Iceland Travel Essentials
Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for the Golden Circle and Reykjavik; 10-14 days for a more extensive exploration of the Ring Road
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Best Time: June to August (Summer) for milder weather
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $25-50
Budget: $70-150
Mid-range: $180-300
Luxury: $350 and above
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $50-80
Visa Policy for Indians: Schengen Visa (if visiting along with other Schengen countries)
Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries
Getting Around Iceland: Rental cars, buses, guided tours, domestic flights for remote areas
"For the offbeat traveller"
Iceland Tourism
Amongst the most coveted travel destinations, Iceland is one of the most surreal and magnificent countries in the world. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it offers amazingly dramatic and breath-taking landscapes and exotic natural phenomena. Summer is the best time to visit, owing to the mild temperatures and a plethora of available activities from hiking fjords to playing golf at midnight. However, no time is a bad time to visit this spectacular snow-covered country.
Tourist Places to Visit In Iceland
Best time to visit Iceland
Summers from June - August is the best time to visit Iceland because of the warm, balmy weather and the phenomenal Midnight Sun. It is indeed a spectacular time, with pleasant temperatures and prolonged daylight hours that enable you to see as much as you can.
Despite the unpredictable weather, Iceland has four distinct seasons. The country of mystical landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas has a somewhat misguided image of being a constantly freezing destination. In reality, it experiences a much milder climate, with no drastic changes between the summer and winter temperatures. Iceland is situated on top of one of Earth’s many hot spots, owing to which, the country boasts of phenomenal geothermal activity. It has an abundance of hot springs, mud pools, geysers and volcanoes. If you’re looking for a combination of moderately good weather and lesser crowds, then you can consider early spring or late fall. Guaranteed darkness and cold, clear nights during winter make Iceland an ideal place to see the aurora borealis. The best time to catch the Northern Lights would be from late September through late March. This is the time when most music and arts festival takes place in Reykjavik.
Despite the unpredictable weather, Iceland has four distinct seasons. The country of mystical landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas has a somewhat misguided image of being a constantly freezing destination. In reality, it experiences a much milder climate, with no drastic changes between the summer and winter temperatures. Iceland is situated on top of one of Earth’s many hot spots, owing to which, the country boasts of phenomenal geothermal activity. It has an abundance of hot springs, mud pools, geysers and volcanoes. If you’re looking for a combination of moderately good weather and lesser crowds, then you can consider early spring or late fall. Guaranteed darkness and cold, clear nights during winter make Iceland an ideal place to see the aurora borealis. The best time to catch the Northern Lights would be from late September through late March. This is the time when most music and arts festival takes place in Reykjavik.
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Holidify's opinion on Travel to Iceland
What's Great about Travelling to Iceland?
Extraordinary sights. Spectacular landscapes. Unique cultural practices. Distinguished cuisine.
What's Not So Great about Travelling to Iceland?
Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Rough, difficult to scale terrains. Remote and hence, expensive. Hard to reach.
Who should Travel to Iceland?
Adventure-seekers. Offbeat travellers.
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Exchanging Money in Iceland
Money can be exchanged at Landsbankinn bank. While most hotels also exchange currency, banks offer a better rate. Hra_banki or ATMs and Cashpoints can be easily found in cities and towns. It is advised to exchange one's money into ISK in Iceland itself, and re-exchange any extra cash before leaving as foreign banks may not offer the service.
Nightlife in Iceland
Reykjav’k is possibly the best city in Iceland to witness and enjoy the thriving nightlife of the country. Almost all the bars are concentrated in and around Laugavegur- the main shopping street in downtown Reykjav’k area which is divided into two sections by the locals regarding nightlife - above L¾kjargata and below L¾kjargata. Pubs/bars in Iceland do not charge an entry fee (unless itÕs a cover fee for a special event/performance) so bar hopping is much easier. While there aren't any 'clubs' in Iceland per se, small cafes and bars are prevalent. One has to be at least 20 years old to enter a bar and order a drink legally. On weekdays the bars close by 1 am whereas on weekends, they are open till 5 am in the morning. Some of the best bars in Reykjav’k: Kaffibarinn, Hœrra, Club Kiki, …lstofa Korm‡ks og Skjaldar, R—senberg.
Shopping in Iceland
Best souvenirs to buy from Iceland include woolen goods - made from sheep's fur, are warm and soft - includes hats, gloves, and socks; arts and crafts. A large number of local craft shops and National Museums sell musical baskets, paintings, glasswork, and jewellery; local music CDs - for obscure and unique local music groups such as Mñm, Singapore Sling, and Bellatrix. Best shopping spots in Reykjavik: Mink Viking Portrait Studio, Nordic Stor, Handknitting Association of Iceland, 12 Tonar, Alafoss Wool Store, Kolaportid Flea Market, Kirsuberjatred, Fotografi and Thorvaldsens Bazar.
Festivals of Iceland
Westman Islands Camping Festival (First weekend of August) in the Westman Islands: Thjodhatid. Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (usually November) in Reykjav’k.
Reykjav’k Pride (August) - biggest festival in Reykjav’k
Culture Night or 'Menningarn—tt' (August) in Reykjav’k.
Reykjav’k's Art Festival (May) in Reykjav’k
Aldrei f—r Žg su_ur Rock Music Festival (held every year during Easter) in êsafjšr_ur
Food and Fun Festival (March) in Reykjav’k
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) (September) in cinemas across Reykjav’k
Br¾_slan Music Festival (July) in Borgarfjšr_ur Eystri
LungA Art Festival (July) in Sey_isfjšr_ur in East Iceland
Reykjav’k Pride (August) - biggest festival in Reykjav’k
Culture Night or 'Menningarn—tt' (August) in Reykjav’k.
Reykjav’k's Art Festival (May) in Reykjav’k
Aldrei f—r Žg su_ur Rock Music Festival (held every year during Easter) in êsafjšr_ur
Food and Fun Festival (March) in Reykjav’k
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) (September) in cinemas across Reykjav’k
Br¾_slan Music Festival (July) in Borgarfjšr_ur Eystri
LungA Art Festival (July) in Sey_isfjšr_ur in East Iceland
Hygiene in Iceland
Primary threats to health include injuries from accidents and poor weather, hence it is important to remain careful and wear warm & waterproof clothing; Geothermal areas are fragile and dangerous, so extra caution is required. Infectious diseases are rare, but tourists from countries popular for infectious diseases need to be vaccinated aptly; Chlamydia is a common ailment that people in Iceland suffer from. Free medical services for EU citizens with a valid EHIC for, health insurance and passport needed for Scandinavian citizens to avail free healthcare. Excellent water quality and minimal chances of food poisoning due to good hygiene in food outlets.
Customs of Iceland
Most Icelanders believe in the existence of invisible people or Hulduf—lk - this is an ancient belief and must be respected by all tourists. People in Iceland use patronyms instead of surnames - i.e. a person's name is followed by their father's first name and a suffix to indicate son/daughter. The global economic crisis and the whaling industry are sensitive topics among the natives and should be dealt with caution. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering an Icelander's house; Tipping is not prevalent in Iceland (tipping jars are usually ignored).
Tips for visiting Iceland
During summer, bring an eye mask to get a good night's sleep as the sun doesn't exactly set and there's perpetual daylight. Book hotels at least six in advance as they fill up quickly. Pack protein bars and snacks when driving through the country as there may not be eating stops on the way. Public restrooms are hard to find after the gas stations close so be prepared accordingly. Keep waterproof clothes and a raincoat while visiting the waterfalls.
Culture of Iceland
Iceland is a country possessing a rich and diverse culture. While it is best known for its literary legacy dating back to the 12th century (its literacy rate is also among the highest in the world), other traditional arts such as silversmithing, weaving and woodcarving are fairly popular. The love for art, chess, literature and art is evident in the existence of several professional theatres, an opera, a symphony orchestra and numerous museums, galleries, cinemas and bookstores in Reykjavik. Christianity is the major religion in Iceland. 73.8% people belong to the Lutheran State Church; 3.6% belong to other churches sects such as the Roman Catholic Church. 4.9% to the Free Church of Iceland. About 1% of people practice The Independent Congregation.
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. However, most citizens can speak English and Danish as they are compulsory in schools. Nevertheless, the citizens appreciate attempts made by tourists at speaking Icelandic in the form of some basic greetings and useful phrases such as 'Hello, how are you' and 'Fine, thank you'.
Food of Iceland
The most famous food items in Iceland include dried fish pieces (har_fisku), skyr - a low-fat, yoghurt-like dairy product, smoked lamb, svi_ - singed sheep's head, Sl‡tur - a sausage made from the offal of sheep, and whale meat. _orramatur is a particularly famous dish eaten during the _orri season (late January-Early February) and served at gatherings called _orrabl—t. It includes h‡karl (putrefied shark cubes), Svi_asulta (brawn made from svi_), Lundabaggi (sheep's fat) and hrœtspungar (pickled ram's testicles). In fast food, pylsa or hot dog is a favorite. It is served with onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade. Food is expensive in Iceland (with a hot dog costing about ISK 250 - 400). Hence, most people prefer cooking it on their own.
Tips (70 words)
Tips (70 words)
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How to reach Iceland from India?
The major cities in India from where flights to Iceland operate: Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Major airline operators from India include: Icelandair, SAS, Jet Airways, Lufthansa and Etihad
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