Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 44

Pure. Natural. Unspoiled.

ICELAND
2008

ICELANDIC TOURIST BOARD


www.goiceland.org
Nature and nightlife. Art and activity.
Festivals and fashion.
A visit to Iceland offers everything you need to experience an unforgettable vacation whether it’s
for a long weekend or a 10-day exploration. In a single day you can snowmobile across a glacier,
photograph graceful whales, jam in a jazz concert and indulge in delicious Arctic lobster caught
earlier in the day.

Iceland has stunning natural beauty which begins on the doorstep of our clean and friendly cities and
ends miles from human settlements. You can spend your time outdoors riding though lava fields on
a Viking horse, frolicking in a festival, or relaxing in one of our famous outdoor thermal swimming pools.
Indoor opportunities for exploration abound in art museums, shopping for traditional Icelandic souvenirs
like our beautiful woolen sweaters, or getting to know the locals in a cozy coffee house.

Everything you desire is in easy reach. To explore and have fun, that’s the Icelandic way!

Iceland’s unique ecology, mild climate, friendly citizenry and unmistakable sense of style combine
to form a nation like no other on the planet. In fact, the UN went so far as to call Iceland the
best country on Earth to live in. Where else in one place will you find 800 hot springs, 10,000 waterfalls,
15 active volcanoes, and 4,500 square miles of glaciers?

This is Iceland. Pure, Natural, Unspoiled.


“Europe’s westernmost nation offers the
best of both worlds: wild & civilized.”
National Geographic Traveler
Mountains of
Possibilities
Reykjavik
Culture is in our Nature

With a population of 200 000, Reykjavik is recognized for its pure every August are just a few cultural morsels on offer. Broadway-
energy, thriving culture, sparkling nightlife and creative style musicals bring out the best-of-the-best talent with very
atmosphere. It’s clean and safe streets shine with eye popping reasonable ticket prices. Many of Reykjavik’s live music venues
color whether it’s the grassy piazzas, historic buildings, or azure are in small intimate settings where Iceland’s hot music scene
blue ocean peeking through the vibrantly hued houses. Air and can be experienced up close and personal.
noise pollution are at a bare minimum, making it easy to enjoy
this truly distinctive tourist destination. Local Landmarks
One of the most visible structures in Reykjavik is the Hallgrims-
Connecting Through Culture kirkja church where a trip to the top rewards with spectacular
Icelanders enjoy their culture in a variety of ways and invite you views including a glacier on a clear day. Perlan is where beauty
to join along. Art enthusiasts should visit the stunning meets function as a glass dome sits atop the city’s hot water
4 photographs and artwork inspired by the country’s incredible reservoirs. Inside is a revolving restaurant for elegant dinners
nature at the National Gallery and the Museum of Photography. and a café open for lunch if you just want to grab an ice cream
The northernmost opera house in the world, a new concert hall and enjoy the 360° views. Iceland’s Parliament is located off the
opening on the harbor in 2010 and a special Culture Night held grassy Austurvollur square, which is just a stone’s throw from

2 3 4
Reykjavik harbor. These sites and many others are easily accessed on foot, 1 Capital of Clean
or by city bus tours which run 2 hours every day. 2 The girl next door
3 Perlan (The Pearl)
Fun & Games 4 Coffee house culture
Kids love Reykjavik and are welcome everywhere. Start by feeding the swans 5 Tjornin, Reykjavik
on Tjornin Pond downtown and then head to the tranquil Laugar Valley 6 Colorful Cosmopolis Reykjavik
where they can visit the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park to spot seals and 7 Where the grass is greener
arctic foxes. Finish the day at one of the city’s many outdoor swimming pools.
Layout: Prentsnid, Iceland. Printed by: Isafoldarprentsmidja, Iceland
Photographs by: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson, Arctic Images www.arctic-images.com,
Close at Hand cover photo; p. 4–5/no. 2, 3 and 7; p. 6–7/no. 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7;
Just outside the city limits of Reykjavik lies the friendly town of Kopavogur p. 10–11/no. 2 to 7; p. 12–13/no. 1 to 6; p. 14–15; p. 16–17/no. 2 to 7;

with its new concert hall, art museum, shopping mall and sports arena. A little
p. 18–19/no. 3, 4 and 5; p. 20, 22 and 24 all pictures.
Sigurgeir Sigurjonsson, www.icelandportfolio.com, p. 1; p. 2–3;
5
farther down the road, the colorful town of Hafnarfjordur is nestled in a lava p. 4–5/no. 1, 4 and 5; p. 6–7/no. 5; p. 8–9; p. 10–11/no. 1; p. 16–17/no. 1;
field and offers both traditional and offbeat experiences with Viking feasts, p. 18–19/no. 1, 2 and 6. Ingvi Magnusson, p. 5/no. 6. Blue Lagoon, p. 6/no. 3.
Total print run: 90,000 copies
elf-spotting tours, whale watching and horseback riding. © Icelandic Tourist Board

5 6 7
Non-stop Fun Under the Midnight Sun
Dining and entertainment in the capital and beyond

Culinary Adventures forming after midnight and the party lasts until sunup on
There is simply no more important ingredient than location. weekends. A benefit of a compact city center is that most bars &
Therein lies the strength and uniqueness of Icelandic cuisine. nightspots are in walking distance of one another. Late night,
Sheep roam the open countryside all summer long, feeding on particularly in the summer, the downtown area takes on a
wild berries and moss. This free-range flavor comes through in carnival-like atmosphere. For the Icelanders, especially in the
succulent Icelandic lamb, praised by chefs all over the world. perpetual daylight of summer, the night is always young.
Fish doesn’t get any fresher than it does from the icy cold waters
of Iceland, especially local favorites like halibut and monkfish.
Chefs throughout Iceland use organic vegetables and herbs
which are grown in the countryside in geothermally heated
greenhouses. Iceland’s dairy products are becoming famous for
their wholesome flavor, especially the yogurt-like skyr, now a big
seller in Whole Foods stores in the US.

In the past few years Iceland has emerged as one of Europe’s


most dynamic gastronomic destinations, full of exciting places
to taste thrilling new recipes. Chefs create modern dishes with
traditional ingredients, like French influenced lobster ravioli with
a delicate lobster foam, or fusion courses like Indian inspired
monkfish in tandoori essence. “Iceland Airwaves is also the only rock festival I have
ever attended that comes with its own light show.
Street eats are a must for visitors, especially Iceland’s favorite
On Friday, as I commuted between clubs with a
snack, the pylsu - or hot dog. Say, “Eina med ollu”, when
ordering and you’ll get a hot dog boldly topped with the works: friend, I walked into a downtown square, was told to
crunchy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, raw onions and look up – and saw the aurora borealis, which moved
curry remoulade sauce. Hot diggity! through the clear black sky in broad, slow iridescent
swirls.”
Trend Spotting
Reykjavik is growing rapidly into a weekend getaway destination Rolling Stone
known for its energetic nightlife and party atmosphere. With the
ever changing selection of sleek wine bars, old-world cafes, live
music venues and fashionable nightclubs there’s a place with 1 Let’s dish!
your name on it – whatever your taste. 2 Stepping out
3 A massage in the Blue Lagoon, the ultimate relaxation
The sun never sets on fun in Iceland whether it is during the 4 Friday night lights
6 long days of summer or peak winter hours. In the evening, the 5 Lobster & luxury
downtown area teems with activity, reaching its peak on Friday 6 Taste of the town
and Saturday nights. Lines for the most popular places begin 7 Grape expectations

1 2 3
“Reykjavik is one of Europe’s
hippest party cities.”
Vogue

5 6 7
“Iceland receives only four hours of daylight during winter.
In summer the nights are nearly as bright as the days.
This may explain why no one ever seems to sleep.”
Maxim
Affjordable Fun
It’s a Shore Thing
1

You can interact with Iceland’s world of natural wonders in driven vehicle and then have time to zip around at leisure
endless ways. Some activities offer you the challenge of the on snowmobiles which are surprisingly easy to maneuver.
mightiest forces in nature, while other experiences provide the
ideal way to relax from all the activity. Go-it-alone types can also test themselves against nature.
Cycling around Iceland is a genuine challenge, attracting a
The Call of the Wild growing number of contenders. And really vigorous mountain
Thrill seekers in search of a real challenge will not be hiking trails fan out in all directions from the outskirts of
disappointed in Iceland. Glacial river rafting, ice cave almost every community.
spelunking, wild shore kayaking and deep sea fishing are
just the tip of the iceberg Exhilarating Relaxation
Need a break from the dining & nightlife? Take a dip in
10 Glaciers cover 1/9th of Iceland’s land surface. Snowmobiling is one of Iceland’s hundreds of outdoor swimming pools,
an exhilarating way for almost anyone to experience them. Tours geothermally heated of course! Soak away the day’s stresses
are available where travelers make the ascent by bus and belt- by relaxing in a hot pot while chatting with the locals. Many

2 3 4
Hurry Up and Slow Down

facilities offer sauna, steam rooms, massage therapy 1 Nature ’s kaleidoscope


and other spa treatments. 2 Midnight tee-off
3 Nature Baths of Lake Myvatn, Northern Iceland
Outdoor hot springs are hidden throughout the 4 A girl’s best friend
countryside and are the ultimate interaction with 5 Your great Icelandic adventure
Iceland’s raw nature and a highlight of any trip. The 6 We encourage you to horse around!
most famous outdoor spa is the Blue Lagoon located 7 Love on the rocks
near Keflavik Airport. The therapeutic, milky blue,
mineral-rich waters are ideal for relieving jet lag when
arriving or for a last dip before the transatlantic flight
home. Lake Myvatn Nature Baths in the north offer
bathers a completely natural experience in an area of Want to know more? 11
fragile beauty. www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
Call us: 212 885 9700

5 6 7
Sightseeing Spectaculars
Postcards from the edge

Mother Nature is still hard at work in Iceland, one of the newest Hidden Treasures
places on EarthThe fruits of her labor are easy to spot through- Two gems on the southern rim of Iceland’s highlands are among
out the country, from the desolate highland interior to the the nation’s most popular summer spots. Thorsmork is a hikers’
Hveragerdi hot springs only a half-hour drive from Reykjavik. paradise with delicate trees and grass nestling among
mountains and glaciers. Landmannalaugar is a hotbed of
Glaciers grow, shrink and change every year, while incredible geothermal activity, famed for its hot springs where travelers can
bird life paints the landscape. The wide open spaces, the green bathe, and for the wild colors of its landscape.
valleys and moss-covered lava fields, deep fjords and high cliffs
all make Iceland’s nature picture perfect. Another treasure bordering the southern interior is the
Lakagigar crater series, which produced the largest lava flow
The Golden Circle ever witnessed in the world, during the volcanic eruptions of
The Golden Circle is the name given to a 190 mile (300 kilometer) 1783.
circular route which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous
landmarks. It is the most popular introduction to Iceland’s natural Fantasy Island
beauty. The major stops on the circle are the stunning Gullfoss, West Iceland is a showcase of lava formations, geothermal
the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and the geyser geother- activity and history. On Snaefellsnes peninsula, resides the
mal area where the reliable “Strokkur” spews hot water into the glittering glacial cap of Snaefellsjokull, which provided Jules
air every few minutes. This area is also the residence of the great Verne with the setting for Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Geysir which is not as active, but gave all other geysers their
name. Thingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland’s first parlia- The Westfjords are typified by steep mountains rising from the
ment and a place where the North American and European sea and deep fjords with quaint fishing villages. The
tectonic plates are splitting apart in a very breathtaking way. Hornstrandir nature reserve is not only breathtaking in its
rawness but also astonishingly rich in vegetation on the edge of
Volcanic Activity – That’s hot! the inhabitable world.
There are 15 active volcanoes in Iceland. The heavy volcanic
activity during the last few thousand years accounts for Iceland’s East Iceland accounts for a large chunk of Iceland’s total area
extraordinary land formations and geology. In the north of the with Egilsstadir as the regional center, on the banks of Lagarfljot
country, bubbling mud flats, volcanic craters, newborn lava river where cruises are offered. Nearby Hallormsstadaskogur has
fields, and grassy areas teeming with waterfowl are among the an impressive forest, beyond where lies the natural habitat of
sights of the striking Lake Myvatn region, one of the most Iceland’s reindeer population.
geologically active and stunningly beautiful areas in Iceland.
The port of Hofn on the southeast corner of Iceland offers
Dimmuborgir, on the East side of the lake, is a badlands of lava exciting trips to the Vatnajoull glacier as well as whale watching
pillars, many reaching 65 feet in height. Some of the most cruises. Other must-see sites in the area include the Jokulsarlon
visually bizarre attractions in the region are the mud pits of glacial lagoon, renowned for its iceberg cruises, and Skaftafell
Haverarond, which are so hot that they actually boil. Far cooler National Park, where green woodlands and black mountains
are the waters of Viti, an explosion crater nearby. Another touch the sheer white glacier in the shadow of the country’s
12 unforgettable sight near Myvatn is Eldhraun (“fire lava”), a highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur (6,950 ft).
rugged lava field where the Apollo 11 crew came in the late
1960s to train for their impending moonwalks.

1 2 3
“Iceland is about more than just food.
We spent most of our time exploring
its otherworldly geology of geysers,
crater lakes and hot springs.”
The Washington Post

13

1 Go speed racers!
2 Geyser gazing
3 Northern gold – Soley
4 Gullfoss waterfall
5 You’ll have a whale of a good time!
6 Jeepzilla

Want to know more?


www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
Call us: 212 885 9700
5 6
“There’s something magical
about the horses in Iceland and
how they connect with people.”
Conde Nast Traveler
Could wild horses
drag you away?
A View to a Thrill
1

Iceland is a country where you can see and do things you can’t Hiking: Take day or weekend tours during winter and longer
elsewhere – in winter or summer. Whether it’s due to the tours in summer, across lava, glaciers, lakes and sand.
imposing geography or the Viking heritage, Icelanders enjoy
being active and outdoors especially attractions with an edge. Horseback Riding: Small and gentle, with great stamina, speed
Experiencing them is easy with many of the activities taking and intelligence, the pure bred Icelandic horse is the perfect
place in Reykjavik or within a one hour drive from the capital. riding companion for both beginners and experienced riders.

Bicycling: Bikes can be rented in Reykjavik and in various places Marathon: Try the Reykjavik marathon in August or the
around Iceland. Laugavegur Ultra Marathon for real adrenalin junkies.

Golf: Iceland has over 50 golf courses, with dramatic River Rafting: Your choice of routes for different levels of
16 landscaping you won’t see anywhere else. Enjoy midnight golf in challenge.
summer!

2 3 4
Sea Kayaking: Lucky kayakers might also get a close-up glimpse of a seal 1 A view to a thrill
or rare birdlife. 2 Into the wild
3 Cool, crisp clean
Skiing: Popular during winter, especially near Akureyri. 4 Hold your horses!
5 Day of play
Sport Fishing: Buy your permits in advance to fish for salmon or trout in 6 See me May through September
Iceland’s clear lakes and waters. 7 You’ll fall for Iceland

Bird Watching: Iceland is a paradise for birdwatchers across the country,


including Latrabjarg in the Westfjords, the largest bird cliff in the world as
well as the world’s largest puffin colony located in the Westmann Islands.
Want to know more? 17
Whale Watching: Success rates of seeing the world’s largest mammals in www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
their natural habitat are much greater than 95 percent. Call us: 212 885 9700

5 6 7
Explore like a Viking
Let Nature Take Its Course
1

If you want to break from the crowd, setting your own pace on a tracks and unbridged rivers, it is a good idea to undertake the
visit to Iceland couldn’t be easier. route in convoy. The route threads its way between glaciers to
come out southeast of Akureyri in the north.
Hit the Ring Road
Rent a car and head out on the open road. The 900-mile “Ring But remember: It’s sometimes a short step between feeling free
Road” circles the island, and you can stop when you want to see and feeling lost. Hikers, glacier explorers and interior wanderers
the sights on the fjords and peninsulas that branch out all over should always notify someone of their plans when heading out
the country. It is possible to rent four wheel drive vehicles, but into the wilds. And off road driving is strictly prohibited: sub-
do not venture alone into isolated places where you may face Arctic vegetation is sensitive and surface damage from tires can
the risk of having to cross unbridged rivers. take decades to heal.

18 In summer, you can journey into the uninhabited interior of the Get Your Beauty Sleep
country on 4WD vehicle. The black sands of Sprengisandur is Whether it’s sleeping between the finest linen sheets in a four-
the central route between north and south. With only rough star hotel or watching the northern lights from an outdoor “hot

2 3 4
pot” by your summerhouse or campsite, Iceland has accommo- “Craggy basalt lavafields and columns of steam
dation to suit all tastes and budgets. While you can find places rising from a volcanic landscape – these are the
to stay year-round, it is a good idea to book ahead during the
images that greet visitors at the Reykjavik Airport.”
busy summer months. If you’re traveling as a family, don’t forget
to ask about children’s discounts, which are often available. US News & World Report

1 Satisfy your wanderlust


2 Sea for yourself!
3 Weekend warriors
4 Get into the swing of things!
5 Inspired by legends
6 Counting sheep at the annual round up Want to know more? 19
www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
Call us: 212 885 9700

5 6
Having a Good Time
Whatever the time of year you’re in Iceland, there’ll be something going on of interest.
Sometimes it’s a familiar festivity in a distinctive Icelandic setting, and sometimes it’s a charming
local custom that will grab your imagination. Here are a few to look forward to in 2008:

Thorrablot (January 25 to February 23): An ancient Viking mid- Summer Solstice (June 20): Gatherings celebrate the magic of
winter tradition of feasting on traditional foods like boiled sheep the midnight sun on the longest day of the year.
head and rotten shark meat as well as more edible goodies. Live
August Long Weekend (August 2–4): Almost everyone heads to
like a Viking just once a year.
the countryside to camp or attend music festivals around the
Lent (February 4–6): Fill up with cream buns on Monday and country, the biggest of which is on the Westman Islands.
salted meat and peas on Tuesday. Then watch children dress up
Gay Pride (August 8–10): Gays and lesbians come out in force
in the streets on Wednesday.
and style to parade and party in Reykjavik.
Food and Fun (February 20–25): International chefs create
Culture Night (August 23): The day begins with the Reykjavik
incredible menus at Reykjavik’s best restaurant. Book well in
Marathon, followed by artistic events which are held in the
advance. See www.foodandfun.is.
streets and at cafés throughout the day. The day culminates in a
Easter (March 20–24): Huge chocolate eggs, smoked lamb and a massive fireworks display.
time for families to relax together.
Sheep Round-Up (September): Farmers herd the sheep they
First Day of Summer (April 24): In Iceland, this holiday falls in have rounded up from summer grazing in the wilds. A fun and
20 April with colorful parades and street entertainment. merry occasion.

Reykjavik Arts Festival (May 16–June 5): A varied program of Iceland Airwaves (October 15–19): This alternative music festival
cultural events and concerts with leading Icelandic and gets bigger and better every year, attracting bands and fans
international artists. See www.artfest.is from around the world.

Festival of the Sea (May 30–June 1): This festival honors those Christmas Season (December): Icelanders love Christmas. The
who make their living from the sea. There are parades, arts and streets and homes are decorated in bright lights and Christmas
crafts activities and cultural events in towns throughout the buffets at restaurants offer delicacies like smoked lamb and
country. ptarmigan.

National Day (June 17): Iceland takes on a mardi-gras like New Year’s Eve (December 31): The New Year is celebrated with
atmosphere with parades and street fairs as Icelanders celebrate a bang, with the biggest fireworks display you’ll probably ever
their full independence from Denmark (which occurred in 1944). see. There are public bonfires and the merrymaking lasts right
through to the following year.
MINNEAPOLIS / HELSINKI
ST. PAUL
STOCKHOLM
OSLO
ICELAND BERGEN GOTHENBURG
TORONTO COPENHAGEN
REYKJAVIK BERLIN
BALTIMORE/ FRANKFURT
WASHINGTON GLASGOW AMSTERDAM
BOSTON MANCHESTER MUNICH
ORLANDO NEW YORK
SANFORD JFK LONDON MILAN
PARIS
HALIFAX

BARCELONA
MADRID

ELEVATE YOUR SPIRIT


DISCOVER A WORLD OF GREAT NATURAL WONDERS;
SPOUTING GEYSERS, MIGHTY WATERFALLS, AWE-INSPIRING
GLACIERS AND RELAXING GEOTHERMAL WATERS.
PLUS, STOPOVER IN ICELAND AT NO ADDITIONAL AIRFARE
When flying Icelandair to Scandinavia, Great Britain and Conti-
nental Europe, you can Stopover in Iceland for up to seven
nights at no additional airfare.
We offer convenient flights from Baltimore/Washington, Boston,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, Orlando Sanford, Halifax
and now Toronto to Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and over 12
other fascinating destinations.
+For further information, please contact your travel agent,
call (877) 435-7962 or visit www.icelandair.com

WWW.ICELANDAIR.COM
The Cultivated Shopper
Strolling down the main shopping street, Laugarvegur, in Another serious power shopper’s secret is that designer labels
Reykjavik can sometimes feel like you’re on one long catwalk of like Hugo Boss and Max Mara are typically 10 to 35 percent less
tres chic boutiques. Allow yourself to be tempted on one of the expensive in Iceland than in Europe and the US. The 15 percent
oldest thoroughfares in the city, or at modern indoor shopping tax-free refund for tourists on a minimum purchase of 4000 ISK
areas like Kringlan in Reykjavik and Smaralind in Kopavogur. (approx. $60 USD) adds to the shopping nirvana. Alongside
these famous fashion brands dwell a highly creative and artistic
The shopping secret is out on the latest daytime diversion collection of Icelandic designers, who add new dimensions to
in articles from The New York Times Magazine and Town & the image of fashion. Jewelry inspired by the country’s nature
Country Travel praising downtown Reykjavik for its sophisticated and pagan history are often made from lava stones or other
& radical style scene. Both articles agree on a number of must- local minerals and can be specially designed for you.
see Reykjavik shops including Kisan with its ultra sumptuous
22 hand-knit sweaters and unique home goods, and the fashion- Of course you won’t want to forget to bring home some
forward KronKron located in a loft-like boutique filled with bold traditional Icelandic souvenirs. Hand-knitted Icelandic woolens,
prints and patterns. Trilogia is named as having one of the city’s sheepskin outerwear, lava-laced pottery, Viking inspired novelty
strongest mixes of Icelandic and international collections, gifts, stunning photographic books, music and artwork from
selling work by recent fashion graduates alongside big brand local artists are available in shops throughout the country and
heavyweights. The store also displays emerging artists’ work in in the duty free stores of Leif Eriksson International Airport in
a growing trend in Icelandic stores which are part boutique, Keflavik.
part art gallery.

Shopoholics get their fix during the months of January and July “In a nod to the country’s creativity, many of
when store owners change out their merchandise and drastically the shops near Laugarvegur are part boutique,
reduce prices. Everything from traditional Icelandic souvenirs part art gallery.”
to designer clothing are yours with one magic word, utsala
– it means sales! Town & Country Traveler
It’s the Truly,
journey The Local Expert
– not the destination

ÍSLENSKA AUGLÝSINGASTOFAN/SIA.IS HER 28748 06/2005

The best and easiest way to get to know


the rugged beauty of Iceland is simply to
have your own car. We are your car rental
experts in Iceland. At Hertz you’ll get the
most out of your trip, the best service and
the best price. Enjoy your stay in Iceland. See all your travel
options at our webpage
Hertzlocations
Hertz locationsininIceland:
Iceland:
www.grayline.is
KeflavíkAirport,
Keflavík Airport,
Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Selfoss,
Reykjavík, Ísafjörður,
Hofdatun 12 · 105 Reykjavik · Iceland · Tel. +354 540 1313
Akureyri,
Akureyri,Höfn,
Höfn,Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir +354
+354 50
5225044600
00••www.hertz.is
www.hertz.is www.grayline.is · iceland@grayline.is

Energy for life through forces of nature


Blue Lagoon is open daily year round.
Ideally located, only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík

www.bluelagoon.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it? How should I dress?
Iceland is a European island midway between North America Dress much the way you would in New York City in the fall,
and the continent of Europe. It’s the same distance from New winter and spring. In summer, carry a light jacket. In the
York to Iceland as from New York to Los Angeles. countryside, wear sneakers or hiking shoes. The weather can
be extremely changeable. And always bring a bathing suit.
How do I get there? Icelanders’ favorite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in
Icelandair flies from six different US gateways, many on a daily the countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, which
basis (see the “Yellow Pages” section of the brochure for are as warm as bathwater.
details). All fights connect at Iceland’s Keflavik International
Airport with flights to other popular destinations on the How are accommodations and food?
European continent. Many people discover Iceland by taking World-class! Iceland’s hotels and guesthouses are almost
advantage of “stop-over” opportunities while on their way invariably clean and comfortable, and often come with
to or from somewhere else. additional amenities like access to wireless internet.
Homegrown seafood and lamb dishes are popular and available
How big is Iceland? anywhere. In the more populated areas, international cuisine,
It’s about the size of Kentucky. Iceland has almost 300,000 vegetarian and American fast food are all easy to find.
people, most of whom live in coastal areas.
What kind of money is used in Iceland?
How cold does it get? The krona, plural kronur (ISK), with a 2007 exchange rate of
Actually, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland maintains roughly 63 ISK to the US dollar. Money can be easily exchanged
surprisingly moderate temperatures year-round. It seldom at the airport, banks and currency exchanges. Visa, MasterCard,
24 reaches 75°F (24°C) in the summer. And during winter, Iceland’s and Cirrus use is pervasive throughout Iceland. ATMs are
capital of Reykjavik never reaches the low temperatures generally not hard to find.
experienced by New York and Ottawa.
What about the electricity?
Do Icelanders speak English? Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts), so
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, but most Icelanders many North American electrical devices will require converters
speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity, so and all will require plug adapters.
don’t be shy about approaching an Icelander.
Got another question?
Are daylight hours normal? Visit www.icelandtouristboard.com for more information.
Well, for this part of the world, they are. In summer, you won’t
see much darkness. In mid-winter, expect only four to five hours
a day of daylight. Spring and fall daylight hours are roughly the
same as in North America.
30nniyveearrsary

mountainguide.is
A
EXPERIENCE
ICELAND
BY BUS!

Whale
Watching
Take part in an adventure at sea with an
unforgettable trip into the world of whales and
sea birds. The various types of whales www.trex.is
commonly sighted include minke whales,
white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and
the popular humpback whales.
Daily departures
WE OFFER:
- Coach rentals!
- Scheduled bus services & passports!
- Personal service!
- Day excursions!
- warm overalls - 96% sightings - bar on board - Transfers!
- Group tour management!
Sea angling
Sea angling tours are scheduled daily from
- Hotel or camping tours!
- Incentive tours!
Blue Ice
SÍA

- Tailor-made tours!

Glacier

Reykjavík harbour from early June to late


- Classic round tours!
P I PAR

August and can be booked at other times.

Spör - Ragnheiður Ágústsdóttir


- Adventure & activity tours!
Catch them if you can! ...and more!

Adventures
HAFSÚLAN www. trex.is - info@trex.is - Tel. +354 587 6000
- for everyone!
Reykjavík Whale Watching / Tel: (+354) 555 3565 / elding@elding.is / www.elding.is Schedule Information: +354 553 3737 Icelandic Mountain Guide - Tel:+354 587 9999

Fly and discover Air Iceland destinations


NUUK
Greenland GRÍMSEY

ÍSAFJÖRÐUR

VOPNAFJÖRÐUR

AKUREYRI

EGILSSTAÐIR

NERLERIT INAAT
ÍSLENSKA / SIA.IS / FLU 38483 08/07

Greenland

KULUSUK
Greenland

NARSARSSUAQ
Greenland
REYKJAVÍK

FAROE ISLANDS

WESTMAN ISLANDS

airiceland.is Get your action-packed day tour brochure


/ tel. 570 3030 at hotels, airports or any travel agent.
Guide to Hotels and Guesthouses
The following three pages contain infor- Rent.is ehf. Hotel Budir • 356 Snaefellsbaer (A3)
mation about accommodation in Iceland. E-mail: rent@rent.is • www.rent.is Tel.: +354-435-6700 • Fax: +354-435-6701
Entries include a map on page 40. As de- E-mail: budir@budir.is • www.budir.is
Reykjavik Hotels
scribed in more detail in the Practical In- Sigtun 38 • IS-105 Reykjavik Hotel Stykkisholmur (B3)
formation section in this brochure, Ice- Tel.: +354-514-8000 • Fax: +354-514-8030 Borgarbraut 8 • 340 Stykkisholmur
land has recently introduced a classifica- www.reykjavikhotels.is Tel.: +354-430-2100 Fax: +354-430-2101
E-mail: hotelstykkisholmur@simnet.is
tion system for accommodation. Star rat-
www.hotelstykkisholmur.is
ings are included in the listings and ad- Hotels in Reykjavik
vertisements where available. Hotel Isafjordur ★★★
Park Inn Island ★★★ Silfurtorg 2 • 400 Isafjordur (B1)
Armuli 9 • 108 Reykjavik (B4) Tel.: +354-456-4111 • Fax: +354-456-4767
Hotel Chains Tel.: +354-595-7000 • Fax: +354-595-7001 E-mail: info@hotelisafjordur.is
E-mail: sales.reykjavik@rezidorparkinn.com www.hotelisafjordur.is
CenterHotels www.parkinn.is
Skjaldbreid, Klopp, Thingholt and Arnarhvoll Hotel Varmahlid
240 rooms in 4 first-class hotels in the heart
Radisson SAS Saga Hotel ★★★★ IS-560 Varmahlid (D2)
Hagatorg • 107 Reykjavik (B4) Tel.: +354-453-8170 • Fax: +354-453-8870
of Reykjavik’s city centre
Tel.: +354-525-9900 • Fax: +354-525-9909 E-mail: info@hotelvarmahlid.is
Central Booking Office
E-mail: sales.saga.reykjavik@radissonsas.com www.hotelvarmahlid.is
Laugavegur 16 • IS-101 Reykjavik (B4)
www.radissonsas.is
Tel.: +354-595-8500 • Fax: +354-595-8511 Hotel Arnanes
E-mail: reservations@centerhotels.is Inns of Iceland IS-781 Hofn (F4)
www.centerhotels.is Affordable accommodation in the centre Tel.: +354-478-1550 • Fax: +354-478-1819
of Reykjavik E-mail: arnanes@arnanes.is • www.arnanes.is
Fosshotel Iceland
Central Booking Office
A chain of friendly tourist-class hotels
Tel.: +354-562-4000 • Fax: +354-562-4001
all around Iceland
E-mail: info@inns.is • www.inns.is
Central Booking Office
Tel.: +354-562-4000 • Fax: +354-562-4001 Hotel Odinsve ★★★★
E-mail: bokun@fosshotel.is • www.fosshotel.is Thorsgata 1 • 101 Reykjavik
Tel.: +354-511-6200 • Fax: +354-511-6201
Hotel Edda
E-mail: odinsve@hotelodinsve.is
15 hotels around Iceland
www.hotelodinsve.is
Tel.: +354-444-4000 • Fax: +354-444-4001
E-mail: edda@hoteledda.is • www.hoteledda.is

Icelandair Hotels Guesthouses in Reykjavik


8 hotels around Iceland
Guesthouse Borgartun
Tel.: +354-444-4000 • Fax: +354-444-4001
Borgartun 34 • 105 Reykjavik (B4)
E-mail: icehotels@icehotels.is
Tel.: +354-511-1500 • Fax: +354-511-1511
www.icehotels.is
E-mail: gjtravel@gjtravel.is • www.gjtravel.is
Icelandic Farm Holidays
Luna Hotel Apartments
A chain of 150 farms with 4,000 beds; Country
Spitalastigur 1 • IS-101 Reykjavik
hotels and Guest houses all around Iceland
Tel.: +354-511-2800 / +354-694-8585
26 Central Booking Office
Fax: +354-511-6201
As described in more detail
Sidumuli 2 • IS-108 Reykjavik
E-mail: luna@luna.is • www.luna.is
Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799 in the Practical Information
E-mail: ifh@farmholidays.is
www.farmholidays.is Accommodation outside Reykjavik section of this brochure,
KEA Hotels Iceland Hotel Keflavik ★★★★ Iceland has a classification
Six hotels in key locations. Hotel Borg & Hotel Vatnsnesvegur 12 • 230 Keflavik (B4) system for accommodation.
Bjork in Reykjavik city, Hotel Kea, Hotel Harpa Tel.: +354-420-7000 • Fax: +354-420-7002
& Hotel Nordurland in Akureyri and Hotel E-mail: stay@kef.is • www.kef.is Star ratings are included in
Gigur by Lake Myvatn.
Hotel Borgarnes ★★★ the listings and advertisements
Head office:
Egilsgata 12-16 • 310 Borgarnes (B4) where available.
Tel.: +354-460-2050 • Fax: +354-460-2070
Tel.: +354-437-1119 • Fax: +354-437-1443
E-mail: keahotels@keahotels.is
E-mail: hotelbo@centrum.is
www.keahotels.is
www.hotelborgarnes.is
ICELANDIC
FARM HOLIDAYS
Chain of 150 farms offering accommodation in:
Country hotels, Guesthouses, Farmhouses
and Cottages - Fishing, horse riding, golf,
ATV tours and more.

We offer various travel services such as:


Self drive tours - Group tours - Day tours -
Activities ...

Let us book your holiday!


www.farmholidays.is
Travel Agency

Authorised by
Icelandic Tourist Board

Síðumúli 2 · 108 Reykjavík · Tel. (+354) 570 2700


Fax. (+354) 570 2799 · E-mail: ifh@farmholidays.is
89 233 43

58 42 72

10–40
In the heart of
Skjaldbreid ★★★★ 33 rooms Reykjavik. Within
Klopp ★★★ 46 rooms walking distance of
89
Thingholt Executive 50 rooms all main attractions
Arnarhvoll NEW 104 rooms in Reykjavik.

HOTEL REYKJAVIK CENTRUM CENTERHOTELS HOTEL ODINSVE ★★★★


Adalstraeti 16 • 101 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel.: +354-514 6000 Ingolfsstraeti 1 • 101 Reykjavik (B4) Thorsgata 1 • 101 Reykjavik (B4)
Fax: +354-514 6030 • www.reykjavikhotels.is Tel. +354-595 8540 • Fax +354-595 8541 Tel. +354-511 6200 • Fax +354-511 6201
E-mail: reservations@hotelcentrum.is E-mail reservations@centerhotels.is • www.centerhotels.is E-mail odinsve@hotelodinsve.is • www.hotelodinsve.is

313 209 119

130+110 650 70

10–470

SPA
208

★★★★
GRAND HOTEL REYKJAVIK
Sigtun 38 • 105 Reykjavik (B4)
★★★★ ★★★
Tel.: +354-514 8000 • Fax: +354-514 8030 Hagatorg • 107 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel. +354-525 9900 Armuli 9 • 108 Reykjavik (B4) • Tel. +354-595 7000
E-mail: reservations@grand.is • www.reykjavikhotels.is E-mail sales.saga.reykjavik@RadissonSAS.com • www.radissonsas.is E-mail Sales.Reykjavik@RezidorParkInn.com • www.ParkInn.is

79 19

70 All apartments have fully 60


equipped kitchenette.
Free internet connection.
10 45

HOTEL REYKJAVIK ★★★ LUNA HOTEL APARTMENTS HOTEL VARMAHLID


Raudararstigur 37 • 105 Reykjavik (B4) Spitalastigur 1 • City Center (B4) 560 Varmahlid (D2)
Tel.: +354-514 7000 • Fax: +354-514 7030 Tel. +354-511 2800 • Fax +354-511 6201 Tel. +354-453 8170 • Fax +354-453 8870
E-mail: reservations@hotelreykjavik.is • www.reykjavikhotels.is E-mail: luna@luna.is • www.luna.is E-mail info@hotelvarmahlid.is • www.hotelvarmahlid.is
Hotel Number of seats in restaurant
Hótel Plätze im Restaurant
Hotel-alberghi Nombre de couverts en salle
Sitteplasser i restauranten
Antal pladser i restaurant
70 36+44 36 36 Totale dei coperti in sala
Número de cubiertos en
el restaurante

Guesthouse
100 Pension Full service
Auberge Mit Bedienung
Gjestgiveri Service à table
Pensionat Servering ved bord
Pensioni Fuld service
36 36 Albergue/Pensión Servizio al tavolo
Servicio de mesa

Open in summer
Nur während des Sommers geöffnet Restaurant
Ouvert en été seulement Ristorante
Next to the airport
★★★★ ★★★
Åpent bare om sommeren Restaurante
Åben om sommeren
Aperto solo in estate

HOTEL KEFLAVIK HOTEL ISAFJORDUR Sólo abierto durante el verano

Vatnsnesvegur 12–14 • 230 Keflavik (B4) Silfurtorg • 400 Isafjordur (B1)


Open all year Breakfast only
Tel: +354-420 7000 • Fax: +354-420 7002 Tel. +354-456 4111• Fax +354-456 4767 Ganzjährig geöffnet Nur Früstück
Ouvert toute l'année Petit dèjeuner seulement
E-mail stay@hotelkeflavik.is • www.hotelkeflavik.is E-mail info@hotelisafjordur.is • www.hotelisafjordur.is Åpent hele året
Åben hele året
Bare frokost
Kun morgenmad
Aperto tutto l'anno Solo colazione
Abierto todo el año Sólo desayuno

1/04–1/11 75 1/04–1/11 80 Number of rooms Licensed


Zimmerzahl Mit Weinausschank
Nombre des chambres Avec licence
Antall rom Alkoholservering
Antal værelser Spiritusbevilling
Totale camere Licenza per alcolici
300 70 Número de habitaciones Servicio de bebidas alcohólicas

28 100 Number of rooms with bath/shower


Anzahl der Zimmer mit Bad/Du.
Nombre de chambres avec bain/douche
Antall rom med bad/dusj
Conference facilities
Konferenzanlagen
Salle de conférence
Konferansefasiliteter
Antal værelser med bad/bruser Konferencefaciliteter
Numero di camere con bagno/doccia Sala conferenze
5 min Número de habitaciones con baño/ducha Sala de conferencias
walk

HOTEL BORGARNES ★★★ HOTEL STYKKISHOLMUR


All rooms with bath/shower
Alle Zimmer mit Bad/Du.
Toutes les chambres avec bain/douche
Alle rom me bad/dusj
Non-smoking rooms
Nichtraucherzimmer
Chambres non-fumeurs
Røkfrie rom
Værelser for ikke-rygere
Egilsgata 12-16 • 310 Borgarnes (B4) • Tel.: +354-437-1119 Borgarbraut 8 • 340 Stykkisholmur (B3) På alle værelser findes bad/bruser
Tutte le camere con bagno/doccia
Camera pe non fumatori
Habitaciones para los
Fax: +354-437-1443 • E-mail: hotelbo@centrum.is Tel. +354-4302100 • Fax: +354-4302101 Todas las habitaciones con baño/ducha no-fumadores

www.hotelborgarnes.is hotelstykkisholmur@simnet.is • www.hotelstykkisholmur.is


Room telephone Sleeping-bag accommodation
Telefon im Zimmer Schlafsackunterkunft
Chambres avec téléphone Matelasses
Telefon på rommet Soveposeplass
Telefon på værelserne Soveposeplads
Telefono in camera Materasso – per sacco-a-pelisti
28 35 Teléfono en la habitación Facilidades/colchones para
sacos de dormir

Accessible for wheelchairs TV in rooms


30–100 Auch für Rollstuhlfahrer TV im Zimmer
Facilitès d'accès pour handicapès physiques Chambres avec TV
Fasiliteter for rullestolsbrukere TV på rummet
Faciliteter for kørestolsbrugere TV på værelserne
Predisposto all'accesso disabili Televisione in camera
Facilidades para los disminuidos físicos Televisión en la habitación
4–150 7 40–45
ART
GALLERY
Indoor swimming pool Minibar in rooms
15km 20km Hallenbad Minibar im Zimmer
Piscine – interieure Chambres avec Minibar
Innendørs svømmebasseng Minibar på rummet
Internet access Indendørs swømmebassin Minibar på værelserne
Piscina coperta Minibar in camera
Piscina cubierta Minibar en la habitación
HOTEL BUDIR ARNANES – COUNTRY HOTEL
Outdoor swimming pool Tourist Menu
365 Snaefellsbaer (A3) 781 Hofn (F4) Freibad Touristen-Menus
Piscine – exterieure Menu Touristique
Tel. +354-435 6700 • Fax +354-435 6701 Tel. +354-478 1550 • Fax. +354-478 1819 Utendørs svømmebasseng Turistmeny
Udendørs swømmebassin Touristmenu
E-mail budir@budir.is • www.budir.is arnanes@arnanes.is • www.arnanes.is Piscina all'aperto Menú turistico
Menú turístico
Piscina al alre libre
General Information
Tour Operators ................................... 29 Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc./ ITS Tours & Travel Wilderness Travel
Fast Facts on Iceland............................ 30 Bergen Line Services Phone: 1-800-533-8688 Phone: 1-800-368-2794
Phone: 1-800-323-7436 E-mail: its-tour@tca.net www.wildernesstravel.com
Travel Facts ......................................... 31 E-mail: info@coastalvoyage.com Iceland Saga Travel, LLC World Expeditions
General Information............................ 34 Passage Tours of Scandinavia Inc Phone: 1-866-423-7242 Phone: 1-888-464-8735
Tourist Information............................. 35 Phone: 1-800-548-5960 E-mail: info@icelandsagatravel.com E-mail: contactus@worldexpeditions.net
Tours ................................................. 35 E-mail: info@passagetours.com Icelandair Holidays World Stage Concerts & Tours
Activities ............................................. 36 Orient Line Cruises Phone: 1-800-779-2899 Phone: 1-732-634-3811
Transportation .................................... 37 Phone – 1-800-333-7300 E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is E-mail:WSConcerts@aol.com
Accommodation.................................. 38 E-mail: info@orientlines.com Insight
Pearls of Scandinavia Phone: 11-800 583-8380
Phone: 1-231-946-2242 E-mail: contactus@insightvacations.com Alternative Lifestyles
E-mail: pearls@traverse.com LT Travel, Inc. AAA SignaTours
Need more Points North Inc. Phone: 1-800-711-7242 Phone: 1-813-289-5000
Phone: 1-204-949-3023 E-mail: Lina@LinaTravel.com E-mail: jsoto@aaasouth.com
information? E-mail: icelandair@gctc-mst.com Luxury Guides Alyson Adventures
Reykjavik Weekends Phone: 1-800-826-5614 Phone: 1-800-825-9766
Check out these Web addresses Phone: www.reykjaviktours.com E-mail: jaystern@luxuryguides.com E-mail: info@AlysonAdventures.com
Icelandic Tourist Board – North America E-mail: info@icelandsagatravel.com MWT Associates DavidTours
www.icelandtouristboard.com ScanAm World Tours, Inc. Phone: 1-877-707-7827 Phone: 1-949-723-0699
Icelandic Tourist Board – Iceland Phone: 1-800-545-2004 E-mail: tours@melitatrips.com E-mail: info@DavidTours.com
E-mail: info@scanamtours.com Nordic Saga Tours
www.visiticeland.com Eurobound
Scantours Inc Phone: 1-800-848-6449 Phone: 1-888-672-7476
Icelandair Phone: 1-800-223-7226
www.icelandair.com E-mail: NSTours@nordicsaga.com E-mail: info@eurobound.com
E-mail: info@scantours.com Odysseys Unlimted
Iceland Naturally Icelandair Holidays
Scandiaworld Phone: 1-888-370-6765 Phone: 1-800-779-2899
www.icelandnaturally.com Phone: 1-800-722-8091 E-mail: corp@odysseys-unlimited.com E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is
Embassy of Iceland,Washington E-mail: info@scandiatravel.com
www.iceland.org Paragon Tours Now Voyager
TMB Travel / Protravel Int Phone: 1-800-999-5050 Phone: 1-800-255-6951
Welcome to Iceland Phone: 1-212-702-2648 www.paragontours.com E-mail: ks@nowvoyager.com
www.visitreykjavik.is E-mail: thorunn@protravelinc.com
www.bluelagoon.is The Great Canadian Travel Company Ltd. Passage Tours of Scandinavia Inc Prideworld
www.bestoficeland.com Phone: 1-204-949-0199 Phone: 1-800-548-5960 Phone: 1-866-774-3336
www.spacity.is E-mail: sales@gctc-mst.com E-mail: info@passagetours.com E-mail: info@prideworldtravel.com
Scandinavian Tourist Boards The Nordic Company Pearls of Scandinavia Storyfest Icelandic Journeys
www.goscandinavia.com Phone: 1-888-806-7226 Phone: 1-231-946-2242 Phone: 1-301-791-9153
E-mail: info@nordicco.com E-mail: pearls@traverse.com E-mail: storyfest@mac.com
European Travel Commission Zoom Vacations
www.visiteurope.com Travelocity Photo Adventure Tours
www.travelocity.com/scandinavia Phone: 1-516-371-0067 Phone: 1866-966-6822
E-mail: photoadventuretours@yahoo.com E-mail: joel@zoomvacations.com
Vacations To Go.com
Phone: 1-800-680-2858 Points North Inc.
Tour Operators E-mail: contactrvtg@vacationstogo.com Phone: 1-204-949-3023 Biking/Hiking/Snowmobiling
E-mail: icelandair@gctc-mst.com
for Iceland in Groups/Escorted/Educational
RMC’s Body Mind Spirit Journeys
Phone: 1-800-231-9811
AAA SignaTours
Phone: 1-813-289-5000
E-mail: jsoto@aaasouth.com
North America AAA SignaTours
Phone: 1-813-289-5000
E-mail: bmsjourneys@aol.com
REI Adventures Alyson Adventures
E-mail: jsoto@aaasouth.com Phone 1-800-622-2236 Phone: 1-800-825-9766
Independent Travel/City Breaks CSAA – Sojourns E Mail - travel@rei.com E-mail: info@AlysonAdventures.com
Phone: 1-888-299-7515 ScanAm World Tours, Inc. Butterfield and Robinson
Borton Overseas Phone: 1-800-678-1147
Phone: 1-800-843-0602 www.aaa.com/travel Phone: 1-800-545-2004
AdventureWomen, Inc. E-mail: info@scanamtours.com www.butterfield.com
E-mail: info@bortonoverseas.com
Phone: 1-800-804-8686 Scantours Inc Canyon Calling Tours
Brekke Tours/Scandinavia E-mail: advwomen@aol.com Phone: 1-928-282-0916
Phone: 1-800-437-5302 Phone: 1-800-223-7226
Borton Overseas E-mail: info@scantours.com E-mail: funtrips@canyoncalling.com
E-mail: tours@brekketours.com Freewheeling Adventures
Continental Journeys Phone: 1-800-843-0602 Southern Treks Adventure Travel
E-mail: info@bortonoverseas.com Phone: 1-888-768-7357 Phone: Canada 902-857-3600
Phone: 1-800-601-4343 E-mail: adventure@freewheeling.ca
E-mail: info@continentaljourneys.com Brekke Tours/Scandinavia E-mail: sotreks@aol.com
Phone: 1-800-437-5302 Storyfest Icelandic Journeys Horses North, LLC
DER E-mail: tours@brekketours.com Phone: 1-888-686-6784
Phone: 503-295-1100 x4489 Phone: 1-301-791-9153 E-mail: horsesnorth@taconic.net
E-mail: tmongin@avantidestinations.com Brendan Worldwide Vacations E-mail: storyfest@mac.com
Phone: 1-800-421-8446 TMB Travel / Protravel Int Icelandair Holidays
Europe Express E-mail: info@brendantours.com Phone: 1-800-779-2899
Phone – 1-800 927 3876 Phone: 1-212-702-2648 E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is
Canyon Calling Tours E-mail: thorunn@protravelinc.com
E-mail: uniquely@europeexpress.com Phone: 1-928-282-0916 MIR International - USA, Inc.
Five Stars of Scandinavia E-mail: funtrips@canyoncalling.com The Great Canadian Travel Company Ltd. Phone: 1-603-524-4255
Phone: 1-800-722-4126 Phone: 1-204-949-0199 E-mail: gek@cyberportal.net
Collette Vacations E-mail: sales@gctc-mst.com
E-mail: info@5stars-of-scandinavia.com Phone: 1-800-340-5158 Pack & Pedal Europe
H.I.S.Tours E-mail: reservations@collettevacations.com The Nordic Company Phone: 1-877-965-2064
Phone: 1800-275-4447 Continental Journeys Phone: 1-888-806-7226 E-mail: gea@tripsite.com
E-mail: kiyoko@his-usa.com Phone: 1-800-601-4343 E-mail: info@nordicco.com
Horses North, LLC E-mail: info@continentaljourneys.com The Walking Connection
Phone: 1-888-686-6784
E-mail: horsesnorth@taconic.net
Escorted Europe with Icelandair
Phone: 1-800-466-6990
Phone: 1-602-978-1887
E-mail: info@walkingconnection.com
Bird Watching
Holbrook
29
Iceland Saga Travel, LLC E-mail: info@escortedeurope.com Travel & Play with Icelandair Phone: 1-800-451-7111
Phone: 1-866-423-7242 Five Stars of Scandinavia Phone: 1-800-824-8347 E-mail: travel@holbrooktravel.com
E-mail: info@icelandsagatravel.com Phone: 1-800-722-4126 E-mail: icelandair@travelandplay.com Photo Adventure Tours
Icelandair Holidays E-mail: info@5stars-of-scandinavia.com Tumlare Travel Organization Phone: 1-516-371-0067
Phone: 1-800-779-2899 Globus Phone: 1-800-954-6713 E-mail: photoadventuretours@yahoo.com
E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is Phone: 1-866-755-8581 E-mail: josephgr@tumlare.com
Icelandamerica.com E-mail: mloiseau@globusandcosmos.com VIP Tours
E-mail: Grand Circle Travel Phone 1877 782 9878 Camping/Safaris/Walking/
icelandamerica@icelandamerica.com Phone: 1-800-959-0405 E-mail: steve@viptours.com Hiking
Jalpak E-mail: online@gct.com Vantage Deluxe World Travel Adventure Center
Phone: 1800-343-7173 Holbrook Phone: 1-800-322-6677 Phone: 1-800-227-8747
E-mail: kosawa@jalpak.com Phone: 1-800-451-7111 E-mail: webreservations@vantagetravel.com E-mail : alan@adventurecenter.com
LT Travel, Inc. E-mail: travel@holbrooktravel.com
Phone: 1-800-711-7242 High Country Passage
Phone: 1-800-395-3288
E-mail: Lina@LinaTravel.com
Luxury Guides
E-mail: info@hcptravel.com
Holiday Vacations
Icelandic Tourist Board
Phone: 1-800-826-5614, 206-306-9099
Phone: 1-800-826-2266 P.O. Box 4649 • Grand Central Station
E-mail: jaystern@luxuryguides.com E-mail: holidayvacations.net
Nordic Saga Tours New York • NY 10163-4649
Phone: 1-800-848-6449 Horizon Holidays
E-mail: NSTours@nordicsaga.com Phone: 1-416-585-9911 Tel.: 1-212-885-9700 • Fax: 1-212-855-9710
E-mail: admin@horizon-holidays.com
info@icelandtouristboard.com • www.icelandtouristboard.com
AdventureWomen, Inc. Lucky Mindy Adventures, LLC Hunting/Fishing Golf Vacations
Phone: 1-800-804-8686 Phone: 1-877-291-1053 Phone: 1-508-620-9730
E-mail: advwomen@aol.com E-mail: luckymin@hutchtel.net Angler Adventures E-mail: tom@golfvacations.com
Alyson Adventures Luxury Guides Phone: 1-860-434-9624 Travel & Play with Icelandair
Phone: 1-800-825-9766 Phone: 1-800-826-5614, 206-306-9099 E-mail: doug@angleradventures.com Phone: 1-800-824-8347
E-mail: info@AlysonAdventures.com E-mail: jaystern@luxuryguides.com Frontiers International E-mail: icelandair@travelandplay.com
Butterfield and Robinson RMC’s Body Mind Spirit Journeys Phone: 1-800-245-1950 Value Holidays
Phone: 1-800-678-1147 Phone: 1-800-231-9811 E-mail: info@frontierstravel.com Phone 1-800-558-6850
Borton Overseas E-mail: bmsjourneys@aol.com Iceland Outdoor Adventures E-mail: ken@valhol.com
Phone: 1-800-843-0602 Storyfest Icelandic Journeys Phone: 1-732-441-7390
E-mail: info@bortonoverseas.com Phone: 1-301-791-9153 E-mail: prodlinkus@aol.com
Sportfishing Worldwide Tour Operators for Group
Boundless Journeys E-mail: storyfest@mac.com Leaders
Phone: 1-800-941-8010 Tumlare Travel Organization Phone: 1-513-984-8611
E-mail: info@boundlessjourneys.com Phone: 1-800-954-6713 E-mail: info@sfww.com Brekke Tours/Scandinavia
Country Walkers E-mail: josephgr@tumlare.com Phone: 1-800-437-5302
Phone: 1-800-464-9255 Vantage Deluxe Wrld Travel Horseback Riding Tours E-mail: tours@brekketours.com
E-mail: tricia@countrywalkers.com Phone: 1-800-322-6677 Collette Vacations
Canyon Calling Tours Phone: 1-800-340-5158
ElderTreks E-mail: webreservations@vantagetravel.com Phone: 1-928-282-0916
Phone: 1-800-741-7956 World Stage Concerts & Tours E-mail: reservations@collettevacations.com
E-mail: funtrips@canyoncalling.com Escorted Europe with Icelandair
E-mail: info@eldertreks.com Phone: 1-732-634-3811 Hidden Trails
Lindblad Expeditions E-mail:WSConcerts@aol.com Phone: 1-800-466-6990
Phone:1-888-9-TRAILS E-mail: info@escortedeurope.com
Phone: 1-800-762-0003 E-mail: info@hiddentrails.com
E-mail: info@expeditions.com LTA World Discoveries
Eco Tours Horses North, LLC Phone: 1-888-261-8808
Mountain Travel Sobek Phone: 1-888-686-6784
Phone: 1-800-282-8747 Clipper Cruise Line iceland_adventures@letstravelagain.com
Phone: 1-800-325-0010 E-mail: horsesnorth@taconic.net MWT Associates
E-mail: info@mtsobek.com Iceland Outdoor Adventures
Pack & Pedal Europe E-mail: clipper@clippercruise.com Phone: 1-877-707-7827
ElderTreks Phone: 1-732-441-7390 E-mail: tours@melitatrips.com
Phone: 1-877-965-2064 E-mail: prodlinkus@aol.com
E-mail: gea@tripsite.com Phone: 1-800-741-7956 Pearls of Scandinavia
E-mail: info@eldertreks.com Icelandair Holidays Phone: 1-231-946-2242
REI Adventures Phone: 1-800-779-2899
Phone: 1-800-622-2236 Cross Culture E-mail: pearls@traverse.com
Phone: 1-800-491-1148 E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is Travel & Play with Icelandair
E-mail: travel@rei.com Lucky Mindy Adventures, LLC
Southern Treks Adventure Travel E-mail: travel@crosscultureinc.com Phone: 1-800-824-8347
Holbrook Phone: 1-877-291-1053 E-mail: icelandair@travelandplay.com
Phone: 1-888-768-7357 E-mail: luckymin@hutchtel.net
E-mail: sotreks@aol.com Phone: 1-800-451-7111 Tumlare Travel Organization
E-mail: travel@holbrooktravel.com Pack & Pedal Europe Phone: 1-800-954-6713
The Great Canadian Travel Company Ltd. Phone: 1-877-965-2064
Phone: 1-204-949-0199 Icelandair Holidays E-mail: josephgr@tumlare.com
Phone: 1-800-779-2899 E-mail: gea@tripsite.com Vantage Deluxe World Travel
E-mail: sales@gctc-mst.com TMB Travel / Protravel Int
The Walking Connection E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is Phone: 1-800-322-6677
Lindblad Expeditions Phone: 1-212-702-2648 E-mail: webreservations@vantagetravel.com
Phone: 1-602-978-1887 E-mail: thorunn@protravelinc.com
E-mail: info@walkingconnection.com Phone: 1-800-762-0003
Walking The World E-mail: info@expeditions.com
Phone: 1-800-340-9255 Mountain Travel Sobek Senior Travel
E-mail: info@walkingtheworld.com Phone: 1-800-282-8747 Collette Vacations
FAST FACTS
E-mail: info@mtsobek.com
World Expeditions
Natural Habitat
Phone: 1-800-340-5158 ON ICELAND
Phone: 1-888-464-8735 E-mail: reservations@collettevacations.com
E-mail: contactus@weadventures.com Phone: 1-800-543-8917 ElderTreks
E-mail: mattk@nathab.com Phone: 1-800-741-7956
Photo Adventure Tours E-mail: info@eldertreks.com
LAND: Iceland is an island of
Cruises – Iceland/Scandinavia Phone: 1-516-371-0067 almost 40,000 square miles,
Globus
Continental Journeys E-mail: photoadventuretours@yahoo.com Phone: 1-866-755-8581 equal to that of Ohio. Iceland’s
Phone: 1-800-601-4343 Sustainable Travel International E-mail: mloiseau@globusandcosmos.com
E-mail: info@continentaljourneys.com Phone: 1-720-273-2975 highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur,
Grand Circle Travel
Lindblad Expeditions info@sustainabletravelinternational.org Phone: 1-800-959-0405 is 6,500 ft. Iceland has the largest
Phone: 1-800-762-0003 The Walking Connection E-mail: online@gct.com glaciers in Europe – in fact, 11%
E-mail: info@expeditions.com Phone: 1-602-978-1887 Holiday Vacations
Nordic Saga Tours E-mail: info@walkingconnection.com Phone: 1-800-826-2266
of the country is covered by
Phone: 1-800-848-6449 E-mail: holidayvacations.net glaciers.The coastline is dotted
E-mail: NSTours@nordicsaga.com Fly+Drive Packages Horizon Holidays with more than one hundred
Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc./Bergen Phone: 1-416-585-9911
Line Services Auto Europe
E-mail: admin@horizon-holidays.com
fjords – and green, fertile valleys
Phone: 1-800-323-7436 Phone: 1-800-223-5555 extend from them. Iceland also
E-mail: info@coastalvoyage.com E-mail: reservations@autoeurope.com MWT Associates
Orient Lines Five Stars of Scandinavia Phone: 1-877-707-7827 has more than 10,000 waterfalls
Phone: 1-800-722-4126 E-mail: tours@melitatrips.com and countless hot springs.
Phone: 1-800-333-7300 Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc./Bergen
E-mail: info@orientlines.com E-mail: info@5stars-of-scandinavia.com
Passage Tours of Scandinavia Inc Golf Vacations Line Services ENERGY: Situated on the
Phone: 1-800-323-7436
Phone: 1-800-548-5960 Phone: 1-508-620-9730
E-mail: info@coastalvoyage.com Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a
E-mail: info@passagetours.com E-mail: tom@golfvacations.com
ITS Tours & Travel Vantage Deluxe World Travel hot spot of volcanic and geo-
Scantours Inc Phone: 1-800-322-6677
Phone: 1-800-223-7226 Phone: 1-800-533-8688
E-mail: webreservations@vantagetravel.com
thermal activity. 30 volcanoes
E-mail: info@scantours.com E-mail: its-tour@tca.net have erupted in the past two
Iceland Saga Travel, LLC Walking The World
Silversea Cruises
Phone: 1-866-423-7242 Phone: 1-800-340-9255 centuries, and natural hot water
Phone: 1-800-722-9955 E-mail: info@walkingtheworld.com
www.silversea.com E-mail: info@icelandsagatravel.com supplies much of the population
Travelocity Icelandair Holidays
SPA’s/Swimming/Fitness
with cheap, pollution-free heat-
www.travelocity.com/scandinavia Phone: 1-800-779-2899
ing. Rivers, too, are harnessed to
30 World Expeditions
Phone: 1-888-464-8735
E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is
LT Travel, Inc.
Icelandair Holidays
Phone: 1-800-779-2899 provide inexpensive hydroelec-
E-mail: contactus@weadventures.com Phone: 1-800-711-7242 E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is tric power.
E-mail: Lina@LinaTravel.com RMC’s Body Mind Spirit Journeys
Cultural Tours Points North Inc. Phone: 1-800-231-9811 PEOPLE: Of a population
Phone: 1-204-949-3023 E-mail: bmsjourneys@aol.com numbering 290,000, more than
AdventureWomen, Inc. E-mail: icelandair@gctc-mst.com
Phone: 1-800-804-8686 ScanAm World Tours, Inc. half lives in the Greater Reykja-
E-mail: advwomen@aol.com Phone: 1-800-545-2004 Special Tours for the vik Area.The native language is
E-mail: info@scanamtours.com Handicapped
Escorted Europe with Icelandair Icelandic but most Icelanders
Phone: 1-800-466-6990 The Nordic Company Iceland Outdoor Adventures
E-mail: info@escortedeurope.com Phone: 1-888-806-7226 Phone: 1-732-441-7390 speak fluent English.
Globus E-mail: info@nordicco.com E-mail: prodlinkus@aol.com
Phone: 1-866-755-8581 Lucky Mindy Adventures, LLC
LANGUAGE: The Icelanders
E-mail: mloiseau@globusandcosmos.com Music Phone: 1-877-291-1053 still speak the language of the
Holiday Vacations E-mail: luckymin@hutchtel.net Vikings (Old Norse).When new
Phone: 1-800-826-2266 Icelandair Hoidays
E-mail: holidayvacations.net Phone: 1-800-779-2899 words are needed, they simply
Sports Tours
Horizon Holidays E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is coin words that are combina-
Phone: 1-416-585-9911 World Stage Concerts & Tours Freewheeling Adventures tions or modifications of old
E-mail: admin@horizon-holidays.com Phone: 1-732-634-3811 Phone: Canada 902-857-3600
Icelandair Holidays E-mail: wsconcerts@aol.com E-mail: adventure@freewheeling.ca words. Iceland is alone in up-
Phone: 1-800-779-2899 holding another Norse tradition:
E-mail: holidays@icelandair.is the custom of using patronyms
rather than surnames. If, for example, Einar wealth Age, described in the classic Icelandic THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT: The
has a son named “Petur”, the son’s name is Sagas, lasted until 1262, when Iceland lost its Schengen agreement took effect for Iceland
Petur Einarsson (Peter Einar’s Son). If Einar independence. In 1918 it regained inde- on March 26, 2001 and the following
has a daughter whom he names “Margret”, pendence and in 1944 the present republic countries participate in the Schengen
she becomes Margret Einarsdottir (Margaret was founded.The country is governed by cooperation in addition to Iceland:Austria,
Einar’s Daughter). Members of the same the Althing (Parliament), whose 63 members Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece,
family can therefore have different “last are elected every four years. Elections every Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway,
names”, which often causes confusion to four years are also held for the presidency; Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany.Travel
foreigners. If you are looking for someone in President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson was between above-mentioned countries will in
the phone directory, you look them up by elected in June 2004 for the third time. principle be without document check.
their first name. ECONOMY: The economy is heavily ATTENTION: Nationals of the following
CHURCH: The National Church of dependent upon fisheries, which are the countries do not require visas to travel to
Iceland, to which 90% of the population nation’s greatest resource. 70% of all exports Iceland as visitors (information from May
belongs, is Evangelical Lutheran. In addition are made up of seafood products.Yet only a 2004), although they do require valid travel
to the many Lutheran churches in Reykja- small proportion of the workforce is active documents that are valid for three months
vik, there is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in this sector (4.4% in fishing and 5.6% in beyond their intended stay.All foreigners,
and numerous other houses of worship. fish processing).About 66% of the workforce except citizens of EEA, will have to have
TIME: Iceland stays on Greenwich Mean is employed in services. Icelanders enjoy one sufficient funds at the external borders for
Time (GMT) all year round. of the highest standards of living in the world. their stay in the Schengen area and they will
HEALTH and EDUCATION: Life have to have a valid return ticket or
HISTORY: The first permanent settler of sufficient funds for a return ticket to their
Iceland was Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian expectancy (81.3 years for women and 76.4
for men) is one of the highest in the world, country of residence.
Viking who in AD874 made his home
where Reykjavik now stands. In AD930, the and a comprehensive state health-care COUNTRIES EXEMPTED FROM
Viking settlers of Iceland founded one of the system aims to keep it that way. The VISA REQUIREMENTS besides
world’s first republican governments.They population enjoys a high-quality public Canada and the United States of
established a constitution based on individu- school system, including its own university America:Andorra,Argentina,Australia,
al freedom, land ownership, and sophisticated since 1911. Many Icelanders receive their Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei,
inheritance laws. In the year 1000, Icelandic- Masters degrees abroad. Universities in the Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus,
born Leifur Eiriksson (Leif Eriksson, USA are quite popular with Icelanders. Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El
sometimes called “Leif the Lucky”) became Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
the first European to set foot in North TRAVEL FACTS Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong
(applicable for those holding HKSAR
America. On another Viking expedition a passports), Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
couple of years later, Icelander Gudrid Before you go
PASSPORT: A valid passport, valid at least Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Thorbjarnardottir had a son, Snorri, who Luxembourg, Macao (applicable for those
became the first child of European descent three months beyond intended stay, is
required for visitors to Iceland. holding MSAR passports), Malaysia, Malta,
to be born in America.The Old Common- Mexico (Holders of Mexican Diplomatic

Your Travel Partner to Paradise


Conde Nast Traveler Magazine considers
JENSEN WORLD TRAVEL the Top Travel Specialist
For Scandinavia, Greenland and Iceland in 2006 and 2007!
Let us help you plan your ideal Vacation in 2008, to Iceland, or perhaps a stopover on the
way to Greenland and the rest of the Nordic Countries. We will make your trip truly unique!
Our specialty includes individual private and group tours.
31
To Iceland, and the other North Atlantic destinations Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
- Coastal Voyage – between Iceland and Greenland follow the Viking Sagas
- “Iceland in a Nut Shell”
- Best airfares available on Iceland Air
- Self Drive Grand tour or South Iceland.
- Geysers,The Blue Lagoon and Thermal spas.
- Adventure Travel, Sea Kayaking and Snow Mobile safaris.
- Day trips to east Greenland from Reykjavik and much more.

Call us for details and any special 1159 Central Avenue, Suite 203
requirements you may have. Wilmette, IL 60091
Toll free: 1 800 T-JENSEN (1 800 853 6736) Toll free: 1-800-T-JENSEN
www.jensenworldtravel.com email: Tor@jensenworldtravel.com Fax 1 847 256-5563
and Service Passports are obliged to be in In Iceland LAUNDRY: Laundry and dry cleaning
possession of a visa.), Monaco, Netherlands, BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS: services are available at most hotels through-
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Office hours are generally 9 AM to 5 PM out the country. For further information on
Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San and 8 AM to 4 PM during June, July and public laundry contact tourist information
Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South August. Shopping hours are Mon–Fri 9 AM centers.
Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Great to 6 PM, Sat from 10 AM to 1, 2, 3 or 4
Britain (incl. Bermuda (Holders of British POST OFFICES: There are post offices
passports who have a national passport, or a PM. Some supermarkets are open to 11 PM located in all major communities in Iceland.
person holding an identity card issued by the seven days a week or even 24 hours in the For information on opening hours see
competent authority and where the largest towns. Banking hours are Mon–Fri http://www.postur.is/english
citizenship is stated as “British Citizen” or 9:15 AM to 4 PM.
TELEPHONES: Direct calls can be made
“British National Overseas” (BNO) and CURRENCY REGULATIONS: There to all parts of Iceland.
which is valid for entry into Great Britain, is no limit on the amount of foreign curren-
Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, cy which may be brought into Iceland. THE CODE into Iceland from overseas is
Anguilla, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, (+354) + seven-digit number. Direct long-
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The distance calls can be made to Europe and the
St. Helena, Falkland Islands and Gibraltar), Icelandic monetary unit is the “krona.”
Uruguay,Vatican and Venezuela. USA by dialing 00 plus the country code,
Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 the area code and the telephone number you
VISAS: Anyone visiting Iceland for short kr., 10 kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Bank notes are in wish to reach. If assistance is required, dial
periods of time from a country with a visa denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr., 1000
requirement for entering the country must kr., and 500 kr.All Icelandic banks provide (+354) 905-5010 for information and
obtain a visa prior to arrival. Because one foreign exchange and are generally open on (+354) 533-5010 to place a call. COIN-
Schengen State can now issue visas on behalf weekdays from 9:15 AM to 4 PM. AND CARD-OPERATED public phones
of the others, the procedure for issuance has are at post offices and telephone exchanges
ATM’s are found in most banks and many around the country. Phone charges vary
become different. Questions of how to other locations throughout Reykjavik,
obtain a visa should be addressed to The when calling within Iceland depending on
Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. accepting all major debit, credit and cash- the time of day. Rates may also be higher at
Schengen visas should be obtained prior to only cards. hotels than at public phones.
arrival in the Schengen area. In most TRAVELERS’ CHECKS: Travelers’ MOBILE PHONES: US standard cellular
instances, Nordic embassies will handle visa checks are widely accepted in Iceland. phones do not work in Iceland.
applications on behalf of Iceland. A visa DEBIT CARDS: Electron, Maestro and
normally grants the holder a right to stay in edc debit cards are increasingly being GSM: There are two GSM operators in
the entire Schengen region: Belgium, accepted by merchants. Iceland: Siminn and Vodafone.Together they
France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, cover most of Iceland including all towns
Holland, Portugal, Germany, Spain,Austria, CREDIT CARDS: Credit cards are and villages with over 200 inhabitants.These
Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. A widely used in Iceland and accepted by most two telephone companies both sell pre-paid
visa does not grant the right to work in establishments, including hotels, restaurants, GSM phone cards and offer GSM/GPRS
Iceland, unless immigration authorities have car rentals and shops. services. Pre-paid cards are available at petrol
explicitly granted the applicant this right. It SHOPPING: The stores and shops in stations around the country. GSM phones
is a requirement for all visa applications that, Iceland are of international standard and may be rented from Iceland Telecom,Armuli
that the time of making the application; the carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local 27, in Reykjavik.
applicant resides legally in the country from specialties are woolen knitwear (for example
which the application is submitted. Docu- sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), FAX: Fax service is available at most post
ments to be enclosed with the application handmade ceramics, glassware and silver offices around the country.The fax code
e.g.:A valid travel document on which a visa jewelry.Also available is a great variety of into Iceland is (+354) + seven-digit number.
may be affixed.Where necessary, documents high-quality seafood. Shopping hours are TELEGRAMS: For information on
supporting the purpose and the conditions Mon–Fri 9 AM to 6 PM, Sat from 10 AM to telegram service call +354-580-1446.
of the planned visit, guarantees of means of 1, 2, 3 or 4 PM, varying from one shop to
return and means of subsistence, personal CLIMATE: Thanks to the Gulf Stream,
another. Some supermarkets are open to 11 Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean
interviews with applicants, two passport PM seven days a week. Many shops and
photos and travel insurance. A list of climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in
stores are closed on Saturdays during the winter. However, the weather is very
embassies and further information is updated summer – June, July and August – but the
on the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration changeable and tourists should be prepared
woolen goods stores are open on Saturdays for the unexpected.
web site www.utl.is/english and some on Sundays as well. Shops outside
Reykjavik in service centers or gas stations Average temperature in Reykjavik
Arriving in Iceland January 35°F
are often open all day (9 AM to 10, 11, or
AIRPORT BUSES: service is operated 11:30 PM) every day of the week. April 42°F
between Reykjavik and Keflavik Interna- July 56°F
tional Airport. Buses leave Reykjavik from TAX REFUND: A refund of local Value- October 44°F
32 the BSI bus terminal 2 hours before flight Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in
Iceland.The refund will result in a reduction WEATHER/CLOTHING: For weather
departure.The drive from the airport to
Reykjavik takes about 40–50 minutes.The of up to 15% of the retail price, provided information in English,Tel.: (+354) 902-
fare is ISK 1,200 one way for adults and ISK departure from Iceland is within 3 months 0600, extension 44, office@vedur.is,
600 one way for children 12–15 years. after the date of purchase.The purchase www.vedur.is/english.When traveling to
amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 or Iceland in winter you should bring along
ARRIVAL IN SEYDISFJORDUR: clothing similar to what you would wear at
From Seydisfjordur it is easy to take a bus to approximately USD 50 (VAT included) per
sales receipt, and all goods (except woolens) the same time of year in the US north-east.
all major destinations in Iceland. The trip For summer you might want to bring along
from Seydisfjordur to Reykjavik takes about need to be shown at customs before check- lightweight woolens, a windbreaker, sneakers
8–9 hours and from Seydisfjordur to in.At Keflavik Airport this only applies and sturdy walking shoes if you plan to go
Akureyri about 5–6 hours in one go. to tax-free forms whose refund value
For information: tel.: +354-472-1551 • hiking.Always bring a swimsuit – year-
exceeds ISK 5,000.All other forms can be round.
ferjuhus@simnet.is • www.seydisfjordur.is refunded directly in cash at Landsbanki
AIRPORT TAXIS: Taxis are always Islands in the departure hall. MIDNIGHT SUN: During summer the
waiting outside the arrival hall. Cab fare to nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the
DUTY-FREE: Duty-free stores at Keflavik month of June the sun never fully sets in the
Reykjavik for a four-passenger taxi is Airport are open to coincide with flight
approximately USD 165. north.There are even special excursions to
departures and arrivals. the island of Grimsey on the Arctic Circle
Travel Agency

Authorised by
Icelandic Tourist Board
where you can experience the midnight sun, make a house call. In case of serious illness better way to get to know a country and its
if it is not cloudy! Keep in mind, however, or accident call the emergency phone people than by traveling independently –
that the sun at midnight is not so warm as at number 112.There are health centers or according to one’s own itinerary.A journey
midday, so bring along a sweater. general practitioners in all towns around the to Iceland outside the normal tourist season
Daylight (sunrise/sunset) country, and in some villages as well.There is can be an unforgettable experience.Travel-
a medical center or a hospital in all major ing conditions are usually good in most parts
Reykjavik Isafjordur cities and towns in Iceland. of the country from April to November.
Akureyri
EMERGENCY: The 24 hours emergency The mountain roads are often very narrow,
Jan 1 11:19 12:02 11:33 phone number in Iceland is 112. For infor- and are not made for speed.The same goes for
15:43 15:10 14:59 mation you can call the police in Reykjavik many bridges, which are only wide enough
Feb 1 10:10 10:31 10:07 (information only): +354-444-1100. See for one car at a time. In addition to not hav-
17:14 17:02 16:46 also www.icesar.com ing an asphalt surface, the mountain roads are
Mar 1 08:34 08:44 08:23 often very winding. Journeys therefore often
VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES: take longer than might be expected.
18:48 18:47 18:28 Visitors with disabilities can make traveling
Apr 1 06:44 06:45 06:26 in Iceland fairly easy by planning their vaca- For information on road conditions,Tel.:
20:20 20:30 20:09 tions in advance.They may also find it nec- 1777, while in Iceland, daily 8 AM to 4 PM
May 1 04:58 04:47 04:31 essary to travel with a companion, for al- www.vegagerdin.is/english.The total length
21:53 22:15 21:51 though there are many hotels and restaurants of the Ring Road around Iceland (National
June1 03:21 02:39 02:32 accessible to people with disabilities, they do Highway) is 900 miles.The national speed
23:32 00:26* 23:52 not always provide full assistance.A number limit in 90 km/h (55 mph). Some roads,
of hotels in Reykjavik and Akureyri have though, have a lower limit. Road signs are
July1 03:06 —— 01:59 numerous and easy to read. In Iceland all
23:56 01:22* 00:30 rooms specially designed for guests with dis-
abilities. Larger department stores are gener- off-the-road driving outside of marked
* tracks is prohibited by law. Seat belts are
Aug 1 04:35 04:18 04:03 ally accessible to wheelchair users.The required for all motorists at all times.
22:30 22:56 22:32 coastal ferry Baldur is accessible to people Headlight use is required both day and
Sep 1 06:11 06:08 05:50 with disabilities and so is the ferry Herjolfur. night.And there is no right-turn on red.
20:42 20:54 20:33 All airlines flying to and from Iceland are
equipped to accommodate travelers with PLEASE NOTE: special warning signs
disabilities.A few domestic buses equipped indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends,
Oct 1 07:37 07:44 07:23 but there is generally not a separate sign to
for wheelchair users are available for special
18:56 18:58 18:39 tours upon request. Specialized tour compa- reduce speed. Please choose a safe speed
Nov 1 09:12 09:29 09:06 nies for disabled travelers are available such according to conditions. Motorists are
17:10 17:02 16:45 as:Travel Friends • Tel. (+354) 564 4092, obliged by law to use headlights at all times
Dec 1 10:46 11:21 10:54 tourist@islandia.is. For accessible day and night. In Iceland all driving off roads
15:47 15:21 15:08 hotels and tourist attractions, see or marked tracks is prohibited by law.
www.sjalfsbjorg.is/adgengi. Passengers in the front and back seats of any
Times marked with an asterisk (*) refer to vehicle are required by law to use safety-
the following date. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Businesses, banks belts. Icelandic law forbids any driving under
Used with the kind permission of the and most stores are closed on these holidays: the influence of alcohol.
Almanac of the University of Iceland. 2008 2009 MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE:
TIME: Iceland stays on Greenwich Mean Jan 1 New Year’s Day Jan 1 Basic third- party liability insurance is
Time (GMT) throughout the year.When it Mar 20 Maundy Thursday Apr 9 included in car rental rates. Full coverage is
is noon in Reykjavik during the summer, Mar 21 Good Friday Apr 10 available at extra charge.
the time is 8 AM in New York City, 1 PM in GAS STATIONS: In the greater Reykja-
London, 2 PM in Paris, 2 PM in Oslo, 2 PM Mar 23 Easter Sunday Apr 12
vik area most gas stations are open every day
in Rome and 9 PM in Tokyo. Mar 24 Easter Monday Apr 13 to 11:30 PM. Opening hours around the
Apr 24 First Day of Summer Apr 23 country, where the pumps are privately
GENERAL INFORMATION May 1 Labour Day May 1 operated, can vary from place to place. Many
May 1 Ascension Day May 21 gas stations in the Reykjavik area and larger
MEDICAL HELP/PHARMACIES/ May 11 Whit Sunday May 31 towns of Iceland have automats in operation
EMERGENCY: In Iceland you will find after closing, which accept credit cards as
more physicians per capita than anywhere in May 12 Whit Monday June 1 well as notes. In rural or interior areas, gas
the world. Hospitals and all medical care are June 17 National Day June 17 stations may sometimes be far apart.
of the highest quality found anywhere. Aug 4 Bank Holiday Monday Aug 3 OPENING OF MOUNTAIN TRACKS:
Icelanders enjoy a healthy life, thanks to Dec 24 Christmas Eve (from noon) Dec 24 Most mountain roads are closed until the end
clean air and water.Water is safe to drink NEWS IN ENGLISH: A short news of June, or even longer because of wet and
throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are called muddy conditions which make them totally
34 “Apotek” and are open during normal
broadcast in English is made on State Radio,
FM 93.5 and FM 92.4, every morning impassable.When these roads are opened for
business hours. Many are open at night. Mon–Fri at 07:31 AM from June 1 to Sept. 1. traffic many of them can only be negotiated
Reykjavik has a great many general A telephone recording of the broadcast can by four-wheel-drive vehicles. For some
practitioners, as well as specialists, many of also be heard,Tel.: (+354) 515-3690. mountain tracks it is strongly advised that two
whom will receive patients on short notice. or more cars travel together.Also, before em-
There are also many health centers in TIPPING: Service and VAT are invariably barking on any journey into the interior col-
Reykjavik, with officially appointed family included in prices in Iceland so tipping is lect as much information as possible regarding
doctors who receive patients on short notice not necessary. road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist
during the day.The general rule is that for ELECTRIC CURRENT: The electric information office or the Public Roads Ad-
health care issues like vaccinations, much the current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 HZ AC. ministration,Tel.: 1777 (while in Iceland),
same standards apply as in the US.The Med- Please note that the prongs on electrical daily 8 AM to 4 PM, www.vegagerdin.is/
ical Center (Laeknavaktin) at Heilsuverndar- equipment you bring with you may be english.Always take along a detailed map.
stodin, Smaratorg 1, Kopavogur, while in different from Icelandic standards. It is Average Opening Dates Of Some Mountain
Iceland call 1770.Weekdays open from 5 advisable to check before using such Tracks:
PM to 11:30 PM. On the weekends and on equipment. Most hotels offer adapters but Lakagigar (F206) ...........................June 12
public holidays, open from 9 AM to 11 PM. they may be in limited supply. Fjallabaksleid Nyrdri (F208):
Patients can visit or phone and a doctor will DRIVING IN ICELAND: There is no Sigalda – Landmannalaugar............June 12
Landmannalaugar – Eldgja.............June 23 Tourist Information Center Traveling into the uninhabited interior of
Skaftartunga – Eldgja ......................June 4 Sunnumork 2-4 • IS-810 Hveragerdi Iceland is limited to the months of June, July
Fjallabaksleid Sydri (F210): Tel.: +354-483-4601 • Fax: +354-483-4604 and August, except for some specially orga-
Keldur – Hvannagil ......................June 30 E-mail: tourinfo@hveragerdi.is nized winter tours (see section on opening
Hvannagil – Skaftartunga ..............June 30 www.south.is of the mountain tracks).Winter tours in Ice-
Landmannaleid (F225): Tourist Information Center land are unforgettable: there is skiing for both
Keflavik Airport • Leifsstod • IS-235 beginners and the experienced, glacier tours
(Domadalur) ................................ June 15 on snowmobile or snow cats, and ice fishing.
Emstrur (F261)..............................June 24 Keflavik
Kjalvegur (F35): Tel.: +354-425-0330 • +354-421-6723 Iceland Tours Incentives
Gullfoss – Hveravellir ....................June 11 Fax: +354-421-4667 Skogarhlid 18 • IS-105 Reykjavik
E-mail: tourinfo@reykjanesbaer.is Tel.: +354-591-9010 • Fax: +354-591-9001
Hveravellir – Blonduvirkjun............June 2 www.reykjanes.is E-mail: info@incentives.is
Sprengisandur (F26): www.icelandtours.is
Hrauneyjar – Nyidalur ..................June 27 Tourist Information Center
Kjarninn • Hafnargata 57 • 230 Keflavik Reykjavik Excursions
Nyidalur – Bardadalur ...................June 27 Tel.: +354-421-6777 • Fax: +354-421-3150 Vesturvor 34 (head office)• 200 Kopavogur
Skagafjordur (F752)..........................July 3 E-mail: reykjanes@reykjanesbaer.is Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
Eyjafjardarleid (F821) .......................July 6 www.reykjanes.is main@re.is • www.re.is
Askja (F88):
Askja – Herdubreidarlindir ............June 19 Organized Tours
TOURS
Askja – Dreki ................................June 20 All year, different varieties of tours are
Oskjuvatnsvegur (F894).................June 21 Iceland offers a great variety of tours, some available, lasting from a few days up to three
Vesturdalur (Hljodaklettar) (F862) ..June 8 covering large parts of the country, others weeks.There are hotel tours, camping tours,
Kverkfjallaleid (F902) ....................June 19 small areas at a time.There are traditional hiking tours, geological tours, bird-watching
Uxahryggjavegur (F52) ...................June 5 tours as well as tours quite different from tours, bicycling tours, air tours, historical
Kaldadalsvegur (F550) ...................June 13 what can be experienced elsewhere.There tours, glacier tours, horseback riding tours –
are nature tours with striking landscapes, or a combination of these. For booking,
Maps: Maps Are Necessary For Visitors To young lava fields, roaring waterfalls and please contact Icelandair offices or any
Iceland To Ensure Them An Enjoyable And majestic glacial icecaps. In addition, there are authorized travel agency listed below.
Safe Journey.Ask For Road Maps And Maps
Of Iceland At Local Tourist Offices, organized day tours, and weekend and holi-
Bookstores Or Filling Stations. day tours all year round with Icelandic tour-
ing clubs where the emphasis is on hiking.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Center
Adalstraeti 2 • IS-101 Reykjavik
Tel.: +354-590-1550 • Fax: +354-590-1551 DAYTOURS FROM REYKJAVÍK
E-mail: tourinfo@tourinfo.is – Every day from the BSÍ bus terminal,
www.visitreykjavik.is daytours in and around Reykjavík. Gullfoss, Reykjavik Excursions
Tourist Information Center Geysir, Thingvellir, Borgar fjörður, Snæfells-
V/Bruartorg • IS-310 Borgarnes
Tel.: +354-437-2214 • Fax: +354-437-2314 FLYBUS
nes and other destinations.
Always on
E-mail: tourinfo@vesturland.is • www.west.is
Tourist Information Center
Adalstraeti 7 • IS-400 Isafjordur
– Regular service to and from the Leifur
Eiríksson Airport Terminal.
SCHEDULED SERVICES ACROSS THE
the move!
Tel.: +354-450-8060 • Fax: +354-456-5185 REYKJANES PENINSULA
E-mail: info@vestfirdir.is • www.westfjords.is – Scheduled coach services covering
Tourist Information Center the entire Reykjanes peninsula.
Varmahlid • IS-560 Varmahlid HOP ON – HOP OFF
Tel.: +354-455-6161 – Entertaining and informative tours around
E-mail: info@skagafjordur.is Reykjavík aboard a double-decker bus.
www.skagafjordur.is ICELAND ON YOUR OWN
Tourist Information Center – Tours to sites of geological and natural
Hafnarstraeti 82 • IS-600 Akureyri interest all around Iceland. Bus passports
Tel.: +354-550-0720 • Fax: +354-550-0721 available.
E-mail: tourinfo@est.is • www.nordurland.is COACH RENTALS
Tourist Information Center – Coaches of all sizes - from 8 to 70 seats. 35
Kaupvangur 10, P.O. Box 144 THÓRSMÖRK/HÚSADALUR
IS-700 Egilsstadir – Daily departures (1 June – 9 Sept).
Tel.: +354-471-2320 • Fax: +354-471-1863 Group bookings available.
E-mail: east@east.is • www.east.is CORPORATE SOLUTIONS
Tourist Information Center – Reykjavik Excursions commercial contracts.
Ferjuleiri 1 • IS-710 Seydisfjordur GALLERY KYNNISFERÐIR
Tel.: +354-472-1551 • GSM: +354-861-7789 – Icelandic designs – jewellery, clothing and
E-mail: ferdamenning@sfk.is gift items. Nordica Hotel, Hotel Loftleiðir
ferjuhus@simnet.is • www.seydisfjordur.is and Radisson SAS Saga Hotel.
Tourist Information Center
Hafnarbraut 30 • IS-780 Hofn
(Hornafjordur)
Tel.: +354-478-1500
E-mail: tourinfo@hornafjordur.is Information - Tel: (+354) 562 1011
www.visitvatnajokull.is www.re.is e-mail : main@re.is
Authorized Travel Agencies and Terra Nova Iceland Excursions – Gray Line Iceland
Tour Operators in Iceland Skogarhlid 18 • IS-105 Reykjavik Hofdatun 12 • IS-105 Reykjavik
Arinbjorn Johannsson Erlebnistouren Tel.: +354-591-9010 • Fax: +354-591-9001 Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310
Brekkulaekur • IS-531 Hvammstangi E-mail: sales@terranova.is E-mail: iceland@grayline.is
www.terranova.is www.icelandexcursions.is • www.grayline.is
Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998
E-mail: brekka@nett.is TREX – Travel Experiences Icelandic Mountain Guides
www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur Hesthals 10 • IS-110 Reykjavik Vagnhofdi 7 • IS-110 Reykjavik
Hafnarstraeti 77 • IS-600 Akureyri Tel.: +354-587-9999 • Fax: +354-587-9996
Atlantik E-mail: mountainguide@mountainguide.is
Grandagardur 14 • 101 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
E-mail: info@trex.is • www.trex.is www.mountainguide.is
Tel.: +354-575-9900 • Fax: +354-575-9915 Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
E-mail: at@atlantik.is • www.atlantik.is Viking Trail Travel Agency IS-240 Grindavik
Iceland Excursions – Gray Line Iceland Fannafold 165 • IS-112 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-420-8800 • Fax: +354-420-8801
Hofdatun 12 • IS-105 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-567-2288 • Fax: +354-567-2280 E-mail: bluelagoon@bluelagoon.com
Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310 E-mail: vikingaslodir@islandia.is www.bluelagoon.com
E-mail: iceland@grayline.is www.vikingaslodir.is
Reykjavik Excursions
www.icelandexcursions.is • www.grayline.is West Tours Vesturvor 34 (head office) IS-200 Kopavogur
Discover the World Island ehf. Adalstraeti 7 • IS-400 Isafjordur Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
Stangarhylur 1 • IS-110 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-456-5111 • Fax: +354-456-5185 E-mail: main@re.is • www.re.is
Tel.: +354-561-3200 • Fax: +354-561-3223 E-mail: info@westtours.is SBA – Nordurleid
E-mail: info@dtw.is • www.dtw.is www.westtours.is Hjalteyrargata 10 • IS-600 Akureyri
Gudmundur Jonasson Travel Tel.: +354-550-0700 / 550-0770
Borgartun 34 • IS-105 Reykjavik ACTIVITIES Fax: +354-550-0701 / 550-0771
Tel.: +354-511-1515 • Fax: +354-511-1511 E-mail: sba@sba.is • www.sba.is
Iceland is an ideal destination for today’s
E-mail: gjtravel@gjtravel.is • www.gjtravel.is TREX – Travel Experiences
active tourist.The following is a list of some Hesthals 10 • IS-110 Reykjavik
Erlingsson Naturreisen of the many activities available. Hafnarstraeti 77 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tjarnargata 4 • IS-101 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106
Tel.: +354-551-9700 • Fax: +354-551-9703 Activity Vacations
E-mail: info@trex.is • www.trex.is
E-mail: erlingsson@naturreisen.is Activity vacations are offered all over Iceland.
wwww.naturreisen.is These vacations may feature river rafting, Dolphin & Whale Spotting
Iceland Travel hiking, glacier tours, fishing, horseback Reykjavik Whale Watching
Skutuvogur 13A • IS-104 Reykjavik riding, boat tours, whale watching, swim- Aegisgardur 7 – Reykjavik Harbour
Tel.: +354-585-4300 • Fax: +354-585-4390 ming and summer skiing. For further Tel.: +354-555-3565 • Fax: +354-554-7420
E-mail: sales@icelandtravel.is information contact: E-mail: elding@elding.is • www.elding.is
www.icelandtravel.is • www.icelandtotal.com
Icelandic Farm Holidays Season Calendar Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Sidumuli 2 • IS-108 Reykjavik E ve n t s a n d A c t i v i t i e s
Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799 Hiking • • • • • • • • • • • •
E-mail: ifh@farmholidays.is Biking • • • • •
www.farmholidays.is Whale Watching • • • • •
Skiing • • •
Icelandic Mountain Guides Dog Sledding • • • • • • • • • • • •
Vagnhofdi 7 • IS-110 Reykjavik Golf • • • • •
Tel.: +354-587-9999 • Fax: +354-587-9996 Jeep Safaris • • • • • • • • • • • •
E-mail: mountainguide@mountainguide.is Snowmobiles • • • • • • • • • • • •
www.mountainguide.is
Glacier Safaris • • • • • • •
Isafold Travel (Small Groups – Great Experience) Bird Watching • • • • • • • •
Sudurhraun 2b • IS-210 Gardabaer River Rafting • • • • •
Tel.: +354-544-8866 • Fax: +354-544-8869 Horseback Riding • • • • • • • • • • • •
E-mail: info@isafoldtravel.is Fishing - Trout and Salmon • • • • • • •
www.isafoldtravel.is Fishing - Deep-Sea • • • • •
Ishestar Travel Outdoor Swimming • • • • • • • • • • • •
Sorlaskeid 26 • IS-220 Hafnarfjordur The 13 Santa Clauses of Iceland •
Tel.: +354-555-7000 • Fax: +354-555-7001 Midnight Sun • • •
E-mail: info@ishestar.is • www.ishestar.is Northern Lights • • • • • • •
Nordic Travel The Ten Million Puffins • • • •
36 Stangarhylur 1 • IS-110 Reykjavik Horse and Sheep Roundups
Hot Springs and Geysers • • • • • • •



• • • •
Tel.: +354-570-8600 • Fax: +354-552-9450
E-mail: info@nordictravel.is Symphony - Ballet - Opera • • • • • • • •
www.nordictravel.is Jazz • • • • • • • • • • • •
Theaters • • • • • • • • • • • •
Reykjavik Excursions
Kayaking • • • • • • •
Vesturvor 34 (head office) IS-200 Kopavogur
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776 Marathons • •
E-mail: main@re.is • www.re.is Reykjavik Arts Festival •
Folksongs festival •
Snaeland Grimsson Tour Operator Gay Pride festival •
Langholtsvegur 115 • IS-104 Reykjavik Jazz festival •
Tel.: +354-588-8660 • Fax: +354-588-8661 Iceland Airwaves •
E-mail: snaeland@snaeland.is Film Festival •
www.snaeland.is Hidden World Walks • • • • •
Teitur Jonasson Ltd. – Iceland Nature Tours Thorrablot Festivals •
Dalvegur 22 • IS-201 Kopavogur Sightseeing flights • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tel.: +354-515-2700 • Fax: +354-515-2707 Reykjavik Culture Festival •
E-mail: info@teitur.is • www.teitur.is Food & Fun Festival •
Gentle Giants TREX – Travel Experiences Seatours
Harbour side – Tungata 6 • IS-640 Husavik Hesthals 10 • IS-110 Reykjavik Smidjustigur 3 • IS-340 Stykkisholmur
Tel.: +354-464-1500 • Fax: +354-464-1501 Hafnarstraeti 77 • IS-600 Akureyri Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050
E-mail: info@gentlegiants.is Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106 E-mail: seatours@seatours.is
www.gentlegiants.is E-mail: info@trex.is • www.trex.is www.seatours.is
Seatours West Tours Glacier Tours
Smidjustigur 3 • IS-340 Stykkisholmur Adalstraeti 7 • IS-400 Isafjordur
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050 Tel.: +354-456-5111 • Fax: +354-456-5185 Glacier tours with snowmobiles or snowcats.
E-mail: seatours@seatours.is • www.seatours.is E-mail: info@westtours.is • www.westtours.is Reykjavik Excursions
Husavik Original Whale Watching with Vesturvor 34 (head office) IS-200 Kopavogur
Horse Riding Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776
North Sailing Numerous farms throughout Iceland offer E-mail: main@re.is • www.re.is
Gamli baukur • IS-640 Husavik horse riding tours from 1 hour up to 10 days
Tel.: +354-464-7272 • Fax: +354-464-2351 (see brochure from the Farm Holiday Serv- Golf
E-mail: info@northsailing.is ice). Please note that all equestrian equip- Iceland has over 50 golf courses throughout
www.northsailing.is ment must be disinfected before arrival. For the island, some with outstanding views and
Bird-watching further information please contact travel always close to nature. Golf can be played in
agencies and those mentioned below. Iceland from May through September and in
Some places in Iceland are paradises for bird- the summer golf can be played around-the-
watchers. Latrabjarg in the West Fjords is the Arinbjorn Johannsson Erlebnistouren
Brekkulaekur • 531 Hvammstangi clock due to the midnight sun.Visitors are
largest known bird cliff in the world.A great welcome at the courses. Green fees vary
variety of cliff-nesting species can be found Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998 from USD 15 to 30. Some courses offer
there, including the largest razorbill colony brekka@nett.is clubs for rent.
in the world.The Westman Islands are known www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur
for many kinds of seabirds, and are home to Ishestar Riding Tours Midnight Golf in Iceland – The Arctic Open:
Iceland’s largest puffin population. Lake My- Sorlaskeid 26 • 220 Hafnarfjordur At Akureyri Golf Club in the north, golf can
vatn in the north has more species of breed- Tel.: +354-555-7000 • Fax +354-555-7001 be played with the sun shining at midnight.
ing ducks than any other place in Europe. info@ishestar.is • www.ishestar.is At the end of June a 36-hole open interna-
The great skua colony on the sands in south tional match is held.Tee-off is just before
Kalfholt Horse Riding Tours midnight and playing continues until the
Iceland is the largest in the world. Seabirds Kalfholt • IS-851 Hella
such as puffins can be seen in many places, as early hours of the morning. For further
Tel.: +354-487-5176 • +354-861-7385 information contact local tourist informa-
well as eiders,Arctic terns, waders and pas- E-mail: ejsj@emax.is • www.kalfholt.is
serine birds. Some tour operators organize tion centers and travel agencies or see
tours for bird-watchers in early summer. Polar Horses www.arcticopen.is • See also www.golf.is
Grytubakki 2 • 601 Akureyri
Erlingsson Naturreisen Tel.: +354-463-3179 • Fax: +354-463-3144 Reykjavik Marathon
Tjarnargata 4 • IS-101 Reykjavik polarhestar@polarhestar.is The Reykjavik Marathon is an international
Tel.: +354-551-9700 • Fax: +354-551-9703 www.polarhestar.is and annual event.The Reykjavik Marathon
E-mail: erlingsson@naturreisen.is will be held on August 23rd 2008.
wwww.naturreisen.is Skiing www.reykjavikmarathon.com
Seatours Winter skiing is available in many parts of
Smidjustigur 3 • 340 Stykkisholmur the country. Skiing resorts with both cross- Swimming
Tel.: +354-438-1450 • Fax: +354-438-1050 country and downhill skiing are found Swimming is a very popular activity all year
seatours@seatours.is • www.seators.is throughout Iceland. round in Iceland. Most towns and villages
have outdoor or indoor swimming pools
West Tours Cycling filled with water from natural hot springs.
Adalstraeti 7 • IS-400 Isafjordur Bikes can be rented in Reykjavik and in The temperature of the water in the pools is
Tel.: +354-456-5111 • Fax: +354-456-5185 various places around Iceland. For further about the same as bathwater. In many places
E-mail: info@westtours.is • www.westtours.is information on biking tours please contact there are also saunas, jacuzzis, solariums and
Hiking tourist information centers. hot pots.
More than half of Iceland is over 400 m Fishing and Hunting
above sea level, and a large part of the island Iceland is famous for its salmon and trout TRANSPORTATION
is covered by lava, glaciers, lakes and sand. fishing.The main season for salmon fishing is How to get to Iceland by air
Several places in Iceland have marked from around June 20th to mid-September.
walking paths, and hiking is a favorite There are excellent transportation choices
Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to via ICELANDAIR to Iceland and beyond
pastime for Icelanders and tourists alike. the next, but the normal season is from April/
Tourist information centers give information from North America.There are daily non-
May until late September/October. During stop flights to Reykjavik (Keflavik Interna-
on hiking paths in their area. Many travel winter, ice fishing is quite popular. For salmon
agencies also organize hiking tours during fishing, permits must be reserved well in
tional Airport) from Baltimore/Washington, 37
winter and summer alike. Boston, New York, Minneapolis and Orlando.
advance, but trout fishing permits can be
Arinbjorn Johannsson Erlebnistouren obtained on short notice, often the same day. Icelandair maintains regular scheduled flights
Brekkulaekur • 531 Hvammstangi to Iceland from the following cities:
Tel.: +354-451-2938 • Fax: +354-451-2998 Sea Angling ALL YEAR: London, Glasgow, Copenhagen,
brekka@nett.is Sea angling is also becoming a popular sport Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm,
www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur in Iceland.The season begins late in May Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Baltimore, Boston,
and lasts until the end of August with several Minneapolis, New York and Orlando.
Erlingsson Naturreisen tournaments in different parts of the
Tjarnargata 4 • 101 Reykjavik country. For further information please USA – 5950 Symphony Woods Road
Tel.: +354-551-9700 • Fax: +354-551-9703 contact local tourist information centers and Suite 410 • Columbia • Maryland 21044
erlingsson@naturreisen.is travel agencies as well as: Tel.: (1) 410 715 1600
www.naturreisen.is Fax: (1) 410 715 3547
Sea Angling Tours E-mail: america@icelandair.is
Reykjavik Excursions Aegisgardur 7 • Reykjavik Harbour
Vesturvor 34 (head office) IS-200 Kopavogur IS-101 Reykjavik How to get to Iceland by sea
Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776 Tel.: +354-555-3565 • Fax: +354-554-7420
E-mail: main@re.is • www.re.is No scheduled passenger sea-link from North
E-mail: elding@elding.is • www.elding.is America but many cruise lines make stops in
Iceland in their itineraries: Holland America Domestic Transportation Gudmundur Jonasson LTD
Line, Cunard, Seabourn Cruise Line, Crystal – Ferries Borgartun 34 • 105 Reykjavik
Cruise, Silversea Cruise, Princess Cruise, Ferry Baldur Tel.: +354-511-1515 • Fax: +354-511-1511
Royal Caribbean International, Orient Smidjustigur 3 • 340 Stykkisholmur gjtravel@gjtravel.is • www.gjtravel.is
Lines,Abercrombie & Kent, Lindblad Tel.: +354-438-1120 • Fax: +354-438-1093 SBA – Nordurleid
Special, Expeditions, Euro Cruises. seatours@seatours.is • www.seatours.is Hjalteyrargata 10 • 600 Akureyri
www.icelandtouristboard.com Tel.: +354-550-0700 / 550-0770
Saefari Ferry – Landflutningar Samskip Fax: +354-550-0701 / 550-0771
SMYRIL LINE: maintains throughout the Ranarbraut 2b • IS-620 Dalvik
year a regular scheduled cruise- and car- sba@sba.is • www.sba.is
Tel.: +354-458-8970 • Fax: +354-458-8971
ferry service to Iceland from Hanstholm in E-mail: landflutningar@landflutningar.is Teitur Jonasson – Bus Rental
Denmark,Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, www.landflutningar.is/saefari/ Dalvegur 22 • 201 Kopavogur
Scrabster in Scotland and Bergen in Norway. www.saefari.is Tel.: +354-515-2700 • Fax: +354-515-2707
info@teitur.is • www.teitur.is
Please contact the head office or see www. Domestic Excursions and
smyril-line.com for further information on Transportation – by Bus Domestic Transportation
sales offices and General Sales Agents abroad. – Car Rentals
There is an extensive bus service to most
Smyril Line Head Office parts of the country and to the highlands, as There are several car rental agencies in
J. Broncksgøta 37 • P.O. Box 370 well as a large number of organized bus Iceland. Cars can be booked through a travel
FO 110 Torshavn • Faroe Islands tours. Reservations are not necessary and agent or an airline, at airports or directly
Tel.: +298-345900 tickets can be bought either at the bus after arrival in Iceland. Many types of cars
Fax: +298-345950 / +298-345951 station or from the driver. Children under 4 are available, from small family cars to
E-mail: booking@smyril-line.fo travel free of charge, and half price is powerful 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
www.smyril-line.com charged for children from 4–11. Hertz Car Rental
EXCURSIONS: Reykjavik Airport • 101 Reykjavik
Domestic Transportation – by Air Tel.: +354-522-4400 • Fax: +354-522-4401
Reykjavik Excursions
Air Iceland offers scheduled service to most Vesturvor 34 (head office) • 200 Kopavogur hertz@hertz.is • www.hertz.is
parts of the country. For further information Tel.: +354-580-5400 • Fax: +354-564-4776 www.hertz.com
please contact the following: main@re.is • www.re.is National Car Rental - Bilaleiga Akureyrar
Air Iceland Iceland Excursions – Gray Line Iceland Tryggvabraut 12 • 600 Akureyri
Reykjavik Airport • 101 Reykjavik Hofdatun 12 • IS-105 Reykjavik Tel.: +354-461-3000 • Fax: +354-462-6476
Tel.: +354-570-3030 • Fax: +354-570-3001 Tel.: +354-540-1313 • Fax: +354-540-1310 nationalcar@nationalcar.is
websales@airiceland.is • www.airiceland.dk E-mail: iceland@grayline.is www.nationalcar.is
INTERNET OFFERS: New internet www.icelandexcursions.is • www.grayline.is
offers every week. TREX – Travel Experiences
CHARTER SERVICE: Several air carriers Hesthals 10 • IS-110 Reykjavik ACCOMMODATION
offer charter service and sightseeing flights: Hafnarstraeti 77 • IS-600 Akureyri
Tel.: +354-587-6000 • +354-461-1106 Classification
Air Iceland E-mail: info@trex.is • www.trex.is All lodging facilities in Iceland have the
Reykjavik Airport • 101 Reykjavik opportunity to be classified.The
Tel.: +354-570-3030 • Fax: +354-570-3001 COACH HIRE:
For hiring of buses contact: classification is voluntary and is divided into
websales@airiceland.is • www.airiceland.is five categories, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars, and is

Vik Selfoss Reykjavik Borgarnes Isafjordur Akureyri Egilsstadir Hofn


Driving Distances
Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles Km Miles
Akranes 220 / 132 91 / 57 49 / 30 38 / 24 422 / 262 353 / 219 617 / 383 493 / 306
Akureyri 561 / 349 432 / 259 389 / 242 315 / 196 567 / 352 265 / 165 512 / 318
Blonduos 416 / 259 287 / 178 244 / 152 170 / 106 423 / 263 145 / 90 410 / 255 657 / 408
Borgarnes 246 / 153 117 / 73 74 / 46 384 / 239 315 / 196 580 / 360 519 / 323
Budardalur (Snaefellsnes) 326 / 203 197 / 122 154 / 96 80 / 50 304 / 189 281 / 175 546 / 339 599 / 372
Egilsstadir 511 / 318 640 / 398 698 / 434 580 / 360 832 / 517 265 / 165 247 / 153
Grindavik (Blue Lagoon) 230 / 143 101 / 63 52 / 32 120 / 75 504 / 313 435 / 270 700 / 435 503 / 313
Gullfoss 176 / 109 71 / 44 125 / 78 184 / 114 569 / 354 499 / 310 687 / 427 449 / 279
Hella 93 / 58 36 / 22 94 / 58 153 / 95 537 / 334 468 / 291 604 / 375 366 / 227
Hveragerdi 141 / 88 12 / 7 45 / 28 115 / 71 499 / 310 430 / 267 652 / 405 414 / 257
38 Husavik 652 / 405 523 / 325 480 / 298 406 / 252 659 / 409 91 / 57 220 / 137 467 / 290
Hofn 273 / 170 402 / 250 459 / 285 519 / 233 902 / 560 512 / 319 247 / 153
Isafjordur 630 / 391 500 / 311 457 / 284 384 / 239 567 / 352 832 / 517 922 / 573
Kirkjubaejarklaustur 71 / 44 201 / 125 258 / 160 318 / 198 702 / 436 633 / 393 440 / 273 201 / 125
Laugarvatn 169 / 105 39 / 24 93 / 58 153 / 95 538 / 334 468 / 291 680 / 423 441 / 274
Myvatn 660 / 410 531 / 330 488 / 303 414 / 257 667 / 414 99 / 62 165 / 103 412 / 256
Reykjavik 187 / 116 57 / 35 74 / 46 457 / 284 389 / 242 698 / 434 459 / 285
Saudarkrokur 492 / 306 362 / 225 319 / 198 246 / 153 498 / 309 119 / 74 384 / 239 631 / 392
Skogar 35 / 22 94 / 58 151 / 94 221 / 137 605 / 376 536 / 333 546 / 339 308 / 191
Skaftafell 141 / 88 270 / 168 327 / 203 387 / 240 771 / 479 639 / 397 374 / 232 136 / 85
Stykkisholmur 345 / 214 215 / 134 172 / 107 98 / 61 390 / 242 363 / 226 628 / 390 617 / 383
Vik in Myrdalur 129 / 80 187 / 116 246 / 153 630 / 391 561 / 349 511 / 318 273 / 170
Thingvellir 174 / 108 45 / 28 49 / 30 95 / 59 479 / 298 410 / 255 675 / 419 447 / 278
Thorlakshofn 157 / 98 28 / 17 51 / 32 110 / 68 494 / 307 425 / 264 668 / 415 430 / 391
Weather Information: Tel.: (+ 354) 902-0600, ext. 44 — Web: vedur.is/english Emergency tel: 112
by no means an all-embracing assessment of Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir keep traveling costs to a minimum.All the
the quality of the accommodation in Hotel Odinsve hostels have a well-equipped guest kitchen
question. It is solely based on factors which Hotel Ranga and family rooms.The Travel Section
can be objectively measured.The grading Hotel Reynihlid arranges travels in Iceland and provides
consists of more than 100 different items. Radisson SAS Hotel Saga different tours.The Travel Section also offers
The Icelandic Tourist Board is in charge of Radisson SAS 1919 packages, which consist of rental car and
the classification. Look for the blue-red sign hostel overnight vouchers.The Travel
placed near the entrance which indicates the Hotels and Guesthouses Section is a central booking office for all
present classification of the facility. For Hotels offer a pleasant European flavor and Hostelling International Hostels in Iceland
further information see are of a high international standard.The for individuals and groups. For further
www.IcelandTouristBoard.com price range would be USD 230 for a double information see our brochure “Hostelling in
Two stars: room in a first-class facility in high season to Iceland” or contact the
Fosshotel Sudurgata USD 70 for a guesthouse, breakfast and taxes Icelandic Youth Hostel Association
Guesthouse Baldursbra included. Prices are generally lower in Sundlaugavegur 34 • 105 Reykjavik
Guesthouse Olafsvik winter. Tel.: +354-553-8110 • Fax: +354-588-9201
Guesthouse Sigridur FARMHOUSE info@hostel.is • www.hostel.is
Guesthouse Snorri ACCOMMODATIONS: Icelandic Farm CAMPING: There are around 110 regis-
Hotel Edda Laugar in Saelingsdalur Holidays is a association/chain of around tered campsites in Iceland. Camping
Hotel Edda Akureyri 150 farms around Iceland.The members are grounds are normally open from the begin-
Hotel Edda Eidar farmers who offer accommodation in their ning of June until the end of August or mid-
Hotel Edda IKI Laugarvatn homes, guesthouses, country hotels and dle of September depending on location.
Hotel Edda Laugarbakki cottages.Travellers can choose from Bed and The price for camping in Iceland varies
Hotel Edda M.L. Laugarvatn breakfast in rooms with shared or private depending on facilities available or from ap-
Hotel Edda Egilsstadir facilities or sleeping bag accommodation. prox. USD 5–7. Travelers may set up hiking
Hotel Edda Isafjordur Most cottages are rented on a daily basis. tents for an overnight stay in Iceland. How-
Hotel Edda Nesjaskoli The Icelandic Tourist Board acknowledges ever, the permission of the landowner or
Hotel Edda Neskaupstadur and approves the classification system used other right holders should be sought before
Hotel Edda Skogar by the Icelandic Farm Holidays association. camping. Travelers are advised to use the
Hotel Edda Storutjarnir Among the various activities offered by the designated campsites when possible. Special
Hotel Gigur – Kea Hotel farmers are: horseback riding, fishing, hiking, accommodation/camping brochure is availa-
Hotel Harpa – Kea Hotel golf, hunting and ATV-tours. Icelandic Farm ble for pickup at tourist information centers.
Inns of Iceland – Floki Inn Holidays is also a licensed travel agent
The Old Guesthouse Isafjordur offering guided group tours, individual travel FOR YOUR SAEFTY
Three stars: and self-drive tours. Our association with Please take great care when visiting the
CenterHotel Klopp farms makes us specialists in travelling in the natural wonders of Iceland, such as geother-
Country Hotel Anna countryside. For further information and mal areas, waterfalls and glaciers.Always stay
Fosshotel Baron bookings see the brochure “The Ideal Holi- on defined paths and/or within safe distance.
Fosshotel Husavik day – Icelandic Farm Holidays” or contact:
NOTE: Prices are subject to change.All
Fosshotel Lind Icelandic Farm Holidays efforts have been made to verify that
Fosshotel Reykholt Sidumuli 2 • 108 Reykjavik information in this brochure is correct as of
Fosshotel Vatnajokull Tel.: +354-570-2700 • Fax: +354-570-2799 July 1, 2007.The lists of services are not
Guesthouse Stadarskali ifh@farmholidays.is • www.farmholidays.is always complete.
Hotel Bjork – Kea Hotel HOSTELS: There are 25 Hostelling
Hotel Borgarnes International Hostels around Iceland, open
Hotel Edda Plus Akureyri to people of all ages.They offer budget For further information go to
Hotel Edda Plus Laugar in Saelingsdalur accommodations in clean and comfortable www.icelandtouristboard.com
Hotel Edda Plus Vik i Myrdal lodgings with self-service, so travelers can
Hotel Fron
Hotel Hellissandur
Hotel Hofn
Hotel Isafjordur Tour Operator
Hotel Natur
Hotel Nordurland – Kea Hotel
Hotel Olafsvik
Licensing and registration
Authorised by
Hotel Raudaskrida
Hotel Reykjavik – Reykjavik Hotels of travel-related services Icelandic Tourist Board

Hotel Tindastoll Travel Agency


Hotel Thorshamar 39
Icelandair Hotel Fludir The Icelandic Tourist Board issues licences to tour opera-
Icelandair Hotel Hamar tors and travel agents, as well as issuing registration to
Icelandair Hotel Herad booking services and information centres. Authorised by
Icelandic Tourist Board
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
Metropolitan Hotel Booking Office
Park Inn Island Tour operators and travel agents are required to use a
Sel Hotel Myvatn special logo approved by the Icelandic Tourist Board on all
Sveinbjarnargerdi Sveitahotel their advertisements and on their Internet website.
Four stars: Registrated by
Icelandic Tourist Board
CenterHotel Skjaldbreid
Grand Hotel Reykjavik – Reykjavik Hotels Booking services and information centres are entitled to
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica use a Tourist Board logo on all their material. The logos Information Office
Hotel Borg below are recognised by the Icelandic Tourist Board.
Hotel Kea – Kea Hotel
Hotel Keflavik Registrated by
Icelandair Hotel Flughotel Icelandic Tourist Board
800 m

400 m Icelandair’s transatlantic route network

100 m

0m

Index to Tourist Attractions


Asbyrgi E2 Gullfoss C4 Jokulsa-canyon E2 Mt. Dyrfjoll G2 Reykholar B2 Thingvellir C4
Blue Lagoon B4 Hellnar A3 Jokulsarlon E4 Mt. Snaefell F3 Reynisdrangar D5 Thorsmork D5
Dettifoss E2 Hljodaklettar E2 Kirkjubaejarklaustur E5 Mt. Kirkjufell A3 Skaftafell E4 Town Village Ferries Whale watching
Dyrholaey D5 Holar D2 Krisuvik B4 Mt. Herdubreid F3 Skalholt C4
Geysir C4 Hornstrandir B1 Krisuvikurberg B5 Myvatn E2 Skogafoss D5
Godafoss E2 Hvitserkur C2 Latrabjarg A2 Namaskard E2 Vestmannaeyjar C5 Ring Road Other Road Mountain Track ESSO Service Station
ICELAND IS MORE THAN PRISTINE COUNTRY. IT’S A LIFESTYLE. ICELAND NATURALLY, A COHORT OF
ICELANDIC COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS, CELEBRATES THIS LIFESTYLE AND INVITES YOU TO GET
A TASTE FOR YOURSELF. FEEL. EAT. DRINK. HEAL. BREATHE.

66º NORTH
www.66north.com/us
Since 1926, 66° North has been a leading innovator and producer of working clothes for sea and
land, and has for the last decade successfully leveraged its expertise into outdoor clothing for sports
and leisure.

BLUE LAGOON
www.bluelagoon.com
With its unique geothermal seawater, Blue Lagoon is a leader in wellness tourism, and its skin care
line, based on natural actives extracted from seawater, brings you energy for life through forces of
nature.

GLITNIR
www.glitnirbank.com
With operations in eleven countries, Glitnir is a growing banking group with strong foundations in the
Nordic market. Glitnir focuses on three special niches in international markets: seafood/food,
sustainable energy and offshore service vessels.

ICELANDAIR
www.icelandair.com
WWW.ICELANDAIR.COM Icelandair, the flag carrier of Iceland, links North America to Iceland and many exciting destinations
throughout mainland Europe.

ICELANDIC AGRICULTURE
www.skyr.is
You can find delicious Icelandic agricultural products, such as skyr, cheeses, lamb, butter and
chocolate, produced in a sustainable way on small family farms, in various fine dining restaurants and
Whole Foods Markets.

ICELANDIC USA
www.icelandic.com
Icelandic® USA, Inc. has for over 60 years defined world-class innovation and quality in the seafood
industry. It markets the legendary in quality Icelandic® brand and the new Market Bay brand of
seafood.

ICELAND SPRING WATER


www.icelandspring.com
Imported from the pristine mountains of Iceland, Iceland Spring is the purest bottled water available
in today’s market. With its naturally high pH, low mineral content, and its remarkably pure and
refreshing taste, Iceland Spring’s purity is unmatched.

LEIFUR EIRIKSSON AIR TERMINAL


www.airport.is/english
The gateway for most passenger and air-freight flights to and from Iceland. The terminal is open 24
hours a day at Keflavik Airport, and all retail sale and services are duty and tax-free.

REYKA VODKA
www.reykavodka.com
The first vodka distilled in Iceland, Reyka Vodka is made from the purest of waters and filtered
through lava rock, giving it a characteristically Icelandic flavor.

PURE. NATURAL. UNSPOILED.


Think of a City
Remove Then add
- crowds + wellness
- traffic + nature
- noise + inspiration
- pollution + fun
- stress + intimacy
- pressure + space
ÍSLENSKA AUGLÝSINGASTOFAN/SIA.IS HBS 33951 08/2006

Reykjavík Pure Energy

www.visitreykjavik.is
www.visitreykjavik.is

Reykjavík is an enchanting place characterised by strong Visit Reykjavík and experience the pure energy at the heart
contrasts. Conveniently small, clean and safe, Reykjavík of Iceland´s capital city. Whether to feel the boiling energy
feels like a cosmopolitan capital and a tiny seaside village underground or experience its thermal pools, lively culture
– all wrapped up in one. and fun-filled nightlife, you should be in for a memorable
visit.

Visit Reykjavík - Adalstraeti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Iceland - Tel. +354 590 1500 - Fax 590 1501 www.visitreykjavik.is - info@visitreykjavik.is

You might also like