Travel guide – iceland
iceland
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Overview
With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.
It is not only unique and wonderful natural phenomena that intrigue visitors to this, the second largest island in Europe, which lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland. The hardy Icelandic people, descendants of ancient Norsemen and Celts, are intriguing too, having spawned what is now renowned as the oldest surviving parliament in the world (called the 'Althing'), founded in 930, and boasting a much-revered literary heritage of the best medieval works, mostly based on historic heroic sagas.
Most of the country's popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, in the region known as 'The Golden Circle'. Top of the list for scenic splendour is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, set off with a brilliant rainbow, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.
Reykjavik means 'smoky', but in the case of Iceland's pristine capital (which is Europe's most northerly capital city) the smoke is not smog, but rather steam from the underground springs that warm the city. Reykjavik has a well-deserved reputation for being the cleanest, most invigorating city in Europe, where the standard of living is one of the highest in the world. The city may be small, but it is full of interesting attractions from galleries and museums to thermal bathing spots, and the nightlife is second to none.
What else is there to do and see in Iceland? Well, how about whale-watching; chic fine dining; hiking the highlands; viewing Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull; fishing the rivers; taming one of the great wild Icelandic horses, river-rafting; exploring on a snow-scooter; shopping for designer wear, souvenirs and gourmet foods; joining the descendants of the Vikings in the Summer Solstice Festival at Hafnarfjorour; visit the northerly island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle; visiting the recreated medieval farm at Stong...
The list goes on and on, ensuring there is never a dull moment in this awe-inspiring destination.
Regions and cities within Iceland...
Reykjavik
Climate
As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because the climate is regulated by the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The summer temperature in Reykjavík ranges from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). The south is the wettest part of the country, but snow is rare. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights. From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry unless you are arriving from an area known to be infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate is required. Medical care in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists with the UK. British citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them from home to ensure having the cost of any emergency treatment covered.
The basics
Time
GMT
Electricity
Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz alternating currency, the same as in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type as in Continental Europe.
Language
Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.
Tipping
Service charges are included in bills, and tipping is not expected.
Safety
Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the road.
Communications
The international country code for Iceland is +354, followed by the seven-digit phone number: the country has no regional dialling codes. To dial out of Iceland dial 00 and the country code required (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Note that Icelanders are listed by their first names in the telephone directories, not the last. Iceland has the highest per capital mobile phone use in the world with GSM networks and there are roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Iceland Telecom rent mobile phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the country.
Duty Free
Travellers to Iceland over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products. Travellers over 20 years are also allowed 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine, or 1 litre spirits and 6 litres beer; or 1 litre wine and 6 litres beer; or 2.25 litres wine; and food items up to 3kg not exceeding Kr13,000. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters. Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs, meat products, weapons and powdered or moist snuff.
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