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Information
on Iceland
Hotels in Iceland | Iceland
Attractions | Iceland Transportation
Iceland is closer than you think – and more fun than you’ve
ever dreamt of. This mid-Atlantic island is the USA’s closest
European neighbor. With a flight time from New York only a jet
lag-free 4.5 hours, you’re ready for action as soon as you arrive.
And no matter the season, there’s always more than enough waiting
for you to do.
The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name! In January, the
average temperature in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is higher
than that in New York. And Iceland’s welcome for tourists is
always warm. Almost everyone speaks fluent English and Icelanders
aren’t really given to formalities. After all, even the telephone
directory lists people by their first name.
Reykjavik is a city where you’ll feel safe to walk the streets.
Cozy, charming, a “village feel” and friendly people. But as
much entertainment, action and things to do as a metropolis
of millions. And with all the modern conveniences, a high quality
of life and world-class services.
Even so, it’s still only a 15-minute cab ride between downtown
and wild nature, where you’ll feel you’re the only person on
Earth.
Iceland is the ideal place for taking a break and setting foot
on a European outpost with an exciting, lively, and ancient
– but living culture all of its own. You’ll feel at home – free
to walk around, shop, admire, explore. It’s a place you could
go on discovering forever. |
Facts About Iceland
Land
Iceland is an island of almost 40,000 square miles, equal to
that of Ohio. Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, is 6,500
ft. Iceland has the largest glaciers in Europe - in fact, 11%
of the country is covered by glaciers. The coastline is dotted
with more than one hundred fjords - and green, fertile valleys
extend from them. Iceland also has more than 10,000 waterfalls
and countless hot springs.
Energy
Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of
geothermal activity. Thirty post-glacial volcanoes have erupted
in the past two centuries, and natural hot water supplies much
of the population with cheap, pollution-free heating. Rivers,
too, are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power.
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Language
The Icelanders still speak the language of the Vikings (Old
Norse). When new words are needed, they simply coin words that
are combinations or modifications of old words. Iceland is alone
in upholding another Norse tradition: the custom of using patronyms
rather than surnames. If, for example, Einar has a son named
"Petur", the son's name is Petur Einarsson (Peter
Einar's Son). If Einar has a daughter whom he names "Margret",
she becomes Margret Einarsdottir (Margaret Einar's Daughter).
Members of the same family can therefore have different "last
names", which often causes confusion to foreigners. If
you are looking for someone in the phone directory, you look
them up by their first name.
People
Of a population numbering just over 288,000, more than half
lives in the Greater Reykjavik Area. The native language is
Icelandic but most Icelanders speak fluent English.
Time
In spite of its mid-Atlantic location, Iceland is on Greenwich
Mean Time all year round.
History
The first permanent settler of Iceland was Ingolfur Arnarson,
a Norwegian Viking who in 874 AD made his home where Reykjavik
now stands. In 930 AD, the Viking settlers of Iceland founded
one of the world's first republican governments. They established
a constitution based on individual freedom, land ownership,
and sophisticated inheritance laws. In the year 1000, Icelandic-born
Leifur Eiriksson (Leif Eriksson, sometimes called "Leif
the Lucky") became the first European to set foot in North
America. On another Viking expedition a couple of years later,
Icelander Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir had a son, Snorri, who became
the first child of European descent to be born in America. The
Old Commonwealth Age, described in the classic Icelandic Sagas,
lasted until 1262, when Iceland lost its independence. In 1918
it regained independence and in 1944 the present republic was
founded. The country is governed by the Althing (Parliament),
whose 63 members are elected every four years. Elections every
four years are also held for the presidency; President Olafur
Ragnar Grimsson was elected in June 2000 for the second time.
Economy
The economy is heavily dependent upon fisheries, which are the
nation's greatest resource. 72% of all exports are made up of
seafood products. Yet only a small proportion of the workforce
is active in this sector (4.4% in fishing and 5.6% in fish processing).
About 66% of the workforce is employed in services. Icelanders
enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Health
Life expectancy, at 80 years for women and 74 for men, is one
of the highest in the world, and a comprehensive state health-care
system aims to keep it that way.
Church
The National Church of Iceland, to which 97 percent of the population
belongs, is Evangelical Lutheran. In addition to the many Lutheran
churches in Reykjavik, there is a Roman Catholic Cathedral at
Landakot, with regular Sunday Mass. |
Before you go
A valid passport is required for visitors to Iceland.
The Schengen agreement went into effect for Iceland on March
26, 2001 and the following countries participate in the Schengen
cooperation in addition to Iceland:Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. Travel between above-mentioned
countries will in principle be without document check.
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas to
travel to Iceland as visitors, although they do require passports
that are valid for three months beyond their intended stay:
United States of America, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala,
Honduras, Hong Kong (applicable for those holding HKSAR passports),
Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (applicable for those holding MSAR
passports), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico,Monaco, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain (incl. Bermuda,Turks
and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, British
Virgin Islands, St. Helena, Falkland Islands and Gibraltar),
Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela.
Foreign citizens who must produce a visa upon arrival in Iceland
now also gain entry to the other Schengen countries. Schengen
visas should be obtained prior to arrival in the Schengen territory.
Danish embassies will handle visa applications on behalf of
Iceland. A list of these embassies and further information is
available on the Directorate of Immigration home page, www.utl.is.
|
The above material are taken from Iceland
Tourism
By Air
Air Iceland and Islandsflug offer scheduled service to most
parts of the country. For further information please contact
the following:
Air Iceland
Reykjavik Airport
IS-101 Reykjavik
Tel:(+354) 570-3030
Fax:(+354) 570-3001
Islandsflug Reykjavik Airport
IS-101 Reykjavik
Tel: (+354) 570-8090
Fax: (+354) 570-8091
E-Mail: salesdep@islandsflug.is
Air Iceland Passes
Four-, five- and six-sector passes are valid on any segment
operated by Air Iceland. This arrangement is valid year round.
There is no minimum time limit but the trip must be completed
within 30 days. The Air Iceland Pass is sold by all Icelandair
offices. Also look for "Fly As You Please" which offers 12 days
unlimited travel on all Air Iceland domestic routes.
Air Bus Rover
Fly one way, drive the other. An air service operated in connection
with a bus service, offered by Air Iceland and BSI Travel. Air
Bus Rover is valid from June 1 until September 30. There is
no minimum time limit, but the round trip or circle trip must
be completed within 30 days. It can be purchased at all Icelandair
offices, BSI Travel, or any other travel agency.
Several air carriers offer charter services and sightseeing
flights.
By Bus
There is extensive bus service to most parts of the country,
and to the highlands, as well as a large number of organized
bus tours. Reservations are not needed, and tickets can be bought
either at the bus station or from the driver. Children under
4 travel free of charge, and half price is charged for children
from 4-11. A few main routes and fares (one way) are as follows:
| Route |
Frequency |
Fare |
Distance |
| Reykjavik-Akureyri |
daily (duration 6 hrs) |
US$ 66 |
255 mi |
| Reykjavik-Hofn |
daily summer (duration
9 hrs.) |
US$ 77 |
315 mi |
| Reykjavik-Isafjordur |
2 times weekly (duration
10 hrs.) |
US$ 97 |
355 mi |
| Akureyri-Egilsstadir |
daily summer |
US$ 58 |
185 mi |
The Full Circle Passport
Passage around Iceland on the main road (the ring road) with
scheduled buses. There is no time limit, and an unlimited number
of stops may be made, although only along a continuous route
(Valid May-Sep).
Omnibus Passport
Unlimited travel on all scheduled coach routes, main roads and
secondary roads. The time limit is 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks, chosen
by the traveler. Stop-overs can be made anywhere on the route
and as often as one likes.
Travelers with the above mentioned passports are given various
discounts. They can be purchased from airline offices or travel
agencies in Iceland or abroad, or at:
BSI Travel
Vatnsmyrarvegur 10
IS-101 Reykjavik
Tel: (+354) 562-3320/552-2300
E-mail: travel@bsi.is
By Car
The national speed limit is 55 mph. Some roads, though, have
a lower limit. Road signs are numerous and easy to read.
Gas Stations: In the Greater Reykjavik Area you
will find a variety of gas stations, with some open around the
clock. In rural or interior areas, gas stations may sometimes
be far apart.
Motor Vehicle Insurance
A "Green Card" or other proof of third-party insurance is mandatory
for motorists driving their own cars in Iceland, except from
the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Channel Islands,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France,
Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal,
San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
the Vatican. Drivers without a "Green Card" (or equivalent)
must buy a separate third-party insurance policy on arrival.
Mountain Tracks
Most mountain roads are closed until the beginning of July,
or even longer because of wet and muddy conditions which make
them totally impassable. When these roads are opened for traffic
many of them can only be negotiated by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
For some mountain tracks it is strongly advised that two or
more cars travel together. Also, before embarking on any journey
into the interior collect as much information as possible regarding
road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist information office
or the Public Roads Administration, Tel: (+354) 563-1500. A
booklet called "Mountain Roads" can be obtained at Tourist Information
Centers and the offices of the Icelandic Tourist Board abroad.
Always take along a detailed map.
Please Note:
Special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends,
but there is generally not a separate sign to reduce speed.
Please choose a safe speed according to conditions. Motorists
are obliged by law to use headlights at all times day and night.
In Iceland all driving off roads or marked tracks is forbidden.
Passengers in the front and back seats of an automobile are
required by law to use safety belts. Icelandic law forbids any
driving under the influence of alcohol. |
The above material are taken from Iceland
Tourism
| Iceland
Tourist Attractions Guide |
Geysir
Geysir contains the country's best examples of spouting hot
springs. The outstanding attraction is the 'Great Geysir,' which
first began erupting in the 14th century and ceased in the early
20th century after thousands of tourists tried to set it off
by pouring in loads of rocks and dirt. When water levels inside
the geysir were artificially lowered, it resumed activity. However,
earthquakes in June 2000 now mean the geysir erupts to no specific
timetable. Fortunately, the Great Geysir has a stand-in - the
nearby Strokkur. This spring faithfully spouts and sprays up
to 20m (65.5ft) every three minutes, but photographers will
have to be quick as the eruptions last only a couple of seconds.
Around the site are a number of other colourful hot springs,
steaming vents, warm streams, psychedelic algae and mineral
deposits.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a much photographed two-tiered waterfall, and when
the sun is shining (which isn't often), you're likely to see
a rainbow through the ample spray that forms. The site was once
slated for sale to international bidders for hydroelectric development,
but has since been purchased by the government and set aside
as a national monument. Nearby is Haukadalur, once one of southern
Iceland's great seats of learning.
Mývatn
Mývatn, in northeast Iceland, is considered one of the
natural wonders of the world. Although most of the interesting
sights are volcanic or geothermal topographical features, the
reserve's centrepiece is a lovely blue lake teeming with birdlife.
What's more, thanks to its location in the rain shadow of an
enormous icecap, the reserve experiences some of the finest
weather in Iceland. Travellers can relax and settle in, spend
a week camping, or set out on excursions to the Kverkfjöll
ice caves, Námaskaro or the Hverfell crater.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík boasts all the trappings of a modern European
city, as well as an interesting old town, whitewashed wooden
buildings, and rows of brightly painted concrete houses. Nearly
everything of interest is within walking distance of the old
settlement.
Most of Reykjavik's sights are in the Old Town, the area bordered
by Tjörn, Lækjargata, the harbour and the suburb
of Seltjarnarnes. The harbour area is the chief tourist precinct.
Modern Reykjavik has sprawled eastward from the Old Town across
the low hills. |
The above material are taken from Iceland
Tourism
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