Information about Iceland


Practical Information:

Iceland is different from most other countries. It is mountainous and situated between Greenland and Norway. It is the second largest island of Europe and its guardian in the west with rather a sparse population. About 20% of its area is populated. The central highlands and parts of the northwest are uninhabited. People have to be prepared for the rapid changes in the weather and change clothes accordingly.

It is better to be familiar with the road system, both the roads and streets in the inhabited areas and the tracks in the central highlands, if a trip is planned in the interior. Rules and regulations concerning off road driving, the sensitive vegetation in this latitude and lava formations have to be taken into account as well. Nature in this country is raw, and there are more dangers to be taken into account than the weather, such as unbridged rivers, crevassed glaciers and merciless seas.

Without the Gulf Stream, the whole country would be covered with a shield of ice. The average temperature of the warmest month is about 12°C (54°F) and of the coldest month about 0°C (32°F). Usually it is considerably colder in the mountains. Warm, wind-, and waterproof clothes are highly recommended and lighter clothes for nice weather as well. The country is situated just south of the Arctic circle between Greenland and Norway, only about a 2½ hours flight from London. The international airport Keflavik is situated in the south-western part of the country, only a 45 minutes drive from the capital.

 
 


Business Hours:

Office hours are generally 09:00–17:00. Shopping hours are Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 seven days a week or even 24 hours in the largest towns. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 09:15–16:00.


Currency Exchange:

The Icelandic monetary unit is the króna. Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10 kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Banknotes are in denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr., 1000 kr., and 500 kr. All  Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00. TRAVELLERS’ CHEQUES, DEBIT and CREDIT CARDS: Are widely accepted in Iceland. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA.

Shopping:

The shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local  specialities are woollen knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewellery. Also available is a great variety of highquality seafood.


TAX-FREE Shopping:

A refund of local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% off the retail price, provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months of the date of purchase. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per store. All goods (except woollens) need to be shown at customs before check-in. At  Keflavík airport this applies only to tax-free forms whose refund value exceeds ISK 5,000. All other forms can be refunded directly in cash at Landsbanki Íslands in the departure hall.


Post Offices:

There are post offices located in all major communities in Iceland.General hours are: Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30. Many post offices in Reykjavik are also open during the weekends. Information on opening hours can be found at http://www.postur.is/english/index.html

Telephones:

Direct calls can be made to all parts of Iceland.The code into Iceland from overseas is +354 + seven-digit number. Direct long-distance calls can be made to Europe and the USA by dialling 00 plus the country code, and the telephone number you wish to reach.


Mobile Phones – GSM:

There are four GSM operators in Iceland: Siminn, Vodafone, TAL and Nova. Together they cover most of Iceland including all towns and villages with over 200 inhabitants. These telephone companies all sell pre-paid GSM phone cards and offer GSM/GPRS services. Pre-paid cards are available at petrol stations around the country. GSM phones may be rented from Iceland  Telecom, Ármúli 27, Reykjavík.
 

Climate:

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected.


Weather / cloathing:

For weather information in English, tel.: 902-0600, extension 44, E-mail: office@vedur.is, http://en.vedur.is When travelling in Iceland you should bring along lightweight woollens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking shoes. Travellers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.

Midnight sun:

During summer the nights are bright all over Iceland. In the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. There are even special excursions to the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle where you can experience the midnight sun. Bear in mind, however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as at midday, so bring along a sweater.


Electric Current:

The electric current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 Hz AC.

 

 ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION
 

Birdwatching

Some places in Iceland are a paradise for birdwatchers. Látrabjarg in the West Fjords is the largest bird cliff known in the world. A great variety of cliff-nesting species can be found there, including the largest razorbill colony in the world. The Westman Islands are known for many kinds of seabirds, and are home to Iceland’s largest puffin population. Lake Mývatn in the north has more species of breeding ducks than any other site in Europe. The great skua colony on the sands of south Iceland is the largest in the world. Seabirds such as puffins can be seen in many places, as well as eiders, Arctic terns, waders and passerine birds. Some tour operators organise tours for birdwatchers in early summer.


Hiking

Iceland offers great opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. A number of the most popular routes are easily accessible and hiking maps have been published for various regions within the country. In national parks and protected areas hiking paths are well marked, whereas more adventurous routes in the island’s interior require experience and preparation. Hiking is a favourite pastime for Icelanders and tourists alike, but travellers should take care not to disturb the extremely sensitive vegetation and natural environment that is characteristic of the island. Information on hiking trails can be obtained from tourist information centres, park authorities and so on. Many travel agencies also organise hiking tours during both winter and summer.


Golf

All the major golf courses in Iceland are open to visitors. Green fees are moderate. Midnight Golf in Iceland – The Arctic Open: At Akureyri Golf Club in the north, golf can be played with the sun shining at midnight. At the end of June a 36-hole open international match is held. Tee-off is just before midnight and playing continues until the early hours of the morning.


Swimming and Spas

Swimming is a very popular activity all year round in Iceland. Most towns and villages have outdoor or indoor swimming pools filled with water from natural hot springs. The mean temperature of the water in the pools is about 29°C. In many places there are also saunas, jacuzzis, solariums and hot pots with temperatures ranging from 36 to 44°C.


Fishing and Hunting

Iceland is famous for its salmon and trout fishing. The main season for salmon fishing is from around June 20 to mid-September. Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to the next, but the normal season is from April/May until late September/October. During winter, ice-fishing is quite popular. For salmon fishing, permits must be reserved well in advance, but trout-fishing permits can be obtained at short notice, often the same day.


Skiing

Winter skiing is available in many parts of the country. Ski resorts with both cross-country and downhill skiing are found throughout Iceland.

Cycling

Bikes can be rented in Reykjavík and in various places around Iceland.

Horse Riding

Numerous farms and tour operators throughout Iceland offer horse-riding tours from 1 hour up to 10 days. Please note that all equestrian equipment must be disinfected before arrival.

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moya - Útgáfa 1.11 2007 - Stefna ehf