COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Iceland
Iceland is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful Scandinavian island country that lies between the North Atlantic and the Gulf of Finland. It is bordered by France and Norway and has a coastline fringed by Iceland's massive glaciers. Massive glaciers and lush green fields shelter the vast population of Iceland, who in turn, lives on the beautiful green landscapes and geothermal seeped valleys. Most of the inhabitants live in the capital, Reykjavik, which is partially powered by geothermal energy and is home to both the National and Saga museum.
The best way to see all of Iceland is to take advantage of the country's amazing Geothermal Area. Iceland's geothermal area is made up of two distinctly different geothermal areas, namely the Eyre Peninsula and the Golden Circle. The Eyre Peninsula is a geothermal park, which includes a number of active fissures and fissure hotspots where you can visit for an amazing view at the active volcano, Hellispell. The picturesque black lagoon at the Golden Circle consists of geysers, spring pools, spas and boiling mud pools.
You can explore the geothermal areas of Iceland either by foot by car or by bus. If you're a nature lover then the best way to enjoy the Iceland wildlife is to hike the popular route, the Golden Circle route. However, if you prefer to have your sightseeing completed by the use of cars, then you will be able to hire a car from the city of Reykjavik and travel to the various geothermal areas in Iceland.
One of the most popular ways to travel around Iceland is by using a rented car, and the best way to discover the various geothermal areas is to take the route to the Golden Circle. By taking this route you'll be able to drive directly over the geothermal area and view the geothermal feature, which is Iceland's most active volcano, Eyre Peninsula. If you're a huge fan of geothermal features and would like to have a closer look, you should make an appointment to visit the geothermal area at the Golden Circle. When you visit the site of this volcanoes you'll be able to take some awesome pictures of ice-capped volcanoes and also, you will be able to view green vegetation growing around the volcano. If you're travelling at a later date, you can continue your tour by driving on towards the blue lagoon and the geothermal area of Iceland.
Another really worth visiting area is the Kull forest. Although the Kull River is not a tourist attraction, the Kull forest is home to some beautiful scenery including misty valleys and rocky cliffs. If you are a nature lover and have been bitten by the bug for some time, you will find that this is a delightful location to explore. Hiking this route on foot takes you through thick forests with many wonderful photo opportunities.
Iceland Travel Guide identifies three other important areas in Iceland; the Western Highlands, the North Atlantic region and the South Iceland archipelago. The Western Highlands is a wonderful region with a range of nature reserves and awe inspiring scenery. If you love hiking and camping, this is definitely a region you should not miss. In the North Atlantic region, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is a must visit site as it offers fantastic shopping and night life. The South Iceland archipelago is an area of exquisite natural beauty and is worth visiting even if you aren't a fan of geothermal activity. This is Iceland's largest island, and there are plenty of beautiful things to see and do here.
To get to all of these locations, you will need a car to get around Iceland. One of the best ways to explore the landscape and enjoy the cultural heritage of this small country is by car. You can hire a vehicle and take scenic routes that would take you past some of the key locations in Iceland. The main travel companies will be able to arrange this for you, or if you prefer you can just book your trip online. A good company will allow you to drive the length of the Iceland countryside by car, stopping off at some of its cultural landmarks along the way.
There are also some great photo opportunities along the route of the Iceland Travel Guide, including the popular Ice Cave and the huge volcano that pose a threat to the residents of this town. The Ice Cave is Iceland's largest and offers an exciting view over the crystal blue waters of its surroundings. If you are visiting the area for the first time, it's well worth taking some time to see some of the beautiful places that are on offer here.
Reykjavik has an approximate population of around 131,136 people and you can typically expect to pay around £6.87p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Iceland is known for its geothermal wonderland; the geothermal heat being emitted by the earth is the second strongest behind only the solar radiation. Geothermal energy is responsible for heating up the ocean and making it a pleasant place to swim, dive or just lie around. The Iceland tourist office has put together a great deal of information about all things geothermal about the place. Iceland tourism is a billion dollar industry so there are many options available to tourists seeking information about this natural phenomenon.
The town of Reykjavik is Iceland's largest and the capital of the area. It is home to both the National and Saga archives, tracing Iceland's Viking history. The impressive revolving Perlan tower and impressive wooden arch bridge give awe inspiring views of the water surrounding the island. Exemplating the richness of the town's geothermal activity is the geothermal Blue Lagoon, just north of the town of Grindavik. It's an open day camp that allows visitors to swim in the blue lagoon and do kayak expeditions along its banks.
If you are looking for a new adventure this summer, the upcoming Iceland coffee morning will be your ticket to remembering a long time past. With plenty of adventures to choose from, you will be sure to find the best of Iceland. Activities to try include ice skating, paragliding, ballooning, horseback riding, camping, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, sailing and mountain biking. The landscape of Iceland is simply beautiful with villages nestled amongst the snowcapped peaks of volcanoes and glaciers. Visit now and enjoy the ride!
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Iceland are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Iceland read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Iceland.
The Best time to visit Iceland is from May to August. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, and the days are long.
The Icelandic festival scene is rich and varied, and it is not uncommon to find a festival for every genre of art. The country is famous for its music scene and is home to some of the best artists in the world. Whether you love country or folk music, you'll be able to find a festival to celebrate your favorite genre. But be prepared to be surprised by the small scale of most festivals. Many are held in a private home and don't have any official website, so you'll have to get acquainted with the locals.
The solitary island has many festivals to celebrate its unique culture. The Reykjavik Fashion Festival dates back to 2010, and is a way to celebrate new Icelandic designers and a cutting edge event program. The avant-garde fashion is fused with folk and music to create a festive atmosphere. During Design March, which takes place each year on the first Thursday after April 18th, visitors can enjoy events ranging from music to architecture to food and furniture.
For the more adventurous traveler, Iceland's Winter Lights Festival is a great way to see how the country celebrates art and culture. Organised into three separate phases, the Winter Lights Festival features a variety of events focusing on different aspects of design. The festival features world-renowned designers and highlights Design Talk and Design Match. This event provides an opportunity for local designers to network with international designers, and sometimes even sign contracts.
Rettir is a three-day festival celebrated in Iceland, and is an excellent opportunity for those who want to explore the backcountry. During fall, the weather is warm enough to go hiking in the hills. But if you're looking for an outdoor experience, the Iceland Film Festival will surely have something for you. Aside from the unique film offerings, the island hosts some of the world's best parties and festivals.
The Iceland Design Festival is a popular design festival in Iceland. With over 100 events planned, the festival focuses on various aspects of the art and design genres. You can attend a variety of events related to the festival, from workshops to lectures. The Design Talk is a great way to meet internationally acclaimed designers and sign a contract. This event is a must-attend event in the country. So, don't miss this festival.
There are several festivals in Iceland, which are held all throughout the year. You can attend the most important one, the Icelandic National Day, on 17 June. This festival celebrates the independence of the country. Apart from a parade and street parties, the festival also features a number of musical performances and a series of sideshows. In addition, there are also conferences centered around the theme of art and music. There are a number of conferences that take place during the festival, and the participants can learn about the latest trends in the arts.
The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Iceland you can grab amazing Icelandic Króna deals via Wise.com (GBP to ISK).
Wild mammals in Iceland include the Arctic Fox, mink, mice, rats, rabbits and reindeer. Polar bears occasionally visit the island, traveling on icebergs from Greenland. Icelandic waters are rich with marine life, including seals, whales, dolphins and over three hundred species of fish.
Icelandic food? Hákarl, or fermented shark, is a phenomenon that has gone way beyond the confines of the austere Icelandic winter.
The official language of Iceland Is Icelandic. The primary language in Iceland is spoken by our nearly 340,000 inhabitants and is our native language. While you will find foreign-language speakers here, the majority of the population speaks Icelandic. You can learn some basic Icelandic before you travel to Iceland and really impress the locals!
The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (It is far less than 10 percent of your total bill but still is appreciated. At a less expensive restaurant, if your meal costs 2,380 ISK (about $20), rounding up to 2,600 ISK would equal a tip of about $2, and in Iceland, such a tiny gratuity is perfectly acceptable.).
Emergency Numbers
What is the time difference?
The GMT time difference is -1 hours