About Iceland
Iceland is closer than you think and probably also far different from what you might have imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as glaciers, steaming geysers and volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises.
The country was settled by Nordic people in the 9th century – tradition has it that the first permanent settler was a Norwegian Viking, named Ingólfur Arnarson, who made his home where Reykjavik is situated today. The Icelanders still speak a language close to that of the Vikings, although modern Icelanders also speak many foreign languages.
The island is conveniently located right between Europe and east coast of USA. Distance is about 5-6 hours by flight from USA and 2-4 hours from Europe. The size is 103.000 km2 (39,756 sq. miles), about one-third larger than Scotland or Ireland. It has a population of just over 350.000, almost two-thirds living in the capital Reykjavik and its neighbouring towns in the southwest.
Regardless of when you visit, be assured that the warmth shown by the Icelanders, their desire to share their culture and their efforts to make your stay as pleasant as possible will, like the spectacular landscape, not easily be forgotten.
Reykjavik is an excellent venue for an international conference. Founded in 1786, it is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital city in the world. The city is vibrant and offers most of the conveniences and attractions usually associated with major capitals of the world. Its amazing array of possibilities is why Reykjavik is sometimes called the biggest little capital in the world. In Reykjavik you have opportunities for historical sites, natural beauty, museums and galleries, public parks, excellent shopping, a wide range of leisure activities, hotels, restaurants, and a remarkably lively artistic scene.
The official tourism website of the Reykjavík Capital Area is www.visitreykjavik.is
Arrival in Iceland
Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport are in connection with all arriving and departing flights, and seats are guaranteed. Busses depart to and from Keflavík every 45-60 minutes. The drive between the airport and Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes. For departing flights, it is recommended that you take a bus leaving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. It is possible to arrange a hotel pickup. Taxi services are available to and from the airport. The car-ferry MS Nörrona sails weekly between Denmark, and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland giving visitors the option of bringing their own vehicle for transport. BSÍ í the local bus hub for busses going.
Driving in Iceland
When travelling in Iceland you may notice an “eggy” smell when running hot water that is simply a naturally occurring smell from the geothermal water source. As for drinking water, it is perfectly safe to drink water from the tap in Iceland and we are known to have the best water in the world.
Iceland is privileged with many natural resources and geothermal water is one of them, filling our natural hot springs, nature pools, swimming pools and baths all around the country. We recommend that you go for a swim at least one time during your stay in Iceland.
Passport and Visa regulations
Medical care can be obtained by visiting a Health care centre. Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full. Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full, we recommend you purchase travel and health insurance before you visit. Emergency number: 112
No vaccination certificates are required. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in Iceland.
Medical attention
Pharmacies are called “Apótek”, and most are open during normal business hours. Only a few are open at night. For more information visit the website about Health Care.
Medical help: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. https://www.heilsugaeslan.is/ The emergency phone number in Iceland is 112.
Health insurance: Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full. Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full. For further information, contact the Icelandic Health Insurance.
National parks
There are three National Parks in Iceland, each with its own points of interest. Thingvellir is in a rift valley between the North Atlantic and Eurasian Plates. It is a site of historical and cultural as well as of geological importance and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Snæfellsjökull National Park includes a volcano and glacier and is steeped in mystery and romance; it is the only Park that reaches from the seashore to the mountaintops.
Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, covering an area of 13.600 km2. The park encompasses, among other areas, the Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell, Jökulsárgljúfur, Lakagígar and Langisjór.
Banks
Bank opening hours are Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00. The Icelandic monetary unit is króna (ISK). You can use all major credit card in Iceland. As cash is seldom used in Iceland we recommend that you do not exchange currency or withdraw Icelandic cash from an ATM.
Currency exchange: The Icelandic monetary unit is the króna (ISK). All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange.
Climate and clothing
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate, cool in summer and mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable, and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected. For weather info visit the Met Office website.
Shopping
Shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. There are two shopping malls in the capitol region – for more information on Kringlan or Smáralind click the links. Laugarvegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik.
Tax free shopping
VAT in Iceland is 24% or 11% on special goods. To get a refund you must have a permanent address outside of Iceland. Minimum amount spent on a single receipt to be eligible for tax-free shopping is ISK 12.000. Goods must be exported within three months from date of purchase. Maximum refund is 15% of the retail price.
Phones and mobile service in Iceland
The code into Iceland from overseas is 354 plus the seven-digit number. Three GSM service providers operate in Iceland: Siminn, Vodafone and Nova. Together, their coverage extends to most of the island including a large proportion of the unpopulated area. All these companies sell pre-paid GSM phone cards. You can also purchase credit refill cards at most gas stations or convenience stores in Iceland.
Useful phone numbers
Emergency number: 112
Police: 444 1000
Medical assistance: 1770
Information: 1818
Road conditions: 1777