Fire, water, ice! Geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and volcanoes are defining landscape elements in Iceland, a country located in Northern Europe defined by COUNTRYAAH. And of course, most trips to Iceland are aimed at these spectacular natural wonders. The Thingvellir National Park, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Skaftafell National Park, the black beach of Reynisfjara and the East Fjords with the small fishing villages are definitely worth a visit. If you want, you can relax after a hike with a swim in the “Blue Lagoon”. Welcome to the fascinating volcanic island!
Entry requirements
Iceland is not a member of the EU, but is part of the Schengen area. German citizens need an identity card or passport with sufficient validity (three months after departure) to enter the country. Children need their own identification document, entry in their parents’ passport is no longer accepted. Other citizens please inquire at the relevant embassy.
Currency
In Iceland, the Icelandic krona (ISK) is used to pay.
ATMs and payments with credit or debit cards are widespread. To be able to withdraw money, you need a credit card or an EC card with the “Maestro” symbol.
Time zone
CET -2 hours (Iceland has no daylight saving time)
Climate
Iceland has a cool and humid climate with cool summers and relatively mild winters. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is generally milder than one would expect in these latitudes.
Language
The national language is Icelandic. Many people, especially those who work in tourism, have a good command of English.
Telephone / Internet
The international dialing code is +354 according to ALLCITYCODES.
Electricity & mains voltage
The voltage is 230 volts, 50 Hz, so that all devices can be used without any problems.
Emergency numbers
Central emergency number 112 Ambulance
service 113
Arrival by plane
The largest international airport is in Keflavik, about 60 km from the capital Reykjavík. There is also the international airport Egilsstaðir in Iceland’s east, which serves as an alternate airport and is otherwise mainly used for domestic connections.
Arrival by ferry
Iceland can theoretically be reached by ferry, but the crossing takes about two days and leads to the east of the island. On the way a stop will be made in the Faroe Islands.
The following applies to traveling by car …
If you are traveling with your own car, you should definitely have your driver’s license and vehicle registration document with you. It is also advisable to have the green insurance card with you. If you are not traveling with a vehicle registered with you, we strongly recommend that you obtain authorization from the vehicle owner.
The fuel names are not necessarily identical to “ours”. It is important to choose the correct octane number, 95 stands for super, 98 for super plus. “Blylaust” means “lead-free”.
Outside the capital, the network of petrol stations is thinner, so take advantage of every opportunity there.
Maximum speed in urban areas: 50 km / h
Maximum speed outside urban areas: 80 km / h
alcohol limit : 0.5
Pay close attention to the signs. Violations, e.g. exceeding the speed limit, are punished severely in Iceland and the fines are high.
It must be driven all year round with dipped headlights / daytime running lights.
Some roads only have gravel and should only be driven on with off-road vehicles. Leaving designated roads is strictly forbidden.
Please inform yourself about the current weather and road conditions before driving into the highlands.
(Information without guarantee, please inform yourself about the relevant provisions before departure)
Best travel time
The best travel time is in the summer months, between June and September. At the beginning of summer, there is a tendency to expect slightly less precipitation than towards the end.
But winter can also be quite attractive for a vacation on the volcanic island – it offers good conditions for spotting the northern lights.
Health
The European health insurance card should be carried with you as proof of EU-wide insurance coverage. A private international travel health insurance is also recommended.
The supply of doctors and pharmacies is good in the capital, but outside of the city you should be prepared for limited medical care. Of course, you should definitely take with you any medication that you need to take on a regular basis. If you travel close to nature and in remote areas, you should stock up on the most necessary medication (for diarrhea, fever and pain, disinfectants, …) in advance.
Holidays and memorial days In addition to Christmas, New Year and Christian holidays with changing dates such as Easter, the following holidays apply:
May 1st Labor Day
June 17th National holiday
Embassies & Consulates General
German Representation
Þýska sendiráðið Reykjavík
Laufásvegur 31
101 Reykjavík
Tel: +354 5 30 11 00
Austrian Representation
Iceland Orrahelar 5
111 Reykjavik
Tel: +354 557 5464
Swiss Representation
Laugavegi 13
101 Reykjavik
Tel: +354 551 71 72
Note: Iceland, the volcanic island on the “edge of Europe”, impresses with its incomparable nature. Water, volcanoes, fjords, glaciers and extensive landscapes characterize the sparsely populated country with just 330,000 inhabitants. The fjords in the west and in the east of the island, the volcanoes and geysers in the south and the barren highlands in the interior fascinate with wonderful landscapes. Here you are very close to nature and also discover the no less remarkable culture, history and Old Norse traditions.