Iceland Country Dossier

"Home of the sagas, Vikings and midnight sunlit glaciers, Iceland is a Nordic wonderland… I had imagined Eric the Red sailing a longboat across turbulent seas to the Americas. An enchanted island was his home, a mythical place still inhabited by dwarves, elves and sprites."

"After visiting this stunningly bleak landscape I was convinced that, yes, the Vikings were heroic seafaring greats and yes, the Hidden Folk still dwell on the island. Modern Icelanders are thankfully less fearsome than their ancestors. Think Bjork rather than the berserkers. Once you get to know them the locals are brilliant fun. I think they spend those long winter days dreaming up great ways to embarrass foreigners… I had never considered watching an Australian eating local ‘delicacies’ could be quite so hilarious for them! Still, considering I had to wash down every mouthful with the local schnapps and that I had to be up early the next morning to spot Minke whales.… Come and check out the fantastic scenery and festivity of Iceland!

Jeremy Stokes, Traveller

Factfile

Capital: Reykjavik
Official Language: Icelandic. English is widely spoken.
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 95%, Protestant 3%, Roman Catholic and Asatru 1%.
Voltage: 220 Volts. Socket corresponds to European standard.

Preparing to go

Visas

Passport holders from EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong do not require a visa for Iceland. South African nationals are required to obtain a visa before arrival.

Other nationalities should check with their nearest Icelandic Embassy or Consulate. Please be aware that Iceland does not have diplomatic representation in many countries, and embassy affairs are often handled by the local Norwegian or Swedish embassies.

Money

Local Currency

The monetary unit in Iceland is the Icelandic Kronur. One kronur is comprised of 100 aurur Approximate exchange rates (as at May 2008) are as follows:

  • 1 Pound Sterling = 151 Ikr
  • 1 US Dollar = 77.2 Ikr
  • 1 Euro = 118.4 Ikr

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.

Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

Landsbanki Islands are the only bank which do not charge the obligatory 150 Ikr commission per exchange transaction. US$ and Danish kroner are accepted in most shops in the capital. Exchange rates at specialist money exchanges are quite poor outside of banking hours. ATMs are prevalent throughout Reykjavik and larger Icelandic towns. Cash advances can be obtained from banks and ATMs. Most shops accept Visa Maestro, Electron or other credit/debit cards.

Traveller’s cheques are easily exchanged in banks, but on our Icelandic Adventure trip you will not have many opportunities to visit banks to change them into cash. We would therefore recommend that you change any cheques in Reykjavik, or obtain Icelandic krona upon arrival or in your home country.

Working out your Budget

The Pre-Departure Information contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Iceland.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are not included on our Icelandic Adventure trip. You should allow approximately €17 for sites visited as part of the itinerary.

Optional Excursions

Whilst in the Myvatn area you have the opportunity to take a boat tour to watch whales which are much in evidence just off the coast. A boat trip costs approximately $79. There are also opportunities to take a similar tour from Reykjavik, costing around $50.

Meals

As only breakfasts are included, you will have the freedom to explore your own lunch and dinner options. Approximate costs for meals in Iceland are as follows:

  • Simple snack: US$5-20
  • Light meal: US$30-45
  • Fancy restaurant: US$80-130

For a guide to the type of food you will find in Iceland see the Local Food & Drink section of this dossier.

Drinks
Tea and coffee is provided with breakfast but all other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense. Approximate costs for drinks are shown below.

Note: Prices in some restaurants and hotels can be as much as double those specified.

  • 1l of water: US$2.50
  • 30cl bottle of soft drink: US$2.50
  • 50cl bottle of beer: US$10

Local tap water in Iceland is drinkable though caution should be taken to purify surface water in remote regions. Bottled water, soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available throughout the country.

Local Transport

It is easy to travel the capital and major Icelandic cities by the municipal bus network. The usual cost is 150Ikr/ride in Reykjavik. Taxis with English-speaking drivers can be found in the capital and cost approximately 1000Ikr for 3km.

The Keflavik International Airport is 48km from Reykjavik and a taxi costs approximately $95. The Flybus departs the airport for the city approximately 45min after the arrival of international flights and costs approximately $11.

What to Take

The Pre-Departure Information that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. There are certain items of equipment (e.g. sleeping bags, towels) that you will need on some tours and not on others. Check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.

Clothing

As a general guideline, clothing should be warm, waterproof and durable. Iceland’s climate is fickle and inclement weather should be expected at any time of year. Even though averages for summertime are well above zero, wind chill accounts for considerable difference once on the icy tundra! Layers of woollen clothing are recommended as is a fleece. However, you should allow for climate changes whenever you travel and you will generally find it is better to have several thin layers rather than one thick layer as it gives you more flexibility and warmth. A fleece can be invaluable and double as a pillow.

The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: To avoid sunburn and windburn we recommend you pack sunscreen and bring lipblock. Even on cloudy days exposure to the sun and wind can have a dehydrating effect on the skin. A hat and high-protection sunglasses can prevent damage by UV rays.

In summer, midges, mosquitoes sometimes reach plague proportions. We recommend while keeping exposed skin to a minimum you should also use an insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET.

Other Useful Equiptment
You will find a general equipment list in our Pre-Departure Information which should help you decide what to bring – and may remind you of a few things you haven't thought of. However there are some items on this list which we highly recommend you bring to Iceland. A torch (and spare batteries) can be invaluable. You should also bring personal medical supplies and toiletries, including rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea pills, aspirins, antiseptic/disinfectant, sunscreen, tampons, necessary medicines, etc.

Luggage
It is important to bring durable soft luggage or a back pack which does not weigh more than around 10-12kg as this is a lot more practical to transport.

Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active.

Cultural & Environmental Guidelines

The Environment

Toilets
In places where toilets are not available such as while walking the National Parks please ensure that you find a spot well away from local settlements and take away your toilet paper. You should bring a supply of plastic bags for this purpose. You should not burn your paper as this can cause fires and burying is also not an option in such a dry climate.

The Imaginative Traveller You may find it useful to take along a supply of antiseptic wet wipes or waterless soap to help keep clean.

Etiquette & Customs

Travellers who are used to striking up conversations with all and sundry may find the people of Iceland reserved. As with many island-bound peoples you will find the Icelandic people self-reliant and self-confident. Even if you don’t manage to master the few words in our Icelandic Glossary (see Chapter 5 General Information) you will find many locals are fluent in English. Once people get to know you, you will find Icelanders to be very friendly, gregarious people.

Photography

You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no.

Arrival

Arrival Transfers

An arrival transfer is included in the cost of this tour. A shuttle bus departs from Keflavik Airport at very regular intervals, and will drop you outside the meeting point hotel. The shuttle bus (Flybus) can be found outside the doors of the terminal. You will be issued with vouchers for this service before you depart.

If for any reason you arrive without vouchers, please go to the Reykjavik Excursions desk in the arrivals hall. The arrivals hall is very small and you will easily be able to find this. Alternatively, please call our local agent on +354 699 2441.

Making Your Own Way

The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.

You can take a taxi to the meeting point hotel should you wish, but this is extremely expensive (the equivalent of around US$100). We would therefore recommend that you take the Flybus.

On Tour

Safety

Most people find that Iceland is a very hospitable country and feel quite comfortable wandering around alone during the day. However, as with any country you are not familiar with it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and generally take taxis rather than walk especially if you are a lone female. It is also a good idea to be discreet with your money and possessions at all times.

Tour Leaders & Guides

Your Tour Leaders role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Iceland is generally of a good standard. For most of the tour we stay in small hotels, guesthouses or farmhouses which are simple, but functional with a warm welcome and bags of charm. You should however bear in mind that all levels of hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties. The accommodation will be arranged on a multi-share basis as we will be staying in common rooms, and you will need to bring a sleeping bag with you.

Laundry

A price per item laundry service is available in many of the hotels we use. As costs are reasonably expensive, you may prefer bringing some washing powder and wash your clothes by hand.

Local Food & Drink

Food
Icelandic cuisine is at first glance a variety of stomach-churning options with extraordinary descriptions. Upon closer examination, not everything on the Icelandic menus is as bizarre as the infamous putrefied shark dish, hakarl. The shark meat is buried from 3 to 6 months in gravel and sand and then dug up and eaten. It is rotten when served and is best washed down with a shot (or more!) of the local fire water, brennivin. Usually associated with festivities, hung meat, hangikjot, is smoked lamb served with flatbread, flatkokur. The prevalence of seafood is evident with a glance at any Icelandic menu with everything from haddock to herring and monkfish common throughout the year. In summer salmon and trout are also available. For the more gastronomically adventurous there is lundi, puffin. For those who would like to taste haggis, Iceland-style, slatur is a plateful of offal and blood sewn into a sheep’s stomach and boiled. Having scared you sufficiently we should mention that the above are traditional foods and that commercial options of fast food and smorgasbord are also available!

Drinks
A festive-season drink called jolaol, is a yeast-ridden savoury drink and apparently, an acquired taste! Major brand bottled water, soft drinks and juices are available throughout Iceland. The traditional Icelandic schnapps is brennivin literally, “burnt wine” but commonly referred to as “black death”! Beer is plentiful on the island and you can find the Pilsner and much less palatable, Malt Extract in pubs and government regulated liquor shops.

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarians
In Iceland you can find food without meat, however even the simplest vegetable sauce may sometimes have a small bit of meat or animal fat in it. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety and protein (generally the main source of protein will be omelettes). Your Tour Leader will do their best to offer a vegetarian alternative, but your patience and understanding is requested.

Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.

Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.

Communications

Email
Internet cafes can be found in Reykjavik and other towns around Iceland. These are, however, are extremely expensive. Along with your vouchers for the Flybus, you will be sent vouchers for one hour’s free internet use at the office of our local agent (address at the end of this dossier). This office is a five minute walk from the meeting point hotel.

Phone
Icelandic Telecom provides few public phones outside of Reykjavik. Card and coin operated phones can be found in the capital. Phonecards begin in price from €12 and calls to other countries start from about €2 for five minutes.

Post
The Icelandic Postal Service is very efficient and reliable. To send a letter from Iceland to Europe costs approximately € 0.80-1.30. To other destinations, approximately € 1-2.

General Information

Weather

The North Atlantic climate of Iceland makes it one of the wetter places to visit. The summer months offer the best weather, but even this can at times be unpredictable.

The following chart shows average daytime temperatures (in degrees celsius) in Reykjavik:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 3 4 6 10 12 14 14 11 7 4 2

Iceland Meteorological Authority

Holidays

National Holidays

  • New Year's Day - 1 Jan
  • Remembrance Day - 29 Mar
  • Easter - Mar-Apr
  • Labour Day - 1 May
  • Independence Day - 17 Jun
  • Christmas - 24-26 Dec
  • New Year’s Eve - 31 Dec

Events

  • Thorrablot - Feb
  • Sjomannadargurinn - 1-7 Jun
  • Thjohattid Vestmannaeyja - Aug

Iceland Public Holidays

Suggested Reading

Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet to Iceland, Greenland and The Faroes
  • Rough Guide to Iceland

Background Reading

  • Last Places: A Journey in the North (by Laurence Millman)
  • Letters from Iceland (by WH Auden and Louis MacNiece)

Useful Phrases

  • Hello – Hallo
  • Good morning – Gothan daginn
  • How are you? – Hvernig hefur thu thath
  • Well, thanks. – Gott, takk
  • Goodbye – Bless
  • Yes – Ja
  • No – Nei
  • Thank you – Takk fyrir
  • I don’t understand – Eg skil ekki
  • What’s your name? – Hvath heitir thu?
  • My name is... – Eg heiti...
  • Cheers! – Skal!

Numbers

  • 1 - einn
  • 2 - tveir
  • 3 - thrir
  • 4 - fjorir
  • 5 - fimm
  • 6 - sex
  • 7 - sjo
  • 8 - atta
  • 9 - niu
  • 10 - tiu
  • 11 - ellefu
  • 12 - tolf
  • 13 - threttan
  • 14 - fjortan
  • 15 - fimmtan
  • 16 - sextan
  • 17 - sautjan
  • 18 - atjan
  • 19 - nitjan
  • 20 - tuttugu
  • 50 - fimmtiu
  • 100 - eitt hundrath
  • 1000 - eitt thusund

Contact Details

Local Office
The Imaginative Traveller
C/o Iceland Visitor
Laekjargata 2
101 Reykjavik
Tel: (+354) 511 2442
Fax: (+354) 511 2443

UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566

24hr Emergency Contact
(MOB): +44 7815 097432 (UK)
(MOB): +354 691 6655 (Iceland)