Iceland

Flight.co.uk Overview

Flights to Iceland take just three hours from London, and five and a half hours from New York, bringing the traveler into one of the world's most intriguing destinations, a "land of fire and ice". Flights to Iceland land at the Keflavik International Airport, 31 miles (50km) south of the capital Reykjavik, in the region known as The Golden Circle because of its wealth of popular tourist features. Those who book flights to Iceland are in for a unique treat in this northern island, close to the Arctic Circle. It is a landscape of glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Discount flights to Iceland are available mainly for families or groups, but fares are seasonal and it is possible to find a good deal. Those who take Iceland flights will start their visit in Reykjavik, a city warmed by the steam from underground springs, that has the reputation of having the cleanest air in Europe, and one of the highest standards of living in the world. From there it is possible to take a variety of excursions to scenic spots like the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, the hot springs of Geysir, or Europe's largest glacier, Vatnaiokull. Adventure travellers delight in flights to Iceland too, the country offering the chance to enjoy whale-watching, river-rafting, snow-scooter riding and dozens of other pursuits.

Overview

With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.

It is not only unique and wonderful natural phenomena that intrigue visitors to this, the second largest island in Europe, which lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland. The hardy Icelandic people, descendants of ancient Norsemen and Celts, are intriguing too, having spawned what is now renowned as the oldest surviving parliament in the world (called the 'Althing'), founded in 930, and boasting a much-revered literary heritage of the best medieval works, mostly based on historic heroic sagas.

Most of the country's popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, in the region known as 'The Golden Circle'. Top of the list for scenic splendour is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, set off with a brilliant rainbow, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.

Reykjavik means 'smoky', but in the case of Iceland's pristine capital (which is Europe's most northerly capital city) the smoke is not smog, but rather steam from the underground springs that warm the city. Reykjavik has a well-deserved reputation for being the cleanest, most invigorating city in Europe, where the standard of living is one of the highest in the world. The city may be small, but it is full of interesting attractions from galleries and museums to thermal bathing spots, and the nightlife is second to none.

What else is there to do and see in Iceland? Well, how about whale-watching; chic fine dining; hiking the highlands; viewing Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull; fishing the rivers; taming one of the great wild Icelandic horses, river-rafting; exploring on a snow-scooter; shopping for designer wear, souvenirs and gourmet foods; joining the descendants of the Vikings in the Summer Solstice Festival at Hafnarfjorour; visit the northerly island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle; visiting the recreated medieval farm at Stong...

The list goes on and on, ensuring there is never a dull moment in this awe-inspiring destination.

Business

Most business in Iceland tends to take place in the capital, Reykjavik. Business meetings tend to be somewhat formal, with smart dress essential. It is worth handing out business cards, and initial greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake. Meetings are usually conducted in English when dealing with foreigners. It is worth noting that Icelanders generally go by their first name, as surnames largely do not exist; most people have a patronymic, a name formed from their father's first name followed by -son (son) or -dóttir (daughter). Telephone directory listings are alphabetical by first name. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm (summer) and 9am to 5pm (winter). Most offices are closed on weekends.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry unless you are arriving from an area known to be infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate is required. Medical care in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists with the UK. British citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them from home to ensure having the cost of any emergency treatment covered.

Safety

Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the road.

Duty Free

Travellers to Iceland over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products. Travellers over 20 years are also allowed 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine, or 1 litre spirits and 6 litres beer; or 1 litre wine and 6 litres beer; or 2.25 litres wine; and food items up to 3kg not exceeding Kr13,000. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters, but not for a GSM mobile phone. Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs, meat products, weapons and powdered or moist snuff.

Tipping

Service charges are included in bills, and tipping is not expected.

Language

Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.

Communications

The international country code for Iceland is +354. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not in use. Note that Icelanders are listed by their first names in the telephone directories, not the last. Iceland has the highest per capital mobile phone use in the world with GSM networks and there are roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Iceland Telecom rent mobile phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the country.

Time Zone

GMT.

Electricity

Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz, the same as in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type as in Continental Europe.

Money

The unit of currency is the Islensk Króna (ISK), plural krónur, divided into 100 aurar. Iceland's three banks, Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki Ísland and Búnaðarbanki, all offer foreign exchange facilities and can be found in even the tiniest villages. Most have ATMs on their premises, available after banking hours, which are usually Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm. Credit cards are widely used in Iceland for purchases and cash advances, and travellers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels. Travellers cheques in US Dollars get the best exchange rate charges.