Iceland: Travelling

Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Service: Passports and Visas
Visa HQ: Information on the visa
List of embassies and consulates abroad

For Further Information

Check IATA Travel Website for visa requirements and health advices.

Organising Your Trip

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Reykjavík - Keflavík Intl/Leifur Eriksson (KEF)	50 km / 30 miles	ISK 7,500-9,000 / 10 min	ISK 1,100 / 45 min	Not available	Available

Major airlines

Name	Type	Domestic Flights	International Flights
Air Iceland	Regional		Yes

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Visiting

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical: Reykjavik's Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature. Videy was inhabited until the 1940s and it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the oldest stone building in Iceland built for the High Sheriff in 1752. For further information, visit, Visit Iceland website.
Cultural: Reykjavik museums offer a great combination of fun and learning for the whole family. The National Museum and Saga Museum allow the children to experience in an interactive way how the Vikings fought and feasted. Reykjavik City Museum - Arbaejarsafn offer an insight into how people in Reykjavik lived in the old days.
For further information, visit, Visit Iceland website.
Nature: The Icelandic nature is unspoilt, exotic and mystical with its spouting geysers, active volcanoes, tumbling waterfalls, towering mountains, vast lava plains and magical lakes.
For further information, visit the website Iceland.is.
Religious: Hallgrimskirkja Church can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is probably the most controversial building in Iceland. Its steeple rises above all other buildings in Reykjavik and the church can seat over 1000 worshipers at a time. It was named after the Icelandic poet Hallgrimur Petursson, and the grounds also house a statue to the first Viking said to have discovered America, Leifur Eiríksson.
Thermal: The Blue Lagoon is not situated within the Reykjavik city area, however this attraction is an absolute "must" for travelers and the major attraction for many Reykjavik visitors. The thermal waters are always pleasantly warm, whatever the weather. In the city, Reykjavik's thermal pools are open from early morning until late in the evening.
Beach: Reykjavik is surrounded by the ocean, and the waterfront paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll, some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. The city's northern waterfront is a popular area, with a view of Reykjavik's landmark mountain, Mt. Esja.
Winter Sports: Each of the eight North Iceland skiing areas has its own niche in the region's magnificent scenery.
At the Akureyri Ice-Skating Rink, one can rent skates for anyone in the family and then glide along to the tones of music.
For further information, visit, Visit Iceland website.
Outdoor Activities: There is a wealth of opportunities for healthy and adventurous pursuits - like river rafting, whale watching, salmon and trout fishing, sea angling, glacier trips and unforgettable 4 x 4 expeditions over the highlands.
Shopping: Enjoy browsing through local crafts shops along with Scandinavian designer stores. The Kringlan shopping mall is a hub of social activity in Reykjavik. Among over 150 shops is Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic specialty and these can be found at the up market Eggert at Skólavördustígur 38.

Top Highlights in the Main Cities
Whale watching
Perlan: architectural monument
Reykjavik City Museum
Hallgrimskirkja Church

Top Highlights of the Country
Hiking
Geyser watching
Whale watching
Deep sea fishing

Tourism Organisations: The Icelandic Tourist Board

Living Conditions

Health and Safety

Health Precautions: Excellent medical facilities are available in Iceland. No health precaution.
For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions: Travel advisory on U.S. government website
For Further Information on Safety Conditions: Advice to travelers to Iceland on the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance and Police

112

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference: It is %T:%M %A In Reykjavik (GMT)

Map of the Time Zone

Time zone

Type of Climate: As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because of the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range 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.
Hotel reservation websites: World travels: travel information

Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall

Climate

Eating

Food Specialties: The Icelandic food is the result of a natural environment, completely protected from pollution. Seafood of an exceptional quality, excellent dairy products, reindeer meat, mushrooms and berries, as well as the famous Icelandic lamb can be found. For some years, the Icelandic chefs have been bringing the art of turning the natural resources of the country into a real gastronomy combining the delicious raw materials with the best international culinary tendencies.
Among Icelandic culinary specialties:
The Rjomalögho fiskisupa: shellfish soup with cream.
The Svioa: barbecued lamb fillet with a (hot) spicy sauce.
Finally, it is impossible to leave Iceland without sampling any freshly fished seafood such as salmon, or haddock, among others.
Drinks: Tea and coffee are really popular.
When it comes to alcohol , you'll find that it's only sold in bars, clubs, restaurants and the few state-owned liquor stores.
Though hard-liquor enthusiasts should try brennevín, a local spirit distilled from potatoes.
Dietary Restrictions: No restrictions

Paying

Domestic Currency: Iceland Crown
ISO Code: ISK
To Obtain Domestic Currency: It is easier to change money at the Landsbanki Íslands kiosk in Keflavik Airport's transit lounge on your way out of the airport, and then use ATMs, rather than tracking Icelandic krona abroad. The Landsbanki kiosk gives a very good rate.
Possible Means of Payment: ATMs are in all towns of any significant size in Iceland and credit cards are widely accepted.

Speaking

Official Language: Icelandic
Other Languages Spoken: Most of the Icelanders can speak English and Danish.
Business Language: English

Useful Resources

To Find a Job: Iceland Careers
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