Iceland Holiday Planner
Capital: Reykjavik
Currency: Krona
Language: Icelandic (English is widely spoken)
Climate: Iceland has a cool, temperate maritime climate (subpolar oceanic) moderated by the Gulf Stream, with mild, wet winters (around 0°C/32°F) and cool, bright summers (around 10-13°C/50-55°F). But be aware, Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
Electricity: Powersockets and plugs of type c/f - 230V at a frequency of 50Hz
Safety: Iceland is extremely safe for tourists due to very low crime rates, but the main risks come from its powerful, unpredictable natural environment (weather, volcanoes, glaciers, ocean) and driving conditions, requiring constant awareness, preparation (download the 112 Iceland app), and respect for nature's hazards like strong winds and rough terrain.
Transportation: Transportation in Iceland relies heavily on buses (Strætó) for local and long-distance travel, supplemented by car rentals (especially 4x4s for highlands), domestic flights, and seasonal tour buses, as there are no trains
Currency: Krona
Language: Icelandic (English is widely spoken)
Climate: Iceland has a cool, temperate maritime climate (subpolar oceanic) moderated by the Gulf Stream, with mild, wet winters (around 0°C/32°F) and cool, bright summers (around 10-13°C/50-55°F). But be aware, Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
Electricity: Powersockets and plugs of type c/f - 230V at a frequency of 50Hz
Safety: Iceland is extremely safe for tourists due to very low crime rates, but the main risks come from its powerful, unpredictable natural environment (weather, volcanoes, glaciers, ocean) and driving conditions, requiring constant awareness, preparation (download the 112 Iceland app), and respect for nature's hazards like strong winds and rough terrain.
Transportation: Transportation in Iceland relies heavily on buses (Strætó) for local and long-distance travel, supplemented by car rentals (especially 4x4s for highlands), domestic flights, and seasonal tour buses, as there are no trains
Must see & do attractions
Hvalfjordur:
Driving from Reykjavik to Akranes, take the road #47 just before the tunnel. Most tourists nowadays take the hvalfjardargongin tunnel, so driving around Hvalfjordur or Whalefjord is a peaceful experience, one where you can enjoy the beautiful views across the fjord and towards the snow-capped mountains.
At the furthest point within the fjord, you will find Iceland's second highest waterfall called "Glymur".
Driving from Reykjavik to Akranes, take the road #47 just before the tunnel. Most tourists nowadays take the hvalfjardargongin tunnel, so driving around Hvalfjordur or Whalefjord is a peaceful experience, one where you can enjoy the beautiful views across the fjord and towards the snow-capped mountains.
At the furthest point within the fjord, you will find Iceland's second highest waterfall called "Glymur".
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Blaa Lonid (Blue lagoon):
Probably Iceland's most famous tourist attraction known around the world is Blaa lonid or the Blue Lagoon. Back in the late seventies, the Blue lagoon was formed following the operation of the Svartsengi powerplant. People started bathing in the water and applying silica mud to their skin as they noticed the beneficial results it had on their skin.
Since then, the Blue lagoon has grown into one of the wonders of the world. Even if you don't feel like bathing, it is worth a visit and walk around the lavafields which are covered with moss or drink/eat in the restaurant.
If you want to stay overnight, you can stay in the Silica Hotel or the newly opened Retreat, 62 elegant guest suites.
website: https://www.bluelagoon.is/
Probably Iceland's most famous tourist attraction known around the world is Blaa lonid or the Blue Lagoon. Back in the late seventies, the Blue lagoon was formed following the operation of the Svartsengi powerplant. People started bathing in the water and applying silica mud to their skin as they noticed the beneficial results it had on their skin.
Since then, the Blue lagoon has grown into one of the wonders of the world. Even if you don't feel like bathing, it is worth a visit and walk around the lavafields which are covered with moss or drink/eat in the restaurant.
If you want to stay overnight, you can stay in the Silica Hotel or the newly opened Retreat, 62 elegant guest suites.
website: https://www.bluelagoon.is/
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Pingvellir (Thingvellir)
Thingvellir National park is located along the golden circle route. It was named a UNESCO world heritage site since 2004. Back in the 10th century when Vikings arrived in Iceland, they chose the site as the meeting place of Althing, the worlds oldest parliament. But it is also the place where the mid Atlantic ridge is visible, a place where the Eurasian and North American tetonic plates are being pulled apart at a rate of 2cm per year.
website: http://www.thingvellir.is/
Thingvellir National park is located along the golden circle route. It was named a UNESCO world heritage site since 2004. Back in the 10th century when Vikings arrived in Iceland, they chose the site as the meeting place of Althing, the worlds oldest parliament. But it is also the place where the mid Atlantic ridge is visible, a place where the Eurasian and North American tetonic plates are being pulled apart at a rate of 2cm per year.
website: http://www.thingvellir.is/
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Seljavallalaug Swimming pool
Iceland's oldest pool is located in the valleys below the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The pool is heated by a geothermal spring and has a small dressing room available. Entry is free, but make a small donation which will go towards the upkeep of the pool. The walk is along the river where spectacular snowcapped mountains surround the entire valley
Iceland's oldest pool is located in the valleys below the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The pool is heated by a geothermal spring and has a small dressing room available. Entry is free, but make a small donation which will go towards the upkeep of the pool. The walk is along the river where spectacular snowcapped mountains surround the entire valley
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Reykjavik:
The capital of Iceland should be on everyone's bucket list. The family friendly capital is a cultural hotspot , a thriving city which is easy to discover, still large enough to let you discover something new each time you visit.
From the imposing Hallgrimskirkja to the fantastic Harpa convention centre to the thriving nightlife, a must visit location during your trip to Iceland.
The capital of Iceland should be on everyone's bucket list. The family friendly capital is a cultural hotspot , a thriving city which is easy to discover, still large enough to let you discover something new each time you visit.
From the imposing Hallgrimskirkja to the fantastic Harpa convention centre to the thriving nightlife, a must visit location during your trip to Iceland.
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Most spectacular walk
Glymur Waterfall Hike:
The hike towards Iceland's 2nd highest waterfall (198m) is a fabulous walk. The waterfall, located at Hvalfjordur (whale fjord) can be reached from reykjavik in about an hour. Rather than taking the tunnel, turn right onto road #47 which follows the edge of the fjord. At the furthest point of the fjord, get the hiking boots on and start your hike.
The hike towards Iceland's 2nd highest waterfall (198m) is a fabulous walk. The waterfall, located at Hvalfjordur (whale fjord) can be reached from reykjavik in about an hour. Rather than taking the tunnel, turn right onto road #47 which follows the edge of the fjord. At the furthest point of the fjord, get the hiking boots on and start your hike.
Must try dish
Icelandic Hot Dog
Icelandic fast food is everywhere, but it is especially the Icelandic Hot Dog which stands out. You will find these being served at petrol stations, airports, malls,.... it is served basically everywhere. But the most famous ones can be bought in Reykjavik at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur where the likes of Bill Clinton and other famous people have sampled these fabulous hotdogs which include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remoladi
Icelandic fast food is everywhere, but it is especially the Icelandic Hot Dog which stands out. You will find these being served at petrol stations, airports, malls,.... it is served basically everywhere. But the most famous ones can be bought in Reykjavik at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur where the likes of Bill Clinton and other famous people have sampled these fabulous hotdogs which include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remoladi
Toughest sports event
Fire and Ice Ultra
The Fire and Ice Ultra is a 250km ultra race which runs over 6 days through Icelands ever changing terrain. 6 stages will see you running unassisted from the glacier in the middle to the hot springs at the coast.
Website: http://www.fireandiceultra.com/
The Fire and Ice Ultra is a 250km ultra race which runs over 6 days through Icelands ever changing terrain. 6 stages will see you running unassisted from the glacier in the middle to the hot springs at the coast.
Website: http://www.fireandiceultra.com/
