Back in the first century AD, legendary Viking, Ingolfur Arnarson, named the settlement he founded on a southwestern peninsula Reykjavik, meaning ‘Smokey Bay’. The smoke he found wafting over the area, however, had nothing to do with pollution, but rather the bubbling, boiling natural geysers and geothermal springs that now underlie the modern capital of Iceland. This source of heat and water has ensured that Reykjavik has no need to burn fuels to warm its heart, and the crisp, clean air is delightful.

The sky is not always blue, however: Reykjavik receives more than its fair share of rainy weather blown in from the sea, and during the long, bleak winter its northern latitude ensures that the sun makes no more than a brief appearance every day.

Despite this, the capital of Iceland is definitely a hot spot, renowned for its lively pubs and clubs, which draw hundreds of merry-making visitors, particularly during the long, light, bright summer nights.

Reykjavik’s growing reputation as a fun tourist destination is enhanced by its fiery but friendly inhabitants, relaxed pace of life, many cultural attractions, and dozens of opportunities for fascinating day trips, not to mention the novelty of bathing in one of the steamy public geothermal swimming baths.

Reykjavik’s setting on the southwest corner of Iceland is another drawcard. Panoramic views surround the majestic Mount Esja rising behind the bay, while vistas stretch as far as the crystalline Snaefellsjokull Glacier to the west across the Atlantic. The city is well positioned to act as a springboard for southern Iceland, and many of the country’s most popular attractions are within easy reach.

Reykjavik has a small-town atmosphere, its centre easily explored on foot, the quaint whitewashed wooden buildings and colourful houses interspersed with plenty of open space. Even those who come to indulge mainly in the hedonistic nightlife cannot fail to leave Reykjavik feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Climate for Reykjavik

Despite its extreme north Atlantic location, Reykjavik’s temperate sub-polar oceanic climate is not as cold as might be expected, its average mid-winter temperatures being no lower than those in New York City. Winter temperatures average between 28F (-2C) and 38F (3C). This is because the Icelandic coastal weather is tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The city’s coastal position does, however, also mean it is prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Summer temperatures in July, the warmest month, peak at around 59F (15C).

Health Notes when travelling to Iceland

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry. Travellers should, as a precaution, be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before every trip, and should consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and measles. Medical care in the country is of high quality and payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended.

Safety Notes when travelling to Iceland

Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit. The only threats are a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, so travellers should keep an eye open if they are on the road.

Customs in Iceland

Smoking in bars, restaurants and on public transport is illegal in Iceland, and penalties for the possession of drugs are steep. Travellers should note that although whale meat is legally available in Iceland, it is not legal to bring it across borders into the UK or EU.

Duty Free in Iceland

Travellers to Iceland over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products. Travellers over 20 years are also allowed 1 litre of spirits and 3 litres of beer, or 3 litres of wine and 6 litres beer, or 1 litre spirits and 6 litres beer, or 1.5 litres of wine and a 12 litres of beer, or 18 litres of beer; and food items up to 3 kg not exceeding ISK 25,000. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters, but not for a GSM mobile phone. Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs, uncooked meat products, weapons and powdered or moist snuff.

Doing Business in Iceland

Most business in Iceland tends to take place in the capital, Reykjavik, and business meetings are usually formal, with smart dress essential. It’s worth handing out business cards, and initial greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake. Punctuality should be respected; meetings are usually conducted in English when dealing with foreigners. Visiting business people should note that Icelanders generally go by their first name, and telephone directory listings are alphabetical by first name. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm (summer) and 9am to 5pm (winter); most offices are closed on weekends.

Communication in Iceland

The international country code for Iceland is +354. Travellers should note that Icelanders are listed by their first name in the telephone directory, not the last. Visitors can rent WiFi hotspots; WiFi is easy to access and free calls can be made using WiFi connections.

Tipping in Iceland

Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not expected in Iceland.

Passport/Visa Note

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers to Iceland must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Iceland. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Iceland. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Iceland. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

Passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, must be valid on arrival. British passports with other endorsements must be valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Iceland. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Iceland. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. Passport issued more than 10 years prior to date of travel are not accepted.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Iceland. No visa is required for nationals from the Republic of Ireland.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Iceland. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Iceland.