Why Iceland
Why Iceland
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, with its colourful houses, friendly people and walkable city centre, is like being in a big village. But this “village” has a multitude of cultural venues, gourmet restaurants, and stores. Even so, it’s still only a 15-minute taxi ride between downtown Reykjavik and wild nature, where you’ll feel you’re the only person on earth. When you’re in nature, you can explore geysers, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, bird sanctuaries and more!
Iceland is the ideal place for taking a weekend break and setting foot on a European outpost with an exciting, lively, ancient and thriving culture all of its own. You’ll feel at home – free to walk around, shop, admire, explore. It’s a place you could go on discovering forever.
Think of Iceland and there are several familiar associations: hip Reykjavík, the beautiful therapeutic Blue Lagoon, or perhaps our musical exports Björk or Sigur Rós. But this land of boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls is also an adventure playground. Its breath-taking landscape is an inspiration to artists and photographers. Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe, with a pure, unpolluted and truly magical landscape. Iceland’s summers are surprisingly warm, lush and green, with days lengthening until midsummer, when the sun dips down to the horizon but never sets. During winter you can marvel at the amazing, undulating green, blue, yellow and pink lights of the aurora in the night sky, and the winters are not as cold as you might imagine. Regardless of when you visit, you can be assured of the warmth of the Icelanders’ welcome and their desire to share their culture and make every effort to ensure that your stay is a pleasant one.
Iceland Facts & Tips for Travel
Where is Iceland?
Iceland is a North Atlantic island and the westernmost country in Europe, midway between North America and mainland Europe. It lies about 800 km northwest of Scotland and 970 km west of Norway, and its northern coast is just below the Arctic Circle. The flight time is just over 2 hours, making it an ideal weekend break!
Best time to travel to Iceland ?
WINTER – October – March is Iceland‘s winter season, during this season you have the chance of seeing the Northern Lights (not guaranteed!).
SUMMER – June – August is Iceland‘s summer season where we have virtually no darkness. May & September are lovely, mild shoulder seasons. May – September is ideal for self-drives.
Currency
The Icelandic Currency is ISK (Icelandic Krona). All of Iceland accepts credit cards and you can take out local currency at KEF airport or at ATMs. Most banks are open weekdays from 09.00 – 16.00.
Driving in Iceland
Ring Road Nr. 1 around Iceland is 1,332 km (827 mi). 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, rural roads. For more information, be sure to visit www.safetravel.is
All mountain roads and roads in the interior of Iceland have a loose gravel surface. The surface on the gravel roads is especially loose along the sides of the roads, so one should drive carefully. The mountain roads are quite narrow and are not made for speeding. The same goes for some bridges that only allow one car to pass at a time.
For current information on road conditions, call +354 522-1000, lines open daily from 8:00–16:00. Visit www.road.is for more information.
Tax-Free Shopping
Shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties include woollen knitwear (sweaters, hats and mittens, for example), ceramics, glassware and silver jewellery.
VAT in Iceland is 25,5%, or 7% on special goods. To get a refund you must have a permanent address outside of Iceland. Minimum amount spent on a single receipt in order to be eligible for tax-free shopping is ISK 4.000. Goods must be exported within three months from date of purchase. Maximum refund is 15% of the retail price.
Climate
If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. This little pun is often told at the expense of the Icelandic weather. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate; refreshing summers and fairly mild winters. The weather is also affected by the East Greenland polar current curving south-eastwards round the north and east coasts. As a result, sudden weather changes are common and travellers should prepare accordingly.
For weather info in English call: +354-902-0600 or visit the Met Office website.
Post Offices
General hours are Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00. See detailed information on www.postur.is/en
Clothing
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.
Passport and Visa Regulations
Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, which exempts travellers from personal border controls between 22 EU countries. Note that for residents of countries outside the Schengen area, a valid pass is required for the duration of your stay. For information on passport and visa requirements, as well as the Schengen area regulations, visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
Language
Icelandic is the national language. English is spoken by most Icelanders and is the official second language taught in schools. Danish is the official third language taught in schools in Iceland.
Book with the Experts!
Here at Wallace Travel Group, we have been operating tours to Iceland for over 30 years and our staff members visit this wonderful destination at least once a year, so you can be assured that our staff members and tour leaders are offering you the best service and advice for your trip!
We are Certified Iceland Experts and pride ourselves on the huge positive feedback we receive year after year from our happy customers.!
Visit Iceland - It's a once in a lifetime experience and a bucket list destination for most !
Book Your Trip Now
- +353 (0)1 8347888
- info@wtg.ie