WHY VISIT ICELAND

This island at the end of the world bordering the Arctic Circle is unspoiled with natural contrasts and gorgeous landscape, a wild richness that you cannot ignore.

Reykjavik, the northernmost capital of the world, is a modern city that has some interesting places: Old neighborhoods with wooden houses, the National Museum, the Hallgrimskirkja church built in 1974 where you can see the city by climbing to the top of the tower, and the Volcano Show, dedicated to volcanic eruptions, where you will discover their wonders.

Gullfoss is a popular tourist place, famous for its beautiful waterfall.
Not far away, Geysir boasts several spectacular geysers in a lunar landscape.

Other beautiful stopovers: Myvatn with its beautiful lake inhabited by many birds, Helgafell with its hill of magical powers that appear in all the Icelandic legends, Grimsey, a small island with steep cliffs, Kerlingarskard or Witch Pass which is at the origin of a rumor about a sea monster, also the lake of Askja with its hot spring crater, or Jökulsargljufur National Park, a recently created nature reserve with shallow gorges and waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and caves.

Source: http://www.thebesttimetovisit.com/

WHAT TO SEE IN ICELAND

Top destinations in Iceland are:

• Reykjavik
• Pingvellir National Park
• Húsavík
• Akureyri
• Vestmannaeyjar
• Mývatn
• Skaftafell
• Landmannalaugar
• Vík í Mýrdal
• Hafnarfjörður
• Reykjahlíð
• Höfn

WHEN TO GO TO ICELAND

Weather in Iceland

The best period to visit Iceland is from June to September.

Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. In summer there’s a fair chance of bright and sunny days, and temperatures can reach 17°C, but good weather is interspersed with wet and misty spells when the temperature can plummet to a chilly 10°C. When thinking about the best time to visit Iceland, it’s worth bearing in mind that most museums and attractions are only open from late May to early September, and it’s at these times, too, that buses run their fullest schedules. Although almost all of Iceland lies south of the Arctic Circle and therefore doesn’t experience a true Midnight Sun, nights are light from mid-May to early August across the country; in the north, the sun never fully sets during June. Between September and January, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights can often be seen throughout the country. In winter temperatures fluctuate at 7–8°C either side of freezing point and daylight is limited to a few hours – in Reykjavík, sunrise isn’t until almost 11 am in December; the sun is already sinking slowly back towards the horizon after 1 pm.

Source: http://www.roughguides.com/

Following a list of typical festival and celebrations of Iceland

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THE THIRTEENTH. Icelanders enjoy thirteen days of Christmas, and the last day is celebrated with bonfires, bidding farewell to the last of the thirteen Icelandic Yule Lads.

DARK MUSIC DAYS. Annual contemporary music festival held by the Iceland Composer Society. www.darkmusicdays.is

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THORRINN. According to the old Icelandic calendar, the month of Thorri was the hardest month. Every February, Icelanders celebrate Thorri with mid-winter feasts, rich in traditional food and drink.

REYKJAVIK WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL. A culture festival that celebrates winter and light with multiple events, exhibitions, poetry reading in a swimming pool, outdoor performances, and much more. www.vetrarhatid.is

MUSEUM NIGHT. As part of the winter lights festival, Reykjavik’s museums stay open past midnight and offer special events. Theatre, street performances, dance, visual arts, and much more. www.vetrarhatid.is

FOOD AND FUN. Talented chefs from all over the world come together at Reykjavík’s top restaurants. A mixture of outstanding culinary skills, fresh natural ingredients, and Reykjavik nightlife to create the ultimate recipe for fun. www.foodandfun.is

SÓNAR REYKJAVÍK. International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art created in 1994 in Barcelona. The festival has regularly traveled beyond Spain’s frontiers since 2002, with events in different places around the world. www.sonarreykjavik.com

REYKJAVÍK EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL. Stockfish European Film Festival in Reykjavík is an international cultural event that will be held at Bíó Paradís, Reykjavík’s art-house cinema2016. www.stockfishfestival.is

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REYKJAVIK FOLK FESTIVAL. A music festival that celebrates the Icelandic folk music, which has inspired many of Iceland’s most well-known musicians. www.folkfestival.is/en

DESIGN MARCH. DesignMarch is Iceland´s most important design event. For four days, Reykjavík plays host to hundreds of openings, exhibitions, workshops, and events spreading across the city. www.designmarch.is

REYKJAVÍK FASHION FESTIVAL. The cream of Icelandic fashion talent has joined forces with bright sparks on the music scene. www.rff.is

ICELANDIC HORSE FESTIVAL. Various events ranging from breeding shows to saddle making. Parades, horse farm visits, and much more.

REYKJAVÍK BLUES FESTIVAL. Watch blues artists from Europe, Iceland, and North America perform together in some of the most unique jam sessions in the Northern Hemisphere. www.blues.is

ICELAND WINTER GAMES. The first-ever AFP slopestyle competition will take place in Akureyri, the ski capital of Iceland. www.Icelandwintergames.com

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I NEVER WENT SOUTH. (Aldrei fór ég suður) Rock festival and a celebration of rural heritage and community life in Ísafjordur (Westfjords). No entry fee and no sound checks. www.aldrei.is

SKI WEEK IN THE WESTFJORDS. All kinds of activities for a week in Ísafjördur. Ski tournaments, art exhibitions, street bingo, rent-aboat, kayaks etc. www.isafjordur.is

ORKUGANGAN, SKI MARATHON. The longest cross country ski race in Iceland, 60 km. long. The starting point is by Krafla power station in Mývatn and the finish line is close to the town of Húsavík. www.orkugangan.is

TECTONICS. A music festival where various music genres are mixed together with orchestral music and up-and-coming composers and young musicians work with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. www.tectonicsfestival.com

REYKJAVÍK SHORTS & DOCS. Reykjavik short film festival, offering a wide range of interesting. www.films.shortsdocsfest.com

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[su_spoiler title=”May” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

SAGA FEST. This isn’t your traditional festival; There are no hierarchies at Saga Fest: the artists, musicians, organizers, and volunteers are on the same level as participants, often working collaboratively with each other. www.sagafest.is

REYKJAVIK MUSIC MESS. Reykjavík Music Mess is an independent music festival in downtown Reykjavík, with shows on Faktory Bar and Kex Hostel.

ART WITHOUT LIMITATIONS. “List án landamæra” aims to promote the art of people with disabilities and to facilitate cooperation between people with and without disabilities. www.listin.is

REYKJAVIK ART FESTIVAL. Iceland’s premier cultural festival, bringing together the best in local and international theatre, dance, music and visual art. www.listahatid.is

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[su_spoiler title=”June” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

FESTIVAL OF THE SEA. Every ship in Iceland is in the harbor and all the sailors have a day off. Sailor’s day is a light-hearted occasion with lots of fun for the whole family. www.hatidhafsins.is

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. www.fjorukrain.is

SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL. Midnight sun music festival, Hot Spring Valley, Iceland. www.secretsolstice.is

VIÐ DJÚPIÐ – MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR. Annual music festival and summer courses, held in the West Fjords of Iceland around the summer solstice, offering series of concerts and masterclasses. www.viddjupid.is

ARCTIC OPEN. The Arctic Open Golf Championship is an international golf tournament that takes place in Iceland’s northern capital Akureyri, in the light of the midnight sun. www.arcticopen.is

Sjomannadagur, or Seamen’s Day (June 4), unsurprisingly, is one of the biggest holidays of the year, with communities organizing mock sea-rescue demonstrations, swimming races and tug-of-war events.

Independence Day (June 17), the day that the Icelandic state separated from Denmark in 1944.

Although not an official holiday, Jónsmessa, on June 24, is the day that elves and other magical creatures are said to be out in force, playing tricks on the unwary; some people celebrate with a big bonfire, and it’s also meant to be good for your health to run around naked.

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[su_spoiler title=”July” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

EISTNAFLUG. Eistnaflug Music Festival – Three days of nonstop rock and heavy metal in an isolated fjord, Neskaupsstaður, 700 km east of Reykjavík. www.eistnaflug.is

LAUGAVEGUR ULTRA MARATHON. The course takes runners through areas of outstanding natural beauty at the same time as being a challenging course. www.marathon.is/ultramarathon

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. www.reykholtshatid.is

BRÆÐSLAN MUSIC FESTIVAL. A renowned music-festival Bræðslan has been held in the old rendering house in Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður eystri (East Iceland). Many famous bands and musicians have played there. www.braedslan.is

MEDIEVAL TRADING WEEKEND. At Gásir in Eyjafjordur (North Iceland) a medieval trading village is re-created on a historical site, demonstrations in medieval crafts and games. www.gasir.is

ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES. Described as the “ultimate mix tape”, All Tomorrow’s Parties is a boutique festival that goes against the grain of the larger, more commercial music festivals. www.atpfestival.com

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SWAMPSOCCER. Takes place in Ísafjordur town (West Fjords). If you want to play you can sign up for the catch-all team, a collection of oddballs both from Iceland and around the world. www.myrarbolti.com

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND. (always the first weekend of August) Almost everyone goes off to camp at festivals around the country – everything from family events to wild rock festivals.

GAY PRIDE. Every second weekend of August Gays and lesbians come out in force and style to parade and party in Reykjavík. The general public in Iceland is friendly so you can be open about your sexual orientation. www.gaypride.is

THE GREAT FISH DAY. The annual festival in Dalvíkurbyggð held the first or the second Saturday in August. Everybody is invited to a seafood buffet and nobody has to pay. www.fiskidagur.muna.is

REYKJAVIK CULTURE NIGHT. An essential part of cultural life in Iceland with thousands of people strolling the streets of the city on this exciting and eventful night. www.culturenight.is

VESTMAN ISLANDS FESTIVAL. This festival is for the party people. It takes place in the Westman Islands and is the biggest event of the Icelandic Bank Holiday Weekend. www.dalurinn.is/en

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[su_spoiler title=”September” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

REYKJAVÍK MARATHON. (42,2 km, 21,1 km & 10k). Attracts over 6500 runners in all events, including more than 500 from abroad. This event goes hand-in-hand with the Reykjavik Cultural Night. www.marathon.is

LÓKAL THEATER FESTIVAL. The annual event in Reykjavík that introduces cutting edge theatre to audiences in Iceland and connects local theatre practitioners with fellow artists and presenters from abroad. www.lokal.is

THE REYKJAVÍK DANCE FESTIVAL. Bringing modern dance to a higher level of visibility within society and introducing the independent dance choreographers currently creating work in Iceland. www.reykjavikdancefestival.com

SHEEP ROUND-UP. Colorful 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.

REYKJAVIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (RIFF). One of the foremost film festivals in Europe, placing emphasis on presenting progressive, independent cinema and a wide range of documentaries touching on explosive subjects. riff.is

REYKJAVIK JAZZ FESTIVAL. The Reykjavik Jazz Festival is dedicated to presenting the best in Icelandic Music. The Jazz in Iceland is all about connecting with the international music scene. www.reykjavikjazz.is

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[su_spoiler title=”October” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER. A work of art by Yoko Ono dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. Every year the Imagine Peace Tower emerges between Lennon’s birthday and the day of his death. www.imaginepeacetower.com

S.L.Á.T.U.R. Artistically obtrusive composer collective using computer graphics, interactivity, various experiments with sounds and tunings, performance art. www.slatur.is

LADIES DAYS IN AKUREYRI. Get pink and shimmery and enjoy Ladies Days in Akureyri (Eyjafjordur in North Iceland) with concerts, exhibitions and everything women love.

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[su_spoiler title=”November” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

ICELAND AIRWAVES FESTIVAL. This festival is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best alternative music events on planet earth to go to and garnering praise from the broadsheets and music magazines. www.icelandairwaves.is

COUCH FEST FILMS. Couch Fest Films is a unique shorts film fest that replaces traditional theater venues with cozy residential venues and alternative locations. www.couchfestfilms.com

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[su_spoiler title=”December” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” class=””]

OSLO CHRISTMAS TREE. Placed in Austurvöllur Square, in downtown Reykjavik and is lit every year on the first Sunday of the advent. Families gather to sing Christmas carols and see and hear the famous Yule Lads.

CHRISTMAS. Icelanders go in for Christmas in a big way, with 13 Santa Clauses who each have a name and characters play pranks and sing in the beautifully illuminated streets. Lots of activities all through the holidays.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 10 K RUN. Gamlárshlaup ÍR is held every year on December 31st. Many participants dress up and run in costumes. Starts and ends in front of HARPA concert hall and conference center at 12 o’clock. www.hlaup.is

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Source: http://www.visiticeland.com/

HOW TO REACH AND TRAVEL THROUGH ICELAND

To travel within the country, buses and ferries are the only effective means of transport available, unless you take a taxi. In winter, there is only the airplane because the roads are generally blocked by snow or ice.

by plane, the main airports are:

• Reykjavík
• Akureyri
• Egilsstaðir
• Húsavík
• Keflavík
• Bíldudalur
• Gjögur
• Grímsey
• Höfn
• Ísafjörður
• Þórshöfn (Thorshofn)
• Vestmannaeyjar
• Vopnafjörður

by train, Iceland does not a public railway system.

by car

GENERAL INFORMATION ON ICELAND

health tips & vaccination: none

local currency: Icelandic krona

local time zone: GMT+0

electricity: [su_lightbox type=”image” src=”http://www.traveltv.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/C_plug.png”]type C[/su_lightbox] and [su_lightbox type=”image” src=”http://www.traveltv.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/F_plug.png”]type F[/su_lightbox] (230 V – 50 Hz)

mobile phone operators:

• Siminn
• Vodafone
• Nova

WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND

typical food in Iceland

• Pylsur: Hot dogs made from lamb, beef, and pork with optional accompaniments of onions, mustard, and tomato ketchup.
• Harðfiskur: A dried fish snack, often cod, haddock or ocean catfish, is usually dipped in salted butter.
• Kjötsúpa: A lamb soup made with cabbage, root vegetables, and occasionally a handful of oats or rice.
• Skyr: A smooth and creamy kind of yogurt made from pasteurized skimmed milk.
• Hangikjöt: Smoked lamb typically served with béchamel sauce at Christmas.
• Svið: A sheep’s head cut in half, singed (to remove the hair), de-brained, and boiled.
• Pönnukökur: Thin pancakes rolled up with jam, powdered sugar, and/or cream.
• Rúgbrauð: A moist and slightly sweet rye bread.
• Brennivin: A potent variation of aquavit made from potatoes.
• Ein með öllu: a pylsa (lamb hot dog) dressed in ketchup, sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade (a sauce made with mayonnaise and relish).
• Skata: skate fish, a delicacy with a sweet taste but a strong, putrified smell, usually served with boiled potatoes and brown rye bread.
• Þorramatur: is a selection of traditional Icelandic food, consisting mainly of meat and fish products cured in a traditional manner, cut into slices or pieces and served with rúgbrauð (dense and dark rye bread), butter and brennivín (an Icelandic akvavit). It consists of:
  • Kæstur hákarl, fermented Greenland shark.
  • Súrsaðir hrútspungar, the testicles of rams pressed in blocks, boiled and cured in lactic acid.
  • Svið, singed and boiled sheep heads, sometimes cured in lactic acid.
  • Sviðasulta, head cheese or brawn made from svið, sometimes cured in lactic acid.
  • Lifrarpylsa (liver sausage), a pudding made from liver and suet of sheep kneaded with rye flour and oats.
  • Blóðmör (blood-suet; also known as slátur lit. ‘slaughter’), a type of blood pudding made from lamb’s blood and suet kneaded with rye flour and oats.
  • Harðfiskur, the wind-dried fish (often cod, haddock or seawolf), served with butter.
  • Rúgbrauð (rye bread), traditional Icelandic rye bread.
  • Hangikjöt, (hung meat), smoked and boiled lamb or mutton, sometimes also eaten raw.
  • Lundabaggi, sheep’s loins wrapped in the meat from the sides, pressed and cured in lactic acid.
  • Selshreifar, seal’s flippers cured in lactic acid.

souvenirs from Iceland

• Volcano ash or lava jewelry
• Blue lagoon mineral skincare products
• Woolen goods
• Fish leather goods
• Wooden spoons
• Troll figurine
• Viking beer glass
• Licorice, salt, seaweed
• Reyka Vodka, snaps or beer

SIMPLE DICTIONARY

Hello: Halló

Goodbye: Bless

How are you?: Hvernig hefurðu það?

Thank you: Þakka þér

What is your name?: Hvað heitir þú?

How much is it?: Hversu mikið er það?

Sorry: Því miður