Iceland

Iceland Flag

Why visit Iceland?

Ideal for rugged outdoors enthusiasts seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, camping, cycling, ecotourism, fishing villages, glaciers, geysers, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, ice climbing, lagoons, mountain climbing, museums, nightlife, northern lights, river rafting, rock climbing, ruins, skiing, snowmobiling, volcanoes, waterfalls, and whale watching.

Háifoss Waterfall, Háifoss, Iceland. Photo Credit: Michael Bubmann/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Blankets, coins, jackets, jewelry, lava ornaments, music, paintings, photographs, scarves, sheepskins, stamps, and sweaters.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Hákarl (cured shark). Minke (whale). Porramatur (cured meats). Puffin (delicacy bird). Skyr (yoghurt-like cheese).
• Local Drink to Try: Brennivn (wine). Egils (beer). Ísafold (gin). Pilsner (beer). Reyka (vodka). Viking Gold (beer).

Húsavík, Iceland. Photo Credit: Christian Klein/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 2003, opened their first hydrogen fuel station.
• In 2010, Eyjafjallajökull Volcano eruption forced hundreds to evacuate. 
  
• Has few trees due to extensive deforestation for firewood and timber.
• Horses competing abroad are not permitted to return due to herd disease concerns.
• One of the most educated nations in the world.
  
• Most homes are heated by hot water pumped up from the ground.
• Nautholsvik Beach (Reykjavik) is man-made.
  
• Named "Iceland" by Viking Settlers attempting to discourage others.
  
• Europe's second largest island and 18th-largest in the world.
• Has approximately 30 minor islands.
  
• Vatnajökull is Europe's second largest glacier ice cap.
  
• Only Research Scientists may visit the volcanic island of Surtsey.
• The Coast remains ice-free through the winter season.
  
• A sitka spruce in Kirkjubejarklaustur is the tallest tree.
  
• Polar bears are known to arrive on icebergs from Greenland.
  
• Has no roaming amphibians or reptiles on the island.
  
• First country in the world with a political party formed and led entirely by women.
  
• Has had international disputes over fishing rights.
• In the Guinness World Records book as the "country ranked most at peace" and the "lowest military spending per capita".
  
• Grew to developed country from a fairly poor one.
• Use patronymic or matronymic surnames vs traditional family names. Icelandic Naming Committee approves all names.
  
• Ranks as one of the lowest rates of income inequality in the world.
• Telephone Directories are listed alphabetically by first name vs by surname.
  
• Amongst the highest ratio of atheists in the world.
• Imports and translates the most international literature compared to any other country.
  
• The Bokatidindi, is distributed to every home annually showcasing all new publications contributing to soaring sales between September - November, the Christmas Book Flood (Jolabokaflod).
• A leader in ocean rowing. 
• Many Icelanders use horses for transportation purposes.

Kirkjufell Mountain, Grundarfjörður, Iceland. Photo Credit: MustangJoe/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Reykjavik International Games, Reykjavik Dark Music Days (February) Icelandic Beer Festival, Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride Festival, Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, (March) Design March, Design Talks, (April) Childrens Culture Festival, Reykjavik International Library Festival, (May) International Museum Day, Reykjavik Metal Fest, Vaka Folk Arts Festival, (June) Festival of the Sea, The Colour Run, (July) Eistnaflug, Lunga Art Festival, The Runners Festival, (August) National Festival, Reykjavik Culture Night, Reykjavik Pride, (September) Reykjavik International Film Festival, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, The Night of Lights, (October) Cycle Music & Art Festival, Imagine Peace Tower, (November) Airwaves, Everybody's Spectacular, (December) New Year's Eve Run and The Yule Lads.     
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, First Day of Summer, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Icelandic Republic Day, Commerce Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Second Day of Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

Skogar Museum (southern), Skogar, Iceland. Photo Credit: René Boinski/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• English is widely spoken.
  
• Not the ideal destination for budget conscious traveler(s).
• Has no passenger railroads.
• Weather is erratic and unpredictable.
  
• Cuisine does not include much herbs or spices.
  
• Fishing is best between June - September (arctic char, brown trout, and salmon).
• Has a low crime rate.
  
• Winter snowfall is most common in the north.
• Interior roads are often impassable until July due to flooding and mud conditions.
  
• Ski Season is  December - May (Blafjoll, Hveradalir, Skalafell).
  
• Geothermal pool, Laugardalslaug (Reykjavik) is most popular.
  
• Geothermal pools have a slight sulfur smell.
• Most secondary roads are unpaved.
  
• It is illegal to turn right at a red stop light.
  
• Payment is rendered after medical care or hospitalization.
• Between December - January, there's less than four hours of daylight daily.
  
• Ferry Service is available from/to Denmark, Faroe Islands, Norway, and Shetland Islands during the summer.
  
• Reykjavik (downtown) is known to become disorderly after patrons leave bars and nightclubs.
  
• Reykjavik Card provides access to museums, swimming pools, and unlimited city transportation on a number of days purchased.
• Seatbelts are mandatory by law.
• Law requires headlights to be on at all times.
• Cell phone use while driving is subject to a $5000ISK fine.
• Route 1 (Ring Road) is a main road that runs around the island and connects all to the interior roads.
  
• It is illegal to import whale goods back to the United States. Violators are subject to imprisonment and fine (up to $10,000).
• Noted by Guinness World Records as "the Greenest Country".
  
• Homeschooling is not permitted by citizens.
• Youths from 6 - 16 are required to attend school.
• Laugavegur is not wheelchair accessible friendly.

Route 1 (Ring Road), Iceland. Photo Credit: Stefan Meller/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Thingvellir National Park, Southern Region, Iceland. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

Subject to earthquakes, extreme snow melting, flooding, snowstorms, and volcano eruptions.

• Best Time to Visit: June  - September
• Coldest Months: November - March
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: June - August

Photo Credit: Hans Braxmeier/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pingvellir National Park, Surtsey, and Vatnajökull National Park. 

Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.