Iceland Travel Guide
Information and Advice

Reykjavik Travel Guide | Iceland Pictures

Iceland Map | South Iceland | Iceland Tours

West Iceland | SE | NE/East | Europe Map

Length of stay:
Minimum worthwhile stay, not incl. flights: Reykjavik only or including a quick whizz around the 'Golden Triangle' - 4 days [include a weekend for a taste of the nightlife]
Recommended: 2-3 weeks.

Main Iceland Festivals:
Third Thursday in April: First Day of Summer 'Sumardagurinn Fyrsti', mild partying and a carnival in Reykjavik.
First week in June: Sailor's Day 'Sjomannadagurinn', watery competitions and partying in coastal villages.
June 17: Independence Day, mainly in Reykjavik, costumes, parades, street performers etc.
Beginning of August: Verslunarmannahelgi, camp based partying in Iceland's car accessible scenic spots; extreme drinking and mayhem.

For some precise dates, more suggestions and information see European Festivals or Arts Festivals

Iceland Activities Guide:
Walking and Hiking: pretty much everywhere is walkable with lots of interesting geological features. See Walking Tours - Iceland.
Geothermal Bathing: natural and man made pools [spas] - but geothermally supplied water - indoors and out. These are curative and social for most Icelanders.
Different pools have different curative powers - including arthritis, asthma and eczema.
The outdoor Blue Lagoon is #1, rich in skin-healing properties such as salts, algae and silica.
Nightlife: unbridled boozing and dancing in the clubs of Reykjavik, with live music also on tap.
Horse Trekking: local ponies are cute and calm, so travel into the wilderness regions on one.
Whale Watching: whales and dolphins can be seen, though mainly just the Minkes.
Rafting: widely available.
Snow scooters: Spectacular scooter trails across the country during winter.
Bird watching: varieties of ducks, puffins and other sea birds visible in the north, NE and SW.
Fishing: pricey salmon and trout fishing.
Possible but not great:
Mountain Biking: the weather will deter most as it can get windy and wet, with sand storms when dry. Rocks are thrown up by passing traffic.
Climbing: lots of rock but quite flakey. Great glacier crossings and ice climbing.
Skiing: Dec- April but if you are going to ski why pay ridiculous prices for these second rate pistes?

Iceland Travel:
Self-drive 4x4 hire is the most convenient way to travel, but of course expensive. Buses are efficient but not frequent.

Money Guide:
Kronur is the currency and you'll need a lot of it, this country is seriously expensive. Credit cards are commonly used, Traveller's Cheques OK and ATMs plentiful in urban areas.
Tipping is not necessary.

Visas:
Nationals of West Europe USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and some other countries do not need a visa for up to 3 months.

Electricity:
Electric sockets are 220v and take 2 round pin plugs.

Safety:
Iceland is just about the safest place on the planet.

Language:
Don't even think about learning more than the basic courtesies. Most people speak some English.

Why Travel to Iceland?
This is one of the most geologically interesting countries in the world, with a barren and volcanic element which gives it a great charm, albeit somewhat weird.
Fantastic waterfalls, geysers, volcanic bubblings and blowouts, snowy mountains, grassy plains, geothermal pools for bathing and lava, lava everywhere. And trees? Nay, lad.
Iceland's 'Golden Triangle' consists of Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser and Snaefell volcano.
The midnight sun - almost totally light summer nights - is an experience all of it's own, while
history buffs will love the Viking Saga stories.
Pollution and crime are close to zero, traffic jams and crowds do not exist and life stress is low.
Everyone speaks English.

Downside:
- Prices generally are mountain high and may freeze your bank account.
- Outside Reykjavik, cultural tourism is virtually zero.
- The weather is often dire, with little blue sky visible even in the summer.
- Most of country is devoid of vegetation above boot level, though that is partly the attraction.

Where to travel in Iceland:
***Reykjavik - quirky and interesting, with a colourful Viking history, modern Scandinavian architecture, clean air and little crime.
World class nightlife and a great attitude towards culture, more information
***South - the country's most popular region for tourism containing two of its most famous attractions - Gulfoss fall and Strokkur geyser. Situated near to Reykjavik, more information
**West - some good features all within reasonable distance of Reykjavik, with Snaefell's extinct volcano forming the most northerly part of the touristy Golden Triangle, more info
**North East - one of the better regions for things to see; the distance from Reykjavik keeps the rampaging hordes away, more info
*South East - this holds the southern flanks of Iceland's largest ice cap Vatnajokull. It is also home to the country's most excitable volcano, Lakr, more info
South West - the Reykjanes 'Steamy' Peninsula is home to the most northerly city in Europe, Reykjavik but is otherwise rather barren more info
West Fjords - one of the most rugged regions of Iceland with many fjords and steep mountains. Excellent for bird life due to extensive cliffs, more info
North - one of the least interesting parts of the country with few attractions, though popular with bird watchers more info
East - quiet with few tourists, but still very accessible and with relatively good weather. Boat travellers from Europe often start here, more info
Central Highlands - an uninhabited wilderness area with mountains and glaciers as well as lava fields and geothermal sites. more info

Cuisine Guide:
Generally expensive and often repulsive to boot - fancy 6 month rotted shark meat, pickled ram's testicles or roast puffin?
To be fair, there are plenty of fish dishes available and the smoked lamb is excellent.
Reykjavik also has ethnic restaurants, fast food joints and buffets/salad bars that are less extortionately priced.

Pictures courtesy of Iceland Tourist Bureau

Iceland Links

Other North Europe travel guides:

Finland Guide | Norway Travel Guide

Russia Guide | Sweden Travel Guide

And other outdoorsy places:

Europe Walking Tours | Canada Guide

Ireland Guide | Norway Guide