Iceland Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Reykjavík.

Geography:

Located near the Arctic Circle, Iceland covers some 103,000km² (39,769mi²) and is the second-largest island in Europe, after Great Britain.

Iceland sits on top of two tectonic plates – where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet. As the plates split apart gradually, new landmass is being formed and as a result, Iceland grows by about 5cm (2in) a year. The most significant of these seismic features can be seen at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, particularly along the Almannagjá gorge, which is essentially the space between the tectonic plates.

About 11% of the country is covered in glaciers and another 70% is uninhabited. In other words, the landscape of Iceland is wild, untamed but extremely beautiful, dotted with majestic waterfalls, snow-capped volcanoes, moss-covered lava fields and black sand beaches. The moon-like landscape also makes Iceland the ideal training ground for American astronauts. In fact, the Apollo 11 crew were trained in the areas around Húsavík, a small fishing village on Iceland's northern coast.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national carrier is Icelandair (www.icelandair.com), which connects Reykjavík with major cities in Europe and North America. Other airlines that fly to Reykjavík include American Airlines, British Airways, easyJet and Play (Icelandic budget airline).

The major international airport is Keflavík International Airport, about 50km (31mi) southwest of Reykjavík. The drive between Keflavík and Reykjavík is about 45 minutes.

Keflavík International should not be confused with Reykjavík Airport, which sits just 2km (1mi) from the city centre and is the main domestic airport.

Flight Times

To Keflavík International Airport (south of Reykjavík): From London - 3 hours; New York - 5 hours 30 minutes.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Icelandair (www.icelandair.com) and Eagle Air (www.eagleair.is) run domestic services within Iceland.

Bike

Cycling in Iceland appeals to adventurers who don't mind covering long distances in a single day (and in bad weather). Highway 1 (the Ring Road) is by far the most popular route among bike enthusiasts.

Breakdown Services

Contact your car rental company. Beware that remote areas may have poor mobile signals so it is advisable to tell someone where you are going.

Car Hire

International car rental companies are available in Reykjavík and Akureyri.

Coach

Strætó manages public buses in Iceland and its fleet can take you to all major towns and attractions. You can check out which buses go where on the Public Transport (www.publictransport.is) website. Alternatively, download the Strætó app that allows you to pay for fares, plan your trip, locate buses in real-time and more.

For those who are after scheduled bus tours, check out Reykjavík Excursions, Gray Line Iceland, Trex and Sterna Travel.

Documentation

A valid national driving licence.

Getting Around By Rail

There are no trains in Iceland.

Regulations

When the roads are in the best condition, the speed limits are 30kph (19mph) in residential areas, 50kph (31mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50mph) on gravel roads and 90kph (56mph) on highways. In the winter months, please check the weather reports before your trip and slow down when necessary.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. It is obligatory to use headlights at all times and year-round ("auto" setting on the lights is not enough), and to wear seatbelts, both in the front and back seats. At single-lane bridges, the car that arrives first has the right of way.

Special warning signs indicate danger ahead, but there may not be a separate sign on reducing speed. You must choose a safe speed according to conditions.

Getting Around By Road

Increasingly, many travellers choose to self-drive around Iceland, taking time to appreciate the beautiful landscape. Highway 1 (aka the Ring Road as it circumnavigates the whole country) is the most travelled route in the country. It is easy to navigate but beware that weather conditions can cause temporary closures during winter.

Road Quality

All major roads in Iceland are excellent, but beware of rough terrain and gravel roads if you intend to travel to the highlands. In this case, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended as it has good ground clearance. Please note that the highland roads are also closed in winter times. Also, off-road driving is prohibited by law (and carries a hefty fine), so you must stay on the designated tracks.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Available from all hotels and airports and downtown areas of Reykjavík and Akureyri.

Urban Travel

In addition to buses and taxis, every city in Iceland (including Reykjavík) is relatively compact and can be navigated by foot.

Getting Around By Water

Several ferry companies operate services to various islands and fjords and some of them also run sightseeing tours. Some examples include:
• Herjolfur (herjolfur.is) runs between Landeyjahöfn in the south and Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar).
• Viðey ferry (elding.is) serves Viðey Island from Reykjavík (the Old Harbour and Skarfabakki Harbour).
• Sæfari (samskip.is) offers services from Dalvík (near Akureyri) to Grímsey in the Arctic Circle.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Iceland set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Icelandic Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Iceland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: 

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel to the Schengen area, which includes Iceland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Iceland are different.

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.  

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Icelandic border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, to work or study, or for other reasons, you must meet the Icelandic entry requirements. Check what type of visa or work permit you need with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

If you're in Iceland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Iceland.

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Iceland guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Iceland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Whale products

It is illegal to import whale products from Iceland into the UK. You could get a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence.

Taking money into or out of Iceland

You must declare if you're carrying any currency worth 10,000 euros or more.

Taking food and drink into Iceland    

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Iceland. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

 Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.    

Terrorism in Iceland

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Iceland, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Crime levels are low but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík. Take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.      

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You do not have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to have some form of ID, such as a photocard driving licence. You could also carry a copy of your passport's photo page as ID. Keep your passport somewhere safe.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

It is illegal to possess even small amounts of drugs, including marijuana and khat. Anyone caught could get a heavy fine and a prison sentence.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Iceland and same-sex relationships are recognised in law.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.

You should:

• read the Safe Travel Iceland guides
• leave travel plans and contact details with your hotel, or on Safe Travel Iceland
• take a phone with you

Hiking and mountaineering

When hiking, choose a trail suited for your level of experience. Conditions in Iceland could be different to what you're used to.

Going too close to the ocean, cliff edges and hot springs are common causes of accidents in Iceland.

Take enough food, equipment, clothing and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Use a map, compass, GPS and phone.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Iceland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Iceland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of or risk a sizeable fine up to £500. Follow speed limits, keep dipped headlights on year-round, and have suitable tyres, including tyres for winter weather when needed. Drink driving limits are also lower than the UK.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Iceland for up to 30 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.  

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

If you bring your own car, check if you need a UK sticker to drive it outside the UK. 

Driving conditions

Driving in Iceland can be very different to the UK, the weather can change quickly and make driving conditions challenging at times. Speed limits are lower than in the UK and the distances between towns are far greater.

Some main routes can be gravel or dirt tracks. Roads can be narrower than you might be familiar with. Some routes, including bridges, are only a single lane with passing areas. On gravel and loose surfaces, reduce your speed.

Many highland tracks are only open for a short part of the summer. Some roads, such as in the highlands or interior roads, require 4-wheel drive. Drive slowly (5 to 10 kilometres per hour) when you cross rivers. River levels can change quickly, even within the same day.

The weather can cause damage to rental cars that is not covered by insurance. Strong winds are common and can throw sand or ash up, damaging paintwork. British tourists have had to pay large amounts of money to repair damage to hire cars caused by sand and ash.

Breakdown recovery costs, especially in remote areas, can be high.

Check road and weather advice from the Icelandic Road Administration. They also have information on off-road driving, which is strictly controlled.

Electric Scooters

Riding a scooter after consuming alcohol is prohibited by law in Iceland. The same law as driving a car under the influence applies and will resort in a fine and or charges.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland given the country's natural geography. In the event of an eruption or wider seismic activity follow the latest advice issued by the authorities. 

Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on 20 November. These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not affected by these recent eruptions.

It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. Monitor local media for updates and always follow the authorities' advice on travel to the area.

The Government of Iceland monitors any seismic and volcanic activity closely and infrastructure is robustly designed, but not all events can be anticipated and can pose risks to your travel plans including travel delays and cancellations due to rock falls and landslides, sudden flooding and poisonous volcanic gases near eruption sites.

You should regularly check for alerts and advice from:

• the Icelandic tourist board
• Icelandic Met Office
• Safe Travel Iceland
• Almannavarnir Facebook page

These organisations have further information on volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Iceland:

• Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management – includes health and safety advice
• Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration
• Institute of Earth Sciences
• London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre
• Icelandic National Broadcasting Service

Arctic travel

Iceland is in the Arctic Circle: emergency medical assistance and search and rescue may be limited in some areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Iceland
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Iceland, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Iceland

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Iceland where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards 

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Iceland, you can now use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Iceland.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Iceland

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Safe Travel Iceland

If you're travelling around Iceland, leave details of your travel plans with Safe Travel Iceland in case you need help from the Icelandic emergency services.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Iceland
• dealing with a death in Iceland
• being arrested in Iceland
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No
Typhoid	No
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	No
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Diphtheria	No

Overview:

Citizens of EEA (meaning EU countries plus Liechtenstein and Norway) must bring their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to avoid being charged in full. Travel insurance is advised for all non-EEA visitors.

The overall standards of healthcare in Iceland are excellent. There is a healthcare centre (Heilsugæslustöð in Icelandic) in every major city and town. The emergency number for medical assistance is 112.

Pharmacies (Apótek in Icelandic) are widely available and are open during normal business hours.

Food Drink:

The spring-fed tap water in Iceland is clean and safe to drink. There is no need to buy bottled water. While the cold tap water is delicious, the hot tap water may have a hint of sulphur smell – this is due to its geothermal origins and is perfectly safe to drink.

Other Risks:

Unpredictable weather and lack of proper equipment are the two things that can catch a tourist off-guard while travelling in Iceland. To keep yourself safe, always check safetravel.is and get the latest alerts before going on an excursion.

If you plan to pursue extreme sports or outdoor activities in Iceland, make sure that your insurance covers them.

Currency Information:

Icelandic króna, plural krónur, (ISK; symbol kr) = 100 aurar. Notes are in denominations of króna 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500. Coins are in denominations of króna 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

All notes are watermarked with a portrait of Jón Sigurðsson (1811-1879, statesman), while all coins feature Iceland's marine species.

Credit Cards:

Almost everyone uses debit or credit cards to pay, even for small purchases. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

ATMs:

ATMs (known as Hraðbanki in Icelandic) are available throughout the country.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers' cheques are no longer popular and should be avoided.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0915-1600.

Currency Restrictions:

Travellers can import and export local currencies up to ISK 8,000 and unlimited foreign currencies. Travellers can export foreign currencies up to the amount imported.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in all major banks in Iceland. Most hotels also provide their guests with exchange services, which may cost more.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
ISK	Kr

Exchange Rates

107.76

118.76

141.65

114.20

Language

The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Maundy Thursday	2024-03-28 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
First Day of Summer	2024-04-18 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-06-17 00:00:00	0
Commerce Day	2024-08-05 00:00:00	0
Christmas Eve	2024-12-24 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0
New Year's Eve	2024-12-31 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Iceland by persons over 18 years of age (tobacco products) or 20 years of age (alcoholic beverages) without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products.
• 1L of spirits and 0.75L of wine and 3L of beer; or 3L of wine and 6L of beer; or 1L of spirits and 6L of beer; or 1.5L of wine and 12L of beer; or 18L of beer.
• 10kg of food not exceeding ISK 25,000. Meat and dairy products from outside the European Economic Area are not permitted.
• Icelandic residents may bring goods up to the value of ISK 88,000, unless under 12, in which case they can bring goods for half that amount.

Visitors may bring conventional medicines suitable for personal needs during their stay to cover up to a maximum of 100 days. Customs officers can request a doctor's certificate if appropriate.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited imports include meat products, milk, raw eggs, snuff, various weapons, narcotics and dangerous drugs.

Restricted imports include telecommunications equipment (other than your mobile phone), angling gear and riding clothing (which require disinfection certificates), used riding gear, firearms and ammunition (which require a police permit), live animals, plants, and medicines.

Telephone:

With mobile phones so widely used by locals and tourists alike, public payphones are no longer available in towns and cities.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with many international providers. Coverage is good in cities, towns and major attractions, but spotty in remote areas.

Internet:

Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, restaurants and hotels throughout the country.

Post

There is an efficient airmail service to Europe.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1630.

Gullfoss

The Hvitá River forces its way through the basalt lava layers and thunders down in two stages before dropping into a narrow canyon below. Visitors can walk the one-mile trail and see the cascades from the overlook.

The Great Geysir

The word "geyser" that we use to define a spouting hot spring comes from the Great Geysir in Hauka Valley, an area with many hot water blowholes. Within the geothermal park, the most active geyser is Strokkur, which erupts every 10-15 minutes or so.

Northern Lights

One of nature's most awesome spectacles, the Northern Lights are visible from late September to mid-April across the Icelandic sky. The ever-shifting, glowing patterns of light are caused by the electrically charged particles colliding with the atmosphere. Sightings are weather dependent and not guaranteed.

Geothermal spas

Iceland has many geothermal spas and the most famous ones are the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík. The former is covered in silica mud which is said to have skin-healing properties. The latter, launched in 2021 and is closer to Reykjavík than the Blue Lagoon, has an infinity pool and sauna that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jökulsárlón

At the edge of Vatnajökull National Park lies Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon formed in 1934 when Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started retreating. With floating icebergs and seals swimming in the lagoon, its surreal landscape makes it a favourite with photographers and film crews. Hollywood movies such as Die Another Day and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were shot here.

National Parks

Iceland has three national parks: Þingvellir (Thingvellir), Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull. Þingvellir, arguably the most famous national park in Iceland, is a powerful visual representation of continental drift as the American and Eurasian tectonic plates below the surface are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres a year. On the other hand, Vatnajökull and Snaefellsjokull are famed for snow-capped volcanoes.

The Golden Circle

Arguably the most famous sightseeing route among tourists, the 300km (186mi) Golden Circle connects Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park), Gullfoss and Geysir – the three must-see attractions for any tourist to south Iceland. Many companies offer this full-day tour from Reykjavík.

The Diamond Circle

This 250km (155mi) sightseeing route starts from Akureyri and connects five major attractions: the picturesque Goðafoss Waterfall, the blue/green landscapes of Lake Mývatn, the powerful Dettifoss Waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, and the whale-watching hub of Húsavík.

Overview

In Iceland, almost every major attraction has a gift shop selling the best of Icelandic wool sweaters and blankets, along with other items that keep you warm.

In Reykjavík, Laugavegur is the main shopping street while Kringlan and Smáralind are the major shopping malls (both claim to be the largest). The small indoor flea market, Kolaportið (near Icelandic Phallological Museum), held every weekend, is a great place to find knick-knacks.

Icelandic liquor also makes a great gift. Brennivín, a caraway-spiced spirit best served chilled from a small shot glass, is probably the nation's favourite. Icelandic gin is also becoming very popular.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Shops that cater to tourists tend to open every day, although some may have reduced hours on Sundays.

Overview

Icelandic cuisine owes much to Scandinavian and European influences. As New Nordic cuisine has risen in prominence in recent years, so too has the profile of Icelandic food. Many experimental chefs now create modern dishes with traditional ingredients.

Fresh fish is a staple (fish soup and fish 'n chips are highly recommended), and Icelandic lamb is also popular. Sheep are reared locally and the meat is extremely tasty.

Skyr, Icelandic-style yoghurt, is widely available too. A bowl of Skyr, topped with seasonal fruits, makes a satisfying breakfast meal.

Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for, but be mindful that while local greenhouses can produce a limited amount of tomatoes and cucumbers, most vegetables are imported.

If you're an adventurous eater, Iceland won't disappoint either. Hákarl (fermented shark), singed sheep heads or pickled ram's testicles are also on the menu in specialty restaurants.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Service charges are included in most bills and extra tips are not expected.

Drinking Age

20.

Hotels

Reykjavík offers a good choice of hotels, from budget to five-star. All tourism businesses that maintain high standards carry a Vakinn logo – a white windmill on a yellow background.

Outside of Reykjavík, the choice is more limited but entrepreneurial homeowners do advertise their homes online so it is still relatively easy to find a comfortable place to stay.

Camping Caravaning

There are nearly 170 registered camping sites dotted across Iceland, usually open from the beginning of June until late August or mid-September.

Apart from designated camping sites, you can also camp on cultivated land provided that you have successfully sought permission from the owners. But in the highlands, you can camp anywhere you like on the condition that you have hiked (not driven) to the area you intend to pitch up a tent.

History

Iceland was settled by Norse seafarers more than 1,000 years ago and they first assembled in Þingvellir (now Thingvellir National Park) in the year 930.

In 1262, Iceland submitted to the King of Norway and Jónsbók (the code of laws) was introduced to the islanders in 1281. In 1397, the forming of the Kalmar Union saw Denmark, Sweden and Norway, along with Norway's colonies such as Iceland and Greenland, all came under the control of Denmark. In 1814, Norway became independent, but Iceland remained a Danish territory. In 1944, Iceland gained its independence and the new republic has been celebrating its National Day on 17 June ever since.

Did you know?
• Iceland banned all alcoholic drinks in 1915. Then over the decades, it slowly allowed red wine and spirits, but beer remained illegal until 1 March 1989 – the day is now celebrated as Bjordagur (Beer Day).
• Many Icelanders believe in the existence of huldufólk (hidden people or elves), who have been part of the Icelandic folklore for centuries.
• Icelanders do not use family names but adopt the first name of their father or mother as a last name, adding the suffix son (meaning son) or dóttir (meaning daughter).

Religion

About 80% of Icelanders are Lutherans and another 5% belong to other Christian denominations. About 5% of the people still practise ásatrú, the traditional Norse religion.

Social Conventions

Iceland has a 99% literacy rate – its people are knowledgeable, well-spoken and very polite. Icelandic is the national language but Danish and English are widely spoken.

Icelanders enjoy having a warm soak in a sundlaug (heated pool) or a geothermal spa, with many visiting a pool daily. In every public pool, the following bathing etiquette must be observed:
• Remove your shoes before entering the locker room. Upon entering, use the wristband you've obtained at the reception to get a locker. Put away your phone because no camera is allowed (unless you are visiting a tourist-oriented geothermal spa like the Sky Lagoon).
• Undress and put away your clothes, but take your swimsuit and towel to the shower room and leave them in one of the shelving units there.
• Wash thoroughly without your swimsuit. If you are uncomfortable, use one of the private cubicles.
• Put on your swimsuit and go to the pool. After that, relax in the hot tub.
• Once you're done, proceed to the shower area and wash again. You must then dry off (with the towel you've left in the shower room earlier) before entering the locker room.
• Put on your clothes and visit the hair-drying area if you wish.
• Leave the locker room and put on your shoes outside.
• Drop your wristband into a box, which will open the turnstile so you can leave.

Best Time To Visit:

Iceland has a changeable climate tempered by the cold winds from the North Pole and the warm air from the Gulf Stream. Apart from sudden changes in weather and temperature, visitors should also expect strong winds and cloudy skies.

Rain is common, especially along the south coast. In Reykjavík, the average precipitation is 840mm (33in) a year, but if you move further northeast to Akureyri, rainfall becomes less frequent, averaging about 500mm (20in) a year.

Spring (April to May) starts late but temperatures soon climb above the freezing point. In Reykjavík, the average temperature reaches 6°C (43°F) by May.

Summer (June to August) is lovely, with long days and mild temperatures. This is the best time to visit Iceland. In Reykjavík, the sky may be cloudy, but with temperatures hovering around 11°C (52°F) and plenty of events taking place, it is hard not to feel happy.

Autumn (September to October) starts off relatively warm but temperatures soon drop to an average of 4°C (39°F) by October.

Winter (November to March) is long, cold and dark. In Reykjavík, rainfall is frequent but you can also expect a small amount of snow between December and January, with temperatures averaging 0°C (32°F). If you travel north, naturally you can expect a colder climate. Snow is also abundant in the plateaus and mountains. Beware that you only get a few hours of daylight each day, especially in December.

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Required Clothing

As the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, use layers to keep yourself cool or warm, regardless of which month you go to Iceland. In the winter, add gloves and thermals to your packing list.

Waterproof garments are also essential. Another must-bring item is swimwear – even in the winter, Icelanders visit heated pools or geothermal spas to relax.

Dialing Code:

+354

Area(sq km):

103,000 sq km

Population:

341,243

Population Density(per sq km):

3

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112