Iceland: Overview
The attractive Republic of Iceland, located to the northwest of the European continent comprehends, besides Iceland island, some other Atlantic islands, between Greenland and the continent. Recently Iceland has gained a better palce among the European and world’s most visited destinations. In its uneven territory you can find active volcanos, geysers, thermal spings and lava deserts. If you add to that its rich folk, literary and history heritage you will realize why it is such a agreat place to spend your holidays. Although it is possible to travel on a tight budget, those planning on getting around without spending too much money will have to resign some comforts, as hotel rooms and high-end restaurants.
Climate
Icelandic climate is warmer than most travellers expect due to the Gulf Stream. During summer (May-August) temperature goes from 41 ºF at night to 77 ºF in the afternoons and you have sunlight during the whole day. Winter period (November-January) is characterized by its three or four sunlight hours-days. When planning a trip is important to keep in mind that from August 31 tourism decreases and the country goes into a state of semi-hibernation when there is no lodging (not even hostels or campings), and buses and main tourist destinations stop buissiness.
Important information
There are different entry requirements for those who want to visit the country. The only people who are nor required a visa are American citizens, Western Europeans and people form Chile and Mexico. You can stay for a 3 months period, however, this period can be easyly extended in local police stations.
The official currency is the Icelandic crown (ISK). You can convert foreign currencies to Icelandic crowns in any branch of the three national banks (Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki Ísland and Búnaðarbanki). Most of these branches have ATMs opperating after buisiness hours (Tuesday to Friday from 9:15 am to 4:00 pm). Credit cards are broadly accepted. Traveller’s checks –especially the ones in American dollars - are also accepted by most hotels and banks.
Tips are included in the bills, so it is not necessary to add anything more to the total amount.
Regarding health, there are no particular problems neither vaccination requirements for those who visit Iceland. Medical facilities and care have a very good level and in most cases it is expected that tourists pay by cash for these services. It is highly recommended to hire a medical insurance for the trip. British citizens who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will get emergency care for free.
Iceland is a country where safety is not a problem. The only thing you have to take care from is petty crime and natural desasters, especially during land trips.
As for customs, it is important to keep in mind that it is forbidden to smoke in bars, restaurants and public transports.
Where to go
Reykiavik (smoky bay) is the capital of the country and the world’s most northern one; it is also very differnet from other European big cities. You can reach almost every tourist place by foot from downtown. Some of the most interesting destinations you can visit here are the old city, a picturesque area of lakes, markets, parks and museums; the National Museum, an ideal place for those who want to know a little more about Nordic and Icelandic culture and history. Behind the Museum is the institute Árni Magnússon, a Mecca for saga fans which holds an important collection of master pieces. From the old city and toward the east of the capital is the modern city, whre you can also visit a series of attractions such as the impressive church of Hallgrímskirkja, inspired by a mountain of lava, and its 75 m-tower. The volcano show is a crazy cinema which shows a movie about the volcanic environment where Icelanders live; you can also see a beautiful botanical garden, several museums and an amusements park. If you are looking forward to enjoy the night life you can go to the many bars, discos, theaters and cinemas.
Mývatn, one of the natural marvels of the world, is located northeast of Iceland. The main attractive of this region is in a beautiful blue lake where you will find hundred of birds. Moreover, this reservation enjoys one of the best climates in the country. If you want to relax a bit you can camp in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, a paradisiac spot. Another good choice is to carry short trips to caldera ofAskja, Hverfell crater and the ice caves of Kverkfjöll.
There are two more enclaves which attract many tourist every year with their historical monuments and natural phenomena, Gullfoss and Geysir. The first one is a two story waterfall where sunny days are celebrated with a rainbow raising from the falls’ foam. To the west is Geysir, one of the best thermal water areas in the whole country. The main attractiveness are the Great Geysir that was active from the 14th to the 20th century, and the Strokkur still active. Every three minutes you can see jets being thrown up to 20 m far. In the surroundings you can see several thermal springs, psychedelic algae, smoky holes and mineral deposits.
Festivals
Among the festivals that can be enjoyed are Independence Day which takes place with colourful parades, dances and theatrical representations on June 17; the Sjómannadagurinn, a party dedicated to sailors that takes place during the first week of July and stands out for its sea lifesavings demonstrations, rope fights and swimming competitions. You will also enjoy Summer Solstice eve on June 23; it is said that during that nigt dew has magical powers and everyone who wallow in it will be cure from 19 health problems. On the third Thursday of April Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (first day of summer) takes place with a celebrations very similar to the one of carnival. Pjódhátíð is a party of giant blazes, camps, dances, songs and alcohol that takes place in Vestmannaeyjar in August. Finally, also in August, the whole country spends time meeting for Verslunarmannahelgi, then barbecues, great amounts of drinks and horse races are enjoyed.
