Public Servant Lifestyle

A 40,000 square mile island of fjords and green, fertile valleys. Pure, natural and unspoilt – the way life should be...

Voted 'Favourite European country' in the 2005 Guardian travel awards Iceland is an ideal destination for those travellers looking for something altogether different. An island of almost 40,000 square miles, equal to that of the US state of Ohio. Iceland’s highest peak, the magical-sounding Hvannadalshnukur is 6,500 ft. The nation 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.

Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of volcanic and geothermal activity. Thirty 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.

Health, Education & Lifestyle

The economy of Iceland is heavily dependent upon fisheries, which are the nation’s greatest resource. 72% 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.

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.

Population

Of a population numbering just over 280,000, more than half lives in the Greater Reykjavik Area. The native language is Icelandic but most Icelanders also speak fluent English.

History & Culture

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 (Margret Einar’s Daughter). Members of the same family can therefore have different ‘last names’, which often causes confusion to foreigners. So, if you are looking for someone in the telephone directory in Iceland, you look them up by their first name.

The first permanent settler of Iceland was Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking who in 874AD made his home where Reykjavik now stands. In 930AD, 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 Age', described in the classic 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 (the Icelandic Parliament), whose 63 members are elected every four years. Elections every four years are also held for the presidency.

Financial Matters

The Icelandic monetary unit is the ‘krona.’ Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10 kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Bank notes are in denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr., 1000 kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 9:15 AM to 4 PM. ATM’s are found in most banks and many other locations throughout Reykjavik, accepting all major debit, credit and cash-only cards. Travelers’ cheques are widely accepted in Iceland and debit cards (such as Electron, Maestro and edc cards) are increasingly being accepted by merchants. Credit cards are widely used in Iceland and accepted by most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, car rentals and shops.

Clothing

When traveling to Iceland in winter you should bring along clothing similar to what you would wear at the same time of year if you were in the US north-east. For summer you might want to bring along lightweight woolens and sturdy walking shoes if you plan to go hiking. Always bring a swimsuit – year-round.

If you don't want to carry all you'll need, fear not, for the stores and shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties are woolen knitwear (sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood. Shopping hours are: Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 1, 2, 3 or 4pm, varying from one shop to another. Some supermarkets are open to 11pm seven days a week. Many shops and stores are closed on Saturdays during the summer – June, July and August – but the woolen goods stores are open on Saturdays and some on Sundays as well.

Active Tourism: Sports & Adventure

Iceland is an ideal destination for today’s active tourist. The following is a list of some of the many activities available. Activity 'outdoors' adventure style holidays are offered all over Iceland. These holidays may feature river rafting, hiking, glacier tours, fishing, horseback riding, boat tours, whale watching, swimming and summer skiing.

Bird Watching

Some places in Iceland are paradises for birdwatchers. Latrabjarg in the West Fjords is the largest known bird cliff in the world. A great variety of cliff nesting species can be found there, including the largest razorbill colony in the world. The Westman Islands are known for many kinds of seabirds, and are home to Iceland’s largest puffin population. Lake Myvatn in the north has more species of breeding ducks than any other place in Europe. The great skua colony on the sands in south Iceland is the largest in the world. Seabirds such as puffins can be seen in many places, as well as eiders, arctic terns, waders and passerine birds. Some tour operators organize tours for bird-watchers in early summer.

Hiking

More than half of Iceland is over 400 m above sea level, and a large part of the island is covered by lava, glaciers, lakes and sand. Few places in Iceland have marked walking paths, but hiking is a favorite pastime for Icelanders and tourists alike. Iceland Touring Association operates hiking tours year-round. During winter, these are mostly day tours or weekend tours, but longer tours are organized during summer. The Touring Club of Iceland maintains huts around the country, especially in the highlands. Advanced booking is necessary. Many travel agencies also organize hiking tours during winter and summer alike.

Numerous farms throughout Iceland offer horse riding tours from 1 hour up to 10 days (see brochure from the Farm Holiday Service). Please note that all equestrian equipment must be disinfected before arrival. For further information please contact travel agencies

Skiing

Winter skiing is available in many parts of the country. Skiing resorts with both cross-country and downhill skiing are found throughout Iceland. Summer skiing is possible at Kerlingarfjoll, close to Hofsjokull glacier in the interior. A ski-school is operated there from the end of June until the end of August. Weekend stays can be arranged at the school. Accommodation, food and rental of equipment can be provided for guests who are not registered at the school.

For cyclists, bikes can be rented in Reykjavik and in various places around Iceland. For further information on biking tours please contact tourist information centers.

Fishing & Hunting

Iceland is famous for its salmon and trout fishing. The main season for salmon fishing is from around 20 June to mid-September. Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to the next, but the normal season is from April/May until late September/October. During winter, ice fishing is quite popular. For salmon fishing, permits must be reserved well in advance, but trout fishing permits can be obtained on short notice, often the same day.

For further information, visit the website of Iceland’s National Angling Association. Sea angling is also becoming a popular sport in Iceland. The season begins late in May and lasts until the end of August with several tournaments in different parts of the country. For further information, contact local tourist information centers and travel agencies.

Golf

Iceland has over 45 golf courses throughout the island, some with outstanding views and always close to nature. Golf can be played in Iceland from May through September and in the summer golf can be played around-the-clock due to the midnight sun. Visitors are welcome at the courses

Swimming

Swimming is a very popular activity all year round in Iceland. Most towns and villages have outdoor or indoor swimming pools filled with water from natural hot springs. The temperature of the water in the pools is about the same as bathwater. In many places there are also saunas, jacuzzis, solariums and hot pots

Getting There & Getting About

There are excellent transportation choices to Iceland and beyond from North America. There are daily non-stop flights to Reykjavik (Keflavik International Airport) from Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Minneapolis – and seasonal flights from New York and Orlando. Daily service is available to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow London, Oslo, Paris and Stockholm.

By Air

Air Iceland offers scheduled service to most parts of the country. For further information contact Air Iceland at Reykjavik Airport.

An airport bus service is operated between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport. Buses leave Reykjavik from Hotel Loftleidir two hours before flight departure. The drive from the airport to Reykjavik takes about 40-50 minutes with connections to all major hotels in Reykjavik.

By Sea

No scheduled passenger sea-link from the States but many cruise lines make stops in Iceland in their itineraries: Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn Cruise Line, Crystal Cruise, Silversea Cruise, Princess Cruise, Royal Caribbean International, Orient Lines, Abercrombie & Kent, Lindblad Special, Expeditions, and Euro Cruises.

Bus Travel

There is an extensive bus service to most parts of the country and to the highlands, as well as a large number of organized bus tours. Reservations are not necessary and tickets can be bought either at the bus station or from the driver. Children under 4 travel free of charge, and half price is charged for children from 4-11.

Driving/Car Rental

There is no better way to get to know a country and its people than by traveling independently – according to one’s own itinerary. A journey to Iceland outside the normal tourist season can be an unforgettable experience. Traveling conditions are usually good in most parts of the country from April to November. The mountain roads are often very narrow, and are not made for speed. The same goes for many bridges, which are only wide enough for one car at a time.

In addition to not having an asphalt surface, the mountain roads are often very winding. Journeys therefore often take longer than might be expected. The total length of the Ring Road around Iceland (National Highway) is 900 miles. The national speed limit in 90 km/h (55 mph). Some roads, though, have a lower limit. Road signs are numerous and easy to read. In Iceland all off-the-road driving outside of marked tracks is prohibited by law. Seat belts are required for all motorists at all times. Headlight use is required both day and night. And there is no right-turn on red.

There are several car rental agencies in Iceland. Cars can be booked through a travel agent or an airline, at airports or directly after arrival in Iceland. Many types of cars are available, from small family cars to powerful 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Basic third-party liability insurance is included in car rental rates. Full coverage is available at extra charge.

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 prohibited by law. Passengers in the front and back seats of an automobile are required by law to use safety-belts.

In the greater Reykjavik area most petrol stations are open every day to 11:30 PM. Opening hours around the country, where the pumps are privately operated, can vary from place to place. Many petrol stations in the Reykjavik area and larger towns of Iceland have automats in operation after closing, which accept credit cards as well as notes. In rural or interior areas, petrol stations may sometimes be far apart.

Accommodation

All lodging facilities in Iceland have the opportunity to be classified. The classification is voluntary and is divided into five categories, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars, and is by no means an all-embracing assessment of the quality of the accommodation in question. It is solely based on factors which can be objectively measured. The grading consists of more than 100 different items.

The Iceland Tourist Board is in charge of the classification. Look for the blue-red sign placed near the entrance which indicates the present classification of the facility.

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 which holds Mass every Sunday and numerous other houses of worship.

Climate

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected.

Average temperature in Reykjavik is: January 35°F, April 42°F, July 56°F, October 44°F

Time

Iceland stays on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

Geography

Maps are necessary for visitors to Iceland to ensure them an enjoyable and safe journey. Ask for road maps and maps of the country at local tourist offices, bookstores or petrol stations.

For further information on Iceland - including a downloadable .PDF brochure – visit the Iceland Tourist Board website and/or the Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre while in Reykjavik. In addition, the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs features a wealth of useful information for the would-be visitor and the Iceland Naturally website presents much more useful information on Iceland's products and services under the common theme of 'nature'. All are well worth a good look.

PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

More information available in Holidays, Exotic Islands, Europe, Rest of World