of limbs. Always ensure that your extremities (feet, hands and face) are well covered in cold conditions. Never trek alone, Iceland is a small but sparsely populated country and it is essential that you have a companion should either of you run into difficulties and require aid. If travelling in a pair make sure that both of you are familiar with basic first aid and emergency procedure in the event of accident.

Personal Safety

Iceland is undoubtedly one of the safest destinations on the planet. The crime rate is almost zero and it is extremely unlikely that you'll be the victim of any crime whatsoever during a stay in Reykjavik or indeed anywhere on the island.

Although even petty theft is unlikely don't neglect to take common sense precautions to protect your belongings, fasten your bag and try not to carry important documents with you if it can be avoided, as much to guard against accidental loss as deliberate theft.

If travelling outside the capital makes sure that you stick to marked paths or employ a guide. Iceland's geology is completely unique, and volcanic features can be deceptive and extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with them. Fissures in rock can be outlets for super-heated steam, or may be a lot deeper than you think. Earthquakes are not uncommon (though often very mild), and volcanic eruptions tend to occur every few years. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the appropriate procedure in case of earthquake or volcanic eruption, whether in a building or in the open. Do not stand close to fissure or waterfalls, there are several documented cases of careless tourists disappearing at even the most popular sites in the country, with the only conclusion being that they fell foul of the geology.

One minor point of safety, but one that visitors often fall foul of, is that the water from the hot water tap is extremely and instantly hot in Iceland. It is superheated geo-thermally and can easily scald you should you jump in the shower and turn on the hot tap without any cold water. Note that a similar problem can occur with naturally occurring pools of water; it is not advised that you bathe unsupervised in the open.

Note if you are a keen angler that it is illegal to bring fishing tackle into the country unless it has been disinfected and sealed by a qualified veterinary surgeon before embarkation. It is easier to hire equipment while in the country.

Emergency Numbers

Police 112

Ambulance 112

Fire 112

Regions in Brief:

180,000 Icelanders live in greater Reykjavik area. Icelanders live around the edge on the Island. The One road, the ring Road, runs all the way around the island.

The Reykjavik peninsula–Keflavik Airport, the gateway for all the international travelers, is on the peninsula. It’s the major tourist site are the Krisuvik bubbling mud pool, whale watching at Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon.

The South–Suthern Iceland is packed with attractions. The golden Triangle” of Gulfoss waterfall, Geyser and Thingvellir national park shows off the Iceland’s greatest hits in a day trip. Off the coast, the Westman Island shows the effect of the recent volcano activity.

The West–The Snaefellesness peninsula, jutting out of north of reykavik, is a great place for whale watching and glacier tour.

The North–The North is anchored by Akureyri, Iceland’s pnly real city outside Reykjavik. The town of Husavik, an hour away, is Iceland’s whale – watching centre.

The East – Europ’s largest glacier, atnajokull, anchors Iceland’s southeast corner. Ferries to the rets of Europe leave from the port of Seyoisfjordur.

The interior – Desolate, strange and rare, this is truly unique place.

GETTING AROUND:

Getting There

Air : air Iceland, departing from reykjavik City airport, hits all the major populated area including Akureri, Egilsstaoir, Hornafjorour, Isafjorour, the Westman Island, grimsey, thorshofn, Vopnafjorour, the Faeroe Island and the Greenland.

Bus: In Iceland, all the scheduled bus routes are coordinated by Iceland’s main bus company, BSI. Buses run around the perimeter of the country. If you are going to the Blue Lagoon, the bus company Thingvallalied sells a combination bus ticket and blue lagoon pass for approx ISK 2500.

Train: There are no trains in Iceland.

CLIMATE

Weather
Considering the northerly location of Iceland, its climate is much milder than might be expected, especially in winter. The average annual temperature for Reykjavík is 5 C, the average January temperature being -0.4 C and July 11.2 C. The annual rainfall on the south coast is about 3000 mm, whereas in the highlands north of Vatnajokull it drops to 400 mm or less.

Iceland's southern and western coasts experience relatively mild winter temperatures thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. July and August are the warmest months and the chances of fine weather improve as you move north and east. While they're more prone to clear weather than the coastal areas, the interior deserts can experience other problems such as blizzards and high winds that whip up dust and sand into swirling, gritty maelstroms.

Coastal areas in Iceland tend to be windy and gales are common, especially in winter. Thunderstorms are extremely rare. It must be remembered that the weather in Iceland can change very rapidly so make sure to check the weather forecast to see what is in store. In the winter you can never be too cautious if you are planning on travelling outside the capital area.

The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights can often be seen on clear, cold nights when the moon isn't too bright. The best time of the year is between November and February when the sky is at its darkest. The Northern Lights are easiest to see in the open countryside where there is not much light pollution. They usually appear after dinner, beginning around 9pm and continuing until well past midnight.

Midnight Sun
For two months in the summer there is continuous daylight in Iceland. Spring and autumn also enjoy long periods of twilight. Depending on how far north you are in Iceland there are some days or weeks in June when you can still see the sun at 12 o'clock midnight. This is possible in Reykjavik from around 18th - 24th June. There are special tours offered to the island of Grimsey, which is the only part of Iceland to lie within the Arctic Circle. Here visitors can experience the magic of seeing the sun never set.

The winter darkness, with only three to four hours' daylight, lasts from around November until the end of January.

Food & Drink 

Ponnukokur: Pancakes rolled with jam, sugar or whipped cream.

Kleinur: Twisted doughnuts

Astarpungar: Doughnut holes. You'll find a vast selection of dairy products on the menus and grocery store shelves, including first-class varieties of butter, cheese, cream, and yoghurt.

Ugbrauð: Lunches usually include sliced, buttered rye bread served with pickled vegetables and bits of fresh or smoked salmon, herring or trout. These fish and others, like haddock and cod, are also grilled with butter or doused with wine, garlic, or mustard-based sauces.

Vínarterta: Cakes filled with prune or rhubarb jam.

Rjomaterta: Cream cakes.

Mommukökur: Gingerbread cookies.

Laufabrauð (leaf bread): Is a unique holiday goodie that's deep-fried and pressed with beautiful, leaf-like patterns.

TIME:

Iceland is 5 hours and 30 minutes behind India.

CLOTHING:

In the summer, light clothing is often all you need - but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year.  The weather can be extremely changeable.  Icelanders often say, "If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit.  A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermaly heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C.

ELECTRICITY:

The voltage used is 220 volts.

TIPS:

This is a matter of personal discretion. Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Although restaurant bills often include a service charge, this amount is not typically for the waiters/staff. A typical tip is approximately 10%.

LANGUAGE:

Icelandic,

English, Nordic languages & German are also widely spoken.

SHOPPING and MUST BUYS:

Probably the country's best-known exports are the gorgeous handmade lopapeysa, or Icelandic sweaters, meticulously knitted in colourful patterns from the wool of long-haired Icelandic sheep. These soft, beautiful creations can be expensive, but they can cost twice as much abroad. You can even purchase skeins of wool, patterns and needles to knit your own sweaters. Sheepskin gloves and slippers are also popular and of excellent quality. Other unique Icelandic items include traditional fish-skin coats, belts and shoes. Also keep an eye out for antique accoutrements and contemporary Nordic-style jewellery.

Reykjavik's numerous art galleries exhibit a variety of folk-art paintings and edgy modern works, as well as Icelandic crafts and ceramics. Look for simple jewellery, hand-painted fabrics, lovely hand-thrown pottery and eclectic but functional animal-skin items. Unusual shapes chiselled and smoothed from hardened lava let you take a piece of an Icelandic volcano home with you.

Bookstores also have wonderful finds, and most coffee-table volumes and historic tomes can be found in English as well as Icelandic. If you're not a photographer, picture books and guidebooks can be thoughtful souvenirs that capture the places where your memories were made. Many bookstores and art galleries also sell less expensive postcards, stamps, fine art cards, slides and CDs that highlight Iceland's enthralling scenery and original music styles.

Iceland is also famous for its flourishing fishing industry, and you can bring homedelicious (even if it is vacuum-packed) smoked salmon and trout. Skyr (skimmed-milk curd) also transports well, and can be frozen for later use. The caraway-flavoured spirit Brennivín, often hard to find outside of the country, makes a potent souvenir. You can also find many local treats and sundries at major supermarkets and shops specialising in Icelandic merchandise

CITIES:

REYKJAVIK

The world’s most Northerly capital, Iceland's pretty capital city, with its neat, narrow streets and gleaming multicoloured buildings, curves around the wide, flat expanse of Videyjarsund bay. The settlement's stunning location was chosen in the 9th century by the country's first settler, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson, who bestowed it with a name that fittingly means "Smoky Bay."

The northernmost European capital, today Reykjavik is a modern city and a thriving cultural metropolis lined with grand churches, meticulously groomed gardens, historic museums, trendy stores, and innovative art galleries.

This hub of cosmopolitan restaurants and chic nightspots is set amid an amazing variety of natural splendour; in a day from the city, you can easily climb glaciers, hike to geysers, and watch live volcanoes, then dress up, dine well, and party all night.

Getting Around

Reykjavik is a friendly and a colourful city and a walk around the city centre area is delightful experience. Buses run by street connect everywhere you’d want to go in Reyjavik. The fare is approx ISK 220 per ride.

Reykjavik Tourist Card – Available for 24, 48 or 72 hrs, this card gives you admission to the thermal pools, unlimited travel with the local “Street” buses, admission to a great selection of museums and galleries, plus discount on various tours, shopping & services.

Attractions

Hallgrimskirkja (Church og Hallgrimur)

Reykjavik’s highest and most imposing structure, Hallgrimskirkja, in the town centre, is visible from over 20 kms away. Begun in the late 1940’s and completed in 1986, with its stark, light-filled interior, it offers the best panoramic views of the city.

Perlan (Pearl)

A walk through landscaped gardens lead to the top of Oskjuhlid Hill and Reykjavik’s architectural masterpiece – the Pearl. This magnificent glass structure, has an outside viewing deck offering views of tbe city, as it sprawls out below. It also has the Saga Museum, a vibrant multi-dimensional display depicting key moments in Icelandic history.

Arbaejarsafn (Arbae Open – Air Folk Museum)

Arbaejarsafn is Reykjavik’s folk museum, and the largest open-air museum in Iceland where reconstructions of homes and workshops special exhibitions may be seen. Craftspeople demonstrate traditional tasks almost every day in the museum.

Thjodminjasafn Island

The National Museum has a huge range of relics and tools spanning Reykjavik’s 11 centuries of history. It houses everything from medieval alter cloths to its star attraction a 12^th century door depicting a Norse battle scene.

Heiti Potturinn (Hot Pots)

Geothermal swimming pools and hot pots play a major part in Icelandic life. The hottest pools have controlled temperatures of up to 44 degree Celisus and are said to have certain medical benefits. The largest is Laugardalslaug.

Excursions:

Blue Lagoon & Swimming Pools

A rough-hewn, sky-blue lake surrounded by rocky lava outcrops provides a natural setting for the posh Blue Lagoon resort, southwest of Reykjavik. The warm, serene waters - actually mineral-rich runoff from the nearby Svartsengi power plant - create the country's most popular hotspot for relaxing and rejuvenation.

Curved metal bridges stretch over the geothermal heated lagoon, while cedar sunning platforms, private pools, and a hidden sauna inside a cave add to the attractive, ethereal ambience. While you're here, look around: the lagoon's refreshing, skin-healing properties and the luxury spa treatments attract international celebrities and glitterati.

Icelanders also love swimming, and several first-class pool facilities can be found in and around Reykjavik. The largest is at Arbaejarlaug, a lovely resort with indoor and outdoor hot tubs, water slides, and nearby walking paths. The city's oldest pool, Sundhollin, is indoors and especially suitable for mid-winter exercise, while Laugardalslaug is conveniently located near such summer spots as the Botanic Gardens, the Farm Zoo, and picturesque forests.

The beach at Nautholsvík has a stretch of coastline where thermally heated water is mixed with the ocean, so you can take a seaside dip any time of the year. Aside from the capital, most cities in Iceland have similar heated swimming pools, spas and natural hot springs.

Whale Watching: The Ocean around Reykjavik is a natural habitat for many different types of whales. The whale watching season runs from April to October.

Geysir: The English word ‘geyser’ comes from a single geysir located in the South West of Iceland. The geysir area is also rich in walking paths that lead past steaming vents and colourful, mineral rich mud formations.

Gulfoss:

In a land of Earthly beauty, one wonder stands above the rest, Iceland’s beloved Gulfoss, or Golden Falls. The wide, rocky Hvita River divides the rumpled green plains of the southeast to tumble down into the famous, two-layer Gullfoss cascades. Backed by an impressive ravine, the "Golden Falls" stretch up into 32 metres (105ft) of thundering water and glittering mists. Saved from damming by a local farmer's daughter, the Gullfoss park area is now a national monument. On clear days, look southeast past the Viking relics at Stong to glimpse the low, sooty cone of Mount Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano. East of Akureyri, other visibly active volcanic areas include the Krafla Caldera and Askja area.

Snaefellsjokull Glacier: Jutting out like a dragon's head above the Faxafloi bay north-west of Reykjavik, the snow-covered Snaefellsnes Peninsula is centered on the Snaefellsjokull Glacier.

Fishing villages have survived in the remote locale and rugged environment over the centuries, but the many ships that are strewn about the razor-sharp lava beds that line the shores bear testament to the precariousness of their existence out here. Surrounded by angry seas, the coasts have been thrashed into natural arches and cupcake-like promontories, while the frosty interior tickled the imagination of author Jules Verne, whose Journey to the Centre of the Earth began in these bare mountain slopes. Today, this is a top skiing and hiking region, as well as a place to explore Viking legends.

Thingvellir National Park

Set around Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, the wildly beautiful Thingvellir National Park is framed by an army of imposing volcanic peaks. The park is also one of the country's most important historic sites, the chosen location for the original Althingi (National Assembly) when it was founded as the core of the country's government in 930AD.

Gathered at the northern end of the lake is a collection of buildings and historic landmarks, including the flag-topped Lögberg (Law Rock), the flat expanse where the legislators and courts once conducted their annual mid-summer business. Also in the park are such geologically significant sites as the gaping Almannagja crevasse, which marks the separation of two Giant tectonic plates.

The island-studded Oxara River, which winds through the park, shelters Arctic bird colonies, and the land is popular for pony treks, hikes and free ranger-guided walks. Thingvellir is open May-Sep.

Vestmannæyjar Archipelago

Bird life and Icelandic seafaring history are the attractions of the volcanic Vestmannæyjar (Westman Islands) Archipelago. The sole settlement of Heimaey has plenty of traditional folklore attached to it, from tales of the original Westman (Irish) slaves who murdered the first Norwegian settler Ingólfur Arnarson's half-brother here in the 10th century, to the Algerian pirates who raided the island six centuries later.
Around Heimaey, it's also a hotbed of volcanic activity: The town was evacuated in 1973 during an eruption of a nearby volcano and the eastern part of the town was buried under ash and lava.

You can still see semi-engulfed buildings, parts of them now literally encased in solid rock. Today, Heimæy's annual Puffin Festival attracts thousands of Icelanders, who flock here to help return lost chicks to the sea.

Akureyri

Iceland's second-largest city, originally a 16th-century trading post, sits at the top of the island and is fronted by the spectacular granite cliffs of Eyjafjordur. Perfectly modern, utterly charming, and often shrouded in mist, the neat brown and white storefronts and homes are spread along the glossy bay in the shadow of lush pastures and flat, snow-slathered slopes. Several good museums, pretty gardens, and austere historic buildings are gathered in the compact waterfront area and city centre, while forest trails, mountain paths and the Arctic Circle are accessible in just an hour or two.

Grimsey

Half of this small, secluded island, which hangs above Iceland, is within the boundaries of the Arctic Circle. It's one of the world's best and most beautiful landscapes in which to view the pulsating rainbow of Northern Lights. Originally a 10^th century Viking settlement, the island expanded into a key fishing point and farming region, albeit with only around 100 permanent residents. The chiseled coastal cliffs are prime bird-watching territory, while you'll often spot seals, whales, and other sea creatures beneath the churning waters.

Jokulsargljufur National Park

A breathtaking expanse of greenery stretches far below the sheer brown rock faces of Jokulsargljufur National Park, where asbyrgi canyon was legendarily stamped into the earth by the flying steed of a Viking god.

Slim waterfalls hiss over tumbled sections of rock, while murky ponds churn with the splashing and diving of duck colonies. This is terrific hiking and camping terrain, with cliff-side trails, soft meadows of heather, shadowy forests of tall stone columns, and expansive glacial views.

In the park's southeastern corner is the massive Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe, which thunders over chunky, mud-grey walls of hardened lava.

Lake Myvatn

The shimmering ice-blue waters of Lake Myvatn, encircled by long fronds of greenery, are framed by meadows of wildflowers and sharp glacial cliffs.

Geysers and hot springs, mud pools and steaming fissures, and gaping volcanic craters make this the North's most popular tourist destination, while lichen-blanketed fields and intricate, ebony lava sculptures dusted with sulphuric gold create an enthralling, fairytale environment.

Vast wetland marshes, best seen from the Neslandatangi Peninsula jutting into the lake's northern quarter, are home to hundreds of thousands of birds and are the world's largest duck-breeding area.

Skaftafell National Park and Winter Sports

Dark, glistening glacial lakes reflect the sharp black ridges erupting between the massive ice sheets that cover much of Skaftafell National Park, Iceland's most popular wilderness area.

The park is actually just a tiny lower section of the Vatnajokull ice cap, which at 8,300 square kilometers (3,200square miles) is the world's largest outside of the Polar Regions. Stretches of cottony clouds hang low over the flat, golden fields that stretch between the meadows, where easy gravel trails lead to former Saga-era farms, waterfalls flowing over bone-like columns of basalt rock, quiet ponds, alpine woods, and tough, slippery ice climbs. Little wonder that this is a favourite region for skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.