[] CONTENTS
ICELAND IN BRIEF
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OUR TOP PICKS
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WHEN TO TRAVEL
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PASSPORT & VISA
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ARRIVING IN ICELAND
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VACCINATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE
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MISCELLANEOUS
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ICELAND IN BRIEF
Iceland is, for lack of a better adjective, Nordic Nirvana. Be warned, this is not where you come to party but rather where you come to breathe and to live. Everything that world is craving for right now, Iceland already has. From egalitarianism to sustainable living, you name it, they thrive in it. Satisfyingly unique in its beauty and inspiring in its relentless endeavour to make it better year after year, Iceland is as warm in
its hospitality and as cold as its climate. Start living with a medicinal dip at the Blue Lagoon, whale watching at Husavik, or even the countless treks along Reykjavik. Visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik or the tallest building here, the Hallgrimskirkja. If you ever need directions to it, we suggest taking a picture of it and pointing instead of even trying to say the name! The
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stone monument, Hvitserkur, is a sight to behold, rising like a sea monster. Adding to the magic of the Icelandic landscape are the waterfalls (Gljufrafoss and Svartifoss) and the stratovolcano, Hekla. The volcanic cave of Grjotagja is truly and spectacularly one of a kind.
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OUR TOP PICKS
The Majestic Gullfoss Waterfall
Dip in the Blue Lagoon
Get your wits about you as you visit one of the most popular and epic attractions in the country. There are no rails or barricades separating you from the powerful plunge of River Hvita.
Immerse your body and mind in the healing waters of this medicinal geothermal spa and feel every shred of stress melting away in its steam.
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The Iconic Hallgrimskirkja
The Spellbinding Northern Lights
Inspired by the Black Falls, another Icelandic wonder, this church is the tallest and most recognisable building here. It is absolutely riveting to witness the church in all its glory as the dusk falls all around it and the lights come on to reveal an which is nothing short of a masterpiece.
There is something so surreal about gazing up at the darkened skies and seeing a multitude of bright colours prancing about with no end in sight. Mostly shades of green or pink, these lights are so awe-inspiring that you may easily lose yourself in the wonder and magic unravelling so splendidly before your eyes.
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WHEN TO TRAVEL Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable and complicated. When it comes to the topic of the best time to visit, it really depends on what you hope to catch! If it’s the museums you’re looking for, late May to early September is your time. And although not really the country for the ‘midnight sun’, you could catch glimpses of it from mid-May to early August. Of course, if it’s the glorious Northern Lights you’re after (as you most certainly should be), September to January almost always guarantees you some magic.
Best Weather
Best Time To Visit
June - August
May - September
$
High Season
%
Low Season
July - August
November - February
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PASSPORT & VISA
Iceland requires a Schengen Visa, and this is obtained through VFS Danish visa application centres. For information on the type of visa and the how to go about the process, visit http://dk.vfsglobal.co.in/ how_to_apply.html . Things to keep in mind: • Your passport needs to have been issued within the previous ten years and should have at least two blank pages along with at least three months validity from the date of arrival back in India. • Applications are only accepted within three months of the requested date of travel. E-Tickets are acceptable when accompanied by your original passport (which has at least 9 months of validity). Security is not a hassle but do need to follow all rules and regulations as listed on http:// www.iatatravelcentre.com/ISIceland-customscurrency-airport-taxregulations-details. htm Domestic Flights like Air Iceland allows 20 kilograms of luggage and 6 kg hand baggage per person. This is why, even if your international flight allows you excess baggage, you would need to consider the domestic limit if you have an intra-country flight
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ARRIVING IN ICELAND
You can carry local currency up to a maximum of 8,000 ISK(Icelandic Krona); however, there is no limit on how much foreign currency you can take into Iceland. Banks usually exchange currency (Landsbankinn, The National Bank), but it’s a lot easier if you have your currency exchanged at the airport itself. Icelandic, Old Norse, hasn’t changed much over 1,000 years. But fret not, as most Icelanders, speak fluent English. There is also a whole list of basic restrictions on what you can bring into the country, like food, alcohol, wild flora and pets just to name a few. For more details, visit http:// www.iatatravelcentre.com/ISIcelandcustoms-currency-airport-taxregulationsdetails.htm .
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VACCINATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE
No vaccinations are required to enter Iceland. Once in the country, you’ll find tap water safe to drink, so you won’t need bottled water. Nevertheless, for short term travellers, the usually recommended vaccinations include cover against childhood diseases (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as, cover against the food and water borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Iceland is a safe place to travel, but travel insurance that covers theft, loss and medical problems is usually recommended. Also, don’t ignore the small print and see if your policy covers any potentially dangerous sporting activities like hiking, diving, horse riding, skiing or snowmobiling.
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MISCELLANEOUS
THINGS TO PACK • Warm Clothing – Iceland can get freezing cold, so sweaters, scarves, thermals, gloves, jackets and anything else warm. People dress well here, and nightlife is not something to be missed. In a rush to stay warm, don’t forget smart dinner/party wear • Comfortable footwear – Things can get wet and slippery here, so pack waterproof shoes with good traction as well as a pair of high heels • Swimwear – Pack your swim gear for a visit to the thermal pools • Sunscreen – UV rays get through the clouds a lot around here so better safe than burned and sorry. • Medicine bag – Prescription medicines and essentials. • Rain gear • Daypack
PERSONAL SECURITY Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. With an extremely low crime rate and excellent medical care, the only worry should be the unpredictable weather. Always keep up to date with the weather conditions and reports. Pay heed to warnings and be sure to double check all hiking gear and the like.
YOUR HEALTH Tap water is safe here in Iceland and the standard of healthcare is also very high. Travel insurance is recommended and although there aren’t any major diseases, you should guard yourself against hypothermia and frostbite.
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TIPPING Service fees are almost always included in the bill including those of restaurants, taxis, tour guides, cafes etc. If you want to tip, you could do so anyway, as Icelanders, being a fairly welltravelled lot themselves are familiar with the concept.
TELEPHONES & EMAIL As odd as it may seem, Icelanders rank among the top internet users in the world. WiFi access can be found almost everywhere like cafes, hotels, bookstores and even bars; and is mostly free! Vodafone sells prepaid mobile internet starter kits (3GB included) for smartphones at their stores and resellers. You could also find them at N1 gas stations and the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik.
SHOPPING IN ICELAND Reykjavik’s shopping streets of Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur have you stumble into a curious treasure trove of souvenir shops, jewellery designers and outdoor clothing stores. You can also check out the malls with over 150 stores under one roof, like the Kringlan and Smaralind malls. Another titbit is that tourists get to enjoy a 15 percent tax-free refund which gets them excellent prices on many designer labels. Iceland also has a vibrant music and art scene, from Bijork to the popular band, Of Monsters and Men. Art and music purchases can be done here at really good prices.
FOOD IN ICELAND Due to the cold climate, Iceland cuisine mostly consists of cereals, fish and meat with preserved foods playing a major role. They have superb seafood; and a breakfast of sild (pickled herrings) is a must-try. Hakarl (Greenland shark) is a delicacy for the brave, known for its eye-watering strong flavour. A popular snack is Hardfiskur which is wind-dried haddock or cod. There is a whole variety of meat based food available, with game dishes getting particular acclaim during Christmas dinners. Hangikjot, a kind of smoked lamb is popular in sandwiches and traditional Christmas spreads. Cities like Reykjavik and Akureyri are the best places to grab a taste of these unique Icelandic dishes, with restaurants serving them all year round.
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ALCOHOL IN ICELAND As odd as it may seem, Icelanders rank among the top internet users in the world. WiFi access can be found almost everywhere like cafes, hotels, bookstores and even bars; and is mostly free! Vodafone sells prepaid mobile internet starter kits (3GB included) for smartphones at their stores and resellers. You could also find them at N1 gas stations and the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik.
WHEN YOU LEAVE Leaving Iceland takes a lot less than it does to get in. Customs Officers are now very friendly and can help you with any queries you may have. It is recommended to exchange your Krona back to your currency. Make sure you’re not carrying more foreign currency than that which you brought in to Iceland.
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