Iceland -

Iceland

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, Iceland is known for its geological wonders, majestic views as well as significant volcanic and geothermal activity.

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The Land of Fire & Ice

Iceland is appreciated for its dramatic landscapes, impressive volcanos, extensive lava fields, vast glaciers, numerous waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches and relaxing hot springs. It has been a popular travel destination and favorite for self-drive road trips. It is an expensive place so if on a budget, careful and advanced planning is advised.

The most popular summer months are July and August with a high number of visitors and limited accommodation choices. However, it is the best time to see a colony of puffins, spot sea life or plan a fishing trip. Shoulder seasons of April, May and September give more options and less tourists. Winter is a popular time to catch sight of aurora borealis, but days are short and some of the roads are going to be inaccessible due to rainfall or snow.

A great website to check current weather and road conditions in Iceland – https://umferdin.is/en

Iceland

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Location: North Atlantic Ocean
Time Zone: the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone during standard time. Iceland does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
International Airport: Keflavík International Airport (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF). Located approximately 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.
Language: Official language is Icelandic, related to Old Norse.
Currency used: ISK, the Icelandic Króna
Electricity – 230 volts, 50Hz. Plug Type: Type F electrical outlets (Schuko plugs with two round prongs and side grounding clips).

Phone: SIM card – Main companies are Síminn, Nova and Vodafone

Síminn – https://www.siminn.is/en/prepaid
Vodafone – https://vodafone.is/english
Nova – https://www.nova.is/english

eSIM Data Options

Airalo: offers digital SIM cards for Iceland which can be activated online before arrival.
Holafly: Provides eSIMs with unlimited data options for Iceland.

Airlines & Destinations:

Icelandair, the national carrier, uses Keflavík as its main hub, connecting Iceland to various destinations in Europe, North America, and Greenland.
Play, a low-cost airline, also operates from Keflavík, offering flights to multiple European and North American destinations.

Parking:

Free parking: A sign with a blue “P” on a white background.
Pay parking: Most tourist attractions even in the remote areas require a fee to maintain facilities.
Mobile payment apps: Parka and EasyPark.

Around 874 AD – The first known settlers were Norsemen from Scandinavia, led by figures like Ingólfur Arnarson, who is traditionally considered the first permanent settler, after a period of exploration and settlement known as the Viking Age.
1262–1380 – Formed a union with Norway under the Old Covenant, losing its full independence but retaining some autonomy.
1397–1523 – After Norway joined the Kalmar Union, Iceland came under Danish control.
World War II – British forces occupied Iceland in 1940 to prevent a Nazi invasion, followed by American forces in 1941.
1944 – Declared independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944. Iceland has since maintained a unique cultural identity, with Icelandic, related to Old Norse, being the official language.

National Dish:
Considered to be Hákarl, fermented or cured shark meat accompanied by Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps made from fermented grain or potato mash, flavored with caraway, cumin, and sometimes angelica root.
National Flower:
The Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala) that grows on rocky ground, in mountainous areas, tundra, and alpine meadows.
Fun Fact: Iceland is home to around 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population during their breeding season. These colorful birds are often called “sea parrots” and are beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Elves and Hidden People: A significant portion of Icelanders believe in or at least respect the existence of elves, or “hidden people.” There have been instances where construction projects were altered or delayed due to concerns about disturbing these mythical beings.

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