Iceland has so many great options for any type of recreational activities. Our recreation guide will help you find great information on your favourite hobby or interest while visiting our beautiful country.
The eastern part of Iceland is the home of the reindeers and Iceland’s biggest forest.
The Nine Wonders of Iceland
We split Iceland into nine different regions to make your search for information easier. Simply click on the region you want to explore and read about towns, attractions, hiking, accommodation and more.
Iceland is an island country at the confluence of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, east of Greenland and immediately south of the Arctic Circle, atop the constructive boundary of the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge about 860 km (534 mi) from Scotland and 4,200 km (2,610 mi) from New York City.
Time
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is a constant in Iceland the whole year round.
Flight schedules of international airlines flying to Iceland are listed in our Travel and Fishing Guides. The country is situated just south of the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway, only about a 2½ hour flight from London and 5 hours flight from N.Y.
The International Airport Keflavik is situated in the southwestern part of the country, only a 45 minute drive from the capital.
Approximate flight times from several cities:
Destination
Time
London – Reykjavík (KEF)
3 hrs. 00 min.
Copenhagen – Reykjavík (KEF)
3 hrs. 10 min.
Frankfurt – Reykjavík (KEF)
3 hrs. 35 min.
Paris – Reykjavík (KEF)
3 hrs. 25 min.
Amsterdam – Reykjavík (KEF)
3 hrs. 10 min.
New York – Reykjavík (KEF)
5 hrs. 30 min.
Transportation to and from the International Airport
The least expensive means of transport is the Fly Bus operated for departures and arrivals of each flight. Taxis stand in line in front of the arrival terminal. Comprehensive information on scheduled transportation is available in the Travel Guide.
The ferry connection between Iceland and the European mainland is very popular. The number of people travelling on their own to enjoy a second or third visit to the country is increasing. The journey in Iceland starts in the unique and picturesque landscapes of the Eastern Fjords (Seydisfjordur). For further information on domestic travels, bus-, flight- and ferry schedules, towns or historical sites, the interior or the glaciers, fishing in rivers, lakes or deep sea fishing, simply consult our Travel or Angling Guides. There is much more information on our website about this beautiful country and what it has to offer. You can plan an unforgettable vacation in Iceland right now!
Take your own car, motorcycle, or camper with you aboard the M/S Norrona. In your own vehicle you can go where you like, when you like. Sail with one of the newest ships in the North Atlantic. From the deck of M/S Norröna you get an incredible view over the horizon – waves, sea and the sky. The journey gives you a good opportunity to observe birds, and perhaps an occasional whale or two. Indoors Norrona has much to offer,i.e. gastronomic experiences. Additionally, there are quite a few other different activities for you as a passenger aboard. After a relaxing and peaceful journey you simply drive ashore and start exploring the destinations.
This website covers everything you might search about Iceland, its people, culture, customs, domestic animals, geography, geology, national parks, northern lights, vikings, wild mammals, glaciers, the interior, social affairs. history, angling, hunting, and much more!
The NAT Travel Guide provides you will a complete bus schedule for all Iceland with all relevant information necessary when planning your bus travel in Iceland. You can tailor your ideal travel plan and save. Stop over wherever you wish for as long as you want and travel with bicycle on buses. Please note that there is limited capacity for bikes on buses, so make note of it in your booking.
Book your bus trip now. No Intermediaries – No booking Fee.
Fly with scheduled flights to numerous towns and villages around Iceland. Flying over the mountains, glaciers and fjords is truly a worthwhile experience. Visit or stay in small towns or villages to enjoy genuine hospitality, explore scenic surroundings and learn about the culture and lifestyle of rural Iceland. All the small towns and villages offer some sightseeing opportunities and other recreational activities.
Travelling on a ferry is an excellent choice if you wish to get as close as possible to the unspoiled nature and experience its wonderful adventures.
Information on the ferries are to be found in the Travel Guide.
It also provides information on the diverse boat trips from different places in the country.
Book your ferry now. No Intermediaries – No booking Fee.
Travelling around Iceland in a rental car adds a whole new dimension to your Iceland holiday. You are free to visit and stay in small towns or villages to enjoy genuine hospitality, explore scenic surroundings and learn about the culture and lifestyle of rural Iceland. Most of these offer varied recreational opportunities and/or sightseeing possibilities.
Book your car rental now. No Intermediaries – No booking Fee.
Weather in Iceland
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, this brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess. Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern part of the island.
The summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever changing landscape. However, even during the middle of summer the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool (“refreshing” is the local euphemism) and cold during night time.
The winter season is the abode of long nights, and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draws an increasing number of tourists.
During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick pullover (wool or fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travellers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.
During wintertime tourist should bring warm clothing, warm coat, mittens etc. Iceland has many swimming pools, usually with geothermally heated water. Hence, in either season a visitor should bring a swim suit.
(From the Icelandi Met Office)
Tax Free – Vat refund in Iceland
All non-Iceland residents are tax free eligible. The minimum amount on one single purchase receipt must be ISK 6.000. The original purchase receipts must be attached to the tax free form. The retailer signature must be on the tax free form.
REFUND LOCATIONS
Collect your refund at these locations:Collect your refund at these locations:
Keflavík airport – Arion Bank
Reykjavík airport – Information desk
Reykjavík harbour – Service centre for cruise passengers
Seyðisfjörður Port – Tax-free desk, Smyril Line
Tax free forms must be export validated (stamped by customs) only if the refund amount is above ISK 6.000.
Iceland Duty Free
Tourists are permitted to import the following upon arrival in the country:
6 litres of beer.
1 litre of spirits (
1 litre of wine (
The general rule is that it is forbidden by law to import the following into the country: Live animals, birds, and uncooked meat and poultry products. narcotics, poisons, firearms, fishing equipment (must be disinfected; such services offered at the international airport). It is permitted to import up to 3 kilos of cooked meat products from an EEA member state (stamps required).
Dairy products and fresh vegetables are not permitted.
Personal medication is permitted.
Narcotics, poisons, and firearms are prohibited and all fishing gear must be disinfected. Import of pets and live animals requires a permit from the Veterinary General and a minimum of four months quarantine.
Reykjavík police, for information only,Tel.:+354-444 1000
National Holidays
New year’s day (January 1), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday,Summer’s Day (Third Thursday in April), Labour Day (May 1), Whitsunday and Monday, National Day (June 17), Bank Holiday (first Monday in August), Christmas Evening (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25), Second Day of Christmas (December 26), New Year’s Evening (December 31; from noon).
Banks / Exchange
Foreign currencies are changeable in all banks. Banks in Iceland are generally open on weekdays from 09,15 – 16,00. Exchange banks are operated in the airport terminal duty free area and in the arrival area of the airport and the car ferry Norrona in Seydisfiord.
Credit and Debit Cards
All major credit cards are commonly accepted. Debit cards are widely accepted.
Media
There is a great variety of radio stations to choose from, and a few television domestic channels. Many hotels and accommodations also offer satellite connections. An amazingly great number of newspapers are published in Iceland and foreign newspapers are available newspaper stands and bookstores.
Medical Services
Citizens of Scandinavia must show valid medical insurance and passport in case of a medical emergency. Citizens of EEA countries must have the E-111 form, or they will be charged in full. The medical services in Iceland rank among the best in the world and are rendered all over the country. Inoculations are not required, except for those who arrive from areas infested with infectious diseases such as cholera, small pox, yellow fever etc.
The Icelandic Currency
One krona is the monetary unit. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 kronur. Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 kronur. The Central Bank of Iceland issues the daily rate of exchange. It is permitted to bring limited amounts of Ikr. into the country and unlimited amounts in foreign currency. See more information on Banks, Exchanges, and Savings Banks in the Travel Guide.
Traffic rules
Driving in Iceland is on the right-hand side of the road. A switchover from left-hand driving took place in 1968. Road signals follow the international pattern.
Petrol stations
Petrol stations in Reykjavik are open Monday through Saturday 07,30 – 23,30, Sundays 10,00 – 23,30. Some stations in Reykjavik are open around the clock. Self service, credit card stations are operated all around the country. Outside Reykjavik, the opening hours are variable, often until 23,30. Hydrogen fuel
Electricity
In Iceland, the electricity is 220 volts, 50Hz, AC. Usually adaptors for the outlets are available at the accommodations if you have not brought your own.
Accessibility for the physically handicapped
Iceland is not among the easiest countries for the physically handicapped, but with careful planning and preparations, most obstacles can be overcome. For further information, contact the Icelandic Tourist Board (Tel.: +354 552-7488).
