All mountain roads and roads in the interior of Iceland have a surface of loose gravel. The same applies to large sections of the national highway, which also has long stretches of asphalt. The surface on the gravel roads is often loose, especially along the sides of the roads, so one should drive carefully and slow down whenever approaching an oncoming car. The mountain roads are also often very narrow, and are not made for speeding.

The same goes for many bridges, which are only wide enough for one car at a time. In addition to their not having an asphalt surface, the mountain roads are often very winding. Journeys therefore often take longer than might be expected. For information on road conditions: Tel: 354-563-1500, answering service 24 hours, Tel: 800-6316 (In English 1/6-31/8). The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90 km/h on asphalt roads. Please note: special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends, but there is generally not a separate sign to reduce speed. Please choose a safe speed according to conditions. Motorists are obliged by law to use headlights at all times day and night. In Iceland all driving off roads or marked tracks is forbidden. Passengers in the front and back seats of an automobile are required by law to use safety-belts. Icelandic law forbids any driving under the influence of alcohol.

Filling stations:

In the greater Reykjavík area filling stations are open Mon-Sat 07:30-20:00, Sun 09:00-20:00 (Oct- May 10:00-20:00). Many of the filling stations are open until 23:30. Opening hours around the country, where the pumps are privately operated, can vary from place to place. Most stations are open until late in the evening, to 22:00 or even 23:30. Many stations in the Reykjavík area have automats in operation after closing, which accept 1000 krónur bank notes and credit cards. All filling stations accept credit cards. Automats are also operated in various places around the country. Octane levels in Iceland are 92 regular unleaded, 98 premium leaded and premium unleaded 95.

Opening of the mountain tracks:

Most mountain roads are closed until the beginning of July, or even longer because of wet and muddy conditions which make them totally impassable. When these roads are opened for traffic many of them can only be negotiated by four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is strongly advised that two or more cars travel together. Also, before embarking on any journey into the interior collect as much information as possible regarding road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist information office or the Public Roads Administration Tel: +354-563-1500, answering service 24 hours, 800-6316) (In English 1/6-31/8). A booklet called Mountain Roads can be obtained at Tourist Information Centres and the offices of the Icelandic Tourist Board abroad. Always take along a detailed map.Take a look at avarge opening dates of mountain tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

Iceland is a European island midway between North America and the continent of Europe. It’s the same distance from New York to Iceland as from New York to Los Angeles.
How do I get there? Icelandair flies from six different US gateways, many on a daily basis. All fights connect at Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport with flights to other popular destinations on the European continent. Many people discover Iceland by taking advantage of “stop-over” opportunities while on their way to or from somewhere else.

How big is Iceland?

It’s about the size of Kentucky. Iceland has almost 300,000 people, most of whom live in coastal areas.

How cold does it get?

Actually, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland maintains surprisingly moderate temperatures year-round. It seldom reaches 75°F (24°C) in the summer. And during winter, Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik never reaches the low temperatures experienced by New York and Ottawa.

Do Icelanders speak English?

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, but most Icelanders speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity, so don’t be shy about approaching an Icelander.

Are daylight hours normal?

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.

How should I dress?

Dress much the way you would in New York City in the fall, winter and spring. In summer, carry a light jacket. In the countryside, wear sneakers or hiking shoes. The weather can
be extremely changeable. And always bring a bathing suit. Icelanders’ favorite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in the countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, which are as warm as bathwater.

How are accommodations and food?

World-class! Iceland’s hotels and guesthouses are almost invariably clean and comfortable, and often come with additional amenities like access to wireless internet. Homegrown seafood and lamb dishes are popular and available anywhere. In the more populated areas, international cuisine, vegetarian and American fast food are all easy to find.

What kind of money is used in Iceland?

The currency used in Iceland is the krona, plural kronur (ISK). Money can be easily exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchanges. Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus use is
pervasive throughout Iceland. ATMs are generally not hard to find.

What about the electricity?

Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts), so many North American electrical devices will require converters and all will require plug adapters.

Fast facts on Iceland

Land:

Iceland is an island of almost 40,000 square miles, equal to that of Ohio. Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, is 6,500 ft. Iceland has the largest glaciers in Europe – in fact, 11% of the country is covered by glaciers. The coastline is dotted with more than one hundred fjords – and green, fertile valleys extend from them. Iceland also has more than 10,000 waterfalls and countless hot springs.

Energy:

Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of volcanic and geothermal activity. 30 volcanoes have erupted in the past two centuries, and natural hot water supplies much of the population with cheap, pollution-free heating. Rivers, too, are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power.

People:

Of a population numbering 290,000, more than half lives in the Greater Reykjavik Area. The native language is Icelandic but most Icelanders speak fluent English.

Language:

The Icelanders still speak the language of the Vikings (Old Norse). When new words are needed, they simply coin words that are combinations or modifications of old words. Iceland is alone in upholding another Norse tradition: the custom of using patronyms rather than surnames. If, for example, Einar has a son named “Petur”, the son’s name is Petur Einarsson (Peter Einar’s Son). If Einar has a daughter whom he names “Margret”, she becomes Margret Einarsdottir (Margaret Einar’s Daughter). Members of the same family can therefore have different “last names”, which often causes confusion to foreigners. If you are looking for someone in the phone directory, you look them up by their first name.

Church:

The National Church of Iceland, to which 90% of the population belongs, is Evangelical Lutheran. In addition to the many Lutheran churches in Reykjavik, there is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and numerous other houses of worship. TIME: Iceland stays on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

History:

The first permanent settler of Iceland was Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking who in AD874 made his home where Reykjavik now stands. In AD930, the Viking settlers of Iceland founded one of the world’s first republican governments. They established a constitution based on individual freedom, land ownership, and sophisticated inheritance laws. In the year 1000, Icelandic-born Leifur Eiriksson (Leif Eriksson, sometimes called “Leif the Lucky”) became the first European to set foot in North America. On another Viking expedition a couple of years later, Icelander Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir had a son, Snorri, who became the first child of European descent to be born in America. The Old Commonwealth Icelandic Sagas, lasted until 1262, when Iceland lost its independence. In 1918 it regained independence and in 1944 the present republic was founded. The country is governed by the Althing (Parliament), whose 63 members are elected every four years.Elections every four years are also held for the presidency; President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson was elected in June 2004 for the third time.

Economy:

The economy is heavily dependent upon fisheries, which are the nation’s greatest resource. 70% of all exports are made up of seafood products. Yet only a small proportion of the workforce is active in this sector (4.4% in fishing and 5.6% in fish processing). About 66% of the workforce is employed in services. Icelanders enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Health and education:

Life expectancy (81.3 years for women and 76.4 for men) is one of the highest in the world, and a comprehensive state health-care system aims to keep it that way. The population enjoys a high-quality
public school system, including its own university since 1911. Many Icelanders receive their Masters degrees abroad. Universities in the USA are quite popular with Icelanders.

Passport:

A valid passport, valid at least three months beyond intended stay, is required for visitors to Iceland.

The Schengen Agreement:

The Schengen agreement took effect for Iceland on March 26, 2001 and the following countries participate in the Schengen cooperation in addition to Iceland: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. Travel between abovementioned countries will in principle be without document check.

Attention:

Nationals of the following countries do not require visas to travel to Iceland as visitors (information from May 2004), although they do require valid travel documents that are valid for three months beyond their intended stay. All foreigners, except citizens of EEA, will have to have sufficient funds at the external borders for their stay in the Schengen area and they will have to have a valid return ticket or sufficient funds for a return ticket to their country of residence.