Enska FMS 2007

Transcription

Enska FMS 2007

PURE
ENGLISH
DISCOVERIES THE ENTIRE YEAR
ICELANDIC TOURIST BOARD
www.visiticeland.com
www.icelandexpress.com
2003 AD
Iceland Express, the first Icelandic low-fare
airline was founded. Finally more people
were able to visit Iceland without spending
a fortune – which is fortunate.
874 AD
A hardy band of prosperous farmers from
Norway sail the North Atlantic to find Iceland,
risking life and limb. The expedition was
expensive, refreshments rarely served and
luggage got lost. Travelling to Iceland would
later become easier, more comfortable and
cost less.
DIFFERENT TIMES.
SAME DESTINATION.
We've changed the landscape of travelling to Iceland forever.
The first settlers spent days sailing to Iceland in unpredictable weather, uncertain of what would await them beyond
the horizon. It's good that they didn't know what prices Iceland Express would have to offer travellers today.
They would have waited!
Since the arrival of Iceland Express in 2003, the price of airfares to Iceland has dropped dramatically which has made
it possible for even more people to visit Iceland.
Go to icelandexpress.com, check out our routes from Europe to Iceland and book your low-fare flight to Iceland now!
Prices from
Fixed child fares:
One way incl. taxes.
One way incl. taxes. Applies to
children 12 years and younger
accompanied by adults.
£ 69 € 99 DKR 750
£ 55 € 79 DKR 595
Iceland + 354 5 500 650, UK + 44 0870 240 5600, Germany + 49 6543 507 600, Denmark + 45 3583 3600, Sweden +46 (0) 867 60060
Welcome to Iceland
Iceland is not only closer than you think, but far different than you ever imagined.
Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as a tremendous
icecap and several glaciers, spouting geysers and steaming solfataras, volcanoes
(hopefully dormant), raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds,
cavorting whales just offshore, and many other surprises?
Summers are surprisingly warm and winters not as cold as you might expect
should you visit during the off-season. Regardless of when you visit, be assured
that the warmth shown by Icelanders, their desire to share their culture, and the
efforts made to make your stay as pleasant as possible will, like the spectacular
landscape, never be forgotten.
The National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavík.
Þingvellir on the World Heritage List
The National Park at Þingvellir, which was
founded in 1930, is now on the UNESCO
World Heritage List, a register of 830 important natural and cultural sites around the
world. From A.D. 930 until the end of the 18th
century, Alþingi (the Icelandic national assembly) gathered each summer at Þingvellir. Nowhere above sea level can be seen as clear an
indication of tectonic plate motion and rifting
as on this site. By including Þingvellir on the
World Heritage List, UNESCO recognised the
uniqueness of this place, which reflects important aspects of medieval Norse/Germanic culture, both in the remains of the assembly site
and in other landscape evidence.
Landmannalaugar in the interior of South Iceland.
Cultural tourism
Iceland is experiencing an upsurge in historyand culture-based tourism, and extensive archaeological excavation all over the country
has revealed a wealth of new information on
Iceland's past. Among the newest sites of
cultural and historical interest are:
National Museum of Iceland – one of
Europe’s best museums
The National Museum, now reopened after
full renovation, was chosen from among 34
competitors as one of Europe’s three best
museums. The core exhibit, called The Making of a Nation, explores Icelandic history
from settlement to modern times, based on
the question: How is a nation made?
The settlement exhibition Reykjavík 871
+/-2 in Aðalstræti
Archaeological relics were discovered under
the street Aðalstræti in 2001. Dating from the
year 871 +/-2, they are the oldest human artefacts yet found in Reykjavík. On that site
are the ruins of a Settlement Age pavilion
that has been preserved in its original location.
This building now houses an exhibit that
centres on life in Settlement-Age Reykjavík
and gives visitors an idea of what life on the
farm called Reykjavík was like at that time.
Table of Contents
Multimedia technology is used to explain
Settlement-Age construction methods.
Guests can look inside the pavilion via
computer and imagine what life was like in
the Age of Settlement.
Welcome to Iceland
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Discoveries the Entire Year
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Hotbed of Culture and Heritage
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Nature the Way Nature Made It
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Wellness and Action for Everyone
Settlement Centre in Borgarnes
The Settlement Centre has been opened in a
late-19th-century warehouse in Borgarnes. It
is the venue for two exhibits, as well as
scheduled storytelling and theatrical events.
The Settlement Exhibition centres on the settlement of Iceland, ending with the establishment of Alþingi (parliament) at Þingvellir in
A.D. 930. Audio commentary in four foreign
languages leads guests through the exhibit
in 30 minutes. The Egill Exhibition focuses on
one of the most colourful personalities of the
Age of Settlement: Egill Skallagrímsson, who
lived at Borg á Mýrum.
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Reykjavík – Pure Energy
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Southwest and South Iceland
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West Iceland and the West Fjords
15
North Iceland
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East and Southeast Iceland
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Advertisment Insert
The Culture House
The Culture House, in the heart of Reykjavík,
is home to an exhibit detailing the history
and role of manuscripts. At the core of the
exhibit are some of the gems of Icelandic cultural history: the Codex Regius of the Poetic
Edda, the Prose Edda, and the compendium
known as Flateyjarbók.
The Central Highlands
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Shopping
22
Wining, Dining and Entertainment
24
Festivity in a Distinctive Setting
28
Guide to Hotels and Guesthouses
30
Practical Information
33
Produced for the Icelandic Tourist Board by Prentsnið 2006
Design: Ágústa S. Þórðardóttir
Layout and digital imaging/colour separation: Prentsnið Ltd.
Printed by: Ísafoldarprentsmiðja, Iceland
Total print run: 500,000 copies
© Icelandic Tourist Board
Photographs by: Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson, Arctic Images
www.arctic-images.com
Cover photograph: Skaftafell, East Iceland
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Discoveries the Entire Year
Iceland means new and different things
for you to see and do, whatever the
season. Every part of the year has its
own special attractions, character and
charm, and offers you different
experiences. And don’t let the name
deceive you – Iceland can be
surprisingly warm in summer when
the sun shines virtually round the
clock, while January temperatures
average around 0°C.
Reynisdrangar crags off the south coast.
Press
The Guardian
Feb. 2006
On Friday night, after a day of super-jeeping
and dog sledding on the Langjökull glacier,
followed by mud baths at the Laugar Spa, we
hit town. Or, more exactly, town hits us.
Though only the size of Walsall, Reykjavik
rocks like Rio.
OK! Magazine
June 2006
Having an ICE TIME
“Iceland’s not just a winter destination – it’s a
summer wonderland too … Reykjavik, the
world’s most northerly capital city, is ideal for a
weekend break – it’s only three hours’ flying
time to Iceland.
Jeep safari on Langjökull glacier.
SUMMER
Season of the midnight sun. The
countryside and highland interior open
into full bloom. Icelanders take pride in
caring for their unique nature.
AUTUMN
Cultural activities move into full swing as
nature cools its pace. A colourful and
lively time with plenty of song and
merriment all around the country.
WINTER
Nature sinks into its charmed slumber
and weird contrasts are captured in
suspended animation. Eat, drink and be
merry while enjoying an abundance of
cultural activities under the shimmering
green Northern Lights.
A winter scene in downtown Reykjavík.
SPRING
Daylight spreads and stretches out and
the land and the people slip free from
winter’s chilly grasp. Cultural activities
swing into high hear.
Opposite page: (1) Running horses near Mt. Hekla,
South Iceland. (2) Dog sledding near Langjökull
glacier, West Iceland. (3) Stjórnarfoss falls, near
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Southeast Iceland. (4) The
Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavík.
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Hotbed of Culture and Heritage
Icelanders are proud that they still
speak the ancient language of the
Vikings, but they certainly don’t live
in the past. Their cherished ancient
heritage lives on in harmony with the
most exciting innovations from the
world of arts and culture today. This
refreshing mix of local, traditional,
progressive and cosmopolitan culture
appeals to almost every taste.
A scene from the annual Gay Pride Festival in
Reykjavík.
Austurvöllur square, Reykjavík.
Press
Lexus magazine
Feb. 2006
Laufskálarétt corrals in Skagafjörður, North Iceland.
Archer taking aim. The Viking Festival in
Hafnarfjörður.
… the nation’s music scene can be considered
unique too. Stripped of the mainstream pop
harmony dominating either side of the
Atlantic, Reykjavik’s city culture has spawned
eccentric artists such as Björk and avant-garde
rockers like Sigur Ros …
The Guardian
May 2006
Music and song – the whole scale from
the Iceland Symphony Orchestra to
Björk
Mid-Atlantic music venue – When
major bands visit Iceland, audiences
flock in from both sides of the Atlantic
Colourful festivals and thematic
exhibitions bring local history to life
around the country. International and
local artists with dozens of exhibitions at
museums and galleries every month
Nightlife and entertainment in a
league of its own
International film and short film
festivals and a thriving film industry
Vikings, Sagas and folklore
festivals – exhibitions and events that
take you right into the Icelandic heart
and soul
Rotted shark anyone ?
Do you have a taste for rancid blue cheese,
but find it can be improved by the added
tang of rotten fish? Then try Iceland’s greatest
speciality, Hákarl – putrefied shark.
Icelandic Tourist Board:
Supreme cuisine – Culinary art in the
form of ocean-fresh seafood, highland
lamb, game and traditional delicacies
City of Reykjavík information website:
www.visitreykjavik.is
The Reykjavík Arts Festival:
www.artfest.is
Handicrafts from centuries-old
skills to lava ceramics
Mother Nature’s own artwork in landscapes where the imagination runs riot
Opposite page: (1) The Settlement Centre,
Borgarnes. (2) Don Quixote on the stage in
Reykjavík’s Borgarleikhúsið theatre. (3) An art
exhibition in Reykjavík. (4) From an excavation in
Skagafjörður, North Iceland. (5) The NilFisk group
performing during the Reykjavík Winter Festival.
... and endless other surprises
Volcano exhibitions and shows –
Learn how nature lets off steam – and
how humans have learned to live with it
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Nature the Way Nature Made It
Much of Iceland is still taking shape
before your very eyes – raw, dramatic
landscapes born from volcanic
eruptions and carved out by glaciers.
Other parts have hardly changed since
the first Viking settlers saw them more
than 1,100 years ago. You’ll experience
wilderness and wildlife, energy and
total calm, within easy reach wherever
you stay, even on day trips.
Dýrafjörður fjord, West Fjords.
Press
Limited Edition
Feb. 2006
… with its dramatic landscape, Iceland can
never fail to impress, and I certainly fell under
the spell of this country of great contrast
during an enjoyable visit …
The Sunday Times Travel
May 2006
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Iceland
Covered in vast sand plains, lava fields and
uninhabited highlands, the rugged landscape
of the south coast of Iceland looks like the
backdrop to a Norse opera. The
Seljalandsfoss waterfall gushing from a 65m
plateau … is located an hour-and-a-half drive
east of Reykjavik …
At the roots of Gígjökull glacier, near Þórsmörk, South Iceland.
Glaciers, including Europe’s largest
(Vatnajökull, 8,000 km2)
Waterfalls, fantastic fjords and
romantic shores
Clean air and clean water, thanks to
pure and renewable energy resources
Hot springs, from colourful steaming
fields to the spouting springs of Geysir
Walking, hiking, trekking through
countless scenic worlds
Bizarre lava landscapes, from “Trolls’
Cathedrals” to terrain where US
astronauts rehearsed for walking
on the moon
Bird watching – some of the world’s
biggest colonies of puffin and other
seabirds, plus a rich blend of European
and American species
Midnight sun – Amazing light
throughout the night in summer
Laxá river, near Lake Mývatn, North Iceland.
Whales – Astonishing success rates
for sightings
Central Highlands – Uninhabited,
uninhabitable and unforgettable
Northern Lights set the winter skies
ablaze with colour
Opposite page: (1) Nesjavellir geothermal area.
(2) Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). (3) Horse and
other guests at the Blue Lagoon. (4) Pensive animal
by Lake Mývatn.
... and endless surprises besides
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Wellness and Action for Everyone
You can interact with Iceland’s world of
natural wonders in endless ways.
Some activities, such as swimming in
geothermally heated pools, are part of
the everyday lifestyle. Others are ideal
ways to relax from the stress and cares
of modern life. Yet others offer you the
challenge of the mightiest forces that
nature can muster.
Riding shallow waters off the coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula, West Iceland.
Press
BELLA magazine
June 2006
Iceland, land of sparkle and fire
… Adventure-seekers can try snowmobiling,
white-water rafting and the capital Reykjavik’s
turbo-charged nightlife, or you can take it
easy with coach tours, cruises and shopping.
“Straight in” on the Korpúlfsstaðir golf course in Reykjavík.
Glacier exploration by snow scooter,
snowmobile or modified 4X4 – whatever
the season
Horseback riding – Riding tours on the
unique Viking horse, for everyone from
complete beginners to experienced
horsemen, from one hour to more than
a week
Swimming year-round in outdoor
geothermal pools
Golf – There’s no feeling quite like
teeing off in the midnight sun
Hiking – Every locality has its own
special attractions – find them on foot
Winter sports – Skiing at various sites,
with excellent facilities
Mountain biking – It’ll leave you
breathless!
River rafting – Thrills and spills in
swirling glacial waters
Under cascading water in the Blue Lagoon.
Kayaking on inland waterways, gentle
bays or wild shores
Wining, dining and nightlife – Quality
cuisine, good living and lively places to
socialise
... and endless surprises besides
Opposite page: (1) Jeeps fording a shallow river in
the interior. (2) Stakkholtsgjá gorge, near Þórsmörk,
South Iceland. (3) River rafting in Hvítá river, South
Iceland. (4) Happy bathers in a pool at Hveravellir
geothermal area in the interior.
Angling – Salmon, trout and sea fishing,
for all skill levels and budgets
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Reykjavík – Pure Energy
Recharge and Relax in Iceland’s Capital
Shaped by the energy of the earth,
bustling with the energy of a cosmopolitan capital, surrounded by the pure
unpolluted energy of nature, Reykjavík
is a city of striking contrasts. Small
corrugated iron houses nestle next to
futuristic glass buildings; state-of-theart facilities lie minutes away from
rugged volcanic terrain; and international influences mingle with Icelandic
national traditions to create a unique
culture where old embraces new.
riding and whale watching are all within
easy reach of the capital and can easily
be fitted into a day trip so that you can
be back in the city in time for dinner.
Reykjavík boasts an excellent range
of fine restaurants that are renowned for
their imaginative cuisine and fresh local
ingredients. Whether you enjoy seafood,
lamb or wild game, there will be something on the menu to suit your palate.
For a city of its size – Reykjavík and its
neighbouring communities have around
190,000 inhabitants – Reykjavík also
Reykjavík
www.visitreykjavik.is – www.visiticeland.com
Conference centre and concert hall
Whatever your interests, Reykjavík has
something to offer. Whether you are
seeking the bustling energy of a
cosmopolitan city, the thundering
thermal energy in the ground beneath
your feet, or the quiet green energy of
the landscape surrounding the city,
Reykjavík promises a memorable visit.
One way to soak up Reykjavík’s pure
energy is to visit one of the many
thermal swimming pools or spas.
Whether you go for a swim, take a
healing soak in a hot tub, or indulge in a
thermal steam bath, you will leave
feeling relaxed and re-energised. Going
to the pool is also very much a way of
life for Reykjavík’s residents and thus an
ideal way to meet local people. A crash
course in Icelandic politics, the longterm weather forecast, or some valuable
tourist tips are just some of the things
you might soak up in the soothing
waters of a hot tub. There is no better
way to touch the pulse of the city.
The magnificent countryside that
surrounds the city also makes Reykjavík
unique and provides the adventurous
tourist with a wide variety of things to
do. Salmon fishing, midnight golf,
sailing, climbing, glacier trekking, horse
The City of Reykjavík and the Icelandic
Government have joined forces with the aim
of building a concert hall and conference
centre facility at Reykjavík harbour.
The building is to be inaugurated in 2010.
Design is in the hands of world-famous artist
Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsens
Tegnestue, the architecture firm whose works
include the Copenhagen Opera House.
The building itself will be a large work of art,
a crystallised form boasting a variety of
colours, which will provide state-of-the-art
facilities for musicians and serve as a worldclass conference venue.
boasts an excellent range of luxury
hotels, exclusive shops and designer
outlets. It also has the reputation of
being one of Europe’s “hottest” cities at
night, with an active music scene and
famous nightlife.
Reykjavík is energy also abounds in
the city’s cultural scene. From the avantgarde to the historical, Reykjavík’s
galleries, museums and theatres
support a vibrant yet sophisticated
artistic culture. Annual festivals, special
exhibitions and stage productions mean
that the cultural calendar is always full
and there is always plenty for the visitor
to enjoy.
Reykjavík is the gateway to Iceland.
A young-at-heart city with a long history,
encircled by mountains and sea, it lies
just minutes away from a magnificent
unspoiled landscape thrown up and
shaped by the energy of the earth.
Whether you are looking for the excitement of a capital city or a quiet break in
breathtaking scenery, Reykjavík has everything you could possibly want. Reykjavík
– pure energy – you’ll leave revitalized.
Árbæjarlaug swimming pool.
Opposite page: (1) Tjörnin Lake by night.
(2) Reykjavík skyline seen from the shore at Sætún.
(3) Elliðaár, the only urban salmon river in the world.
(4) Scene from NASA club during the Winter
Festival.
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All You Need
– South and Southwest Iceland
Nowhere on earth is the junction between the European and American tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust as clear
as on the Reykjanes peninsula in the
southwest, and at Þingvellir: the plates
diverge here by as much as 2 cm per
year. But the gap is constantly being
filled, as volcanoes have been erupting
regularly throughout Iceland’s history.
Several high-temperature geothermal
areas are found on the Reykjanes peninsula, two of which have been harnessed
The village of Stokkseyri.
to generate electricity, at Svartsengi
and Hengill. A further two geothermal
power stations are currently under
construction: Hellisheiði Power Station
and Reykjanes Power Station. At Svartsengi, the Gjáin visitor centre explains
geological history, and nearby is the
Blue Lagoon spa, whose mineral-rich
waters are internationally known for
their curative powers.
From early times, habitation on the
Reykjanes peninsula has been confined
to the coast, and the population lived
by the fisheries. Museums in Grindavík,
Sandgerði, and other locations uphold
the region’s seafaring traditions.
Farther east, history echoes in every
footstep: this is where the Saga of Njáll,
one of the most famous Icelandic sagas,
took place. The Icelandic Saga Centre in
Hvolsvöllur tells the story. Other museums in the region include the Skógar
Museum, one of Iceland’s leading folk
museums; and Draugasetrið, the Ghost
Centre at Stokkseyri, a unique museum
dedicated to the phenomenon of the
Icelandic ghost.
Þingvellir is by far Iceland’s most famous historic site. The Alþingi, or general assembly, first met there in A.D.930,
and continued to do so for nearly nine
centuries, until 1798. Various important
events in the Icelandic Sagas took place
at Þingvellir, and in 1930 it was declared
a National Park. In 2004 Þingvellir was
added to the UNESCO World Heritage
List.
Not far away is the old episcopal
seat of Skálholt, which was the centre of
the church and Christianity in Iceland
from the mid-11th century until the end
of the 18th.
But the region has other attractions:
places of outstanding natural beauty
include magnificent waterfalls, of which
Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is the best
known. In many geothermal areas villages have grown up, where exotic fruits
and vegetables are grown in greenhouses heated by hot springs.
The best known hot spring is Geysir,
from which derives the English word
“geyser” for spouting hot springs: the
big Geysir is surrounded by many more
springs of all shapes and sizes.
A little farther east are two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Mt. Hekla
has erupted about 20 times in Icelandic
history, and Mt. Katla, under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is almost as active. Many
years have now passed since Mt. Katla
last erupted, and according to geoscientists it is overdue for another eruption.
Tourists in the region can experience
its varied and picturesque natural
landscape through such activities as
horseback riding, white-water rafting,
and glacier trips.
Just off the south coast are the
Westman Islands, with their impressive
natural beauty, abundant birdlife, and
eventful history. A little over 30 years
ago the islanders were forced to abandon their homes on Heimaey island
when a new volcano erupted on the
edge of the town. But they returned as
soon as the eruption died down, and
visitors can see the effects of this natural
disaster on the island and its inhabitants. Currently underway is the
excavation of several homes that were
buried by pumice and lava, with the
intention of making them accessible to
visitors under the auspices of a project
called Pompeii of the North.
South and Southwest
www.reykjanes.is – www.south.is
Press
Evening Express
February 2006
That geyser looks just like Clint!
“and there is Clint Eastwood” said our guide
casually, as if it were quite routine that the
superstar’s 4x4 should be the only vehicle to
pass us by during a two-hour tour of the
desolate wilderness of Iceland’s west coast …
Clint, my childhood hero, was in the area to
shoot his latest film.
Spouting geyser Strokkur in the Geysir geothermal
field.
Opposite page: (1) Close-up view of Seljalandsfoss
falls, South Iceland. (2) View towards Heimaklettur
in the Westman Islands. (3) Reynisdrangar crags on
the south coast of Iceland. (4) Almannagjá chasm in
Þingvellir National Park.
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Variety of Nature
– West Iceland and the West Fjords
In the West and the West Fjords, one
can read the geological history of Iceland, from its formation 15-16 million
years ago until about the time of the
settlement in the 9th century, which
is when volcanic activity ceased in the
region. The oldest rock formations
are found at Kögur in the West Fjords,
the youngest in the inner reaches of
Borgarfjörður, and the region has an
unusually wide variety of natural features. Every kind of volcano is found
View towards Snæfellsjökull glacier.
here, and water flows from the earth in
every form, from cool, sparkling mineral water to Europe’s most voluminous
hot spring, Deildartunguhver, from
which water pours at 97°C at a rate of
180 litres per second. The clearest sign
of volcanism is the perfectly formed
crater of Snæfellsjökull, with its glacial
cap, at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, to which various mysterious
powers have been attributed. This is
now a National Park, and Snæfellsnes
is now benchmarked as a Green
Globe 21 sustainable community
with emphasis on tourism.
formed the fjords and valleys of the
West Fjords peninsula, where waterfalls
cascade down steep mountain slopes.
The birdlife of the region is also varied. Breiðafjörður is a mecca for birdwatchers, who may even spot the monarch of Icelandic birds, the white-tailed
eagle. In the West Fjords are the three
largest birdcliffs in Europe: the largest
of them, Látrabjarg, is at the westernmost point of Europe.
In olden times West Iceland and
Breiðafjörður were flourishing agricultural regions with plentiful food resources.
Many of the Icelandic sagas took place
here and in the West Fjords. Historic
sites in the region include Reykholt,
home of the medieval chieftain/scholar
Snorri Sturluson, and the town of
Borgarnes with its Settlement Centre,
where visitors can see two exhibitions
featuring audio-taped narrative: one on
the settlement of Iceland, and the other
on Egill Skallagrímsson, one of the most
colourful personalities of the Age of
Settlement. Another intriguing
destination is the reconstructed sagaage farmstead at Eiríksstaðir, home of
Erik the Red. Eiríksstaðir is also reputed
to be the birthplace of Eiríkur’s son Leif
the Lucky, who found the New World.
Two universities in Borgarfjörður
have been growing rapidly in recent
years: the Bifröst School of Business and
the Agricultural University at Hvanneyri.
Through the centuries, the West
Fjords have been primarily a fishing region, but today large areas are uninhabited, such as the wild Hornstrandir,
which attracts many holidaymakers. Visitors can learn about the history of the
region at the Ósvör maritime museum
at Bolungarvík and the Maritime Museum in Ísafjörður, and also on organised
hikes to historic sites.
West and the West Fjords
www.west.is – www.westfjords.is
Press
The Independent on Sunday: Time Off
April 2005
Round-up Livestock in Iceland
A novel addition to this year’s crop of ranching and riding holidays is a sheep and cattle
round-up in Iceland. Each September, Icelandic farmers scour the island’s southern
mountains for their livestock, astride one of
the world’s purest breeds of horse.
The Settlement Centre:
www.landnam.is
An old house in Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes
peninsula.
Opposite page: (1) Dynjandi falls in the West
Fjords. (2) Winding gravel road on a West Fjords
heath. (3) The Jón Sigurðsson Museum,
Arnarfjörður, West Fjords. (4) Winter scene from the
town of Ísafjörður.
The landscape is shaped by erosion as
much as volcanism, and in the Ice Age
glacial action gouged out Breiðafjörður
bay, with its innumerable islands, and
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Summer Sun
– North Iceland
Flourishing villages and farming communities, soaring mountain peaks, offshore islands and a landscape in formation make the North of Iceland a
unique world of its own.
In the western part of the region, volcanic forces are no longer active, and
since the end of the Ice Age the landscape has been moulded by rivers into
smooth hills interspersed with some of
Iceland’s finest angling rivers.
Jarðböðin geothermal pools in the Lake Mývatn
area.
On either side of Eyjafjörður rise
high, ancient mountain ranges opening
here and there into valleys, and in the
north, marine erosion has created splendid cliffs. This area is popular with
mountain hikers.
The Midnight Sun is an extraordinary
spectacle in these northern latitudes:
around the summer solstice, the sun
sinks down to touch the horizon before
rising again in breathtaking tones of red
and gold.
Farther east, other forces are at
work: fresh lava flows, fissures and gullies are clues to recent volcanic activity.
It is only a little over twenty years since
the last eruption in the geothermal area
adjacent to Mt. Krafla, and the unrest in
the earth continues.
In ancient times a catastrophic
glacial flood smashed through rock
to gouge out the canyon of the river
Jökulsá á Fjöllum and the huge sunken
valley Ásbyrgi, which now form a
magnificent National Park. Just a short
distance away is the beautiful Lake
Mývatn, famous for its picturesque
natural surroundings, geothermal
activity, and unique birdlife.
Most of the lowland areas have been
inhabited since time immemorial by
farmers and fishermen. In recent times
remote spots such as the region east
of Eyjafjörður, and Melrakkaslétta and
Langanes in the far northeast, have
become largely uninhabited, but they
remain popular with travellers in search
of peace and unspoiled nature.
Tourist services in the region reflect
aspects of local history and ways of life.
In Húnavatnssýsla and Skagafjörður visitors can see the sites of many of the
important events in the classic Icelandic
sagas. Seals can be observed at play
offshore; the Selasetur seal museum in
Hvammstangi is an excellent place to
gain insight into seals and their way of
life. Whales can be spotted off Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi bay, and Húsavík
is home to a whale museum. In the first
half of the 20th century, the “Herring
Boom” brought unprecedented prosperity to many Icelanders, and the atmosphere of those times is recreated at
Siglufjörður, one of the leading herring
ports of the time. Another interesting
destination is Hafíssetur, the pack ice
exhibition in Blönduós, where visitors
can learn about “the land’s ancient
enemy” through a graphic and text
exhibition.
Over the centuries, Icelanders relied
on the horse for all transport and farm
work, and Skagafjörður is especially famous for its horses and equestrian traditions, while horseback riding tours are
available all over the north. Skagafjörður
also offers the thrills of white-water rafting, and at the Icelandic Emigration
Centre in Hofsós visitors can learn about
emigration to the New World in the 19th
century, when 20% of the population
headed west in search of a better life.
The Capital of the North is Akureyri,
a centre of education, culture and services in Eyjafjörður fjord. Akureyri has a
full summer programme of events, arts,
entertainment and activities.
The North
www.northwest.is – www.nordurland.is
Press
Wanderlust magazine
March 2006
Iceland, Best for – Whalewatching under the
mid-night sun.
… but with so many different whales, dolphins
and porpoises accessible from almost a dozen
towns and villages along the north, south and
west coast, Iceland has the potential to
become a world hotspot.
Travel Weekly
June 16, 2006
5 of the best weddings and honeymoons
in Iceland.
It might not be as romantic as a sun-kissed
beach lapped by blue water, but Iceland is
becoming the best place to tie the knot for
British couples looking for something a bit
different.
Opposite page: (1) Killer whales sighted on a tour
from Húsavík. (2) Dimmuborgir lava labyrinths, near
Lake Mývatn. (3) Goðafoss falls.
17
1
2
4
3
The Glacier’s Realm
– East Iceland
There are few places in Iceland where
a human being feels as small and helpless as in the vicinity of Vatnajökull,
Europe’s largest glacier. Everything
here is on a grand scale: the lofty mass
of the ice cap, the spectacular mountain peaks, and all the signs of volcanic
activity beneath the ice.
But it is not only the craggy, rugged
beauty of the region that is appealing.
In places such as Lónsöræfi, Borgar-
Seyðisfjörður in the Christmas season.
fjörður eystri and elsewhere, the landscape exhibits an extraordinary palette
of colours. In the realm of Vatnajökull,
the land is greener, the glacier whiter,
the volcanic sands blacker than elsewhere. This otherworldly environment
has become a popular location for
international film-makers and
advertisers.
At the foot of the great glacier lies
Skaftafell National Park, founded in
1967; this was Iceland’s first National
Park founded purely for its nature
(Þingvellir National Park has major
cultural significance). Skaftafell is a
popular tourist destination, with a full
programme of events for visitors.
The Visitor Centre informs visitors about
the remarkable natural environment of
the park, while at Höfn in Hornafjörður
there is a glacier exhibition. Activities include sightseeing cruises among the ice
floes on the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial
lagoon, and trips up onto the glacier.
The southeast boasts a wide variety
of birdlife, as most migrant birds arrive
here, and many vagrant species are also
carried here from mainland Europe.
But the east of Iceland has more to
offer than the splendours of the Vatnajökull glacier. The East Fjords are a
magnificent landscape of long, narrow
fjords, steep mountains and jagged
peaks. This is one of the oldest regions
of Iceland, which was shaped by glaciers
in the Ice Age. Glacial action uncovered
magma chambers that had been about
3 km beneath the surface, where zeolites had formed. These beautiful rocks
can now be seen along the coast; e.g.,
at Teigarhorn.
The more remote fjords are now
mostly uninhabited, but hiking tours are
available throughout these deserted regions of high mountain ridges and verdant valleys. Off the shore are grassy islands that can be visited by boat.
In the Hérað district, in the north of
the East Fjords, the landscape is different. Vegetation flourishes in this sheltered, sunny region. The town of Egilsstaðir is the hub of the East, offering a
wide range of services for visitors. Farther north the landscape changes yet
again: fine angling rivers flow among
undulating hills.
The East Fjords have many natural
harbours, and in the 19th century this
led to the development of fishing
villages, most of which still exist. These
seaside communities have a special
charm, and many of them have town
festivals every year. A number of museums in the East Fjords focus on various
aspects of local history: World War II,
French fishermen who fished off Iceland
a century ago, local artists and technology. Other exhibitions highlight nature:
the region’s beautiful minerals, and the
reindeer that roam the eastern highlands.
East and Southeast
www.east.is
Smyril Line
The town of Seyðisfjörður can truly be called
one of the two main portals to Iceland, as the
ferry Norrøna sails to Seyðisfjörður every week
all year round. Other ports of call are located
in Denmark, Norway, the Faeroe Islands, and
Scotland. Further information can be found
on the Website of Smyril Line Ísland:
www.smyril-line.is – [email protected]
Opposite page: (1) On the sands of the southeast
coast. (2) Sunset, Höfn in Hornafjörður.
(3) Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. (4) On the banks of
Lagarfljót river, near Egilsstaðir.
19
1
2
3
4
Away from It All
Wonders of the Wilderness
If you really want to get away from it
all, the interior of Iceland is like nothing
you have ever experienced. The mountainous centre of the island, with its
rocky deserts, jagged mountain peaks,
ice caps, volcanoes, hidden valleys and
hot springs, is an awe-inspiring and untouched wilderness.
In the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, nature has painted the rhyolite
mountains in yellows, greens and reds
Alþingi (parliament) each summer, delegates had to ride from every corner of
the country to Þingvellir in the southwest. But journeys across the interior
were never undertaken lightly; such travel was always risky, and lives were often
lost. Weather in the interior is always unpredictable, and fast-flowing glacial rivers are difficult obstacles.
Today the interior is traversed by two
mountain roads, via Kjölur and Sprengisandur, which are only open in summer,
after the snow has thawed in the spring.
The Central Highlands
The Icelandic Road Administration
interspersed with shiny black obsidian,
and weary travellers can bathe in natural
hot rivers. At Kverkfjöll, steam rising at
the edge of the glacier has melted bizarre ice caves. In the Dyngjufjöll
mountains, the lake Öskjuvatn is
situated in a large caldera (11 km2), and
the crater Víti is filled with warm water.
Both lakes were created in the wake of a
gigantic eruption in the Dyngjufjöll
mountains in 1875. The green, sheltered inland valley of Þórsmörk is a favourite with travellers, who camp here
and hike into the surrounding mountains. Lake Hvítárvatn on the Kjölur highland road glints icy-blue at the foot of
the Langjökull glacier, and in the barren
black sands of Sprengisandur the arctic
river beauty blooms bright magenta in
August.
For centuries the interior was all but
inaccessible. Outlaws hid for years at a
time in the highlands, rustling sheep
and keeping away from law-abiding citizens, while folklore tells of both natural
and supernatural beings who lie in wait
for unwary highland travellers.
Travellers between north and south
sometimes had to cross the highlands:
for instance, for the national assembly of
The Icelandic Road Administration operates
a very powerful and efficient Website with
information on mountain road conditions,
weather, driving conditions, and traffic density.
Automated Web-linked weather stations are
operated in over 50 locations around the
country, making it possible to ascertain
conditions with the assistance of Web
cameras on all of the principal heaths and
mountain roads lying between communities.
Always consult www.vegagerdin.is/english for
information on road conditions.
While the Kjölur road is classified as
passable by ordinary vehicles, it is still a
rough road where four-wheel drive is
useful, and for the Sprengisandur road
an SUV is a necessity. Most highland
routes, including the road into Þórsmörk
and the Landmannalaugar road, involve
crossing unbridged rivers, which should
not be attempted without advice, and
preferably travelling in convoy with
other vehicles. Please note that if you
rent a car, you cannot take it on a mountain road (classified F) unless it is a
4-wheel drive vehicle.
But the wonders of the highlands
can also be seen by scheduled buses
and on organised tours: mountain buses
and guided tours run regularly across
the Kjölur and Sprengisandur roads and
to such destinations as Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar, Mt. Askja and Kverkfjöll.
Hiking tours are offered to many of the
most popular locations in the interior;
on some tours luggage is even transported from place to place, so travellers
carry only a light day-pack. And one of
the most memorable ways to see the
highlands is on horseback, riding into
the wide-open spaces, far from all
human habitation.
Opposite page: (1) Spectacular colour display near
Landmannalaugar. (2) Milky-white mountain river.
(3) Evening sun on Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
(4) Some impressive mountain tops in between the
Hagafellsjökull glaciers, in the southern part of
Langjökull glacier.
21
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE WORLD.
ICELAND. FROM LONDON HEATHROW,
GLASGOW AND MANCHESTER.
BLUE LAGOON, ICELAND
Icelandair Holidays offers great deals to Iceland.
• Reykjavik city breaks
• Winter adventures
• Excursions
• Fly drives and much more
+ For up-to-date information on packages and latest offers,
visit us online at www.icelandair.co.uk or call us on 0870 787 4044
H O L I D AY S
the complete holiday book 2007
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broc ay
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telephone: 01778 424499
email: [email protected]
www.yes-travel.com
W1748
SPECIALIST TO ICELAND FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Reykjavik city breaks, coach tours, fly drive, tailormade tours,
whale watching, jeep safaris, glacier tours
www.regent-iceland.com
0870 499 0437 / 0870 499 0438
V7051
Ásbyrgi
Blue Lagoon
Dettifoss
Dyrhólaey
Geysir
Goðafoss
E2
B4
E2
D5
C4
E2
Gullfoss
Hellnar
Hljóðaklettar
Hólar
Hornstrandir
Hvítserkur
Index to Tourist Attractions
0m
100 m
400 m
800 m
C4
A3
E2
D2
B1
C2
Jökulsá-canyon
Jökulsárlón
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Krísuvík
Krísuvíkurberg
Látrabjarg
E2
E4
E5
B4
B5
A2
Mt. Dyrfjöll
Mt. Snæfell
Mt. Kirkjufell
Mt. Herðubreið
Mývatn
Námaskarð
G2
F3
A3
F3
E2
E2
Reykhólar
Reynisdrangar
Skaftafell
Skálholt
Skógafoss
Vestmannaeyjar
B2
D5
E4
C4
D5
C5
Þingvellir
Þórsmörk
C4
D5
Village
Other Road
Town
Ring Road
Mountain Track
Ferries
Whale watching
Map of Iceland
Shopping
Fashion Fanatics
You already know that Iceland is a hot
spot for nature lovers. But for shoppers
too? Absolutely. Iceland has some of the
best souvenirs in the world, with a different take: most of what you buy here
you’ll use elsewhere. From warm woollens to beautifully crafted pottery and
glass, to resilient outdoor wear, these
are more than just keepsakes.
And if you have a taste for the finer
things, Iceland is also one of the best
places to buy luxury. Not only is it one
of the trendiest places in Europe, and
therefore a hip spot for fashion, the
haute couture here is reasonably priced,
especially once you claim your 15% tourist rebate on purchases over ISK 4,000.
Essential purchases: You know you
need a memento of your holiday, and
your family back home isn’t just looking
forward to seeing you. Try some of the
following for the best ideas in great purchases that avoid the traditional tourist
kitsch:
CDs and books: You’ll have heard of
Björk and the Sagas. But Iceland has a
lot more to offer the worlds of literature
and music. You can buy some of the
best up-and-coming Icelandic music
here at a fraction of the import price you
would pay back home. Impress your
friends with music from the hippest acts
like Sigur Rós, Singapore Sling and
Mugison. There are also terrific photographic books on all things Icelandic, as
well as English translations from wellknown authors, including the Nobel
Laureate Halldór Laxness.
Some of the music stores in town, including 12 Tónar, Smekkleysa (Bad Taste)
and Skífan, not only have a full selection
of Icelandic music, but work hard to introduce you to as much local music as
possible before you make your purchase.
Various: Iceland has a surprising number of speciality stores, great for gift
buying or for unusual items. Try Kokka
for anyone who loves to cook, or Friða
Frænka for antique collectors.
For the great Iceland-themed souvenirs, few can resist pieces based on the
13 Icelandic Yule Lads – think Father
Christmas, only angry. Pottery pieces
and smaller jewellery items are also
highly recommended.
Outdoor wear: If anyone knows how to
make outdoor wear practical, durable
and fashionable, it’s the Icelanders.
Stores like 66 Degrees North and Cintamani offer great looking outdoor
clothing that you can use on any of your
hikes or just when you need to be warm.
Stock up on everything from fleece to
wind and rain gear to hiking socks
(highly recommended!).
Woollens: The traditional Icelandic
lopapeysa, a knitted wool sweater with
special design at the top and on the
sleeves, is now a must-have fashion
item. Worn for practical reasons by farmers and fishermen, the sweater (or its
variations, including button or zipped
cardigan) is one of the trendiest items
around. You can also buy high-quality
woollen scarves, gloves, hats, blankets,
and many other things, all made from
Icelandic wool.
Fashion and accessories: Iceland is
home to many great fashion brands you
are already familiar with, as well as some
smaller, more specialised ones. Stores
likes Flex and Kron have great inde-
pendent labels from all over the world,
as well as jewellery.
Luxury purchases: Iceland’s the capital
of cool at the moment, due in no small
measure to its hip and trendy fashions.
Couple this with the tourist rebate you’ll
get on larger purchases and the variety
of well-known luxury brand names, and
you’re set to get some of the best deals
around.
Jewellery: Start saving your money for
some jewellery as soon as you book
your ticket. Local designs have been celebrated of late for their observation of
Celtic and Old Norse patterns. The constant desire for fresh materials and inspiration has kept goldsmiths in the capital
churning out gallery pieces. Artists often
incorporate gold or silver with materials
found in Iceland, like lava rock, and the
22
effect is very eye-catching. You can also
commission your own design. This is
very popular for wedding rings, which
many people buy in Iceland.
Denim: Iceland has unique high-grade
jeans and denim for a fraction of what
you pay at upscale boutiques throughout the world. The most revered local
brands are available at Galleri Sautján,
which has numerous locations.
Fur and suits: You can buy the most famous luxury brands (Max Mara, Hugo
Boss, Versace, etc.) or some great Icelandic designs. If you’re into it, you can
also stock up on Icelandic fur products
(that’s not only mink and other animals,
but the skin of fish as well!), assuring
you’ll stay warm throughout the winter.
Icelandic couture: Reykjavík is full of
boutiques and shops which feature the
unique work of Icelandic designers using a variety of styles and materials.
Great for finding a really unusual yet
incredibly stylish piece of clothing. You
can find something for all ages, shapes
and sizes.
Artwork: Artists in Iceland often take
their inspiration from the country’s
outstanding natural surroundings or
from its literary history. From paintings
to sculptures to pottery and glass work,
you’ll find all sorts of creative designs
here, both small and large. A street
more and more dedicated to artists,
Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavík
hosts many respected smaller galleries.
The main shopping streets in Reykjavík
are Laugavegur and Skolavörðustígur.
Most stores here are open from 10.00–
18.00 on weekdays and from 11.00–16.00
on Saturdays. Clothing stores are usually
closed on Sundays, but the record and
bookstores will be open.
For longer shopping hours, visit either Kringlan or Smáralind Shopping
Centres. Kringlan and Smáralind both
have a number of major stores for clothing, accessories and books / souvenirs.
These include Zara, Next, Debenham´s,
Fat Face, and many others.
DISCOVER ICELAND
WITH THE EXPERTS
For over two decades we have been arranging holidays to Iceland for people visiting from all
over the world so we probably know just as much about the place as any modern day Viking!
DISCOVER THE WORLD
O U R H O L I D AY S
As one of the world's largest travel operators to Iceland, we have
long-established contacts with a wide variety of companies
throughout the country. This allows our knowledgeable staff to
personalise holidays at very competitive rates. In addition to a full
tailor-made service, we offer one of the most diverse collections of
‘off the peg’ holidays to be found anywhere.
S E L F - D R I V E H O L I D AY S
For complete freedom of choice, we offer the option to book just
ground arrangements through us or better still, quote highly
competitive airfares from Icelandair or Iceland Express from many
parts of Europe, providing a complete package. We are licensed in
the UK and Iceland therefore all our holidays are fully protected by
our various bonds. So if you are considering a holiday to Iceland,
check out the experts first!
Itineraries include romantic retreats, exciting general
interest trips covering parts of or even circling the island,
as well as specialist tours for bird or whale watching
enthusiasts. We also cater for golfers and hikers and for
those wanting to really get muddy, a thrilling off-road
4WD itinerary with instruction included.
Accommodation options range from the best the island has
to offer, through to country hotels, guesthouses and well
appointed summer cottages. Through our competitive
agreements with AVIS Iceland we offer some of the best
range of vehicles, which come with complimentary use of a
mobile phone (call charges apply), as well as a free detailed
road map and a comprehensive guide book.
Our 100-page ICELAND brochure
showcases a wealth of year
round independent and escorted
holiday options. UK clients can
request a copy of the brochure
using a 24hr order line
CITY BREAKS
01737 218801
Our small group English speaking escorted holidays have
been modified over the past 20 years to provide an
unrivalled collection of itineraries covering most parts
of the country.
and all clients can view it online.
We offer an excellent range of accommodation in Reykjavik
and throughout Iceland at very competitive rates.
GUIDED TOURS
WORLDWIDE SALES
E D U C AT I O N A L T R I P S
[email protected]
www.goiceland.co.uk
For many years we have specialized in making arrangements
for student groups to visit Iceland and offer tailor-made
itineraries to many parts of the island.
Wining, Dining & Entertainment
When in Iceland, do as the Icelanders do: eat, drink and be merry!
CAFÉS
Since coffee is the unofficial drink of the
nation in Iceland, it will be easy to find a
great, cosy spot to while away a few
hours and relax. Café culture caught on
strong in Iceland, and there is everything
here from bakeries or snack shops to
dimly lit coffee houses with great character. You can people-watch to your heart’s
content (or hide behind a magazine) over
a latté and a kleina (Icelandic cruller).
Many of the places listed in the “Eating” or the “Drinking” category are also
great coffee shops during the day.
Great coffee and great hangouts
Thirst and hunger your main priorities?
Iceland has loads of places where you
can stop for a fresh sandwich, pastry and
cuppa. These places often also have
shops attached, so if you still feel the
need you can buy another mug or gift
bag. Súfistinn is always popular because
it is upstairs at the Mál og Menning
bookstore and you are free to take
books and magazines to read while you
have a drink. And at Kaffi Hljomalind, all
profits go to charity, so you have no excuse not to get that extra slice of cake!
If the weather isn’t great outside, or
if you just want to relax for a while, you
need to find somewhere that makes you
feel welcome when you’ve had lunch
there and just hang around until supper.
Most of the best hangouts in the country have wireless Internet connections,
so bring your laptop! Many will also
have free refills on drinks and a healthy
supply of newspapers and magazines. If
the weather is sunny, try Segafredo,
where you can sun-bathe Icelandic style:
sit outside in the sun, but stay warm under blankets provided by the café!
DINING OUT
It’s one of the best parts of any holiday,
and dining out in Iceland has never
been better. Across the country, you can
be treated to a mouth-watering variety
of food using the finest ingredients.
Visitors must try free-range Icelandic
lamb, the incredibly fresh fish and
seafood, and the unique dairy products
like skyr. And don’t forget to sample
some traditional Icelandic delicacies!
Vox at Nordica Hótel. Many of these restaurants have great-value lunch menus.
Dining: There is a real emerging culinary
scene in Iceland, particularly Reykjavík.
Award-winning chefs are creating spectacular dishes using the best ingredients.
Humarhúsið has been the main location for lobster for years, and Þrír
Frakkar is the place to go for delicious
traditional cooking, including whale
meat or salt cod. If you want a spectacular view, nothing can beat Perlan, which
sits atop Reykjavík’s hot water tanks.
What places are people talking
about at the moment? Try Lárus Jónasson’s seafood at Sjávarkjallarinn and
Birgir Karl Ólafsson’s take on French cuisine at Hótel Holt, and Nordic fusion at
24
Eating: There are also many places you
can get a good meal that do not break
the bank. Apótek and Hótel 101 are
popular with fashionable over-30s.
Watch the beautiful young people at
Vegamót or Kaffi Sólon.
Ban Thai has some of the best Thai
food in town, with friendly service to
match, or try Eldsmiðjan for arguably
the best pizza in the North Atlantic.
Outside Reykjavík, you’ll find plenty
of well-priced restaurants that serve a
hearty meal with local produce, like
Fimm Fiskar in Stykkishólmur and Við
Fjöruborðið in Stokkseyri.
Grubbing: If any country should take
pride in its fast food, Iceland should.
The fast food here has even been sampled by world leaders (although we’re
sure Bill Clinton’s heart surgery had
nothing to do with his earlier visit to Iceland’s most famous hot dog stand).
From pylsur to the Tommi burger and
plain old pizza, you can feed your hunger day and night.
It’s the
journey
ÍSLENSKA AUGLÝSINGASTOFAN/SIA.IS HER 28748 06/2005
– not the destination
The best and easiest way to get to know
the rugged beauty of Iceland is simply to
have your own car. We are your car rental
experts in Iceland. At Hertz you’ll get the
most out of your trip, the best service and
the best price. Enjoy your stay in Iceland.
Hertz locations in Iceland:
Keflavík Airport,
Reykjavík, Ísafjörður,
Akureyri, Höfn, Egilsstaðir
+354 50 50 600 • www.hertz.is
Energy for life through forces of nature
Blue Lagoon is open daily year round.
Ideally located, only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík
www.bluelagoon.com
Live Acts: If you enjoy live music, you’re
in for a treat here. The gigs held in Iceland aren’t just cover bands or struggling
young artists. These are the country’s
most famous musicians playing to an
intimate crowd and chatting with the
audience. It’s like Coldplay decided to
perform at the local bar. Make the most
of the up-close-and-personal approach
and keep your eyes open for a chance
to see one of these bands or singers
live –
Icelandic delicacies: What do expat Icelanders stuff their suitcases with on their
visits home? Foods to travel for include
Mývatn hangikjot, Kea skyr from Akureyri, West Fjords harðfiskur and puffin in
the Westman Islands.
Also make sure you try Icelandic
chocolate, liquorice (or the chocolateliquorice combo), Ópal candies, and
snúður (icing-covered pastries). If you’re
here at Christmas, pick up some Jóla Öl
(orange soft drink mixed with malt – just
try it!) and some laufabrauð, the flat
fried bread of the season (homemade is
best).
NIGHTLIFE
The nightlife is without comparison in
the world and must be seen to be believed. If you go out on a Friday night,
you are well within your rights to continue partying until 10 am. It happens. A
lot.
Whether you want to dress to the
nines and dance the night away, listen to
live music, find a quiet corner to chat, or
mix and mingle with the jet set of Iceland, you’ll find somewhere that suits
you. Here’s a quick guide to how to
spend the wee hours when in the city:
Merriment: If having a conversation is
more your thing, you can choose from
quiet pubs to trendy cocktail clubs.
Wine connoisseurs should head for Vínbarinn (“The Wine Bar”), while those on
a budget can have a drink with the students at Nelly’s, home of the cheapest
pint in town. For a taste of the Reykjavík
underground scene, try Sirkus or Kaffibarinn. Icelanders get very friendly as
the evening wears on, and you’re sure to
find people to chat to if you want to
meet locals.
Music: There are more bands than families in Iceland. If you’re adventurous
enough to touch down on this glaciercovered island, we recommend you
dedicate at least one night to live music.
You can see a band pretty much any
evening. From rock to reggae and opera
to jazz, virtually every musical style is catered for. There are also several festivals
in Reykjavík throughout the year when,
you’ll have loads of concerts to choose
from.
On a weekend, you’ll usually find live
music at several places in downtown
Reykjavík.
Dancing: On Friday or Saturday nights
in Reykjavík, it sometimes seems like everyone between 18 and 50 is out on the
town. If dancing is your thing, there are
a number of places to choose from. Put
on your best threads and mingle with
the jet set at Rex or Thorvaldsen.
Catch the latest R&B and dance tunes
with the under-25 crowds at Vegamót
and Hverfisbarinn. Well-known Icelandic
DJs like to play at NASA. You’ll also be
up late in Akureyri.
Mugison
Megas
Thorir
Jan Mayen
Singapore Sling
Amiina
Licensing and
registration of travelrelated services
The Icelandic Tourist Board issues licences to tour operators and travel agents, as well as issuing registration to
booking services and information centres.
Tour operators and travel agents are required to use a
special logo approved by the Icelandic Tourist Board on
all their advertisements and on their Internet website.
Booking services and information centres are entitled to
use a Tourist Board logo on all their material. The logos
below are recognised by the Icelandic Tourist Board.
26
Tour Operator
Travel Agency
Booking Office
Information Office
Authorised by
Icelandic Tourist Board
Authorised by
Registrated by
Registrated by
www.icehotels.is | Tel: +354 444 4000
with Icelandair Hotels
Town and country . . . big and small . . . business and pleasure
Icelandair Hotels, Iceland’s premier hotel chain
Nordica
•
Loftlei»ir
•
Flughótel
•
Hamar
•
Flú»ir
•
Rangá
•
Klaustur
•
Héra»
Tel: +354 444 4000
Edda Hotels – all around Iceland
ML Laugarvatn | ÍKÍ Laugarvatn | Skógar | Vík í Mºrdal | Nesjaskóli | Neskaupsta»ur | Egilssta»ir | Ei»ar
Vopnafjör»ur | Stórutjarnir | Akureyri | Laugarbakki | Ísafjör»ur | Laugar í Sælingsdal | Hellissandur
www.hoteledda.is
Festivity in a Distinctive Setting
Whatever time of year you’re in Iceland,
there’ll be something going on that will
take your fancy. Sometimes it’s a familiar festival in a distinctive Icelandic setting, and sometimes it’s a charming local custom that will grab your imagination. Then there are regular cultural
and leisure events, indoors and outside, to keep you entertained and busy
for your entire stay. Check out these
regular features on the Icelandic calendar (dates are for 2007):
May–September
Salmon fishing season. Clean air and rivers make Iceland one of the best places
in the world for anglers. Make sure to
book your rods well in advance.
June 2–3
Festival of the Sea. Based on the old Icelandic tradition of Seamen’s Day, June 3,
the festival runs the first weekend of
June and honours those who make their
living from the sea. However, the festival
has been modernised of late. It now includes numerous cultural activities, parades, arts and crafts activities for kids,
food fairs, and sailing competitions, and
new residents of Iceland are given the
opportunity to share their unique cultures.
January–May
Cultural season. Music, art and theatre
scene in full swing with programmes for
all interest groups.
January 19–February 18
Midwinter feast (Þorrablót). An ancient
Viking tradition – feasting on “delicacies” such as boiled sheep’s head and
rotten shark meat, as well as more edible goodies. Be brave just once a year.
February 21–25
Food and Fun. An annual food festival
featuring well-known visiting chefs competing right along with Iceland’s finest
culinary masters. The festival is also a
chance for restaurants to strut their stuff.
A delight for the taste buds.
February 22–25
Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík. Dedicated to the theme of light and energy,
an exciting public festival celebrating
both winter and the growing light after
a long period of darkness.
February 19–21
Bursting time. Fill up before Lent, with
all the cream buns you can eat on “Bun
Monday” and oversized helpings of salted meat and mushy peas on “Bursting
Tuesday.” Then on Ash Wednesday,
watch the children dressed up in the
streets, singing and playing pranks.
March 1
Beer Day. Beer was only legalised in Iceland in 1989, and people celebrate the
big day in suitable style on the anniversary every year.
April 5–9
Easter. One of the peaks of the musical
year, with diverse concert programmes
plus chocolate eggs of huge proportions, smoked lamb and a time for families to relax together. The skiing season
peaks.
April 19
First Day of Summer. Icelanders welcome
the end of winter and start of summer –
a national holiday – with colourful parades and entertainment in the streets.
April–September
Trout fishing season in lakes and rivers
around the country.
April–October
Whale watching season. With thousands
of whales just off its shores, Iceland offers more chances of sightings than just
about anywhere else in the world.
May
Bird time. Puffins, Arctic terns and rarer
migrant birds zoom in from the south,
bringing summer with them.
May
The annual Reykjavík Arts Festival will be
held from May 10–26, with a varied programme of cultural events with leading
Icelandic and visiting artists. See
www.artfest.is.
28
June 15–17
Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður. More
than 100 Vikings from ten different
nations get together with about 60
Icelandic Vikings for a weekend of endless happenings and entertainment.
June 17
National Day. Icelanders take to the
streets to celebrate independence
(since 1944). Colourful ceremonies followed by parades, street theatre, sideshows and outdoor dancing in the midnight sun, all over the country.
June 21
Summer solstice. Gatherings to celebrate the magic of the midnight sun on
the longest day of the year.
June 20–23
Arctic Open International Golf Tournament. In Akureyri, just south of the Arctic
Circle, tee off at midnight in bright sunshine and play through the night in a
marvellous natural setting. Open midnight-sun tournaments are also held in
Reykjavík and the Westman Islands
(Vestmannaeyjar). See www.golf.is.
June–August
Marathon time. Fresh air and scenery
that’ll take your breath away, including:
Mývatn Midnight Sun Marathon (North
Iceland, June 22); Highland Marathon
(55 km of uninhabited landscapes between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk
nature reserves, South Highlands); and
Reykjavík International Marathon (several distances around the city, August 18).
open into the Saturday night nearest
that date; artistic events are staged in
the streets and at cafés, bars, and restaurants all over the capital, culminating
in a massive fireworks display.
July 27–29
Reykholt Music Festival. “Classical music
in a classic environment” in the beautiful
church in the West Iceland community
which was once the home of Saga writer
Snorri Sturluson.
September
Sheep round-up. Colourful and lively
time with plenty of song and merriment
all around the countryside. Held at sorting pens where farmers herd in the
sheep they have rounded up from summer grazing in the wilds.
August 4–6
Bank Holiday weekend. On the first
weekend in August, almost everyone
goes off to camp at festivals around the
country – everything from family events
to wild rock festivals.
Early August
Flight of the Puffling. A sight not to be
missed in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) off the south coast, when
millions of baby puffins leave their nests
and take wing for the first time.
August 10–12
Gay Pride. Gays and lesbians come out
in force and style to parade and party in
Reykjavík.
August 18
Culture Night in Reykjavík. To mark
Reykjavík’s anniversary on August 18,
bookstores, museums and galleries stay
way, with 13 separate Santa Clauses who
play pranks and sing in the beautifully
illuminated streets. Check out the delicious Christmas buffets and traditional
festive season delicacies such as
smoked lamb, ptarmigan and reindeer.
December 31
New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang,
with the biggest fireworks display you’ll
probably ever see – everyone takes
part. There are public bonfires, and the
merrymaking lasts right through to the
following year.
September–December
Cultural season and festivals. Concerts,
opera, ballet, drama, visual arts – you
name it, it’ll be on the season’s agenda
somewhere in Reykjavík. Every year
Reykjavík also hosts a Jazz Festival
(late Sept./early Oct. 2007), and the third
Reykjavík International Film Festival
(also late Sept./early Oct. 2007) offers
movie buffs a top-notch programme.
Both festivals are international events
with plenty of celebrated guests.
Icelandic Tourist Board:
City of Reykjavík information website:
The Reykjavík Arts Festival:
www.artfest.is
October
Iceland Airwaves Festival October 17–21.
This festival is fast gaining a reputation as
one of the best alternative music events
to go to and garnering praise from the
broadsheets and music magazines.
For more events:
www.culture.is
Local activities and events:
Consult websites listed on pp. 11–19.
The Grapevine paper has a regular
listing of all the upcoming concerts:
www.grapevine.is
Christmas
Icelanders go in for Christmas in a big
29
Guide to Hotels and Guesthouses
The following three pages contain information about accommodation in Iceland.
As is described in more detail in the
Practical Information section in this brochure, Iceland has recently introduced a
classification system for accommodation. Star ratings are included in the listings and advertisements where available.
Ármúli 9 • 108 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel.: +354-595-7000 • Fax: +354-595-7001
E-mail: [email protected]
www.parkinn.is
Radisson SAS Saga Hotel ★★★★
Skjaldbreið, Klöpp, Thingholt and Arnarhvoll
240 rooms in 4 first-class hotels in the heart
of Reykjavík’s city centre.
Central Booking Office
Laugavegur 16 • IS-101 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel.: +354-595-8500 • Fax: +354-595-8511
www.centerhotels.is
Hagatorg • 107 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel.: +354-525-9900 • Fax: +354-525-9909
www.radissonsas.is
Inns of Iceland
Affordable accommodation in the centre
of Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-562-4000 • Fax: +354-562-4001
E-mail: [email protected] • www.inns.is
Fosshotel Iceland
A chain of friendly tourist-class hotels
all around Iceland
Tel.: +354-562-4000 • Fax: +354-562-4001
E-mail: [email protected] • www.fosshotel.is
Hotel Leifur Eiríksson
Skólavörðustígur 45 • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-562-0800 • Fax: +354-562-0804
Hótel Edda
15 hotels around Iceland
Tel.: +354-444-4000 • Fax: +354-444-4001
E-mail: [email protected] • www.hoteledda.is
Icelandic Farm Holidays
A chain of 150 farms with 4,000 beds; country
hotels all around Iceland
Síðumúli 2 • IS-108 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799
www.farmholidays.is
KEAHOTELS ICELAND
Six hotels in key locations. Hótel Borg &
Hótel Björk in Reykjavík city, Hótel Kea, Hótel
Harpa & Hótel Norðurland in Akureyri and
Hótel Gígur by Lake Mývatn.
Head office:
Tel.: +354-460-2000 • Fax: +354-460-2060
www.keahotels.is
Hótel Keflavík ★★★★
Park Inn Island Reykjavík ★★★
CenterHotels
8 hotels around Iceland
Tel.: +354-444-4000 • Fax: +354-444-4001
www.icehotels.is
Accommodation outside Reykjavík
Sigtún 38 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-514-8000 • Fax: +354-514-8030
www.reykjavikhotels.is
Hotels in Reykjavík
Hotel Chains
Icelandair Hotels
REYKJAVÍK HOTELS
Hótel Óðinsvé ★★★★
Vatnsnesvegur 12 • 230 Keflavík (B4)
Tel.: +354-420-7000 • Fax: +354-420-7002
E-mail: [email protected] • www.kef.is
Hótel Borgarnes ★★★
Egilsgata 12-16 • 310 Borgarnes (B4)
Tel.: +354-437-1119 • Fax: +354-437-1443
www.hotelborgarnes.is
Hótel Búðir • 356 Snæfellsbær (A3)
Tel.: +354-435-6700 • Fax: +354-435-6701
E-mail: [email protected] • www.budir.is
Hótel Stykkishólmur (B3)
Borgarbraut 8 • 340 Stykkishólmur
Tel.: +354-430-2100 Fax: +354-430-2101
www.hotelstykkisholmur.is
Hótel Ísafjörður ★★★
Silfurtorg 2 • 400 Ísafjörður (B1)
Tel.: +354-456-4111 • Fax: +354-456-4767
www.hotelisafjordur.is
Árnanes – Guesthouse
IS-781 Höfn (F4)
Tel.: +354-478-1550 • Fax: +354-478-1819
E-mail: [email protected] • www.arnanes.is
Þórsgata 1 • 101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-511-6200 • Fax: +354-511-6201
www.hotelodinsve.is
Guesthouses in Reykjavík
Bolholt Guesthouse
Bolholt 6 • 105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-517-4050 • Fax: +354-517-4051
E-mail: [email protected] • www.bolholt.is
Guesthouse Borgartún
Borgartún 34 • 105 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel.: +354-511-1500 • Fax: +354-511-1511
E-mail: [email protected] • www.gjtravel.is
Luna Hotel Apartments
Spítalastígur 1 • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-511-2800 / +354-694-8585
Fax: +354-511-6201
E-mail: [email protected] • www.luna.is
Snorri’s Guesthouse
Snorrabraut 61 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-552-0598 • Fax: +354-551-8945
[email protected]
www.guesthousereykjavik.com
30
As described in more detail in the
Practical Information section of this
brochure, Iceland has a classification
system for accommodation.
Star ratings are included in the listings
and advertisements where available.
ICELANDIC
FARM HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
We offer various travel services such as:
Express - self drive: 6 days
Leisure - self drive: 12 days
Complete Iceland - self drive: 13 days
Included: Rental car of choice
Accommodation at farmhouses
SELF-DRIVE TOURS
Accommodation in 120 farms
Country hotels, guesthouses and farmhouses
Rooms with shared or private facilities
Fishing and hunting, Horse riding tours, Excellent cuisine
ICELANDIC FARM HOLIDAYS
Síðumúli 13 • 108 Reykjavík • Tel.: (+354) 570 2700 • Fax (+354) 570 2799
E-mail: [email protected] • www.farmholidays.is
www.airiceland.is | tel 570 3030
Fly with Air Iceland throughout the country for action packed day tours
KEFLAVÍK
BLUE LAGOON
Check out our brochure
contact us for reservations
tel 570 3030 | fax 570 3001
[email protected] | www.airiceland.is
89
43
230
58
72
42
10–40
Skjaldbreið ★★★★ 33 rooms
Klöpp ★★★
46 rooms
Thingholt
51 rooms
Arnarhvoll NEW 100 rooms
89
★★★★
In the heart of
Reykjavík. Within
walking distance of
all main attractions
in Reykjavik.
HOTEL REYKJAVIK CENTRUM
CENTERHOTELS
HOTEL ÓÐINSVÉ
Adalstraeti 16 • 101 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel.: +354-514 6000
Fax: +354-514 6030 • www.reykjavikhotels.is
Laugavegur 16 • 101 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel. +354-595 8500 • Fax +354-595 8511
E-mail [email protected] • www.centerhotels.is
Þórsgata 1 • 101 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel. +354-511 6200 • Fax +354-511 6201
E-mail [email protected] • www.hotelodinsve.is
209
313
119
650
130+110
70
10–470
SPA
208
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
GRAND HOTEL REYKJAVIK
Sigtun 38 • 105 Reykjavik (B4)
Tel.: +354-514 8000 • Fax: +354-514 8030
E-mail: [email protected] • www.reykjavikhotels.is
Hagatorg • 107 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel. +354-525 9900
E-mail [email protected] • www.radissonsas.is
Ármúli 9 • 108 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel. +354-595 7000
E-mail [email protected] • www.ParkInn.is
13
108
70
All apartments have fully
equipped kitchenette.
Free internet connection.
45
HOTEL REYKJAVIK
★★★
Raudararstigur 37 • 105 Reykjavik (B4)
Tel.: +354-514 7000 • Fax: +354-514 7030
E-mail: [email protected] • www.reykjavikhotels.is
BOLHOLT STUDIO APARTMENTS
LUNA HOTEL APARTMENTS
Bolholt 6 • 105 Reykjavík (B4)
Tel. +354-517 4050 • Fax +354-517 4051
E-mail [email protected] • www.bolholt.is
Spítalastígur 1 • City Center (B4)
Tel. +354-511 2800 • Fax +354-511 6201
E-mail: [email protected] • www.luna.is
Hotel
Hótel
Hotel-alberghi
70
36+44 36
36
Guesthouse
Pension
Auberge
Gjestgiveri
Pensionat
Pensioni
Albergue/Pensión
100
36
Next to the airport
HÓTEL KEFLAVÍK
★★★★
HOTEL ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Vatnsnesvegur 12–14 • 230 Keflavík (B4)
Tel: +354-420 7000 • Fax: +354-420 7002
E-mail [email protected] • www.hotelkeflavik.is
36
Open in summer
Nur während des Sommers geöffnet
Ouvert en été seulement
Åpent bare om sommeren
Åben om sommeren
Aperto solo in estate
Sólo abierto durante el verano
★★★
Silfurtorg • 400 Ísafjörður (B1)
Tel. +354-456 4111• Fax +354-456 4767
E-mail [email protected] • www.hotelisafjordur.is
1/04–1/11 80
75
70
300
100
5 min
walk
HOTEL BORGARNES
★★★
HÓTEL STYKKISHÓLMUR
Egilsgata 12-16 • 310 Borgarnes (B4) • Tel.: +354-437-1119
Fax: +354-437-1443 • E-mail: [email protected]
www.hotelborgarnes.is
Borgarbraut 8 • 340 Stykkishólmur (B3)
Tel. +354-4302100 • Fax: +354-4302101
[email protected] • www.hotelstykkisholmur.is
28
35
30–100
7
4–150
15km 20km
Internet access
HÓTEL BÚÐIR
ARNANES – COUNTRY HOTEL
365 Snæfellsbær (A3)
Tel. +354-435 6700 • Fax +354-435 6701
E-mail [email protected] • www.budir.is
781 Höfn (F4)
Tel. +354-478 1550 • Fax. +354-478 1819
[email protected] • www.arnanes.is
32
Number of seats in restaurant
Plätze im Restaurant
Nombre de couverts en salle
Sitteplasser i restauranten
Antal pladser i restaurant
Totale dei coperti in sala
Número de cubiertos en
el restaurante
Full service
Mit Bedienung
Service à table
Servering ved bord
Fuld service
Servizio al tavolo
Servicio de mesa
Restaurant
Ristorante
Restaurante
Open all year
Ganzjährig geöffnet
Ouvert toute l'année
Åpent hele året
Åben hele året
Aperto tutto l'anno
Abierto todo el año
Breakfast only
Nur Früstück
Petit dèjeuner seulement
Bare frokost
Kun morgenmad
Solo colazione
Sólo desayuno
Number of rooms
Zimmerzahl
Nombre des chambres
Antall rom
Antal værelser
Totale camere
Número de habitaciones
Licensed
Mit Weinausschank
Avec licence
Alkoholservering
Spiritusbevilling
Licenza per alcolici
Servicio de bebidas alcohólicas
Number of rooms with bath/shower
Anzahl der Zimmer mit Bad/Du.
Nombre de chambres avec bain/douche
Antall rom med bad/dusj
Antal værelser med bad/bruser
Numero di camere con bagno/doccia
Número de habitaciones con baño/ducha
Conference facilities
Konferenzanlagen
Salle de conférence
Konferansefasiliteter
Konferencefaciliteter
Sala conferenze
Sala de conferencias
All rooms with bath/shower
Alle Zimmer mit Bad/Du.
Toutes les chambres avec bain/douche
Alle rom me bad/dusj
På alle værelser findes bad/bruser
Tutte le camere con bagno/doccia
Todas las habitaciones con baño/ducha
Non-smoking rooms
Nichtraucherzimmer
Chambres non-fumeurs
Røkfrie rom
Værelser for ikke-rygere
Camera pe non fumatori
Habitaciones para los
no-fumadores
Room telephone
Telefon im Zimmer
Chambres avec téléphone
Telefon på rommet
Telefon på værelserne
Telefono in camera
Teléfono en la habitación
Sleeping-bag accommodation
Schlafsackunterkunft
Matelasses
Soveposeplass
Soveposeplads
Materasso – per sacco-a-pelisti
Facilidades/colchones para
sacos de dormir
Accessible for wheelchairs
Auch für Rollstuhlfahrer
Facilitès d'accès pour handicapès physiques
Fasiliteter for rullestolsbrukere
Faciliteter for kørestolsbrugere
Predisposto all'accesso disabili
Facilidades para los disminuidos físicos
TV in rooms
TV im Zimmer
Chambres avec TV
TV på rummet
TV på værelserne
Televisione in camera
Televisión en la habitación
Indoor swimming pool
Hallenbad
Piscine – interieure
Innendørs svømmebasseng
Indendørs swømmebassin
Piscina coperta
Piscina cubierta
Minibar in rooms
Minibar im Zimmer
Chambres avec Minibar
Minibar på rummet
Minibar på værelserne
Minibar in camera
Minibar en la habitación
Outdoor swimming pool
Freibad
Piscine – exterieure
Utendørs svømmebasseng
Udendørs swømmebassin
Piscina all'aperto
Piscina al alre libre
Tourist Menu
Touristen-Menus
Menu Touristique
Turistmeny
Touristmenu
Menú turistico
Menú turístico
40–45
Practical Information
Travel Facts
33
General Information
34
Tourist Information
35
Transportation
35
Tours
37
Activities
Accommodation
37
38
TRAVEL FACTS
Before you go
PASSPORT: A passport or other travel
document accepted by Icelandic authorities
valid at least three months beyond intended
stay is required for visitors to Iceland. Further
information at www.utl.is • e-mail: [email protected]
THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT: The
Schengen agreement took effect for Iceland
on March 26, 2001 and the following
countries participate in the Schengen
cooperation in addition to Iceland:Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece,
Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany.Travel
between above-mentioned countries will in
principle be without document check.
ATTENTION: Nationals of the following
countries do not require visas to travel to
Iceland as visitors (information from May
2004), although they do require valid travel
documents that are valid for three months
beyond their intended stay.All foreigners,
except citizens of EEA, will have to have
sufficient funds at the external borders for
their stay in the Schengen area and they will
have to have a valid return ticket or sufficient
funds for a return ticket to their country of
residence.
COUNTRIES EXEMPTED FROM
VISA REQURIMENTS: Andorra,
Argentina,Australia,Austria, Belgium, Bolivia,
Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala,
Honduras, Hong Kong (applicable for those
holding HKSAR passports), Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (applicable
for those holding MSAR passports), Malaysia,
Malta, Mexico (Holders of Mexican Diplomatic and Service Passports are obliged to be
in possession of a visa.), Monaco, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama,
Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San
Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Great
Britain (holders of British passports who
have a national passport, or a person holding
an identity card issued by the competent
authority and where the citizenship is stated
as “British Citizen” or “British National
Overseas” (BNO) and which is valid for
entry into Great Britain.), United States of
America, Uruguay, the Vatican and Venezuela.
VISAS: Anyone visiting Iceland for short
periods of time from a country with a visa
requirement for entering the country must
obtain a visa prior to arrival. Because any
Schengen state can now issue visas on behalf
of the others, the procedure for issuance has
become different. Questions of how to obtain
a visa should be addressed to The Icelandic
Directorate of Immigration. Schengen visas
should be obtained prior to arrival in the
Schengen area. In most instances, Nordic
embassies will handle visa applications on
behalf of Iceland.A visa normally grants the
holder a right to stay in the entire Schengen
region: Belgium, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Holland, Portugal, Germany,
Spain,Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway
and Sweden.A visa does not grant the right
to work in Iceland, unless immigration
authorities have explicitly granted the
applicant this right. It is a requirement for all
visa applicants that at the time of making the
application, the applicant resides legally in
the country from which the application is
submitted. Documents to be enclosed
with the application: A valid travel
document on which a visa may be affixed.
Where necessary, documents supporting the
purpose and the conditions of the planned
visit, guarantees of means of return and
means of subsistence, personal interviews
with applicants, two passport photos and
travel insurance.A list of embassies and
further information is updated on the
Icelandic Directorate of Immigration web
site http://www.utl.is
Arrival in Iceland
AIRPORT BUSES: service is operated
between Reykjavík and Keflavík
International Airport. Buses leave Reykjavík
from the BSÍ bus terminal 2 hours before
flight departure.The drive from the airport
to Reykjavík takes about 40-50 minutes.The
fare is ISK 1,100 one way for adults and ISK
550 one way for children 12-15 years.
AIRPORT TAXIS: Cab fare to Reykjavík
for a four-passenger taxi is approximately
ISK 10,000.
ARRIVAL IN SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR:
From Seyðisfjörður it is easy to take a bus to
all major destinations in Iceland.The trip
from Seyðisfjörður to Reykjavík takes about
8-9 hours and from Seyðisfjörður to
Akureyri about 5-6 hours. For information:
tel.: +354-472-1551 • [email protected] •
www.seydisfjordur.is
In Iceland
BUSINESS/SHOPPING/BANKING
HOURS: Office hours are generally 09:0017:00. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-
18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00
or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to
23:00 seven days a week or even 24 hours in
the largest towns. Banking hours are MonFri 09:15-16:00.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The
Icelandic monetary unit is the “króna.” Coins
are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10
kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Bank notes are in
denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr., 1000
kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide
foreign exchange and are generally open on
weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
TRAVELLERS’ CHEQUES, DEBIT
and CREDIT CARDS: Are widely accepted in Iceland.The major cards in Iceland
are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA.
SHOPPING: The shops in Iceland are of
international standard and carry a wide variety
of merchandise. Local specialities are woollen
knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans,
hats and mittens), handmade ceramics,
glassware and silver jewellery.Also available is
a great variety of high-quality seafood.
TAX-FREE SHOPPING: A refund of
local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to
all visitors in Iceland.The refund will result
in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail
price, provided departure from Iceland is
within 3 months after the date of purchase.
The purchase amount must be no less than
ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per store.All
goods (except woollens) need to be shown at
customs before check-in.At Keflavík airport
this applies only to tax-free forms whose
refund value exceeds ISK 5,000.All other
forms can be refunded directly in cash at
Landsbanki Íslands in the departure hall.
POST OFFICES: There are post offices
located in all major communities in Iceland.
General hours are: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:30.
Many post offices in Reykjavik are alos open
during the weekends. Information on
opening hours can bee found through
http://www.postur.is/english/index.html
TELEPHONES: Direct calls can be made
to all parts of Iceland.The code into Iceland
from overseas is +354 + seven-digit number.
Direct long-distance calls can be made to
Europe and the USA by dialling 00 plus the
country code, and the telephone number you
wish to reach.
MOBILE PHONES
GSM: There are two GSM operators in
Iceland: Siminn and Og Vodafone.Together
they cover most of Iceland including all
towns and villages with over 200 inhabitants.
These two telephone companies both sell
pre-paid GSM phone cards and offer
GSM/GPRS services. Pre-paid cards are
available at petrol stations around the
country. GSM phones may be rented from
Iceland Telecom, Ármúli 27, Reykjavík.
NMT: Siminn NMT long-range mobile
service covers most of Iceland, including the
interior highlands, and is suitable for those
who travel much in rural areas. NMT
telephones can be rented from Siminn,
Ármúli 27, Reykjavík.
CLIMATE: Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate:
cool in summer and fairly mild in winter.
However, the weather is very changeable and
tourists should be prepared for the unexpected.
2005 Temperature Averages in Celsius (Centigrade):
Reykjavík
Akureyri
Jan.
-0.2
-0.6
Feb.
1.5
0.8
Mar.
3.7
2.5
April
4.2
2.9
May
5.7
4.4
June
10.5
9.5
July
11.8
11.9
Aug.
10.5
9.5
Sep.
6.3
4.7
Oct.
3.0
1.0
Nov.
1.6
-0.3
Dec.
2.3
0.7
2005
5.1
3.9
WEATHER/CLOTHING: For weather
information in English,Tel.: 902-0600,
extension 44, E-mail: [email protected],
www.vedur.is/english.When travelling in
Iceland you should bring along lightweight
woollens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof
(weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking
shoes.Travellers who are camping or heading
into the interior will need warm underwear
and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping
bag.
MIDNIGHT SUN: During summer the
nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the
month of June the sun never fully sets in the
north.There are even special excursions to
the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle
where you can experience the midnight sun.
Keep in mind, however, that the sun at
midnight is not as warm as at midday, so
bring along a sweater.
Daylight (sunrise/sunset )
Reykjavík
Ísafjörður
Jan 1
Feb 1
Mar 1
Apr 1
May 1
June1
July1
Aug 1
11:19
15:44
10:09
17:15
08:36
18:45
06:47
20:18
05:01
21:51
03:23
23:30
03:04
23:57
04:33
22:33
12:02
15:11
10:30
17:03
08:47
18:46
06:48
20:27
04:50
22:12
02:43
00:22 *
––––
–––– *
04:15
23:00
Akureyri
11:32
15:00
10:06
16:46
08:25
18:26
06:28
20:06
04:34
21:48
02:35
23:49
01:55
00:33 *
04:00
22:35
Sep 1
06:08
06:06
05:47
20:45
20:57
20:36
Oct 1
07:35
07:42
07:21
18:58
19:01
18:42
Nov 1
09:09
09:26
09:04
17:12
17:05
16:47
Dec 1
10:44
11:19
10:52
15:49
15:23
15:10
Times marked with an asterisk (*) refer to
the following date.
Used with the kind permission of the
Almanac of the University of Iceland.
TIME: Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT) throughout the year, and does not go
on daylight saving time.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
HEALTH/PHARMACIES/
EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP:
Icelanders enjoy a healthy life, thanks to clean
air and water and quality fish.Water is safe to
drink throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are
called “Apótek” and are open during normal
business hours. Many are open at night.
Reykjavík has a great many general practitioners, as well as specialists, many of whom
will receive patients at short notice.There are
also many Health Centres in Reykjavík, with
officially appointed family doctors who receive patients at short notice during the day.
MEDICAL HELP: There is a medical
centre or a hospital in all major cities and
towns in Iceland.The emergency phone
number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Citizens of
Scandinavia have to show their passport in
case of medical emergency. Citizens of EEA
countries must have the European Health
Insurance Card (EU-card), otherwise the
patient will be charged in full.The EU-card
replaces the E-111 form and ensures the
same rights. Citizens of other countries will
be charged in full. For further information
contact the State Social Security Institute,
Laugavegur 114, IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-560-4400/560-4520
Fax: +354-562-5053
Office hours: 08:05-15:30.
VACCINATIONS: Vaccinations are not
required.
VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES:
Visitors with disabilities can make travelling
in Iceland fairly easy by planning their
vacation in advance.They may also find it
necessary to travel with a companion, for
although there are many hotels and restaurants
accessible to people with disabilities, they do
not always provide full assistance.A number
of hotels in Reykjavík and Akureyri have
rooms specially designed for guests with
disabilities. Larger department stores are
generally accessible to wheelchair users.The
coastal ferry Baldur is accessible to people
with disabilities and so is the ferry Herjólfur.
All airlines flying to and from Iceland are
equipped to accommodate travellers with
disabilities.A few domestic buses equipped
for wheelchair users are available for special
tours upon request. For accessible hotels and
tourist attractions, see www.sjalfsbjorg.is
EMERGENCY: The 24 hours emergency
phone number in Iceland is 112.
For information you can call the police
in Reykjavik (information only):
+354-444-1100. See also www.icesar.com
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Businesses, banks
and most stores are closed on these holidays:
2007
2008
Jan 1
New Year’s Day
Jan 1
Apr 5
Maundy Thursday
Mar 20
Apr 6
Good Friday
Mar 21
Apr 8
Easter Sunday
Mar 23
Apr 9
Easter Monday
Mar 24
Apr 19
First Day of Summer
Apr 24
May 1
Labour Day
May 1
May 17
Ascension Day
May 1
May 27
Whit Sunday
May 11
May 28
Whit Monday
May 12
June 17
National Day
June 17
Aug 6
Bank Holiday Monday
Aug 4
Dec 24 Christmas Eve (from noon) Dec 24
Dec 25
Christmas Day
Dec 25
Dec 26
Boxing Day
Dec 26
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve (from noon) Dec 31
RELIGION: The established religion in
Iceland is Lutheran.
TIPPING: Service and VAT are invariably
included in prices in Iceland.
ELECTRIC CURRENT: The electric
current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 HZ AC.
DRIVING IN ICELAND: Most
mountain roads and roads in the interior of
Iceland have a surface of loose gravel.The
surface on the gravel roads is often loose,
especially along the sides of the roads, so one
should drive carefully and slow down
whenever approaching an oncoming car.The
mountain roads are also often very narrow,
and are not made for speeding.The same
goes for many bridges, which are only wide
enough for one car at a time. In addition to
not having an asphalt surface, the mountain
roads are often very winding. Journeys therefore often take longer than might be expected.
For information on road conditions,
Tel.: +354-1777, daily 8:00-16:00.
www.vegagerdin.is.The total length of the
Ring Road around Iceland (national highway)
is 1,339 km.The general speed limit is 50
km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel
roads in rural areas, and 90 km/h on asphalt
roads.
PLEASE NOTE: special warning signs
indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends,
but there is generally not a separate sign to
reduce speed. Please choose a safe speed
according to conditions. Motorists are
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Please take great care when visiting the natural wonders of Iceland, such as geothermal areas, waterfalls and
glaciers. Always stay on defined paths and/or within safe distance.
34
obliged by law to use headlights at all times
day and night. In Iceland all driving off roads
or marked tracks is prohibited by law.
Passengers in the front and back seats of an
automobile are required by law to use safetybelts. Icelandic law forbids any driving under
the influence of alcohol.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE: A
“Green Card” or other proof of third-party
insurance is mandatory for motorists driving
their own cars in Iceland, except from the
following countries:Austria, Belgium, Croatia,
Channel Islands, the Czech Republic,
Cyprus, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland,
France, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco,
Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Vatican.
Drivers without a “Green Card” (or
equivalent) must buy separate third-party
insurance policy on arrival.
FILLING STATIONS: In the greater
Reykjavík area most filling stations are open
every day to 23:30. Opening hours around
the country, where the pumps are privately
operated, can vary from place to place. Many
stations in the Reykjavík area and larger
towns of Iceland have automats in operation
after closing, which accept VISA and EURO
credit cards as well as notes.
OPENING OF MOUNTAIN
TRACKS: Most mountain roads are closed
until the end of June, or even longer because
of wet and muddy conditions which make
them totally impassable.When these roads are
opened for traffic many of them can only be
negotiated by four-wheel-drive vehicles. For
some mountain tracks it is strongly advised
that two or more cars travel together.Also,
before embarking on any journey into the
interior collect as much information as
possible regarding road conditions from a
travel bureau, tourist information office or
the Public Roads Administration,
Tel.: +354-1777, daily 8:00-16:00,
www.vegagerdin.is.Always take along a
detailed map.
Average opening dates of some mountain tracks:
LAKAGÍGAR (F206) ..................... 12 June
FJALLABAKSLEIÐ NYRÐRI (F208):
Sigalda - Landmannalaugar.............. 12 June
Landmannalaugar - Eldgjá ............... 23 June
Skaftártunga - Eldgjá......................... 4 June
FJALLABAKSLEIÐ SYÐRI (F210)
Keldur - Hvanngil ......................... 30 June
Hvanngil - Skaftártunga ................. 30 June
LANDMANNALEIÐ (F225)
(DÓMADALUR)........................... 15 June
EMSTRUR (F261) ........................ 24 June
KJALVEGUR (F35)
Gullfoss - Hveravellir ..................... 11 June
Hveravellir - Blönduvirkjun ............. 2 June
SPRENGISANDUR (F26):
Hrauneyjar - Nýidalur .................... 27 June
Nýidalur – Bárðardalur.....................27 June
SKAGAFJÖRÐUR (F752) ............... 3 July
EYJAFJARÐARLEIÐ (F821).............6 July
ASKJA (F88):
Askja - Herðubreiðarlindir ...............19 June
Askja - Dreki ...................................20 June
ÖSKJUVATNSVEGUR (F894).......21 June
VESTURDALUR (HLJÓÐAKLETTAR)
(F862)..............................................8 June
KVERKFJALLALEIÐ (F902) ......... 19 June
UXAHRYGGJAVEGUR (F52).........5 June
KALDADALSVEGUR (F550) .........13 June
MAPS: Maps are necessary for visitors to
Iceland to ensure them an enjoyable and safe
journey. Ask for road maps and maps of
Iceland at local tourist offices, bookstores or
filling stations.
TOURIST INFORMATION
(Ferðamálaráð Íslands – Ferðamálastofa)
Lækjargata 3, Gimli
IS-101 Reykjavík Iceland.
Tel.: +354-535-5500 • Fax: +354-535-5501
Islands Turistråd
Strandgade 89, opgang C. 2. sal
1401 København K.
Tel.: +45-32-833-741 • Fax: +45-32-833-742
Isländisches Fremdenverkehrsamt
City Centre • Frankfurter-str. 181
D-63263 Neu-Isenburg, Germany.
Tel.: (6102) 25-44-84 • Fax: (6102) 25-45-70
655 Third Avenue • New York
N.Y. 10017, U.S.A
Tel.: (212) 885-9700 • Fax: (212) 885-9710
www.icelandtouristboard.com
For detailed information during your visit to
Iceland please contact tourist information
centres located throughout the country.
There are 44 tourist information centres in
Iceland. Eleven of them are partly financed
by the Icelandic Tourist Board and provide
both nationwide and regional information.
Tourist Information Centre
Aðalstræti 2 • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-590-1550 • Fax: +354-590-1551
V/Brúartorg • IS-310 Borgarnes
Tel.: +354-437-2214 • Fax: +354-437-2314
E-mail: [email protected] • www.west.is
Aðalstræti 7 • IS-400 Ísafjörður
Tel.: +354-450-8060 • Fax: +354-456-5185
E-mail: [email protected] • www.vestfirdir.is
Varmahlíð • IS-560 Varmahlíð
Tel.: +354-455-6161
www.visitskagafjordur.is
Hafnarstræti 82 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-550-0720 • Fax: +354-550-0721
E-mail: [email protected] • www.nordurland.is
Kaupvangur 10, P.O. Box 144
IS-700 Egilsstaðir
Tel.: +354-471-2320 • Fax: +354-471-1863
E-mail: [email protected] • www.east.is
Ferjuleiri 1 • IS-710 Seyðisfjörður
Tel.: +354-472-1551
GSM: +354-861-7789
[email protected] • www.seydisfjordur.is
Nýheimar • IS-780 Höfn (Hornafjörður)
Tel.: +354-478-1500 • Fax: 478-1607
www.east.is
Sunnumörk 2–4 • IS-810 Hveragerði
Tel.: +354-483-4601 • Fax: +354-483-4604
www.southiceland.is
Keflavík Airport • Leifsstöð
IS-235 Keflavík
Tel.: +354-425-0330 • +354-421-6723
Fax: +354-421-4667
www.reykjanes.is
Kjarninn • Hafnargata 57 • 230 Keflavík
Tel.: +354-421-6777 • Fax: +354-421-3150
www.reykjanes.is
TRANSPORTATION
How to get to Iceland by air
In addition to normal one-way and return
fares a number of attractive excursion and
family fares are available, as well as group
fares for various sizes of groups.Air fares also
differ between seasons. For full details of fares
and services contact your local travel agent
or any airline office.
Approximate flight times from several cities:
Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt, Paris,
Amsterdam to Reykjavik..........approx: 3 hrs
New York, Boston, Baltimore,
Minneapolis to Reykjavik .....approx: 5-6 hrs
Icelandair maintains regular scheduled
flights to Iceland from the following cities:
ALL YEAR: London, Glasgow, Copenhagen,
Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm,Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Baltimore, Boston, Minneapolis, New York and Orlando. Summertime
only: Barcelona, Berlin, Helsinki, Madrid,
Milan, Munich, Zürich and San Francisco.
Addresses of Icelandair offices:
www.icelandair.net
Iceland – Icelandair head office
IS-103 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-505-0100 • Fax: +354-505-0150
Denmark – Frederiksberggade 23.3rd floor
DK-1459 Copenhagen K
Tel.: 33 70 22 00 • Fax: 33 70 22 01
USA – 5950 Symphony Woods Road
Suite 410 • Columbia • Maryland 21044
Tel.: (1) 410 715 1600 • Fax: (1) 410 715 3547
35
England – Adam House, 2nd Floor,
1 Fitzroy Square • London W1T 5HE
Tel.: (207) 874-1000 • Fax: (207) 387-5711
Germany – Weißfrauenstr. 12-16
60311 Frankfur/M
Tel.: (069) 299978 • Fax: (069) 283872
France – 12 rue Vignon, 3rd floor
F-75009 Paris
Tel.: (1) 445-16051 • Fax: (1) 426-51752
Finland – Fredrikinkatu 25A 25, 6th floor
FIN-00120 Helsinki
Tel.: (358) 9 612 6070
Fax: (358) 9 612 60760
Netherland – Muntplein 2,
NL-1012 WR Amsterdam
Tel.: + 31 (0) 20 521 3955
Fax: + 31 (0) 20 623 8010
Spain – Agustín de Bethencourt 13.
Oficina B • E-28003 Madrid
Tel.: (34) 91-5357426 • Fax: (34) 91-5357428
Japan – K.K Viking
3-20-8 Naka-Meguro
Megurro-ku,Tokyo 153-0061, Japan
Tel.: +81(0)3-3719-9340
Fax: +81(0)3-3719-9341
China – Landmark Tower 1, Room 1310
8 North Dongsanhuan Road
Chaoyang District • Beijing 100004, China
Tel.: +86-10-6590-6699 ext. 680
Taiwan – Overseas Travel Service
2nd floor no. 129, Chang-chun Road
Taipei,Taiwan, 104
Tel.: +886-2-511-6188
Fax: +886-2-523-0626
Hong Kong - Incola Air Services Ltd.
Unit A, 6/F.Wah Kit Commercial Centre,
300-302 Des Voeuz Road Central
Hong Kong. China
Tel.: +852-2866-8826
Fax: +852-2527-7837
Thailand – Magella Corporation Ltd.
2002,Two Pacific Place, 20th Floor
142 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey
Bangkok 10110
Tel.: 66-2-653-2050 • Fax: 66-2-653-2056-7
Israel – ETS Avia Ltd.
32 Ben Yehuda Street, 6th Floor
Tel aviv 63805
Tel.: 972-3-6205641/654
Fax: 972-3-6205644
Iceland Express is Iceland’s only low-fare
airline and maintains regular scheduled
flights to Iceland from the following cities:
All year: London (Stansted), Copenhagen,
Berlin and Frankfurt (Hahn).
Summer: Stockholm, Gothenburg,
Friedrichshafen and Alicante.
Iceland Express also operates flights between
Copenhagen and Akureyri.
Iceland Express head office
Efstaland 26 • IS-108 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-5-500-600 • Fax: +354-5-500-601
www.icelandexpress.com
Call centre in the United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-0870-240-5600
Call centre in Denmark
Tel.: +45-3538-3600
Call centre in Germany
Tel.: +49-6543-507-600
Call centre in Sweden
Tel.: +46-(0)-867-60060
British Airways
www.britishairways.com
Scandinavian Airlines
www.scandinavian.net
Domestic Transportation –
by Air
Air Iceland offers scheduled service to most
parts of the country. For further information
please contact the following:
Air Iceland
Reykjavík Airport • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-570-3030 • Fax: +354-570-3001
www.airiceland.is
AIR ICELAND PASSES: Four-, five- and
six-sector passes valid on any segment operated
by Air Iceland.This arrangement is valid year
round.There is no minimum time limit but
the trip must be completed within 30 days.
The AIR ICELAND PASS is sold by all
Icelandair offices abroad.Also look for “Fly
As You Please” which offers 12 days’, unlimited
travel on all Air Iceland domestic routes.
INTERNET OFFERS: New internet
offers every week.
CHARTER SERVICE: Several air carriers
offer charter service and sightseeing flights:
Air Iceland
Tel.: +354-570-3030 • Fax: +354-570-3001
www.airiceland.is
How to get to Iceland by sea
SMYRIL LINE maintains throughout the
year a regular scheduled cruise- and car-ferry
service to Iceland from Hanstholm in
Denmark,Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands and
Bergen in Norway. Please contact the head
office or see www.smyril-line.com for
further information on sales offices and
General Sales Agents abroad.
Smyril Line p/f
J. Broncksgøta 37
P.O.Box 370 • FO-110 Tórshavn
Tel.: +298-345-900 • Fax: +298-345-950
www.smyril-line.com
Ferries
Ferry Baldur
Smiðjustígur 3 • IS-340 Stykkishólmur
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050
E-mail: [email protected] • www.seatours.is
36
Sæfari Ferry – Landflutningar Samskip
Ránarbraut 2b • IS-620 Dalvík
Tel.: +354-458-8970 • Fax: +354-458-8971
www.landflutningar.is/saefari/
www.saefari.is
Domestic Excursions and
Transportation – by Bus
There is an extensive bus service to most
parts of the country and to the highlands, as
well as a large number of organised bus
tours. Reservations are not necessary and
tickets can be bought either at the bus station
or from the driver. Children under 4 travel
free of charge, and half price is charged for
children from 4-11.
EXCURSIONS:
Reykjavík Excursions
Vesturvör 6 (head office) • IS-200 Kópavogur
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
E-mail: [email protected] • www.re.is
Iceland Excursions – Gray Line Iceland
Höfðatún 12 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310
www.icelandexcursions.is • www.grayline.is
TREX – Travel Experiences
Hestháls 10 • IS-110 Reykjavík
Kaldbaksgata 1 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
E-mail: [email protected] • www.trex.is
COACH HIRE:
For hiring of coaches contact the following:
Guðmundur Jónasson LTD
Borgartún 34 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-511-1515 • Fax: +354-511-1511
E-mail: [email protected] • www.gjtravel.is
Hópbílar hf.
Melabraut 18 • IS-220 Hafnarfjör_ur
Tel.: +354-599-6000 • Fax: +354-599-6001
www.hopbilar.is
SBA – Norðurleið
Hjalteyrargata 10 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-550-0700 / 550-0770
Fax: +354-550-0701 / 550-0771
E-mail: [email protected] • www.sba.is
Teitur Jónasson – Bus Rental
Dalvegur 22 • IS-201 Kópavogur
Tel.: +354-515-2700 • Fax: +354-515-2707
E-mail: [email protected] • www.teitur.is
Car Rentals
There are several car rental agencies in
Iceland. Cars can be booked through a travel
agent or an airline, at airports or directly after
arrival in Iceland. Many types of cars are
available, from small family cars to powerful
4-wheel-drive vehicles.
Avis Car Rental
Knarrarvogur 2 • IS-104 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-591-4000
Fax: +354-591-4040
E-mail: [email protected] • www.avis.is
Budget Car Rental
Dugguvogur 10 • IS-104 Reykjavík,
Tel.: +354-562-6060 • Fax: +354-562-6061
E-mail: [email protected] • www.budget.is
Hertz Car Rental
Tel.: +354-50-50-600 • Fax: +354-50-50-650
www.hertz.is • www.hertz.com
National Car Rental – Bílaleiga Akureyrar
Tryggvabraut 12 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-461-6000• Fax: 354-462-6476
www.nationalcar.is
TOURS
Iceland offers a great variety of tours, some
covering large parts of the country, others
small areas at a time.There are traditional
tours as well as tours quite different from
what can be experienced elsewhere.There are
nature tours with striking landscapes, young
lava fields, roaring waterfalls and majestic
glacial ice-caps. In addition, there are
organised day tours, and weekend and holiday
tours all year round with Icelandic touring
clubs where the emphasis is on hiking.
Travelling into the uninhabited interior of
Iceland is limited to the months of July and
August, except for some specially organised
winter tours (see section on opening of the
mountain tracks).Winter tours in Iceland are
unforgettable: there is skiing for both
beginners and the experienced, glacier tours
on snowmobile or snowcats, and ice-fishing.
Iceland Tours
Skógarhlíð 18 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-591-9010 • Fax: +354-591-9001
www.icelandtours.is
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
Organised Tours
During the main tourist season, a variety of
tours is available, lasting from a few days up
to three weeks.There are hotel tours,
camping tours, hiking tours, geological tours,
bird-watching tours, bicycling tours, air
tours, historical tours, glacier tours, horseback riding tours or a combination of these.
For booking please contact Icelandair offices
or any authorized travel agency listed below.
Authorised Travel Agencies
and Tour Operators
Arinbjörn Jóhannsson Erlebnistouren
Brekkulækur • IS-531 Hvammstangi
Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998
www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur
Atlantik
Grandagarður 14 • 101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-575-9900
Fax: +354-575-9915
E-mail: [email protected] • www.atlantik.is
Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310
Discover the World Ísland ehf.
Stangarhylur 1 • IS-110 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-561-3200 • Fax: +354-561-3223
E-mail: [email protected] • www.dtw.is
Guðmundur Jónasson Travel
Borgartún 34 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-511-1515 • Fax: +354-511-1511
www.gjtravel.is
Erlingsson Naturreisen
Tjarnargata 4 • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-551-9700 • Fax: +354-551-9703
wwww.naturreisen.is
Iceland Travel
Lágmúli 4 • IS-108 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-585-4300 • Fax: +354-585-4390
www.icelandtravel.is • www.icelandtotal.com
Icelandic Farm Holidays - IFH-Tours
Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799
www.farmholidays.is
Ísafold Travel – Small group tours
Suðurhraun 2b • IS-210 Garðabær
Tel.: +354-544-8866 • Fax: +354-544-8869
www.isafoldtravel.is
Íshestar Travel
Sörlaskeið 26 • IS-220 Hafnarfjörður
Tel.: +354-555-7000 • Fax: +354-555-7001
E-mail: [email protected] • www.ishestar.is
Vesturvör 6 (head office) IS-200 Kópavogur
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
Snæland Grímsson Tour Operator
Langholtsvegur 115 • IS-104 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-588-8660 • Fax: +354-588-8661
www.snaeland.is
Teitur Jónasson Ltd. – Iceland Nature Tours
Dalvegur 22 • IS-201 Kópavogur
Tel.: +354-515-2700 • Fax: +354-515-2707
E-mail: [email protected] • www.teitur.is
Terra Nova
Skógarhlíð 18 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-591-9010 • Fax: +354-591-9001
www.terranova.is
Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
West Tours – Tours in the West Fjords
Aðalstræti 7 • IS-400 Ísafjörður
Tel.: +354-456-5111 • Fax: +354-456-5185
www.vesturferdir.is
ACTIVITIES
Iceland is an ideal destination for today’s active
tourist.The following is a list of some of the
many activities available (see also table below).
Activity Vacations
Activity vacations are offered all over
Iceland.These vacations may feature river
rafting, hiking, glacier tours, fishing,
horseback riding, boat tours, whale
watching, swimming and summer skiing.
For further information contact:
Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310
Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
IS-240 Grindavík
Tel.: +354-420-8800 • Fax: +354-420-8801
www.bluelagoon.com
Húsavík Whale Museum
Hafnarstétt • IS-640 Húsavík
Tel.: +354-464-2520
E-mail: [email protected] • www.icewhale.is
Vesturvör 6 (head office) IS-200 Kópavogur
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
SBA – Norðurleið
Hjalteyrargata 10 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-550-0700 / 550-0770
Fax: +354-550-0701 / 550-0771
E-mail: [email protected] • www.sba.is
Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
Dolphin & Whale-spotting
Elding Whale Watching
Ægisgarður – Reykjavík Harbour
Tel.: +354-555-3565 • Fax: +354-554-7420
E-mail: [email protected] • www.elding.is
Gentle Giants
Harbour side – Túntaga 6 • IS-640 Húsavík
Tel.: +354-464-1500 • Fax: +354-464-1501
www.gentlegiants.is
Seatours
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050
The Original Whale Watching in Húsavík –
North Sailing
Gamli baukur • IS-640 Húsavík
Tel.: +354-464-2350 • Fax: +354-464-2351
www.northsailing.is
Birdwatching
Some places in Iceland are a paradise for
birdwatchers. Látrabjarg in the West Fjords is
the largest bird cliff known in the world.
A great variety of cliff-nesting species can be
found there, including the largest razorbill
colony in the world.The Westman Islands are
known for many kinds of seabirds, and are
home to Iceland’s largest puffin population.
Lake Mývatn in the north has more species
of breeding ducks than any other place in
Europe.The great skua colony on the sands
in south Iceland is the largest in the world.
Seabirds such as puffins can be seen in many
places, as well as eiders,Arctic terns, waders
and passerine birds. Some tour operators
organise tours for birdwatchers in early
summer.
37
Seatours
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050
Hiking
More than half of Iceland is over 400 m
above sea level, and a large part of the island
is covered by lava, glaciers, lakes and sand.
Several places in Iceland have marked
walking paths, and hiking is a favourite
pastime for Icelanders and tourists alike.
Tourist information centres give information
on hiking paths in their area. Many travel
agencies also organise hiking tours during
winter and summer alike.
Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998
Erlingsson Naturreisen
Tjarnargata 4 • IS-101 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-551-9700 • Fax: +354-551-9703
www.naturreisen.is
Tel.: +354-580-5400
Fax: +354-564-4776
Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
Horse Riding
Numerous farms and tour operators
throughout Iceland offer horse riding tours
from 1 hour up to 10 days. Please note that
all equestrian equipment must be disinfected
before arrival. For further information please
contact travel agencies and those mentioned
below.
Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998
Íshestar Riding Tours
Sörlaskeið 26 • IS-220 Hafnarfjörður
Tel.: +354-555-7000 • Fax +354-555-7001
E-mail: [email protected] • www.ishestar.is
Polar Horses
Grýtubakki 2 • IS-601 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-463-3179 • Fax: +354-463-3144
www.polarhestar.is
Skiing
Winter skiing is available in many parts of
the country. Skiing resorts with both crosscountry and downhill skiing are found
throughout Iceland.
Cycling
Bikes can be rented in Reykjavík and in
various places around Iceland. For further
information on biking tours please contact
travel agencies or tourist information centres.
Fishing and Hunting
Iceland is famous for its salmon and trout
fishing.The main season for salmon fishing is
from around June 20th to mid-September.
Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to the
next, but the normal season is from April/May
until late September/October. During winter,
ice-fishing is quite popular. For salmon fishing,
permits must be reserved well in advance, but
trout fishing permits can be obtained at short
notice, often the same day.
Sea Angling
Sea angling is also becoming a popular sport
in Iceland.The season begins late in May and
lasts until the end of August with several
tournaments in different parts of the country.
For further information please contact local
tourist information centres and travel
agencies as well as:
Seatours
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050
Glacier tours with
snowmobiles or snowcats
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
Golf
All the major golf courses in Iceland are
open to visitors. Green fees are moderate.
Midnight Golf in Iceland – The Arctic Open:
At Akureyri Golf Club in the north, golf can
be played with the sun shining at midnight.
At the end of June a 36-hole open
international match is held.Tee-off is just
before midnight and playing continues until
the early hours of the morning. For further
information contact local tourist information
centres and travel agencies or see
http://www.arcticopen.is • See also
www.golf.is
Reykjavík Marathon
The Reykjavík Marathon is an international
and annual event.The Reykjavík Marathon
will be held onAugust 18th 2007 and August
23rd 2008. www.reykjavikmarathon.com
Swimming
Swimming is a very popular activity all year
round in Iceland. Most towns and villages
have outdoor or indoor swimming pools
filled with water from natural hot springs.
The mean temperature of the water in the
pools is about 29 degrees Celsius. In many
places there are also saunas, a jacuzzi,
solariums and hot pots with temperatures
ranging from 36 to 44 degrees Celsius.
ACCOMMODATION
Classification
All lodging facilities in Iceland have the opportunity to be classified.The classification is
voluntary and is divided into five categories,
i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars, and is by no means an
all-embracing assessment of the quality of the
accommodation in question.
38
It is solely based on factors which can be
objectively measured.The grading consists of
more than 100 different items.
The Icelandic Tourist Board is in charge of
the classification. Look for the blue-red sign
placed near the entrance which indicates the
present classification of the facility.
For further information see
www.visiticeland.com.
Two stars:
Guesthouse Baldursbrá
Guesthouse Ólafsvík
Guesthouse Sigríður
Guesthouse Snorri
Hotel Edda Laugar in Sælingsdalur
Hotel Edda Akureyri
Hotel Edda Eiðar
Hotel Edda ÍKÍ Laugarvatn
Hotel Edda Laugarbakki
Hotel Edda M.L. Laugarvatn
Hotel Edda Egilsstaðir
Hótel Edda Ísafjörður
Hotel Edda Nesjaskóli
Hotel Edda Neskaupstaður
Hotel Edda Skógar
Hotel Edda Stórutjarnir
Hótel Gígur – Kea Hotel
Hotel Harpa – Kea Hotel
Hótel Tangi (Hotel Edda)
Inns of Iceland – Flóki Inn
The Old Guesthouse Ísafjörður
VEG Guesthouse
Three stars:
CenterHotel Klöpp
Country Hotel Anna
Country Hotel Þórisstaðir
Fosshotel Baron
Fosshotel Húsavík
Fosshotel Lind
Guesthouse Staðarskáli
Hotel Björk – Kea Hotel
Hotel Borgarnes
Hotel Edda Plus Akureyri
Hotel Edda Plus Hellissandur
Hotel Edda Plus Laugar in Sælingsdalur
Hotel Edda Plus Vík í Mýrdal
Hotel Frón
Hotel Höfn
Hotel Ísafjörður
Hotel Norðurland – Kea Hotel
Hotel Ólafsvík
Hotel Rauðaskriða
Hotel Reykjavík – Reykjavík Hotels
Hotel Tindastóll
Hotel Þórshamar
Icelandair Hotel Flúðir
Icelandair Hotel Hamar
Icelandair Hotel Hérað
Icelandair Hotel Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Metropolitan Hotel
Park Inn Island
Sel Hotel Mývatn
Four stars:
CenterHotel Skjaldbreið
Grand Hotel Reykjavík – Reykjavík Hotels
Hotel Borg
Hotel Kea – Kea Hotel
Hotel Keflavík
Icelandair Hotel Flughotel
Icelandair Hotel Loftleiðir
Icelandair Nordica Hotel
Icelandair Hotel Rangá
Hotel Óðinsvé
Hotel Reynihlíð
Radisson SAS Hotel Saga
Radisson SAS 1919
>/(3,>(;*/05.
Your Natural
Starting Point
Day tours from Reykjavík
• Guided quality tours all year
Scheduled bus service
in South Iceland
• Flexibility in travel
Þórsmörk Nature Reserve
• Spectacular nature
• Hiking routes
• Accommodation
Hop On – Hop Of
• Reykjavik City tours
ICELANDIC AD AGENCY/SIA.IS KYN 33735
Special offers for groups
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Hotels and Guesthouses
x
Voyages Jules Verne
www.vjv.com
0845 166 7000
x
x
Yes
www.yes-travel.com
01778 424499
x
x
Taber Holidays
www.taberhols.co.uk
01274 594 642
x
x
Icelandair Holidays
www.icelandair.co.uk
0870 787 4044
Cresta
www.crestaonline.co.uk
0870 767 0900
Thomas Cook Signature
www.tcsignature.com
0870 443 4434
Wedding
x
Tailor made tours
x
x
Sports groups
x
020 7554 3530
Self catering
01983 864212
www.scantours.co.uk
School groups
www.regent-holidays.co.uk
Scantours
Motoring holidays
Regent Holidays
Iceland specialists
x
Hotel holidays
x
Group travel
x
Golfing
x
Fly/drive
Coach Tours
01737 214214
Operator
Farmhouse holidays
City break
www.discover-the-world.co.uk
by selected operators in UK
NOTE: Prices are subject to change.
All efforts have been made to verify that
information in this brochure is correct as of
July 1, 2006.The lists of services are not
always complete.
Cycling/Angling
Telephone
Discover the World
Holidays to Iceland offered
Hostelling International Iceland
Sundlaugavegur 34 • IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-553-8110 • Fax: +354-588-9201
Website: www.hostel.is
CAMPING: There are around 110 registered campsites in Iceland. Camping grounds
are normally open from the beginning of
June until the end of August or middle of
September depending on location.The price
for camping in Iceland varies depending on
facilities available or from approx. USD 5-7.
Travellers may set up hiking tents for an
overnight stay in Iceland. However, the permission of the landowner or other right
holders should be sought before camping.
Travellers are advised to use the designated
campsites when possible. Special accommodation/camping brochure is available for
pickup at tourist information centres.
Cruises
Webpage
Camping&Caravan
brochure “The Ideal Holiday – Icelandic
Farm Holidays” or contact the
Icelandic Farm Holidays
Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799.
www.farmholidays.is
NOTE:The Icelandic Tourist Board
acknowledges and aproves the classification
system used by the Icelandic Farmholidays
Association. For further information see
www.farmholidays.is
HOSTELS: There are 27 Hostelling International Hostels around Iceland, open to
people of all ages.They offer budget accommodation in a clean and comfortable lodging
with opportunity for self-service, so travellers
can keep travelling cost at a minimum.All
the hostels have a well-equipped guest kitchen and family rooms.The Travel Section arranges travels in Iceland and provides different tours.The Travel Section also offers packages which consist of rental car or bus tickets
and hostel overnight vouchers.The Travel
Section is a central booking office for all
Hostelling International Hostels in Iceland
for individuals and groups. For further information see the brochure “Hostelling in Iceland” or contact
Accommodation only
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all
tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious
to the simple and sufficient. Several travel
agencies and airlines have special accommodation offers which can only be purchased
outside Iceland. Children’s discounts are also
widely available. Contact your booking office
for further information. Prices for a single
room with shower/bath range from USD
50-170 (breakfast is usually included), and for
a double room with shower/bath from USD
70-230 (breakfast is usually included).
FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATION:
Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of 150
farms around Iceland offering travellers
accommodation and a variety of services.
The members are farmers who offer
accommodation to travellers in their homes,
guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages.
Travellers can choose from Bed & Breakfast
in rooms with shared or private facilities or
sleeping-bag accommodation. Cottages are
rented by week or daily basis. Some activities
offered at farms are horseback riding, fishing,
hiking, golf, hunting, glacier tours,ATV-tours
and sheep roundup in autumn.
Icelandic Farm Holidays also offer guided
tours and independent self-drive tours. For
further information and bookings see the
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Thomson Cities and Short Breaks
www.thomson.co.uk
0870 606 1476
x
x
x
x
Inghams - Eurobreak
www.eurobreak.co.uk
0208 780 7700
x
x
x
x
Exodus
www.exodus.co.uk
020 86755550
Explore Worldwide
www.explore.co.uk
0870 333 4001
Original Travel
www.originaltravel.co.uk
020 7978 7333
x
x
x
x
x
x
Gold Medal Travel
www.goldmedal.co.uk
0870 606 4002
x
x
Travel 2/4
www.travel4.com
0870 6082444
x
x
Roxtons
www.roxtons.com
01488 689701
x
Titan HiTours
www.titanhitours.co.uk
01293 440033
x
The Group Travel Company
www.thegtc.co.uk
01253 503040
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
www.rayburntours.co.uk
01332 347828
Best Served Holidays
www.best-served.co.uk
020 3119 3022
x
x
Vamos Travel
www.vamostravel.com
0870 762 4017
x
x
x
Cosmos
www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk
0871 4238422
x
x
Cox & Kings
www.coxandkings.co.uk
0207 873 5000
x
Collette Worldwide
www.colletteworldwide.com
0800 804 8701
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Rayburn Tours
40
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Think of a City
Remove
Then add
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
wellness
nature
inspiration
fun
intimacy
space
ÍSLENSKA AUGLÝSINGASTOFAN/SIA.IS HBS 33951 08/2006
crowds
traffic
noise
pollution
stress
pressure
Reykjavík Pure Energy
Reykjavík is an enchanting place characterised by strong
contrasts. Conveniently small, clean and safe, Reykjavík
feels like a cosmopolitan capital and a tiny seaside village
– all wrapped up in one.
Visit Reykjavík and experience the pure energy at the heart
of Iceland´s capital city. Whether to feel the boiling energy
underground or experience its thermal pools, lively culture
and fun-filled nightlife, you should be in for a memorable
visit.
Visit Reykjavík - Adalstraeti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Iceland - Tel. +354 590 1500 - Fax 590 1501 www.visitreykjavik.is - [email protected]
HELSINKI
STOCKHOLM
SAN FRANCISCO
OSLO
ICELAND
REYKJAVIK
COPENHAGEN
BERLIN
FRANKFURT
MUNICH
AMSTERDAM
MILAN
ZURICH
GLASGOW
PARIS
MANCHESTER
LONDON
MINNEAPOLIS – ST. PAUL
BARCELONA
MADRID
BALTIMORE –
WASHINGTON
BOSTON
NEW YORK
ORLANDO
TAKE A BREAK FROM THIS WORLD.
STOPOVER IN ICELAND
AT NO ADDITIONAL COST IN AIRFARE
Icelandair´s unique route system structured around the Mid-Atlantic
hub airport at Reykjavik Iceland offers problem-free and time-saving
daily flights between Europe and North America. When flying
Icelandair across the North Atlantic, our passengers can also take
a break in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional cost in airfare.
+ For up-to-date information on flight schedules, packages
and latest offers, visit us at www.icelandair.net
WWW.ICELANDAIR.NET

Enska FMS 2007

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