In the “land of fire and ice,” massive ice-blue glaciers contrast sharply with bright green meadows and black lava fields to create dramatic, captivating landscapes.
Thanks to its geological characteristics, Iceland is ideal for studying plate tectonics, volcanic systems, rock formation, geological history, and human geography, not to mention environmental science and alternative energy production: The country is a pioneer in geothermal energy and hydropower, with almost 100 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources. Viking heritage and the Icelandic language make Iceland an incredible classroom to study folkloric sagas, considered to be some of the world’s greatest literature. Explore city life in Reykjavik, visit museums, sample Icelandic cuisine, and enjoy cultural festivals. Iceland’s urban centers offer the historical and modern vibrancy of a bustling city along with stunning architecture. The cities in Iceland are contrasted with quaint coastal fishing communities dotted with idyllic churches and small farms that raise sheep and sturdy Icelandic horses. Birders will appreciate the chance to see a unique mixture of American and European migratory bird species thanks to the country’s location at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be found numbering in the millions along coastal cliffs, and the gyrfalcon, Iceland’s national bird, may be spotted soaring in the sky or perched on a roadside post. Opportunities for whale watching are among the best in the world, and adventurous types can go hiking, boating, and horseback riding. An Iceland expedition highlights the magic of the land, its wildlife, its mysterious northern lights and the never-ending days of summer.
Environments
Iceland is an island of contrasts: a land of bursting geysers, erupting volcanoes, and midnight sun. The country’s vast uninhabited interior is an arctic desert punctuated with mountains, massive glaciers, weaving rivers, and waterfalls, making the “land of fire and ice” a wonderland for geologists. Blankets of soft snow counter bright green fields of vegetation and harsh terrain of black lava. Dramatic panoramas, dotted with geothermal fumaroles and volcanic ash, provide a captivating environment for scientists, photographers, and adventurers alike.
Culture & History
Iceland’s isolated location and harsh geographical features have played a major role in shaping the country’s culture throughout history. Still the most sparsely populated country in Europe, most of Iceland’s tiny population live in the valleys and lowlands of the narrow coastal belt. Reykjavík is the country’s largest city and the world’s most northerly capital. The sun shines round-the-clock in the summer months and under it Vikings created ancient seafaring history. The first permanent settlers, Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British Isles, arrived in the late 9th Century. In 930 they established a parliamentary democracy, giving Iceland claim to the oldest functioning parliament in the world.
Birds
Bringing warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Stream creates a mild climate and a safe habitat for migrating birds. In fact, more than 370 species of birds have been recorded in Iceland. Millions of them, including the endearing Atlantic Puffin, dwell on the country’s vast coastline in spring, summer, and autumn. Iceland’s ocean supports numerous seabirds and shorebirds, including Razorbill, Eurasian Wigeon, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Blue-winged Teal.
Fauna & Flora
The ocean currents keep the climate mild while offering a home for more than 20 species of whales and 330 species of fish. Not only is the ocean teeming with life, but freshwater fish such as salmon and trout abound in lakes and rivers all over Iceland. The only original endemic terrestrial mammal to be found in Iceland is the Arctic fox. No butterflies, reptiles or amphibians inhabit Iceland, but much to the delight of man, neither do mosquitoes. Iceland’s flora, with 500 flowering species, is arctic-alpine and primarily of European origin.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a passport valid at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from Iceland. As this requirement is subject to change without notice, we recommend at least six months' validity.
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Icelandic Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Iceland.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get a hepatitis A vaccine before visiting Iceland.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include patches of reddened skin that become white, hard, and swollen; or skin that burns, tingles, or is numb or painful. Severe cases can result in blisters or ulcers forming and may involve deeper tissues. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.
To avoid frostbite, dress warmly and in layers but avoid tight clothing as it may reduce circulation. Keep the face and extremities covered. Avoid overheating and excessive perspiration. Change wet clothing, especially socks and gloves.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is life threatening. It is caused by cold, wet, or windy weather that causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. Hypothermia can occur in rugged mountain terrain where the weather can change extremely fast, or after being soaked in a stream crossing or a boating accident since most Alaskan waters are very cold all year long.
Symptoms include feeling cold, uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness due to loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, inability to think clearly, and eventual unconsciousness and cessation of reflexes including heart and lung functions. Many victims in the later stages of hypothermia feel warm and try to shed clothing.
To treat hypothermia, first warm the core of the body before the extremities. Remove any wet clothing. Re-warm the victim slowly; do not warm fast by immersing in warm/hot water. Provide shelter out of the weather. Warm drinks are not necessary, but may help in the psychological recovery. Do NOT give alcohol. Try to keep victim awake as this helps keep the body temperature up.
SUN EXPOSURE
Despite cold temperatures, the effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Currency
The currency of Iceland is the Króna (crown).
Electricity
The electrical current in Iceland is 220V 50Hz AC. Travelers from the United States need to use a converter.
Time Zone
The time zone of Iceland is Greenwich Mean Time Zone (UTC+00:00).
Iceland does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.
Communications
PHONES
Iceland's country code is +354.
To call Iceland (from the U.S.): Dial 011-354-(xx-xxx-xxxx)
To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use.
INTERNET
Internet is widely available in Iceland, and many public places provide free WiFi.
Reading List
FIELD GUIDES
Birds of Europe
Lars Svensson
Featuring 3,500 glorious paintings by Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom, the second edition of this exquisite guide features updated text and maps.
The Arctic, A Guide to Coastal Wildlife
Tony Soper
An essential handbook for the ship-based traveler, this compact guide to the plants, marine mammals and birds of the Circumpolar North features handsome watercolor illustrations and lively text. This new edition includes a section on the Bering Sea.
MAPS
Iceland Adventure Map
National Geographic Maps
A detailed map at a scale of 1:465,000, printed on handy tear- and water-resistant paper.
GUIDEBOOKS
Insight Guide Iceland
Insight Guides
This guide emphasizes culture and history, with wonderful photographs, maps and essays from experts.
Frommer's Easyguide Iceland
Nicholas Gill
EasyGuides are full of practical, easy-to-absorb information and emphasize authentic experiences. This lightweight guide highlights important attractions with expert advice on accommodations and meals.
Lonely Planet Iceland
Deanna Swaney
This concise guide to Iceland includes short essays on history, culture and attractions and plenty of practical travel information.
Lonely Planet Pocket Reykjavik
Lonely Planet
With a section of not-to-be-missed highlights, pullout map, and a calendar of annual events.
NATURAL HISTORY
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
E.C. Pielou
Our bestselling book on the Arctic, this guide covers the geography and climate, plants, birds and wildlife of the Circumpolar North.
Island on Fire: The Extraordinary Story of a Forgotten Volcano That Changed the World
Jeff Kanipe & Alexandra Witze
Two science writers discuss the political and natural ramifications of the 1783 eruption of Iceland's largest volcano, Laki, which led to global death, famine and even revolution. Great for the geologically minded but accessible to all with an interest in volcanoes.
The Control of Nature
John McPhee
In the classic McPhee tradition, these sparkling essays explore our generally feeble attempts to combat all-powerful nature, including valiant efforts by Icelanders to control the flow of a volcano across the harbor at Heimaey in the Westman Islands.
Volcanoes, Fire from the Earth
Maurice Krafft
By the great French volcanologist (who died on the job on Mount Unzen in Japan in 1992), this pocket guide features hundreds of full-color paintings and traces the study of volcanoes from early myth and legend to modern science.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History
Terry G. Lacy
A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.
North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland
Evan Sung, Jody Eddy & Gunnar Gislason
Catering to a rising interest in Nordic cuisine, this cookbook celebrates Iceland's food alongside its haunting landscapes, portrayed in starkly beautiful, full-color photos.
Iceland Imagined
Karen Oslund
This cultural and environmental history explores the geography, literature, language, culture, politics and symbolism of Iceland, Greenland, northern Norway and the Faroe Islands.
Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
John Haywood
The history of the Vikings told through a series of innovative maps and excellent photographs. This book traces the routes of the ninth-century Viking merchants and explorers throughout Europe and onto the New World.
Song of the Vikings, Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths
Nancy Marie Brown
Brown brings to life not just the great Norse tales of medieval Iceland but also the life and times of the worldly Icelandic chieftain, known as the "Homer of the North."
The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Michael Booth
Guardian journalist Michael Booth writes with laugh-out-loud humor and brutal candor about the Scandinavians, mixing history and his own experiences in Nordic regions in this searing cultural portrait.
The Vikings, Lords of the Seas
Yves Cohat
An indispensable reference that fits in your pocket, this slim volume is packed with maps, archival photographs and illustrations.
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