Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Iceland
 |  | Fact File : Iceland |
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| | | Iceland | | Did you know?
About 80% of Icelanders believe in elves.
Language
Icelandic. Danish, English and German are also spoken.
Visas
None required.
Getting there
There are regular flights between London and the capital Reykjavik's Keflavik airport, and prices have dropped in recent years. It's often possible to stop over in Iceland en route to the east coast of Canada and the USA. You can also get there by ferry, which is neither quick nor economical but allows you to take a vehicle. In addition, there are increasing numbers of cruise ships operating in the North Atlantic.
Flying time from London
Three hours.
Getting around
Iceland has no railways and its highway system is the least developed in Europe. There is a comprehensive bus network but most routes close between September and June, making internal flights the only option. Car rental is prohibitively expensive, while cycling is great for hardcore bikers who like a challenge. It's not all bad news; public transport within towns is excellent.
Currency
Krona
Costs
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 85p; bottle of beer £5; moderate restaurant meal £20; roll of camera film £4; four-mile taxi ride £8.
Weather
Though the waters of the Gulf Stream keep Iceland relatively warm for its latitude, rain is heavy all year round. It often snows during the long winter months, with temperatures around freezing (-2C to 2C/ 28F to 35F). Spring and autumn are still quite chilly, with temperatures rising only to about 11C (52F) during June and July.
Time difference
The same as GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 354
Voltage
220V, 50Hz AC. Adaptors necessary for UK appliances as sockets are designed for two-pin plugs.
Opening hours
Many shops still close at noon or 1pm on Saturday, and few are open on Sunday except for petrol stations or kiosks (convenience stores). Bars and clubs stay open until late, but off-licences - afengisbuoar - have very limited hours: 2pm-6pm Mon-Thur, 11:30am-6pm Fri, closed at weekends.
Health - Before you go
No jabs required. Iceland runs a national health service and has a reciprocal agreement with the UK. Pick up an E111 form from any UK post office before travelling.
Health - When you are there
The emergency number in Iceland is 112. Iceland has high-quality health care and the British Embassy will recommend a local doctor. Travellers in remote areas may find themselves many miles from assistance and should carry a first aid kit.
Warnings
Hypothermia is a real threat in the Arctic, so take enough layers to keep warm when trekking. If you're bringing a car, you should be aware that many roads in Iceland are still unsurfaced.
Emergency
The emergency number in Iceland is 112. British Embassy, Laufasvegur 49, Reykjavik. Tel: 551 5883.
Customs
Icelanders can be very reserved - until Friday or Saturday night in the bar.
Pets
Pets can travel between Iceland and the UK under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme, providing that they have been fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies, and issued with an official PETS certificate. This can take some time to arrange, so check with your vet for details.
Tipping
Service charge is included in the bill.
Tourist office
Enquiries in the UK through Iceland Air, 3rd Floor, 172 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 9LG. Brochure line: 020 8286 8008.
Useful website
http://www.icetourist.is
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