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|  | ICELAND COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle. The landscape is wild, rugged and colourful, with black lava, red sulphur, hot blue geysers, rivers, waterfalls and green valleys. Its coastline is richly indented with bays and fjords. More than half the population lives in or around Reykjavík, the capital. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times, and was once described by clergymen as the gateway to Hell. Reykjavík is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs, creating a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. Local dishes include hangikjot (smoked lamb) and Icelandic sild (herring and salmon). Nightclubs and cinemas exist in major centres. During the tourist season there is an attractive light entertainment show called 'Light Nights' with traditional Icelandic stories and folk songs. Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards. Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system (including generous housing subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for abundant geothermal power), the economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of export earnings and employs 8% of the work force. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Government policies include reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and new developments in software production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching. Growth had been remarkably steady in 1996-2001 at 3%-5%, but could not be sustained in 2002 in an environment of global recession. Growth resumed in 2003, and estimates call for strong growth until 2007, slowly dropping until the end of the decade. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Only the coastal regions of Iceland are inhabited. Probably the best way to enjoy the tourist attractions is to take one of the coach tours that are arranged all over the island and use the coastal towns as a base. The main fjord areas are in the far northwest and southeast while along the southern coastline are sandy beaches, farmlands, waterfalls and glaciers. The central region consists of spectacular highland plateaux, volcanoes, glaciers and mountains. Waterfalls abound in Iceland and, with the many glacial streams and rivers in the country, are among the largest in Europe. Gullfoss - the 'Golden Waterfall' - near Geysir, is one of the prime tourist destinations.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital (although Nuuk in Greenland runs a close second). The city was named after a geothermal stream and actually means 'Smoky Bay'. It is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs providing it with a natural central-heating system and pollution-free environment. The city has a wondeful mix of natural beauty and lively sophistication. There are plenty of parks and wild outdoor areas for hiking, walking and exploring, but enough nightlife, shopping and museums to keep the chic city dweller happy. Reykjavík is a busy city of around 100,000 inhabitants, with a combination of old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. There are many nightclubs, cafés, art galleries and museums as well as numerous bookshops selling books in English, German and Icelandic. Icelanders are said to be among the most prolific readers and writers in the world, and literature plays an important part in Icelandic culture and history. The Icelandic Sagas, the oldest of which were written in AD 930 as a chronicle of Iceland's history, are still very much alive in Iceland today. The language used over 1000 years ago in the sagas remains virtually unchanged.
The South
Fifty kilometres outside Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field in the Icelandic wilderness. Known for its special properties and beneficial effect on the skin, the warm waters of the lagoon - approximately 35ºC (90ºF) all year round - are one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions. Another natural spring is Krysuvik.
Flights can be booked to visit the Vestmanna Islands off the south coast, and Heimay, where a recent volcanic eruption partially destroyed the town. This is a great place for birdwatchers (see Sport & Activities section). There are also trips to the hot springs and geysers close to the capital. Also to be found in the south of Iceland is Pingvellir Natinal Park, Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and Geysir, with its geothermal fields and views of the active volcano Mount Hekla. There are also charming villages in teh south, such as Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, where visitors can see beautifully preserved old houses and the village of Vik, which is a base for cruises through Dyrholaey cliff. A number of companies operate daily excursions from Reykjavík throughout the southwestern part of Iceland as well as city sightseeing tours and special itineraries. For further details contact the Icelandic Tourist Board (see Address section).
The Western Fjords
There are coach trips from Reykjavík to visit the small fishing villages and towns along the fjords in the northwest: Kroksfardarnes, Holmavik, Korksfjaroarnes, Orlygshofn and Isafjördur. This area of Iceland is full of lava formations and geothermal activity. There is some fine woodland, lakes and rivers, as well as breathtaking chasms and waterfalls, overlooked by glaciers. Iceland's highest waterfall, Glymir, is found here. A replica Viking Age farmstead is located in Eiriksstaoir - birthplace of Leif the Lucky, who discovered America in AD 1000. Isafjördur is the region's main town and it has plenty of social and cultural facilities, as well as being a starting point for tours of the region. Travelling around this area, the road takes you over mountain passes between each new fjord, stopping at Iceland's only whaling station, the Museum of Farm Implements and Fishing Equipment between Orlygshofn and Isafjordur and the Dynjandi Waterfall. Accommodation on these trips is in community centres and schools for those with sleeping bags. For further information (from June to 15 September only), contact Isafjördur Tourist Office (tel: 456 5121; fax: 456 5185; e-mail: info@vesturfertir.is).
The Central Highlands
A number of Icelandic tour companies operate 'safaris' in specially constructed overland buses into the mountainous interior. These are camping tours, and tents are provided. Sleeping bags can be bought or hired. Visitors are advised to take warm clothing, hiking shoes, rubber boots and swimsuits for bathing in the warm pools. The tours go through lava beds, sandy deserts and barren wilderness, passing glacial lakes with floating icebergs, glaciers, vast icefields, mountain ranges, crevasses and extinct volcanoes, and the Skaftafell National Park.
Akureyri and the North
Akureyri is the country's second most important town and is the commercial centre of a mainly agricultural region. There are museums of folklore and natural history in the town itself and coach tours to visit Lake Myvatn, an important bird sanctuary with many rare species, surrounded by lava formations, volcanoes and craters. It has been designated as Iceland's winter sports centre (see Sport & Activities section). Nordair offers a midnight sun trip flight to Grimsey, an offshore island which is within the Arctic Circle. Other places within easy reach of Akureyri include Dimmuborgir, the Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls and the Myvatn district, where there are hot pools for bathing. The temperature of some of these pools has risen recently making them uncomfortable for bathing, but others are still usable. On Skjalfandi Bay lies the town of Husavik, which is becoming Europe's main whale watching centre. The district of Skagafjorour is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with glacial rivers, highlands, lush green valleys and mountains. It is, not surprisingly, a very popular area for river rafting (see Sport & Activities section). The main town in this region is Sauoarkrokur.
Höfn and the Southeast
This is an area of increasing tourist development. From Höfn, a fishing village on the southeast coast, sightseeing trips leave for Jokullon, a river lake at the mouth of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Höfn is the main starting point for trips to the nearby glacier and visitors can indulge in ice-climbing, skiing, riding snow scooters and hiking. Höfn's multimedia Glacier Centre gives information about the geology, formation, history and potential of glaciers. Also on the edge of this region is the scenically stunning Skaftafell National Park (see Central Highlands section above). It is made up of woodlands and black mountains and a sheer white glacier lying in the shadow of Hvannadalshukur, the country's highest peak. | | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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